We design and build livable works of art

Designing and building our home in Costa Rica with John resulted in a space that is truly special. The house strikes a delicate balance between beauty and livability. Every element looks intentional—from the way the rooms flow together to how the design captures light and frames the surrounding landscape. There’s a sense of calm and connection throughout the space that’s immediately felt. The end result is exactly what we were hoping for. The layout is both functional and inviting, with materials and details that are timeless and grounded in the environment. It never seems over-designed—just thoughtful, cohesive, and natural. John was integral in bringing this vision to life. He understood how to translate ideas into a design that feels effortless and refined, and he approached the process with care and attention to detail. Also, John and his team literally handled everything. I came down a couple of times to visit the project but otherwise John was able to make it all happen while I was a few countries above Costa Rica. It’s the kind of home where the vibes run high—visually stunning, deeply connected to its surroundings, and thoughtfully brought to life. Big thank you from the Powell Selvaggio family for making a major dream of ours.

Patrick

Working with MHD was one of the best decisions I've made. From the very first conversation, it was clear that John sees things differently. His designs are stunning, truly some of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen. Every home he creates has its own personality, and they stand out in an area where that's not always easy to do. Whether someone is looking for a personal home or an investment property, his work speaks for itself. But what really blew me away was how intentional he is about every single detail. Which way a door swings. Where every outlet and light switch goes. How to maximize space and storage simply and elegantly. He thinks through all of it so that the finished product doesn't just look incredible, it actually lives well too. John’s been doing this work in this location for over a decade. He knows what materials hold up long term in this environment. He knows where to source everything, how to get it to your build site, and how to navigate all the administrative and logistical hurdles that come with building in this area. Things that would take you years to figure out on your own, he already has dialed in. The whole experience honestly felt like hitting the easy button. He walked me through every step, kept me informed, and made what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and even enjoyable. If you're thinking about building out here, do yourself a favor and talk to John first.

Kate

The team at Morada - led by owner John, Project Manager Jody, and head of construction Gio - are an incredibly talented and experienced group of individuals who are bringing our dream home to life. John took the time to get to know us, to understand what is important to us - not just in a home, but at our core, as individuals. He used that knowledge and insight to design a unique, one-of-a-kind home...just for us! Each of John's homes are custom designed - a reflection of the owners and the land the home sits on. During the past year, we have fielded many questions from friends and colleagues, wondering how we could be building in another country without being onsite. The answer is easy - John and Jody are transparent, always accessible, and only a call or message away. They routinely provide videos and updates, and nothing moves forward without our approval. We are so fortunate to have such knowledgeable, honest, and talented people building our home! The build team, led by Gio, is a group of individuals who not only possess talent, but also an incredible work ethic. We have seen these builders on other job sites of John's. They are industrious and proficient, logging long hours and producing the most beautiful homes. They have poured so much energy into our home over the past ten months. We can't wait to move in at the end of this month!

Julia & Sandy