Luxury has changed.

Not long ago, prestige was measured by square footage, imported materials, and a coveted address. Today, those attributes are merely the starting point. The most sophisticated buyers are seeking something less tangible but arguably more valuable: a home that reflects who they are, how they live, and how they aspire to feel.

That evolution is precisely what brought together internationally recognized designer Giselle Koy and Christie's International Real Estate advisor Edward Sternberg in a collaboration that is redefining the relationship between design, lifestyle, and luxury real estate.

While the partnership may seem unconventional at first glance, both believe it emerged naturally from observing the same challenge from different vantage points.

“We kept arriving at the same conclusion,” says Koy. “The market doesn’t need more beautiful homes. It needs more meaningful homes. Design should create an emotional connection. It should tell a story about the people who live there and the life they want to create.”

For Sternberg, the realization came through observing how buyer expectations have evolved.

“Buyers have become far more discerning,” he explains. “They’re not simply evaluating finishes or floor plans anymore. They’re evaluating experiences. They’re asking themselves whether a home aligns with their lifestyle, their values, and the way they want to live.”

The partnership was born from a shared belief that design and real estate have become inseparable disciplines at the highest levels of the market.

Koy brings an international perspective shaped by decades of work in luxury residential, hospitality, wellness, and development projects. Her approach extends beyond aesthetics, incorporating psychology, functionality, wellness, and cultural influences into every environment she creates.

Sternberg’s path is equally multidisciplinary. Before entering luxury real estate, he earned a Juris Doctor degree and built a career with Fortune 500 technology companies, experiences that continue to influence his analytical approach to market strategy, negotiation, and positioning. Today, through Christie’s International Real Estate, he advises luxury homeowners, builders, and developers on market positioning, buyer psychology, and the evolving expectations of affluent consumers throughout Austin’s most sought-after enclaves.

Together, they occupy a unique intersection between vision and market intelligence.

“What intrigued me about working with Edward was how naturally he understands the relationship between design and value,” says Koy. “Most people see design and real estate as separate conversations. He recognizes that exceptional design can shape perception, create emotional connection, and ultimately influence how a property performs in the market.”

The timing of the collaboration is particularly significant.

Austin’s luxury market has matured dramatically over the last decade. As inventory has expanded and buyers have become more discerning, simply building larger homes is no longer enough to command attention. Differentiation has become essential.

The pair believes many developers and spec builders still approach projects through a traditional lens—prioritizing construction, then design, then marketing as separate stages of a process.

Their model reverses that thinking.

Instead, design intent, buyer psychology, lifestyle programming, and market positioning are considered from the outset.

“The most successful luxury properties aren’t created at the end of the process,” says Sternberg. “They’re created at the beginning. Every decision—from architecture to amenities to the way a home is ultimately presented to the market—should support a singular vision.”

That vision is amplified by the global reach of Christie’s International Real Estate, a brand whose origins trace back more than 250 years to the world’s most renowned auction house.

For Sternberg, Christie’s provides access to an international audience that increasingly views Austin as a destination for investment, relocation, and lifestyle.

For Koy, the partnership offers an opportunity to influence projects beyond the traditional scope of interior design.

“Whether it’s a private residence, a ranch retreat, a wellness destination, or a luxury development, the goal is always the same,” she says. “We’re creating environments that elevate people’s lives and foster a deeper connection to the way they live.”

Ultimately, both see their collaboration as a response to a broader shift in luxury itself.

The future of luxury is becoming less about acquisition and more about intentionality.

It is no longer enough for a home to be impressive.

It must be personal.

It must be authentic.

And increasingly, it must be designed with purpose long before it ever reaches the market.

In a city that continues to attract innovators, entrepreneurs, and global tastemakers, Koy and Sternberg believe Austin is uniquely positioned to lead that evolution.

“The future of luxury isn’t about excess,” says Koy. “It’s about intention. The most memorable homes are the ones that create an emotional connection the moment you walk through the door.”

And in today’s market, that distinction may make all the difference.