For me the choice and quality of material is paramount.
Mastergrade soundboards in European Spruce. Backs and Sides selected not only for their excellent tap-tones but to highlight the grain and natural beauty of the wood.
Simple uncluttered detail, bindings made of the same wood as the sides. Fingerboard and Bridge in perfectly quartered wood with crisp, accurate detail.
The head plate is designed to complement the back of the guitar. The Machine Heads are best quality Rogers or Perona.
I start from a drawing, if it works on paper it will work as a finished instrument.