Karla Cogburn-Morrel

By Iain Mackenzie

“There is no such thing as a problem, only challenges to learn from and overcome,” says Karla Cogburn-Morrel, a woman of considerable talent. She started as a dedicated home designer back in the 1980s, but, heeding the advice of her mentor and brother, she soon decided to learn the art of construction. Her brother, Bill, ignited the idea of merging design and construction that led to the birth of Eclectic-Maison Renovation & Design, LP.

This hands-on attitude and penchant for going above and beyond are evident in every aspect of her work. From staying on or under budget to her exemplary record with the Better Business Bureau, Karla puts her money where her mouth is in a way that makes her company stand out. In fact, when Living Magazine first tried to contact her for an interview, it had to be rescheduled because she was busy pouring concrete for a new build with her concrete crew.

Leading From the Frontlines

Karla’s lead from the front approach is backed by a wealth of experience. Her company has operated in Southlake and surrounding areas with a spotless record for over 25 years. Karla has gathered a very experienced and highly qualified crew as a result, most of which have worked with Eclectic for years.

Recently, Karla opened a satellite office in the Cedar Creek Lake area yet continues to concentrate on the North Tarrant County area. Eclectic understands the importance of clients seeking a company that focuses on their individual needs and not only “the big picture” of a subdivision or mass development. So, Karla Cogburn-Morrel is just the contractor to turn to. “Not many can say this, but I love my job. I have gotten offers to go into home development with the big dogs, but I like the boutique approach using my creativity to match each client’s construction needs,” she said when asked about her choice to stay in single home design. “I sparkle being out in the field focused on day-to-day progress. My client is my boss. I want to be there focused on every nail driven and every build and design aspect.”

Putting Words Into Action

As with everything Karla does, her words are backed by actions. “Karla, with her Eclectic team worked with me to bring my 1979 outdated home up to a lovely ranch home, which helped me sell it for top dollar. She used qualified trades, completed the job early, got green tags with every city inspection … and by the way, she was on the job site to oversee the progress and communicate daily,” writes one of many happy customers.

With every project she undertakes, Karla proves that she has an unmatched eye for detail and a commitment to her clients. It is not surprising that her greatest inspiration is the famous 1920 architect and designer Elsa de Wolfe, first female architect/designer in America, who famously said, “I am going to make everything around me beautiful — that will be my life.”

Karla Cogburn-Morrel, with her company, Eclectic-Maison Renovation & Design, LP, embodies these words with both the physical beauty of their projects as well as in their creativity when overcoming challenges, genuine care for clients’ individual needs, and their dedication to honesty.

(Thank you to Expressions Home Gallery for the loan of their exquisite showroom tub)