Lance Avery Morgan
Go Inside Their Thoughtful, Collaborative World Of Designs, Spaces & Relationships That Last
At Yates Desygn, interiors are never just about how a space looks; they are about how it lives, who it brings together, and the stories it quietly tells. Led by partners in life and design, the Dallas-based studio design dynamos, Mike and Bryan Yates, have built a reputation for creating homes that balance timeless elegance with true livability and where jaw-dropping craftsmanship meets genuine warmth. Rooted in their guiding philosophy, “Do great work with great people,” Yates Desygn approaches every project as a collaboration, every detail as intentional, and every home as deeply personal. The result? Spaces that feel elevated yet inviting, meticulously designed yet full of heart, as our design enthusiast, Lance Avery Morgan, learns from catching up with the talented twosome.
“At Yates Desygn, ‘do good work with good people’ isn’t just a mantra, it’s the foundation of how we operate every single day,” the Team shares. “Any time we speak of our team, we mean Team with a ‘Capital T.’” That includes not only the incredible people within Yates Desygn, but also the vendors, artisans, and craftspeople we collaborate with to achieve excellence across every project.”
Think of Yates Desygn as the conductor of a finely tuned orchestra. “We see our role as the conductor of an orchestra, bringing together the best talent, aligning every moving part, and making sure each expert has the space to do what they do best.” The result is never solo work: it’s a layered, collaborative symphony of shared vision, respect, and craftsmanship.
Their participation in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, twice, perfectly illustrates that ethos. “It all begins with Bryan’s vision, and then a remarkable group of collaborators comes together. Each contributes their expertise to create truly one-of-a-kind spaces.” For Yates Desygn, philosophy only matters if it shows up in real rooms, real relationships, and real results.
The Secret Handshake? Trust.
Capturing a client’s personality without losing the Yates Desygn signature is less of a magic trick and more of a meaningful relationship. “For us at Yates Desygn, the ‘secret handshake’ is trust,” they explain. “Everything begins with building a genuine relationship with our clients.”
That trust is earned through listening, really listening. “We spend time understanding not only what a client wants aesthetically, but how they want to live in their home.” Once those desires are clear, they’re refined through what the studio does best: scale, proportion, and impeccable craftsmanship.
“The result is always personal,” they say. “A home that feels unmistakably like the client, elevated with the signature point of view that makes it unmistakably Yates Desygn.”
Wow-Worthy, But Make It Cozy
Yates Desygn is known for creating spaces that stop you in your tracks… and then invite you to stay awhile. “At Yates Desygn, we believe a space can be jaw-dropping and feel like home. The two don’t have to live in separate rooms.”
Before chasing the wow-factor, they focus on how a home needs to work. “Before we ever talk about ‘wow,’ we focus on what needs to be solved: how the home needs to function, how the client wants to feel in the space, and what we can rethink or do differently to make it better than they imagined.”
Often, the magic lives in the details. “It might be the refined craftsmanship of a custom dining table, the character of a vintage chair reupholstered in a beautiful fabric, or simply transforming a room so it’s more functional and more beautiful than it was before we started.”
And for the record: luxury should never feel precious. “Wow-worthy doesn’t mean untouchable. When luxury is done right, it invites you in.” Ideally, with a glass of wine.
A Studio That Feels Like Family (Because It Is)
The culture inside Yates Desygn is as thoughtfully crafted as the homes they design. Mike’s early career in theatre and dance left a lasting imprint. “It taught him the importance of doing what you love, and how much morale impacts creativity. When people feel supported, energized, and valued, they take bigger creative risks, and the work gets better.”
It proves that the best interiors aren’t just beautifully designed; they’re thoughtfully lived in, joyfully made, and built by great people doing very great work together.
Accolades, Causes, and Champagne (In That Order)
From national clients to Dallas design devotees, recognition has followed, but it hasn’t changed the approach. “Accolades are always an honor, but they don’t change our approach.”
Whether it’s Aspen, Kips Bay, or working with Dwell With Dignity, the studio leads with “process-driven design rooted in creativity and the distinct Yates Desygn point of view.”
Their return to Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas in 2025 held special meaning. “It was really about creating a space people could experience while supporting important causes.” The event benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and local charities, including Dwell With Dignity and The Crystal Charity Ball.
“And yes, we’ll celebrate with champagne,” they admit, yet every accolade is ultimately a toast to their Team.
What Guests Really Notice
If you step into a Yates Desygn home, don’t expect one element to shout for attention. “Bryan always says the true hallmark of a beautifully designed space is that no one thing screams for attention. It’s the overall vision that lands first.”
That vision might include art with major impact—or a subtle wink of humor. “Sometimes that means a stunning piece of art. Other times, it might be a subtle touch that reflects the client’s sense of humor, maybe even a little hidden joke tucked into a corner.”
Either way, the outcome is the same: “A home that feels entirely custom, deeply personal, and unmistakably Yates Desygn.”
The Quirkiest Detail? Meet Lady Bird Yates.
One of the studio’s most beloved design moments wasn’t for a client at all. It was for their dachshund, Lady Bird Yates. When designing their Dallas office, her needs were non-negotiable. “Because what’s a family-driven studio without Lady Bird?!”
Knowing she’d never tolerate closed doors, the Team designed a custom doggy door system connecting each office. “In the Yates Desygn workspace, her movements are never impeded, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Partners in Life…And Design
Running a design firm with your spouse requires alignment, trust, and unwavering support. “People ask us all the time how we can be married and run a design firm together, and honestly, the answer is simple: support.”
Mike recalls a defining moment early in their relationship, when Bryan encouraged him to tour with a prestigious dance company. “That was the moment Mike knew he was in love.” That same mutual encouragement fuels both their marriage and their work.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, 2026 promises growth, travel, and fresh inspiration. With projects underway from Dallas to Menlo Park, California, the studio is eager to spend less time behind screens and more time discovering new resources, vendors, and creative disciplines.
“In short: more creativity, more collaboration, and more beautiful spaces.”
The Dream Home, If Anything Were Possible
Their ultimate fantasy? “A fully renovated historic home in Kessler Park, Dallas, curated and built for entertaining.” Think historic bones, modern living, Ketra lighting, serious AV, and wellness spaces, including a meditation room inspired by James Turrell.
And the hidden showstopper? “A two-lane bowling alley with Kegel Specto sensor-tracking technology, disco lights, and cosmic bowling mode for unforgettable nights with friends.”
Naturally.
Yates Desygn proves that the best interiors aren’t just beautifully designed… they’re thoughtfully lived in, joyfully made, and built by great people doing great work together.
