Interjúk – Gueston Smith

I’m moving into my 11th year as a professional designer, but my connection to art started long before that. Since the 6th grade, I’ve been fascinated by ancient Egyptian architecture and hieroglyphics. I still remember designing a cartouche of my nickname, “Guess,” in green, black, and gold—colors that continue to define my self-expression today.

That early curiosity evolved through high school, where I took art every year and eventually AP Art as a senior. I wanted to merge creativity with logic, so I also took AP Physics—solidifying my path toward creating practical, useful, and beautiful projects.

I went on to study Architecture at the University of Southern California, where I learned how to think critically, develop concepts, and communicate design with purpose and professionalism. After graduation, I began my career at Raytheon Company, designing corporate offices, laboratories, and workspace layouts. During those five years, I learned how to translate ideas into built reality—developing code-compliant construction documents, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, and understanding how buildings breathe through their electrical, mechanical, and structural systems.

While I enjoyed the technical rigor, I also needed a creative outlet. I started a side venture in graphic design, creating logos and brand identities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. That entrepreneurial spark eventually led me to join Kubed Living, a modular housing startup, as Head of Design, where I led the creation of a multimillion-dollar portfolio of luxury shipping container homes.

Along the way, I earned a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Essentials from Harvard Business School Online and became a Certified Professional Building Designer through the NCBDC.

Today, I lead Guesscreative, a multidisciplinary design firm pioneering Spatial Entrepreneurship—the art of transforming movable architecture into equity-building, revenue-generating assets that bring connection, products, services, and experiences directly to people. We’re not just designing structures; we’re building a new asset class.

Design found me early. As a kid, I was constantly building, creating, and exploring. I built clubhouses in the woods, made forts out of blankets, boxes, and fans in my living room, and sketched in the margins of my homework—sometimes signing my name hundreds of times. I guess I knew I’d need it one day.

I’ve always been drawn to design in all its forms. Fashion, shoes, architecture—it was all part of how I saw the world. I was that kid who would rather go to a shoe store than a toy store. I’d pick the flyest pair I could find, race down the aisle, and test them—seeing if they really made me run faster. That instinct to test, to feel, to experience design was there from the start. I am creativity in motion.

My sister’s memory inspired my first architectural promise—to design an accessible home for her. My mom nurtured that dream by buying me my first home design software, where I discovered how shapes occupy space, how light interacts with form, and how a simple square on a screen could become a room. That intention—to design with empathy and purpose—has guided me ever since.

Architecture became my language where creativity, consciousness, and culture intersect. Over time, I learned how to take ideas from napkin sketches to built environments. From USC’s design studios to modular design firms and now Guesscreative, my path has been shaped by both discipline and divine curiosity.

My top three priorities are empathy, simplicity, and practicality. I strive to create modern, striking work that feels alive—often inspired by nature and grounded in human experience. I pay close attention to light, texture, and the five senses. Design, to me, is about creating clarity—spaces and objects that speak honestly and function beautifully.

My process merges sketching, design thinking, and digital modeling with philosophical, economic, and even spiritual research. I use computer-aided design and rendering tools to bring ideas to life quickly, then adapt in real time as the vision evolves. My work often lives at the intersection of architecture, product design, and brand storytelling, where spatial flow meets emotional impact.

Every project begins with understanding how people should feel and move through space. I start by asking the right questions—to uncover intent, define constraints, and translate vision into form. Once the essence is clear, the design reveals itself.

I feel a blend of calm, curiosity, conviction, and pride. I believe in due diligence before design—asking the right questions, understanding the problem, and moving with intention before creating anything.

The most exciting moments for me are the conceptual phase and the delivery phase—that spark when we realize we’ve developed something truly special with a client, and later, watching that vision take physical form. There’s nothing like seeing an idea materialize and function in our three-dimensional world. It’s powerful. Design is powerful. It can reshape behavior, influence culture, and shift society for the better—and that possibility excites me deeply.

Design, for me, is meditation in motion—a practice of bringing order, usefulness, healing, and beauty into a world that often feels chaotic.

There are many elements that came together to shape who I am as a designer. My creativity comes from my parents, and my sense of exploration and freedom has been with me since I was a toddler. My parents would fence the yard and let me roam for hours, just walking, observing, and discovering. That early curiosity became the foundation of everything I do. Curiosity is everything. Without it, you accept the world as it’s told to you—not as it truly is or how it could be.

Having a sister with special needs taught me patience and empathy, which are just as essential as creativity. Great design isn’t self-centered—it’s service-driven. To create meaningful work (and make a living doing it), you have to understand that you’re designing for people with their own needs, limitations, and perspectives. It’s about crafting unbiased experiences that honor humanity in all its diversity.

Martial arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship have also shaped my design philosophy as deeply as architecture itself. Jeet Kune Do taught me adaptability and flow. Business taught me how to turn creativity into tangible value. And loss taught me compassion.

I draw continuous inspiration from Bruce Lee’s formless philosophy and Buckminster Fuller’s belief in doing more with less—both saw design as a tool for liberation, not luxury.

To be a successful designer, you have to understand who you were growing up and connect it to who you are now. That’s how you design from truth—and that’s how you create work that genuinely augments society.

My long-term vision is to redefine what ownership looks like, to transform mobility into legacy. I’m creating an alternative solution for visionaries who need freedom: spaces that empower them to own their environment the way Bitcoin empowers individuals to own their money.

Sovereignty demands motion.

Everything alive evolves. Everything free moves. Everything powerful controls its environment.

Spatial Entrepreneurship is a return to that truth. Grounded in data, design, and economic reality, it transforms space from an expense into leverage. It creates movable, ownable assets that compound in value while removing location risk. It converts business into territory and territory into strategy. This is architecture as infrastructure, built to create cash flow, not consume it.

For generations, mobility was a privilege—a weapon reserved for governments, militaries, and corporations. They moved fleets, factories, and influence while individuals remained confined. The power to build, move, and expand no longer requires permission. What I’m designing isn’t just trailers or buildings, it’s economic armament for founders who reject dependency, who trade contracts for cash flow, and who understand that true ownership means controlling deployment.

Mobility is the new scarcity.

And scarcity defines value.

My dream is to continue designing spaces that let visionaries pull up differently—spaces that turn heads, generate revenue, and create abundance for their families and communities. My growth path isn’t just about scaling Guesscreative—it’s about scaling freedom.

Master your craft, but never lose your humanity. Find your Authenticity for that is what will separate you and allow you to stand on your own two feet. What are you designing for?

The industry rewards precision, but the world remembers purpose. Don’t chase trends, study systems. Start with what you have and where you are. Do the work to find out who you are and what your purpose is. It is only then that your true potential can be revealed. Don't waste your life chasing stability. Pursue freedom. Pursue authenticity. Pursue skills. Pursue Mentorship. Pursue fulfillment. For when you choose to take a step, the path will be revealed.

The best advice I’ve received: Follow your excitements. Take them as far as you can for as long as you can, without expectation. “Great design listens before it speaks.”

Master your craft, but never lose your humanity.

Find your authenticity. That is what will separate you and allow you to stand on your own two feet. Ask yourself: What are you really designing for?

The industry rewards precision, but the world remembers purpose. Don’t chase trends, study systems. Start where you are, with what you have, and do the inner work to figure out who you are and why you’re here. Only then can your true potential reveal itself.

Don’t waste your life chasing stability. Pursue freedom. Pursue authenticity. Pursue skill.

Read books. Study those who left impact. Seek wisdom. Find mentors who challenge you. Pursue fulfillment, not validation.

The best advice I’ve ever received: Follow your excitements. Take them as far as you can, for as long as you can, without expectation of the outcome.

And always remember, great design listens before it speaks.

Most mornings start in silence, with reading, journaling, prayer, and movement, before I ever check my phone. I wish it was always that consistent, but life happens. Some mornings I spend time with my woman, handle random tasks, or I’m on the road traveling. Still, time to self is non-negotiable. That’s when I realign my focus and remember what’s important.

Once the workday begins, I review priorities and emails, connect with clients and collaborators, and dedicate my energy to pushing projects forward, building the brand, or pursuing new opportunities.

Afternoons usually involve design development, fabrication coordination, or system-building for Guesscreative. But the beauty of entrepreneurship is freedom. I structure my day to move the needle then move how I need to.

Evenings belong to family, reflection, or martial arts training, a ritual that helps me reconnect mind and body.

The little things that keep me excited are the moments of momentum—new opportunities, client breakthroughs, or seeing an idea start to take shape. I don’t really follow design news; we’re creating our own. Design, to me, is the strategic use of the mind and hands to solve real problems.

Sometimes I’ll skim the regular news to understand shifting constraints which helps me better anticipate my clients’ needs and design accordingly.

I study trends, but I never chase them.

Instead, I analyze cultural patterns such as why people move, buy, and build differently over time. My curiosity isn’t about what’s popular; it’s about what’s shifting.

My inspiration flows from nature, hip-hop, architecture, and philosophy. Trends fade, but principles evolve. I keep my eyes open as I move through life. People-watching is one of my favorite pastimes, it teaches me how design really interacts with behavior.

I study ancient history, philosophy, and human behavior to understand us at our core and then I compare how those timeless patterns show up today. People are endlessly fascinating, and that curiosity keeps my work alive and relevant.

First of all, study what good design is—Dieter Rams laid the blueprint:

Innovative. Useful. Aesthetic. Understandable. Unobtrusive. Honest. Long-lasting. Thorough. Environmentally friendly. Simple.

I’d add one more, empathetic.

Good design is felt before it’s understood. It solves a real problem while maintaining clarity, emotion, and elegance. For me, it has to balance function, feeling, simplicity, and freedom. If it lacks one, it’s incomplete.

I evaluate my projects by how well they’re understood, how well they’re executed, and how well my clients connect with the end result. The “that’s it” moment comes when every requirement is met and the aesthetics still make me smile. That’s a different level of satisfaction. It’s the moment where design stops being just work and becomes alive.

I’ll be honest, design is never truly finished.

But there’s always a moment when it’s ready, when it communicates the idea effortlessly. When every line, texture, and gesture carries intention.

I know a design is complete when it meets the client’s goals and feels whole within me. There’s always something that could be refined or improved, but reality sets the parameters: deadlines, budgets, and life itself.

Part of being a professional is knowing when to stop polishing and start producing. Once the design aligns with purpose, clarity, and emotion and it performs the way it should, it’s ready to go.

Every project that becomes real and makes a client happy makes me proud. I’ve designed logos, apparel worn by celebrities, my own shoe line, electric ATVs, shipping container residences, modular homes, and mobile experiential trailers. Each one is fulfilling in its own way.

But my most defining work is what I’m building right now, The Movable Asset Advantage. It’s a strategic framework and manifesto positioning mobile architecture as a high-yield alternative to commercial real estate. It’s the foundation of Spatial Entrepreneurship, designed to empower others to build their own freedom and in doing so, build my own.

The challenges come in every form especially in coordination, communication, and the unpredictability of working with people who have their own worlds in motion. You can’t control others; you can only stay grounded in your purpose. The goal is always to keep going.

A current project I’m excited about is a mobile retail trailer for a basketball hoop company, a 24-foot unit designed to host pop-up basketball courts and sell merchandise while building community through sports. It’s deeply personal because it connects back to my college thesis project, where I first designed a mobile basketball experience for Nike. To see that concept come full circle into reality, is very powerful.

This is interesting because I find most of my inspiration from people outside the traditional design world. But within it:

I’m inspired by Tadao Ando for his poetic use of light, Steve Jobs for his mastery of storytelling, and Virgil Abloh for his cultural fluency. Mies van der Rohe for disciplined simplicity, and Da Vinci for infinite curiosity.

One of the most iconic designers to me is Tinker Hatfield for his ability to listen, study, and translate Michael Jordan’s character into iconic shoes that visually represent greatness.

I’m also deeply inspired by Sir David Adjaye and Paul Williams, two Black architects whose work reminds me of what’s possible and the responsibility that comes with visibility. Jean-Michel Basquiat influences me for his fearless expression of identity and culture through art.

If I could speak with one designer from the past, it would be Buckminster Fuller, a systems thinker whose mind could help refine what I’m building through Guesscreative. But truthfully, the person I’d most like to speak with is my future self, to see how far my truth has evolved through creation, and to learn from the man I’m still becoming.

Culture. This is everything.

To grow up as a Black man means being born into rhythm, love, and a blurred reflection from society’s lens. Because of that, I took time to understand who I truly am—embracing all the influences that make me, me.

I’m deeply inspired by characters who represented possibility long before it was normalized: Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy) in Boomerang, the first Black executive I saw leading an all-Black cast. Eric Brooks (Wesley Snipes) in Blade, the first Black superhero. Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) in Training Day, who balanced morality and survival to protect his own. And Mike Lowry (Will Smith) in Bad Boys—whose confidence, fashion, and aura redefined cool for me.

Music shaped my rhythm just as much as movies did. Neo Soul, New Jack Swing, Conscious Rap, and Jazz are my soundtracks, they all live in my design process. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, right in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Down here, we grew up on Houston chopped and screwed, chrome rims, clean cars, jewelry and cool fits—aesthetics mattered.

I come from a people whose freedom was withheld—a people who had to be twice as good to be seen, and who were often celebrated for entertainment but not respected for intellect. I stand on the shoulders of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, WEB Dubois, Nat Turner, and so many more who taught me that freedom is built, not given. I'm inspired by Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Chris Johnson, 19Keys, Damon Dash, Prince, and more.

I come from limited representation. I didn't learn of Black architects until I graduated college. There were only 4 Black students in my graduating class at USC, including myself.

I move with the understanding that impactful design shuts the wrong mouths and opens the right ones. Action creates results. Authenticity creates reality. And love connects all.

Design, to me, isn’t limited to objects or spaces, it’s a life heuristic. I’ve applied it to how I think, move, love, and build wealth. Understanding that you can design your reality, that your thoughts shape your future, is one of the most powerful truths you can grasp.

I live between creativity, consciousness, Black culture, and professional design. My culture taught me resilience, expression, and reverence. I believe good design can heal communities and mirror the soul of the people it serves.

At Guesscreative, we blend artistry with practicality. We’re easy to work with because we listen, we communicate, and we take time to understand our clients and their needs. Our culture values flow, freedom, and excellence.

I collaborate with fabricators, innovators, and visionaries who operate with integrity and precision. Every project is a partnership built on alignment, not convenience. The goal is simple, to build wealth and create impact for everyone involved. We look for win-win-win outcomes.

Our philosophy is clear:

Design with purpose. Deliver with precision.

As for my role, I’m involved from conception to execution. That means everything from client engagement, concept development, and design refinement to budgeting, fabrication selection, trailer procurement, quality control, and delivery. I also oversee client success management, ensuring that what we design continues to perform after it’s built.

The core challenges of this work often come down to coordination, communication, and keeping standards high while scaling. But that’s the beauty of leadership, you learn to hold the vision steady through motion.

I design to uplift. I communicate to show what’s possible.

From creating mobile classrooms for underserved communities to exploring tarp-based shelter initiatives for the unhoused, I view design as a form of service. With great power comes great responsibility, and with more resources, comes the ability to create deeper impact.

Through The I AM brand, I express authentically with a partner of mine, Paul Gordon, to mentor men to reconnect with discipline, identity, and purpose, bridging creative empowerment with holistic growth: mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially.

Right now, my focus is on building the business and executing the vision. I’m not interested in brushing shoulders at design events; I’m focused on creating real change through results with clients, partners, and believers who align with the mission.

To support young designers, I believe the best mentorship is exposure. When I show up authentically and share my journey, it gives others permission to believe in their own. Any young designer who reaches out, I’ll share what I know freely. And if they can bring value, I’ll bring them onto projects to gain real experience.

Winning the A’ Design Award affirmed years of innovation, experimentation, and belief in self. It validated what was real. It showed that others recognize the value of what I’m building. It also connected me to a global network of creators who see design as cultural leadership, not just commerce.

Three key benefits:

Global visibility and credibility in new markets.

Networking with forward-thinking professionals.

A renewed drive to elevate design’s cultural and economic impact.

Being named Designer of the Day reminds me that when design aligns with purpose, it truly has the power to move the world, both literally and spiritually. I’m grateful for the recognition, and even more motivated to keep creating work that represents freedom, truth, and forward motion.

The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind my design is to revolutionize the current education system in America, which has remained stagnant since the industrial revolution. This outdated system was designed to produce factory workers, not innovative thinkers. It stifles children's creativity by enforcing rigid rules that provide little space, opportunity, or encouragement for self-discovery. I firmly believe that those who know themselves can think for themselves and inspire others to do the same. Thinkers are the catalysts of change, the instigators of revolution. They fearlessly question the status quo, and with proper guidance, these thinkers will drive the progress that transforms our society for the better.

My design aims to decentralize education by introducing mobile classrooms that foster socio-emotional learning, entrepreneurship, self-defense, financial literacy, philosophy, mindfulness, and critical thinking. By bringing Hip Hop, which essentially means "intelligence moving," into the conversation, we can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This approach will empower students to develop a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them, ultimately cultivating a generation of visionary leaders who will shape a brighter future for all.

My primary focus for this project was to create a mobile classroom that captivates and stimulates the mind from the moment one lays eyes on it. The exterior features a vinyl wrap showcasing a sketch I made to represent the creative mind. It depicts the left and right brain, with the right brain bursting with vibrant colors symbolizing unbridled creativity. By incorporating elements of Hip Hop Culture, such as carefully selected wheels, I aimed to demonstrate thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a unique flair that many fabricators often overlook when creating mobile spaces.

Upon entering the classroom, I wanted to create a moment of discovery and intrigue. The zig-zagged entry encourages curiosity and exploration as observers walk past LED screens displaying profound wisdom from some of history's greatest thinkers. This immersive experience sets the stage for a learning environment that is far from the bland, uninspiring classrooms prevalent in our society today.

Moreover, I placed a strong emphasis on incorporating natural lighting and bringing nature into the space through the presence of plants. These elements are crucial for stimulating the mind and fostering a sense of connection with the world around us.

To further enhance the learning experience, I integrated interactive LED screens along the interior walls. These screens provide a fully immersive environment where students can learn, draw, and actively engage with the subject matter of the day. By designing a space that seamlessly blends visual stimulation, intellectual inspiration, natural elements, and interactive technology, I aimed to create a transformative learning experience that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on participation.

Ultimately, my goal was to develop a mobile classroom that challenges the status quo and sets a new standard for educational environments. By focusing on visual appeal, moments of discovery, natural elements, and interactive technology, I sought to create a space that truly inspires and empowers students to explore, learn, and grow in ways that traditional classrooms both in the United States and around the world often fail to achieve.

My future plans for this award-winning design are multi-faceted. First and foremost, I aim to introduce and pitch this revolutionary concept to institutions, local jurisdictions, local schools, entrepreneurs, and online learning platforms, encouraging them to implement it on their own. By sharing this innovative approach to education, I hope to inspire a widespread adoption of this transformative learning environment.

However, my ambitions extend beyond simply sharing the design. As I continue to grow and achieve success in my endeavors, I aspire to create my own mobile classrooms based on this concept. With these self-owned classrooms, I plan to visit local schools and communities, showcasing the incredible potential that lies within each individual when they are given the right tools and environment to thrive.

By bringing this cutting-edge learning experience directly to students, I aim to ignite their passion for knowledge, creativity, and self-discovery. I want to demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to think outside the box, anyone can achieve remarkable things in this world.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change in education. By inspiring students, educators, and decision-makers alike, I hope to contribute to a future where learning is not confined to the traditional classroom setting, but rather embraced as a dynamic, immersive, and transformative experience that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

The seed of this concept first took root in my mind back in 2018. Since then, I have been on a transformative journey, refining and evolving the idea through a series of synchronous opportunities and deep introspection. Through various opportunities and experiences, I have been able to evolve the design to its current state. Having the right tools, environment, and team has been crucial in this process.

As I continue to grow and develop, so too does the design. As time passes, I find myself attracting the missing pieces of the puzzle, allowing the concept to expand and flourish in ways I never initially imagined. The development of this design is an ongoing process, a dance between my own personal growth and the universe's guiding hand.

I believe that the right team, equipped with the necessary tools and operating in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, holds the key to unlocking the full potential of this concept. As I continue to align myself with like-minded individuals who share my passion and vision, I am confident that the design will reach new heights and make an even greater impact on the world of education.

Looking back, it's incredible to see how far this concept has come since its inception in 2018. However, I know that this is just the beginning. As long as I remain open to the opportunities and lessons that the universe presents, and surround myself with a talented and dedicated team, there is no limit to how much this design can evolve and the lives it can touch.

The timeline of this design is not measured in days or months, but rather in the synchronicities, personal growth, and divine guidance that have shaped its journey thus far. And I am excited to see where this path will lead in the future.

I was 24 years old when I first imagined this design concept. It was not a commissioned project, but rather a product of my own inspiration and determination.

From the moment the idea took hold, I knew it had the potential to make a significant impact on education and personal development. I felt compelled to pursue this vision and bring it to life.

Over the years, I have remained committed to refining and realizing this concept, despite the challenges and obstacles along the way. It has been a journey of personal growth and unwavering dedication.

Looking back, I am grateful for that initial spark of inspiration and the support I have received from those who believe in the transformative power of this design. It is a testament to the idea that following our passions and staying true to our convictions can lead to the creation of something truly meaningful.

I plan to lease the rights and produce the work myself.

My passion for designing modular spaces, shipping container spaces and mobile structures stems from a long-standing interest in bringing portability to architecture. I believe there is significant value in creating environments that are not fixed to a single location.

Shipping containers and mobile spaces offer a unique opportunity to craft adaptable and flexible structures that can serve various purposes and cater to different needs. The challenge of transforming these industrial elements into tasteful and functional spaces inspires me.

My design philosophy is rooted in the idea that architecture should be fluid and adaptable rather than static and rigid. By incorporating portability into my designs, I aim to create spaces that can evolve and grow alongside the people and communities they serve.

Not specifically.

Institutions, local jurisdictions, local government, local schools, entrepreneurs, and online learning platforms.

The aesthetic is unmatched. No other designer has the same taste or experiences that I do to create this design.

Magic School Box was a play off of the Magic School Bus, a very popular animated educational children's television series show for children in the United States. It was based on a book series of the same name. The Magic School Box allows for a similar level of discovery that was hyperbolized in the Magic School Bus.

Sketching, AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, V-Ray, 3D Max

The Entryway. It creates moments of curiosity, discovery and exploration.

Over the years, I've collaborated with the esteemed global entrepreneur, Gary Mack, and my 3D Designer, Niko Perkovic, a brilliant 3D graphic artist to help me bring this vision to reality on a refined level.

Technology will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the product. The strive for immersive education encourages immersive technology, artificial intelligence and decentralized financial payments in the future. As the project develops, I will look for spatial technology to integrate into the mobile structures themselves to bring more convenience to the traveling aspect of the product.

The racial wealth gap in the United States, largely perpetuated by unequal access to quality education, was the primary influence behind this design. Research shows that many Black students in underserved communities lack access to specialized knowledge, a strong sense of community, and positive encouragement compared to their counterparts in more affluent areas.

To address this disparity, I reviewed the research of Chase Bank on the impact of unequal educational opportunities and used this data to inform the design. By incorporating elements that foster specialized knowledge, community building, and positive reinforcement, the design aims to provide students in underserved communities with the tools and support they need to succeed.

While this design alone cannot solve the complex issue of the racial wealth gap, it targets a key factor - access to quality education & support. By using data-driven solutions to address systemic inequalities, we can create spaces that have a meaningful impact on students' lives and their communities.

The biggest challenge was designing within the constraints of the Department of Transportation to develop a space that is functional, permissible by code and aesthetically invigorating.

It felt right. The world needs to see the intent, the thought and the appreciate for empathetic design.

I became a better man, entrepreneur and designer through the development of this project because it is a true passion project that wasn’t created to make money but to provide an appropriate solution to the problems we see today.

If you’d like to see more, visit www.guesscreative.com

Design has always been ingrained in me. I used to enjoy playing my playstation as a child. On the game, I would design everything. I designed my own characters, cars, shoes and environments. I pursued architecture to satisfy the combinations of my curiosity of art, physics and math. I studied design at the School of Architecture at University of Southern California, a top 10 architecture school at the time. I also explored footwear design at Pensole Footwear Design Academy, run by prolific designer, D’wayne Edwards. I have experience designing + building shipping container / modular homes, backyard offices / pool houses, logos / brand identities, footwear and experiential environments.

I design to create a cool, empathetic, healthy & more empowered world.

I was called to design. There are few things that bring me more satisfaction than bringing an idea to reality.

I design shipping container homes, mobile business trailers / pop up shops and affirmation apparel. I design to help others. I like to call it "designing first impressions."

I wish to design more projects that leave a positive impact through inspiration, utility, convenience or empowerment.

Open your eyes. Look at the world around you. Pay attention to what can be improved that interests you and figure out a way to do it to the best of your ability. Have fun. Create the world you want to see.

Consistency, experience, growth mindset, empathy, and having the eye for balance / form / shape / symmetry.

Good Design is useful, functional, aesthetic, simple, empathetic, durable and innovative.

Good design is creates good feelings. Good feelings lead to a better reality. That sounds like something worth investing in to me.

I would design my family estate compound so my loved ones can live safely near me. I want things like a basketball court, in-ground trampoline, lofted living units, and lots of plants.

I would like to bring a state of the art mobile classroom, the Magic School Box into reality.

Keep going, Keep growing.

Walter Herbst. Tadao Ando. Mies Van Der Rohe. Kanye West. Tinker Hatfield. David Adjaye. Leonardo Da Vinci. Steve Jobs. Bruce Lee. Benjamin Franklin. D'wayne Edwards, Quintin Williams & more

I love the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van Der Rohe & also the Lost House by David Adjaye. Those are awesome designs that exude modernity, detail, thoughtfulness and natural lighting.

I designed a 9920 SF Home made from 34 High Cube Shipping Containers for an NFL Player. It was approved for construction this year by the state of Florida. If constructed, it will be the largest, most thoughtful container home in the world. It is the perfect blend of cost efficiency, luxury and holistic design strategy.

Be honest with yourself on where you are today. Determine the direction that you're trying to get to and get to work. Be patient. Be diligent. Be creative. Find Mentors. Put in the work.

I would be an Amateur Boxer and/or Kickboxer, a real estate developer, a stock trader, & an entrepreneur. I am working towards realizing all of these.

Good Design is a creatively solved problem. Good Design can improve any industry, any market, any sector. Design is the combination of thought, strategy, execution, functionality and visual consideration.

My family, supportive friends, mentors & God.

The desire and will to create the world that I’d like to see. A more empowered & empathetic world.

I don’t consider myself a master. I am only 31 years old. I have much to see & much to Learn. I am developing and growing within my craft through experience and a multidisciplinary skillset. I desire freedom. I sought more creative freedom at my first job. I had ideas to improve the campus that I worked at. I wanted to bring value to the entire campus but I was shut down. From there, I didn’t see my purpose there anymore. I wanted to make a real impact very early instead of just waiting until I earned the power to create the change I wanted to see. Similar to the experience Kyrie Irving had when we played with Lebron James. He wanted to challenge himself in ways that he didn’t feel that he was able to receive playing alongside Lebron James. I felt the same way. I knew that my ideas would make a difference. I found another path for myself to design shipping container spaces and today I’m extremely proud of the decision I made. Growing pains are inevitable. There will always be unknown unknowns. How you respond to a situation matters more than what happens.

Authentically and unapologetically.

Luxury movable business spaces. I'm looking to disrupt commercial real estate to give business owners more flexibility and control over how they introduce their business to the market.

To create my own environment, my own reality & to empower / inspire others through design.

They don’t know what to expect yet. As a conscious designer, I am evolving, growing and inspired by the world around me. I strive to exceed expectations and show up with new ideas and new patterns of thought.

Great Design Thinking is empathetic problem solving. The great designer’s mindset with a growth mindset is useful to society. Great design considers others, elicits thought / feeling and is aesthetically pleasing.

I am working on a Guesscreative luxury movable space. Movable spaces are the future. With the way technology has been exponentiating lately, decentralized building spaces will redefine building / property ownership, enabling both building owners and rental. This space will also serve as a mobile pop up shop & education space.

My Guesscreative Don Obsidian Signature Sneakers (available https://www.guesscreative.com/luxurysneakers). They are beautiful. I wear them all the time. The combination of materials allow me to wear the sneakers in different settings.

I’d like to see more designpreneurs leave their mark on the world.

Designpreneurship. Let’s Create Value for the World.

It depends on the project.

I start by asking questions to understand who I’m working with, what I'm working on and the problem that needs to be solved.

Keep Growing, Keep Flowing.

One implies the other. Trends set mediocre design. But Good design comes from authenticity.

Technology is a tool that needs to be embraced but not relied upon. I use Tech to support me in brainstorming, generating ideas, clarifying insights, & creating design proposals / pitch decks.

AutoCAD, Google Sketch-Up and Flow. I use a laptop and iPad. VR glasses will be next.

These considerations affect mood, feeling and the perception of a space. They create the "soul” of the space essentially.

“How did you come up with this design?”

Those are the first things that come to mind. I consider

“Why did they chose to design the product in this way”

I’d like to partner Major Brands globally who look to bring innovative solutions. An ideal design partner would be a Microsoft, Apple, Google, Willscot, Nike, Anta, the NBA, the NFL, etc. The list goes on. I am also interested in working with changemakers. The successful entrepreneurs who have vision. Co-design can be powerful especially if there is synergy.

There is no one influence. I take what’s useful and what resonates with me and leave the rest. I find inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and incorporate my design skillset.

Think & Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill, The Strangest Secret - Earl Nightingale, The Win Without Pitching Manifesto - Blair Enns, The Architect & Entrepreneur, car design books, shoe design books, etc.

To master any skill, one must believe in self. One must stay consistent. One has to be able to articulate their vision clearly. A master designer is empathetic. One must be willing to fail and learn the lessons that follow. One must never quit but still needs to stay adaptable and humble enough to move with the past of least resistance. To master design, one must practice awareness. One must know how to ask the right questions to understand the design problem that needs to be solved. One has to connect their mind to their “pen”.

I’d love to speak with an old Atlantean King named Thoth. He founded an ancient Egyptian colony and he was recognized for his wisdom and understanding of life. It is speculated that he designed and built the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most impressive architectural / design feats that we’ve ever seen. I'd like to ask about his interpretations of the world we're in now.

I’m just getting started.

My favorite color is green. I don't want to imagine a world without it.

My favorite places so far have been Lisbon & Barcelona. I'd love to go back.

My favorite foods are crab legs, creamy pasta and a medium rib-eye steak. Delicious.

My favorite things are my jewelry. Accessories make a difference in your presentation.

My favorite season is spring. Everything comes alive.

My favorite Brand is Guesscreative. My Brand. We grow & flow.

I find it funny that design is still not truly respected in business when it is a clear value add. That'll change.

I enjoy the things that are free in life such as my family, my body, my health, my mindset, the sun, the plants in my office, meeting new amazing people & new opportunities.

It was. I created my first efforts of pneumatic architecture, sustainable architecture and tensile architecture through the forts I’d make using the furniture around me as a child. I learned how to use architectural design programs at 12 years old.

I see significant technological integration into our everyday lives. I see an improved life experience through the efforts of the continued awareness and empathy for themselves and the generations that follow.

Find more about me at www.guesscreative.com

I've been creative for as long as I can remember. I used to doodle on my homework & draw. I used to create forts in the woods. I customized everything I owned. I painted my bikes, chose to get my own name on custom jerseys, played create-a-player / customization playstation video games. As a teenager, I made a promise to my mother that I would design a home for her and my special needs sister. I wasn't able to do that, unfortunately. That was the beginning of my journey of becoming an impactful designer who has the audacity to try what brings me curiosity & puts in the work to grow and develop as a design thinker.

Guesscreative is a forward-thinking design company. We specialize in crafting impactful first impressions through innovative products such as mobile business trailers, branded shipping container structures, Electric Sports ATVs, signature apparel, designer sneakers, and positive mindset blog posts. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, and change-makers by providing them with assets to present themselves confidently and authentically.

Good Design is the prism through which problems are strategically, creatively & empathetically solved.

I enjoy designing space. Our environment has such a powerful affect on our being. Our environment makes us feel things both consciously and subconsciously.

Such a broad question. I have several favorites. It depends on the design type. My favorite Car designs are the Aston Martin Vantage, the Ferrari 512 TR & the Rezvani Tank. My favorite shoe designs are my green & gold pair of T-Mac 2.0s and the Jordan XI's. My favorite historical building design is the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van Der Rohe. My favorite book design is the 50th Law by 50 Cent & Robert Greene. My favorite spiritual design is the design of self. I am fascinated with the concept that with awareness, intent patience and humility, one can truly sculpt the best version of him / herself.

I designed a corporate office cubicle floor plan layout for a defense company.

Suede / Youtube / Artificial Intelligence

Wherever I am able to sit with my thoughts. Driving, Showers, Baths, Walks in Nature or after an enjoyable dance sessions.

The problem that needs to be solved. I then make sure it looks good.

Excitement. Curiosity. Empathy. Elation. Pleasure. Fixation / Focus / Flow.

Other times, it feels like second nature and I feel nothing. I just allow my mind and hands to connect.

Excitement. Pride. Empathy. Elation. Pleasure. Admiration.

A design needs to be easily understood, simple, intentional, empathetic, useful, aesthetically pleasing, detailed, honest, durable & functional.

I look at form. I decide if I am drawn to the design & then I try to understand what is its function. It it useful?

We have as much responsibility as we can. If every designer strives to make empathetic design decisions

Design will continue to evolve to be valuable to all industries and markets. Strategic design thinking as a collective can change the world. The more we are able to connect consciousness to design, the further we can evolve as humans. Real design = Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, Consciousness or STEAM-C.

I’ve never created an exhibition for myself. I’ve actually never thought about it until now. I’d like to invest in creating one this year now, Thank You.

My design inspiration comes from my inner child. I was a kid who loved Create-A-Player / Car Customization Playstation Video Games, Explored the woods & forests, Developed within Hip Hop / R&B Culture, grew up in a Creative Loving Family. My source of inspiration is the belief in myself that my family encouraged me to explore. I used to sit on my video game to create the things I’d like to see in the world. With my architectural design experience, education and skillset, I am able to bring my ideas to reality. I am no longer playing the video game. I am bringing what I enjoyed creating on my playstation in real life. The idea is to provide value to the world so that I can in return create what the environment I want for me and my family.

Cool, Sleek, Thoughtful, Useful, Empathetic, Balanced, Fly, Innovative & Creative.

Los Angeles, CA but my roots are in Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas. I honestly feel more of a worldly influence. The essence of my design is rooted in my Blackness which isn’t a vision that is able to be expressed at a global scale often. I am grateful for the opportunity and growth of design as a respected skillset.

Currently, we design and management the fabrication of modular and mobile structures. As we continue to grow, I’d like to create design partnerships with businesses to help them improve their products or offer Guesscreative edition of their product.

Have a conversation. Make sure they understand business and see their work. Assess their consistency. Be aware of ego and make sure they will not design what they want, as opposed to what you need. Assess their interest in the project.

I ask as many questions that I can think of to understand the client, their needs, their budget, their intent and their vision. From there, I can create something that makes sense, looks good and meets their requirements.

My creative bedroom, my gold tower item holder, my bowflex dumbbells, and my laptop / iPad / phone.

Everyday incorporates creative design work, reading, strategizing, business calls, eating something delicious, doing something active (boxing, martial arts hiking, basketball, sprinting), talking to family & friends, staying up with current events and listening to music (Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, Rap).

If you enjoy designing, do it more. Act on what brings you excitement as much as you possibly can, to the best of your ability, with no expectation of what will happen. Your thoughts create your reality so think the thoughts you want to have. Allow negative ones to pass. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be patient. Don’t give up. Create more than you do now. Live more. Love more. Enjoy who you are as a person. Design your Life the way you want it to go. Be the change you want to see in the world. Use your skills to make something happen.

https://www.guesscreative.com/post/lessons-from-gaming-for-a-successful-life

https://www.guesscreative.com/post/never-stop-improving-the-mindset-of-a-great-designer

https://www.guesscreative.com/post/designing-for-a-better-future

Oftentimes, you see things others do not which means you may feel isolated at times. & Oftentimes, the profession isn’t as celebrated unless you’re at the top of the field. But the validation of others doesn’t outweigh the feeling of being able to see and intentionally create the world you live in. A true designer can create his own blissful life and professional experience. It’s difficult. It takes a long time and it takes continuous effort, unwavering confidence and the work needs to be put in.

Have a concept. What are you designing for?

It depends on the direction that the designer wants to take. A designer can design their own world or they can design the world of someone else. I believe that have the willingness to take calculated risks is invaluable. The designer needs to have the eye. A designer needs to be able to see a way to make the world a better place for all of us.

AutoCAD & Google Sketch are my tools. I’d like to learn archicad but I haven’t taken the time to sit down and learn since I’m not sure if we can modify shipping containers on there. I definitely have to include the help of artificial intelligence. It helps me save so much time. I just came across a brilliant book by Walter Herbst, called Mastering Product Innovation.

Sometimes it is difficult. If I’m in flow, a whole day can pass me by. I make sure that I get some sun, some good food and a workout in.

It depends on the type of project.

“Do You Like What You Do?”

Working with Kubed Living, designing custom shipping container homes for single family residential property owners allowed me to be able to control my time and take time to explore my own passions, curiosities and understandings of who I am / what I can contribute to this world while getting better at my craft.

I’ve designed for NFL Players, Corporate Companies, Start-Ups, Black Innovative Companies, College Universities, and Business owners.

I enjoy designing creative shipping container homes, custom modular structures, mobile business trailers & affirmation clothing. I enjoy the feeling of creating something that makes my clients feel inspired, happy, pleased or grateful.

I look to create to the scalable, replicable mobile business experiential Trailers for companies globally. These will allow companies to have a deployable physical environmental asset at their disposable.

I develop the designs myself and then work with my visual artist to make things look polished.

I have three homes under construction with Kubed Living that will be exceptionally pleasing to complete. One home is a 3500 SF modern fireproofed steel modular home with a 1950’s cantilevered triangulated roof overhang. It is intriguing and the client loves it but it is a heavy challenge. We are working with a good team.

Visit www.guesscreative.com or email gueston@guesscreative.com

Design the world you want to see & then bring it to life. Lead by example. Let the next person see that they can do more for themselves too. I am grateful for the platform. I hope you enjoy the Magic School Box Design. It brought me joy to design.

The '90s represent a transformative era of bold self-expression, creative freedom, and cultural pride. From the vibrant hues of streetwear fashion to the rhythms of New Jack Swing, the decade fostered individuality and collective empowerment. This essence inspired the design of the Magic School Box, merging bold visuals, like the graphic sketch of a brain on the exterior, with functional beauty. These visuals ignite curiosity and creativity while reflecting the resilience and brilliance of Black culture. Students are immersed in an environment that celebrates identity, encouraging them to explore, collaborate, and innovate with confidence, just as the '90s cultivated cultural ingenuity. The aesthetic sets the tone for dynamic engagement, fostering a sense of pride and connection.

AI and blockchain transform the learning landscape by enabling tailored, hands-on experiences. AI powers virtual reality career simulators, immersing students in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and creative industries. This approach allows them to explore career paths and develop technical skills early. While still conceptualized, the idea behind Blockchain integration is that it can securely track individual progress and credentials, providing an immutable record of achievements that follow students throughout their educational journey. These tools not only enhance learning but also build a strong foundation for self-directed growth, preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce with cutting-edge technology.

Growing up, my educational journey was driven by curiosity and experiential learning, which allowed me to discover my passions and build my skills. I wanted to replicate this experience for students, particularly in Black communities, where access to quality resources can be limited. The Magic School Box is a tool to bridge that gap—offering a mobile, immersive learning space that meets students where they are. It's a manifestation of my belief in the power of exploratory, hands-on education to inspire self-discovery and unlock potential. By focusing on culturally relevant design and forward-thinking technology, it empowers students to dream big and pursue their passions unapologetically.

The Magic School Box was designed with mobility and adaptability in mind, ensuring it could travel to underserved communities while delivering a state-of-the-art learning experience. A key design consideration was maximizing space efficiency without compromising comfort or engagement. The layout was carefully planned to create individual zones for personal space while still fostering collaboration. During its development in the COVID era, spacing between students became a priority, allowing for safe distancing while maintaining interaction with the instructor and technology. Wall-mounted interactive screens encourage teamwork and accountability, while movable seating and modular furniture optimize flexibility, enabling the space to adapt to various teaching styles and activities.

Natural lighting is a cornerstone of the design, rooted in the understanding that exposure to sunlight profoundly impacts mental clarity, mood, and energy levels. Integrating large windows and a bright, open environment bridges the gap between modern design and the harmony of nature—an approach inspired by our ancestors who thrived in sync with the natural world. This feature promotes student well-being by reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing cognitive performance. Beyond aesthetics, it symbolizes a deeper commitment to holistic education—one that nurtures the whole student, mentally, physically, and emotionally, by connecting them to the natural rhythms of life.

The vision for the Magic School Box has continuously evolved to align with advancements in technology and shifts in educational priorities. While spacing and safety were initially paramount during the pandemic, the rapid growth of technology over the past few years has opened new possibilities. Today, the focus is on integrating cutting-edge tools like VR headsets and career simulators to offer students immersive, experiential learning opportunities. These tools allow youth to explore diverse career paths and develop practical skills that prepare them for the future. The Magic School Box is now more than a mobile classroom—it’s a portal to self-discovery and limitless potential, designed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

The decompression zone is designed to act as a mental reset, creating a moment of pause between the outside world and the immersive learning environment within the Magic School Box. Inspired by retail store design, where decompression zones allow customers to transition into the store’s atmosphere, this space serves a similar purpose for students. As they enter, they are guided through an inspiring passageway of quotes, imagery, and messages from influential figures. This creates a sense of wonder and anticipation, helping students leave behind distractions or stress from their external environment. By fostering curiosity and intrigue, the decompression zone primes their minds for the transformational and collaborative learning experiences awaiting them. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to elevate readiness and engagement, making the entire educational process more meaningful.

The Magic School Box embodies the principle of “Reach One, Teach One,” scaling through partnerships with like-minded organizations, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about experiential learning. Its mobility makes it a global solution, adaptable to rural areas, urban centers, and underserved communities where traditional educational spaces are limited or inaccessible. By fostering curiosity and independent learning, it challenges outdated models that focus solely on rote memorization and rigid curriculums. Instead, it promotes creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. To scale globally, I envision collaborations with governments, NGOs, and forward-thinking educators who prioritize equity and innovation. The goal is to empower the next generation to think authentically and solve real-world problems, providing them with the tools, resources, and exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

Every element of the Magic School Box was designed to foster versatility and engagement, enabling seamless project-based learning across diverse subjects. Interactive wall-mounted screens provide digital interfaces for brainstorming, research, and presentation, while modular furniture can be rearranged to support group collaboration, individual focus, or workshop-style activities. The space’s open layout encourages movement and adaptability, making it suitable for everything from STEM projects to art installations. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge tools like VR headsets and simulators enhances experiential learning, allowing students to explore career pathways and real-world scenarios. This flexibility ensures that the Magic School Box is not just a classroom but a dynamic hub for creativity, experimentation, and skill-building.

The next evolution of the Magic School Box lies in leveraging data and feedback to refine the experience. By integrating sensors and tools to capture insights into how students use the space, we can design environments that better stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Partnering with forward-thinking school districts and educational organizations is key to scaling the concept and documenting success stories. As more communities see the tangible impact of this innovative model, the demand will grow, encouraging broader adoption. The ultimate vision is to cultivate the next generation of polymaths—individuals who excel across multiple disciplines by fostering a belief in their potential and exposing them to diverse opportunities. This journey involves continuously pushing the boundaries of design and technology to create inclusive, transformative spaces that inspire lifelong learning and self-empowerment. Guesscreative is here to create real impact through design thinking.