Justin and Kelly Harris are two creative professionals who have embarked on a remarkable journey from the corporate hustle of the United States to the serene beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand. Their story begins in the bustling environment of Walt Disney Imagineering, where they first crossed paths in 2010. Kelly, originally from Pennsylvania, brought her expertise in interior design, while Justin, hailing from Chicago, contributed his architectural background.

Over the last fifteen years, their lives have transformed significantly, with their latest chapter unfolding in Thailand. Their relocation to Asia began in 2013 when they were assigned to Shanghai to help design and build Shanghai Disneyland. This experience not only introduced them to a new culture but also opened doors for extensive travel across Asia. They frequently visited Thailand, developing a fondness for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Though they returned to Los Angeles in 2016, the allure of Asia remained strong, prompting them to seek a reason to return.

Before settling in Koh Samui, Kelly worked on designing interiors for private jets with Gulfstream in New York City, while Justin focused on restaurant design in Miami. Their next career move took them to Singapore in February 2022, where they enjoyed a high-quality lifestyle characterized by safety, cleanliness, and efficiency. Despite these advantages, they found themselves trapped in a relentless corporate cycle, with little time for leisure or each other. Their Rottweiler, Raja, also struggled with the confines of shared living in a condominium.

In search of a better lifestyle, they took a holiday to Koh Samui, where they immediately fell in love with the island's charm. Inspired by their experience, they began discussing the possibility of purchasing a vacation home there. This sparked deeper reflections on their lives, culminating in the bold decision to leave their corporate jobs and relocate to Koh Samui full-time in July 2023. They now reside in the very location where the latest season of HBO’s acclaimed series 'The White Lotus' was filmed, with friends appearing as extras on set.

Upon their move, the couple secured a 'Smart Visa' issued through the Thailand Bureau of Investment, a program that attracts entrepreneurial talent looking to invest in targeted industries. One of their top priorities was ensuring that their beloved dog, Raja, could move with them, which added layers of complexity to their transition.

Navigating the real estate market in Koh Samui proved to be one of their most significant challenges. Unlike the structured environments of Los Angeles, house hunting on the island required a different approach, as less than 50% of properties are listed online, with many sales occurring through personal networks.

Adjusting to island life also meant adapting to a less predictable and more flexible way of living. This transition has taught them to embrace flexibility and humor in the face of challenges. Kelly and Justin have also committed to taking Thai language lessons, although they found that some similarities to Mandarin, which they learned while living in China, only added to the confusion.

Starting their own architecture and design firm, SnobBirds, has been a key part of their new life. Their studio operates on a flexible project-based model, allowing them to choose the work they are passionate about. While their hours can vary dramatically—ranging from intense weeks of over 60 hours to lighter weeks of around 20—they now have the freedom to embrace island life more fully.

In Koh Samui, the couple spends their free time exploring the island, taking road trips, and enjoying the rich culinary offerings. They appreciate the accessibility of authentic Thai food, which often costs less than $10, while recognizing that imported goods can be quite expensive.

The welcoming expat community and the lower cost of living are significant advantages of their new home. They purchased their Koh Samui home outright for just one-third of what they paid for their previous house in Los Angeles and pay no mortgage, allowing for a more manageable lifestyle. Although they cherish their new surroundings, they miss their families and friends back in the U.S. and make an effort to return home once a year.

The Harrises remain open to the possibility of returning to the States but have no set timeline. Their families have welcomed the chance to visit and experience the beauty of Asia, enriching their lives as they continue to build their new story in Koh Samui.