No Traffic Makes Quick Commute

O'Neill purposely designed his architectural studio/office to be completely removed from his living space, locating it, instead, above the home's detached garage. "Some people questioned me about my desire to have to go outdoors in order to access my work space, but this was my intent," he says.

O'Neill has discovered over the years of operating a home-based business that this separation of space is an essential element for his success - and sanity. "I've done it both ways, I know from experience how hard it is to ignore the phone when it rings after hours. I used to end up working 18 hours a day," he says.

In addition to this, O'Neill points out that the clear-cut division between work and living space gives his business an air of professionalism that is lost when clients have to walk through personal living space. "They don't really want to have to pet your dog on the way into a meeting," he says.

Ever the pragmatist, O'Neill says he was careful to consider resale when designing his latest residence. His office includes two large rooms, a bathroom, generous storage space, and a separate HVAC system. "This would be a great mother-in-law suite, or servant quarters for someone else," he says.