Building with Intent: The Visionary Journey of Willie Tarver III

A Luxe List Preferred Partner + Elitist Member

In the refined world of high-end residential architecture, few names carry the quiet force and soulful vision of Willie Tarver III. As the founder and principal designer of Intent Design, Tarver has carved a unique path through Atlanta’s luxury design landscape—driven not only by skill and ambition, but by deep faith and an unwavering passion for the craft.

From a young age, Tarver knew his purpose. At just five years old, he declared to his mother that he wanted to be an architect—defying the expectation that he might pursue sports. That early conviction never wavered. By 18, he found himself at Turner Associates, thanks to what he humbly describes as "the favor from the Holy Spirit." There, under the guidance of renowned architect Oscar Harris, Tarver fell in love with the field and never looked back.

After years of experience across commercial, hospitality, and eventually high-end residential projects, Tarver’s calling became clear: creating intentional, one-of-a-kind custom homes that reflect his clients’ deepest aspirations. In 2016, he founded Intent Design, a boutique architecture firm rooted in collaboration, excellence, and personal connection. The firm quickly gained traction in Atlanta’s elite real estate circles, known for crafting homes that are as structurally sound as they are soulful.

Tarver’s approach is refreshingly human. He listens deeply—to his clients' words, tone, expressions, and even their hesitations. Every detail matters. Rather than simply executing a vision, he refines and elevates it, drawing from international travels and a lifelong study of design traditions across cultures and eras. Whether clients arrive with Pinterest boards or vague ideas, Tarver works to uncover the essence of what they truly want, translating inspiration into architectural artistry.

Scaling the firm, however, wasn’t without its trials. Like many entrepreneurs, Tarver faced long nights, tight budgets, and the challenge of doing it all solo in the beginning. But his greatest lesson came in shifting from working harder to working “higher”—learning to solve problems from a strategic, growth-oriented mindset, rather than staying stuck in the weeds. That mindset shift, inspired by teachings from thought leaders like Myron Golden and guided by his spiritual foundation, became a catalyst for longevity.

In a field where reputation is everything, Tarver has built a thriving business primarily through word-of-mouth. His clients—ranging from athletes and music producers to community leaders and developers—become ambassadors, not just for his work, but for the experience of working with him. With each project treated like a “one of one,” Intent Design continues to redefine what it means to live luxuriously—with intention.

Today, Intent Design serves clients across the country, offering everything from architectural design and construction administration to property assessments and on-site coordination. Tarver remains deeply involved in every aspect of the process, maintaining a level of care that sets his firm apart.

At its core, Intent Design isn’t just about beautiful homes. It’s about legacy, trust, and creating spaces that feel deeply personal. As Tarver often says, the home is a refuge and he’s committed to making sure every client arrives there safe and sound.