The Custom House Design Team

Gordon is the founder and President of Lifestyles by Barons, a full design and build company that commenced operations in 1993. Gordon has led the company from a sole proprietorship to a fully incorporated company servicing Western Ontario. Under his direction, the company has evolved to become an authorized direct manufacturer dealer on many of the key home finishing components required in the design and build process. Lifestyles has evolved to become a recognized industry leader in custom home design based on its quality of materials and exceptional craftsmanship that it is known to deliver. Prior to this, Gordon had risen in the workplace to VP roles in various Fortune 500 companies. Gordon elected to take the skills and discipline learned in the corporate world and started a new chapter in his life based on a personal passion for architecture and design. Over a period of time, Lifestyles has created a legacy of delivering exceptional design, value and quality by working on over 200 projects with leading experts and manufacturers in the industry to design and build our clients’ dream homes. Gordon’s philosophy for guiding the development of our evolving client offering can be best summed up by the late Steve Jobs of Apple® who may have said it best:

“We look forward to creating a design that works for your lifestyle.”

Rick Inacio heads the Lifestyles by Barons sales department. Rick leads all aspects of client-focused sales, marketing, and customer service resources. He joined the company in 2010 and has acted in numerous roles within Lifestyles and has evolved to his current position as Executive VP of Sales. Rick brings to Lifestyles a wealth of technical knowledge in CAD (Computer Aided Design) and has been trained in residential design, which is backed up with extensive practical field knowledge in total home transformations. Rick is also one of our in-house leaders on our team of design resources and brings to our clients a wealth of product knowledge for finishing components for the entire home. Rick prefers a personal approach as he leads our design teams and directly meets with all of our clients. He also has a hands-on approach to client consultations, CAD development work and product procurement on behalf of our clients. Rick came to Lifestyles by Barons with over 20 years of sales experience ranging from individual accounts to large corporate accounts.

“Let Lifestyles by Barons welcome you home!”

Allison is an Interior Design Consultant for Lifestyles by Barons. As a graduate of the Interior Design Program at Sheridan College of Technology and Advanced Learning, she has been working with clients since 2000, creating interior spaces that reflect their individual needs and desires. As a member of the Decorator and Designers Association, Allison gains knowledge through continued education and stays informed and up to date on industry trends, products, and development. A strong eye for colour undertones and combinations stem from Allison’s early work as a retail Benjamin Moore Colour Consultant. A great love for patterns, prints and textiles, as well as a vast knowledge of window blinds, shades, and shutters, were developed during her employment as a designer for a custom window treatment and furnishings workroom. Allison is extremely passionate about creating unique interiors through the use of remarkable fabrics, attractive materials and distinctive finishes. She uses this passion to also lead our Hunter Douglas window treatment division. Allison loves to collaborate with clients. She is personable and professional and has a natural ability to combine lines, colours and textures for a beautiful effect.

“From concept to completion, we are with you each step of the way!”

Annette Sokoll leads our Computer Aided Design (CAD) Department. Annette brings more than 25 years of experience in both the construction and design industries. Annette’s long-term contribution spans over a decade with the Lifestyles team. Prior to working with Lifestyles by Barons, Annette owned and operated her own construction company and brings an in-depth knowledge of best-of-breed construction practices, backed up with real field experience going well beyond design. Her skill set in developing stunning 3D designs ensures that our clients and Lifestyles team are all on the same page as we move from concept to design, to permit submission, to stunning execution in the field. Having all parties with a clear vision of the end product allows for budget development/containment, in turn saving time and money for our end clients.

“The right design ensures that your dream home becomes reality!”

Richard Owen is our Site Technical Specialist. Richard obtained a degree in Computer Engineering and Business Management and is responsible for providing technical oversight on a wide range of sectors and technologies for all of our active projects. He oversees and coordinates various trades and is a knowledgeable expert on associated residential technologies, ensuring that these are installed and operate properly. Richard is also a Licensed Gas Technician and aids in the installation, service, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of gas systems and appliances.

“A scientist builds in order to learn; an engineer learns in order to build.” -Fred Brooks

Jennifer heads our accounting department and takes pride in managing relationships with our clients and suppliers. This department handles various administrative tasks crucial for our business’s smooth functioning. Jennifer oversees accounting activities, including tracking and reporting on accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll internally. She also coordinates executive schedules for site reviews and progress reports, serving as a primary point of contact for billing inquiries from clients. With over 35 years of experience, Jennifer’s contributions are integral to our commitment to excellence, a key aspect of the value we offer at Lifestyles.

“Creativity is great… but not in accounting.”