Concept Design Driven Architecture, Planning & Landscape
Bringing over 24 years of international hospitality and resort design expertise to custom residential estates along Utah's Wasatch Front.
Established Feb 2002
24+ Years Experience
Norman Harris
Founding Member / Lead
Layton, UT Studio
Davis & Salt Lake Co.
Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Concept Design Driven Architecture, Planning & Landscape
TBU International is a concept design driven company with a rich background in Architecture, Planning, & Landscape Architecture. Established in Hawaii in February 2002, our founding member Norman Harris has worked in and led many international design teams in the hospitality field.
Now based out of Layton, Utah, Norm is excited to connect the unique experiences of his past to an exciting future in a more local and largely residential market. In saying that, he contends that:
"......good design is neither a product of cost or size."— Norman Harris, Founding Member
Whether designing an expansive alpine residential parcel in Park City or a tailored courtyard and patio along the Layton bench, our integrated design method unifies the land, the structure, and outdoor living from the very first concept.
Norman Harris Studio
Layton, UT
Direct access to the principal designer on every project. No junior handoffs or disconnected contractor designs.
Our Concept Design Services
Every service is delivered with Norman Harris's integrated philosophy, bridging structural elegance with landscape topography.
Landscape Design
Bespoke residential & estate landscape architecture harmonized with Utah's natural terrain, climate, and architecture.
- Custom microclimate & elevation planning specific to Wasatch Front soils
- Seamless integration between residential structures and garden terraces
Architectural Design
Thoughtful residential architectural concepts, custom estate planning, and seamless spatial flow tailored to modern living.
- International hospitality-caliber design expertise brought to residential living
- Harmonious relationship between indoor sanctuaries and exterior panoramas
Site Design
Comprehensive site planning, vehicular access, grading alignment, and master property zoning for optimal orientation.
- Prevention of costly grading, water runoff, and retaining mistakes
- Maximization of pristine Wasatch mountain and valley view corridors
Outdoor Design
Luxury outdoor living spaces, kitchens, fire features, shade pergolas, and serene courtyards that extend your home outdoors.
- Extended living square footage usable across multiple seasons
- Custom integrated outdoor kitchens, fire pits, dining pavilions, and lounging zones
Why Choose TBU International
What sets our studio apart from conventional architects or landscape contractors.
International Hospitality Heritage
Founded in Hawaii in 2002, Norman Harris brought world-class resort and hospitality planning rigor to Utah. Every residential concept benefits from spatial flow, resort-level comfort, and view mastery.
Unified Architecture & Landscape
We design the building, the site contours, and the outdoor gardens simultaneously. No friction between independent architects and landscapers, resulting in seamless harmony and cost efficiency.
Principled Design Philosophy
"Good design is neither a product of cost or size." We believe authentic beauty comes from thoughtful proportion, orientation, and material honesty rather than unnecessary extravagance.
The Concept Design Process
A transparent, collaborative roadmap from raw parcel discovery to contractor-ready schematics.
Site & Lifestyle Discovery
On-site walk-through in Layton, Park City, or Salt Lake. Analyzing solar paths, soil, prevailing winds, and your lifestyle needs.
Unified Concept Schemes
Developing hand sketches, preliminary massing, and outdoor zoning that synthesize the structure with the landscape.
Schematic Refinement
Selecting precise natural stone, timber, lighting, and botanical palettes with scaled plans and 3D visualizations.
Builder Coordination
Delivering detailed design intent documentation so engineering and general contractors execute the vision accurately.
Verified Client Reviews & Reputation
Read direct reviews from Utah homeowners who trusted Norman Harris with their residential design.
Verified Client Reputation & Feedback
Areas We Serve Across Northern & Central Utah
Headquartered in Layton, UT, we serve distinctive communities from Summit County mountain estates to the Salt Lake and Davis County benches.
Studio HQ in Layton.
Residential design services for Park City, UT.
Residential design services for Salt Lake City, UT.
Residential design services for Farmington, UT.
Residential design services for Syracuse, UT.
Residential design services for Draper, UT.
Residential design services for Sandy, UT.
Residential design services for Kaysville, UT.
Residential design services for West Haven, UT.
Residential design services for Saratoga Springs, UT.
Residential design services for West Jordan, UT.
Residential design services for Clearfield, UT.
Residential design services for Centerville, UT.
Residential design services for Roy, UT.
Everything You Need to Know
Clear answers regarding concept design, timeline, and working with Norman Harris.
What does concept design mean at TBU International?
Concept design is the foundational creative and strategic phase where your vision, property characteristics, and practical needs are distilled into cohesive architectural and landscape solutions. Norman Harris blends his Hawaii and international hospitality background to craft layout schematics, material palettes, and 3D perspectives that guide builders and contractors with precision.
What does 'good design is neither a product of cost or size' mean?
This is the founding philosophy of our founder Norman Harris. Exceptional design is about thoughtful proportion, orientation, material honesty, and spatial harmony—not excessive extravagance or square footage. Whether designing a modest private courtyard or an expansive multi-acre Utah estate, thoughtful design maximizes joy and value at any scale.
Do you handle both architectural and landscape design together?
Yes, this unified approach is one of TBU International's greatest strengths. By designing the structure and the surrounding landscape as one symbiotic whole from day one, we eliminate disjointed transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces and prevent costly clashes between grading and construction.
Where are you based and what areas do you serve?
We are physically based in Layton, Utah. Our primary service area is Layton, and we actively serve clients throughout Northern and Central Utah including Syracuse, Farmington, Park City, West Haven, Saratoga Springs, Sandy, Draper, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Kaysville, Clearfield, Centerville, and Roy.
How do I get started with a consultation?
You can request a consultation by submitting our website form or by calling us directly at (801) 888-8924. We will discuss your property location, scope of design, timeline, and schedule an initial discovery consultation.
How long has TBU International been in business?
TBU International was originally established in Hawaii in February 2002. Founding member Norman Harris has led and collaborated with international design teams across the hospitality and luxury sector for over 24 years before bringing this rich perspective to Utah's residential market.
Get a Free Design Quote
Share your property location and goals to connect directly with Norman Harris.
Strictly confidential • No obligation • Direct follow-up with Norman Harris
Layton Design Studio
TBU International, LLC
Layton, UT
Mon–Sat: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm · Sun: Closed
"Good design is neither a product of cost or size."