By Robert Blair, President of Lifestyle USA Design
In August of 2025, I joined a group of pilgrims traveling to Rome, Italy, to celebrate the Jubilee, or Holy Year.
During a rest stop in a quiet park, I noticed one of the men in our group sitting on a bench, sketching something in a small notepad. Naturally, I was curious. I introduced myself and asked what he was working on.
He told me he was sketching plans for a new rectory for his home parish in Louisiana.
As the president of Lifestyle USA Design, a residential design firm based in Houston, I couldn’t help but ask if I could take a look. After studying his sketches for a moment, I mentioned that I might be able to help refine the plans.
That’s when he shared something surprising — the groundbreaking ceremony was only two weeks away, and he needed drawings ready to present. I immediately sent photos of his napkin sketches to my office in Houston.
Sometimes the most interesting projects begin in the most unexpected places.
To be continued in Part 2…