Today we’d like to introduce you to Elias Horat.
Hi Elias, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Montana, surrounded by wide landscapes and a strong sense of community. I studied architecture there through undergrad and graduate school, and eventually moved to San Francisco to start my professional career. Over time, I realized I wanted to build a practice that felt more human—one that prioritized transparency, collaboration, and design that supports everyday life.
I founded Creates Cool in 2020, during a time when everyone was rethinking how we live and interact with our spaces. What began as a small remote practice has grown into a design studio working across the Bay Area and beyond on homes, multi-unit housing, community spaces, and small businesses. We don’t subscribe to one “signature style.” Instead, our work is shaped by the people and places we’re designing for, and by the belief that good design should be accessible, welcoming, and uncompromising in its care.
Today, our focus is on thoughtful, community-driven projects and building lasting relationships — with clients, collaborators, and the neighborhoods we work in. I’m grateful to continue shaping spaces that make life feel more connected, intentional, and joyful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any growing practice, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one. Creates Cool has grown quickly, and with that comes constantly learning — new clients, new project types, new cities and jurisdictions, and new layers of responsibility. Every phase has required us to adapt and refine how we work.
There have been challenges in building systems while actively delivering projects, but I view that as part of the process. Each project teaches us something — whether that’s navigating a complicated review process, coordinating with multiple agencies, or balancing design vision with real-world constraints. Those experiences have shaped us into a studio that is flexible, attentive, and grounded.
Overall, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. The growth has happened because of the trust our clients place in us, the collaboration within our team, and our commitment to learning as we go. I’m grateful for the challenges, because they’ve directly contributed to who we are as a studio today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Creates Cool is an architecture and design studio based in San Francisco, working across residential, commercial, and multi-unit housing projects. We focus on creating spaces that are thoughtful, welcoming, and built around the people who use them. Our work ranges from small renovations and ADUs to full ground-up homes, community-oriented spaces, and larger development projects.
What sets us apart is our process. We believe design should feel clear, collaborative, and approachable — not intimidating or overly complicated. We spend a lot of time listening, understanding how people live and what they value, and translating that into spaces that feel personal and intentional. There’s no signature “Creates Cool style.” The outcome is always shaped by the client, the site, and the larger context of the project.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the consistency in how we show up: reliable communication, transparent project timelines, and a calm, respectful design process. We take pride not just in the final product, but in making the experience feel grounded and well-supported from start to finish.
At the end of the day, we want people to feel at home in the spaces we design — whether that’s a family kitchen, a neighborhood gathering space, or a new community housing project. Our work is about building environments that foster connection, ease, and a sense of belonging.
What makes you happy?
I find happiness in connection — with the people in my life, the work I do, and the world around me. I get a lot of joy from spending real time with friends, sharing meals, laughing, and being present. The same goes for my work: seeing a client feel at home in a space we’ve designed, or watching a team member grow in their craft, is deeply fulfilling.
Being in nature is also a big source of happiness for me. I grew up in Montana, so getting outdoors — whether that’s a hike, a quiet walk, or just being somewhere expansive — helps me feel grounded. I also love exploring new places and being surrounded by art, music, and culture. Those experiences remind me why I design in the first place: to create moments of connection, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://createscool.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createscool/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creates-cool
