Designer, author, and artist Dabito has transformed what began as an impulsive romantic decision into his first custom-built dream home in New Orleans. Moving to the city on his third date might sound like something out of a romantic comedy, but for the creative professional, it became the foundation for an ambitious architectural project that would honor local heritage while conquering the region's notoriously challenging climate.

The love story began in New York City, where Dabito was living when his lease expired. "I was living in NYC, my lease was up, and then I met this really amazing guy in Montauk for our first date," Dabito explains. "We just clicked, kept in touch, and by our third date, I figured, Why not try New Orleans?" That spontaneous decision led to a life-changing move and eventually to building a custom home with his now-husband, Ryan.

The couple's ambitious project resulted in a 2,400-square-foot, two-story home complete with a pool and cabana, strategically located in one of New Orleans' historic neighborhoods. However, the primary challenge wasn't aesthetic or structural—it was creating a space that could remain comfortable year-round in one of America's most unforgiving climates. New Orleans summers bring what Dabito describes as "superhot, humid, sticky, and heavy" conditions that can make even the most beautiful homes uninhabitable without proper climate control.

For Dabito, climate control wasn't treated as an afterthought to be hidden away, but rather as an integral component of the home's overall design philosophy. "We started by mapping out the function and flow of a space," he says. "A lot of that initial planning is making sure things like Trane condensers, vents, outlets, and switches are in the right—or hidden—spots." The home features a Trane XV18 variable-speed heat pump system that maintains consistent comfort throughout the entire residence, regardless of the extreme weather conditions outside.

The material palette and design elements throughout the home reflect New Orleans' distinctive eclectic spirit while maintaining modern functionality. The couple selected herringbone oak floors from Stuga, vibrant zellige tiles from Zia Tile, and playful wallpaper from Backdrop to create visual interest and character. Throughout the residence, elliptical arches—a signature element of local architectural tradition—create visual continuity that ties the home to its historic neighborhood context.

The thoughtful integration of climate control technology has created a home where comfort enhances rather than competes with design aesthetics. Dabito's favorite space exemplifies this philosophy: the living room, which features ceiling-mounted speakers for karaoke nights, benefits from consistent temperatures and smart home technology. The Trane Home app allows the couple to control the temperature from anywhere, ensuring optimal comfort even during their most enthusiastic musical performances.

"New Orleans summers are no joke," Dabito says with a laugh, acknowledging the reality that influenced every design decision in their custom home. The successful marriage of cutting-edge climate technology with respectful nods to local architectural heritage demonstrates how modern homeowners can create spaces that are both beautiful and livable, even in the most challenging environments. The project represents Dabito's evolution from designer to homeowner, proving that thoughtful planning can create a residence where every element—from decorative details to mechanical systems—works in harmony.