--- title: "Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/marty-rhein-ckd-cbd-bac-design-group-pfvwus-pf~847353646 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847353646.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/eba34f540f24b67e_9399-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 6445, Traverse City, Michigan 49696, United States" latitude: 44.8162 longitude: -85.5751 phone: "(231) 941-0014" website: http://www.bacdesigntc.com rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 239 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group Original Houzz profile: [Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/marty-rhein-ckd-cbd-bac-design-group-pfvwus-pf~847353646) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Traverse City, MI - **Serves:** Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Greilickville, Chums Corner, Lake Leelanau, Acme, Old Mission, Williamsburg - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Kitchens and baths are two spaces people are most passionate about. Just two reasons why BAC Design Group’s team consists of experts in those areas as well as all areas of design, construction and craftsmanship. And, while we keep up with all of the latest trends in our industry, we do not blindly follow them. Rather, we strive to creatively provide our clients with thoughtful solutions to their particular desires and needs. Our full range of services can meet almost any design-build requirement. And because we respect your time and value your input, you will work directly with the lead designer at every phase of your project, receiving immediate responses and the most accurate answers to any questions you may have. This customer-focused attitude, along with our expertise in interior and exterior architectural design, our direct buying power, our extensive product knowledge, and our dedication to value-engineering – keeping our finger on the pulse of costs at every level – all combine to offer you an enjoyable and worry-free building experience from start to finish. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Basement Remodeling - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Traverse City - Elk Rapids - Greilickville - Chums Corner - Lake Leelanau - Acme - Old Mission - Williamsburg ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group | | Address | PO Box 6445, Traverse City, Michigan 49696, United States | | Phone | (231) 941-0014 | | Website | http://www.bacdesigntc.com | | License Number | 1068646 - NKBA CKD, CBD | | Followers on Houzz | 239 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/marty-rhein-ckd-cbd-bac-design-group-pfvwus-pf~847353646) - **Website:** http://www.bacdesigntc.com - **Phone:** (231) 941-0014 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CKD - NKBA Certified Kitchen DesignerCBD - NKBA Certified Bath DesignerNKBA - National Kitchen & Bath Association Member - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Kenna and Michael McDonald, Jan. 2017** > Marty was an integral part of transforming our 1980s dated home from a layout and design disaster to our dream home! We were so impressed with his ability to bring our dreams to life literally before our eyes (sketching on his notepad upside down no less). He took a very funky floor plan and turned it into a very functional flow and made sure we maximized our useable space. The renovation included adding a master bath, gutting and rehabbing a guest bath, and creating a great room with a fireplace, all new window layout, and adding a large shed style dormer above our garage. He was very resourceful with local and online vendor ideas and helpful throughout the construction process as well. Next project is our kitchen renovation and we are so excited thanks to Marty's drawings and plans. > A note from my husband: > "Thank you again, Marty. You overhauled our home and we could not be happier. Your talents are immense and you made me love our home. Anytime somebody asks me for a designer, you are first on our list." **★★★★★ — Thomas Gartland, Jan. 2017** > We contracted with Marty to provide the bathroom and common area selections in the remodeling of our office building in Traverse City, Michigan. His performance was outstanding and very timely **★★★★★ — Shelley Kester, Dec. 2016** > Marty Rhein is one of those professionals who makes the experience so easy and pleasurable you can forget that unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Marty designs to the needs of his clients, delivers "wow" factor at a reasonable and fair price. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else. Marty helped design my first office space. I ventured out to try another designer for a second office, and quickly learned I had been spoiled by the talents, professionalism and ease of his collaboration. My husband and I quickly went back to Marty for remodeling of our home - and we are so very delighted. Marty will always be our go to professional for design. My husband and I couldn't be more pleased with Marty Rhein! **★★★★★ — Jay and Maureen Berger, Dec. 2016** > Marty is a “rock star” but he doesn’t know it or act like it. We’ve been marinating for several month on an appropriate review for Marty’s help with the building of our custom home. He’s a true professional, client focused, thoughtful and super skilled. > > The other Houzz reviews are spot on. His ability to sketch different design options was a huge help in many of our decisions. He’s a great listener and he often teased us that if there was something he felt wasn’t in our best interest he would subtly push back three times . . . and then move on. His ability to communicate with our general contractor (Dean Adams) and the respective subcontractors was based on mutual respect and a commitment to getting things right for the client. There was no in fighting or drama, which really made our project fun. > > As skilled as Marty is in the art of design, the thing we always think of first is his gentle and kind manner. He’s really a wonderful person and a treat to work with. We are huge fans!! **★★★★★ — rportenga, March 2016** > Marty has been helping us design our new home. He has a unique ability to fine tune our ideas into a very workable and fun project. He has been able to guide us to an awesome project being practical about staying within our budget goals. He has been very prompt when he says he is going to get back to us with any updates and has been an overall pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — tfoley1865, Feb. 2016** > Marty is a wealth of knowledge. We did a total remodel and he helped guide us in every aspect of the design. He listened to us both and always gave us options that met our needs beautifully plus having the ability to take our idea an expand it to something we would have never thought of. Marty's big picture thought process and his ability to sketch a drawing in minutes helped us to vision a completed project. > > Very Responsive to the builders, trades and our needs. **★★★★★ — lizenby, Feb. 2016** > How can I express what a treasure Marty Rhein is?!! I didn't know where to start so I read all his reviews from other clients and I couldn't agree more with all they said. I would never do another project without him. > > He is the type of person you look forward to going over ideas with and can't wait to see what he thinks. He listens to what you want and gives you ideas to make it even better. He is so talented at what he does and creates on the fly. For the person who needs to see something to know if they like it, Marty can whip up a pencil drawing as you discuss ideas. Amazing! > > Marty treated us and our home like he lived here. Nothing was "good enough". If something wasn't up to his high standard he would make sure it was corrected. Always easy to contact and quick to respond. Never made you feel like you were inconveniencing him. > > He spent time helping us pick out the materials that we would not just be happy with, but love and be excited about. He shows up on the job site to make sure things are going as planned and works out details with the subcontractors. > > Marty and Dean Adams with Bay Area Contracting remodeled our main floor and I couldn't be happier. They are a great team and do quality work. Wish them both continued success!! **Comment from Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group:** > Wow, I am humbled by your thought-filled and very kind words - thank you so much! > Marty **★★★★★ — jasonidziak, Jan. 2016** > Wonderful with every step of our project. Marty helped make our visions into our home. His customized drawings helped us visualize and made the building process much smoother. We could not have what we have today without him! **★★★★★ — jamesmcnamara, Dec. 2015** > My wife and I own a vacation home in Traverse City that required extensive renovation. In that our primary residence is 250 miles away in Ann Arbor, undertaking a major renovation was a challenge. We worked with Marty for two years planning and executing our project. The success of our renovation was due in great part to Marty’s genius in knowing what we wanted in general and then filling in the many detail required in such a project. > Marty can think and draw on the fly, as happened at our dining room table during our early conversations about the project. He redrew the overall plan for the renovation on several occasions in an efficient and effective manner, again taking into consideration what we wanted and always conscious of our budget. We then went with him to vendors well known to him to pick granite, tile, plumbing and electrical fixtures, etc. He also proposed several color pallets that were appropriate for our home. His expertise in designing our new kitchen and baths became obvious as our choices were made. > One of Marty’s strongest attributes is the ability to work with his clients. He is a very nice person on all levels who truly enjoys what he does. He constantly was making suggestions to improve or project, and he did not hesitate to act on our behalf when we had to make decisions about some of the details that required a timely decision. He is a warm and caring individual with strong ethical values. Both my wife and I consider him to be our personal friend whom we will continue to see now that our project is finished. He is part of our Traverse City family. > > Jim and Charlene McNamara > Ann Arbor, MI **★★★★★ — Karen Spencer, Dec. 2015** > Marty truly exemplifies the word professional. We found Marty by visiting BAC homes on the annual parade of homes in our area. I have dabbled in the residential construction business on and off for the past 25 years and have yet to find anybody with his level of talent and knowledge. We just finished an extensive remodel on a 60 year old waterfront home and thanks to Marty it looks fantastic. His ability to help visualize things is a great help to those who struggle when looking at a room or a whole house. Thank you Marty for helping us put together a beautiful home! **★★★★★ — goinplaces16, July 2015** > We engaged Marty to design renovations for a kitchen and 2 bathrooms for an older beach home. As we showed him about the rooms, he simply bubbled with marvelous ideas. He was sensitive to our budget while he developed ideas that made the very most of the budget and our space. He worked to be sure that the plan reflected our tastes and preferences, while expanding our horizons. It was a thorough pleasure working with him and we would absolutely recommend him. **★★★★★ — bmh1, Aug. 2014** > We selected a site for our new home that had a lot of size restrictions. There were few home plans from which to gain inspiration. We were having challenges with initial drawings fitting in all the rooms and features we wanted. Marty devised a layout that not only incorporated our wish list, but did it in a way that flows well and looks cool. I believe his years of working alongside builders helps him understand what's possible and what they are capable of creating within a given budget. > > Marty introduced me to Houzz, and from selections here of styles we liked, he came up with a sketch of a facade that hit the nail on the head. Today, we can't sit on our porch for ten minutes without passersby telling us how much they LOVE our house. I am so thankful to have had Marty's design expertise on board through the crazy process of design, selections, and construction, when he (ever so tactfully and politely) made suggestions to the build crew to ensure a great outcome -- not just for looks, but also for function. > > One of the great things about Marty is that, despite obvious talent, there is no ego in the way. He respects the homeowner. He didn't push us to stick with design elements where we had a different opinion. Instead, he made it work and was happy to revise until we were thrilled. > > I would recommend Marty for just about any project, but especially if you want to build a "not so big house" where great design is so important. ## Selected projects - [Lakeside in Leelanau](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-in-leelanau-pj-vj~5765162) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 38 - [Metropolitan Chic Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/metropolitan-chic-loft-pj-vj~6177197) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: This open loft condo with a “Metropolitan Industrial Chic” vibe, is particularly unique in that it sits four stories above a main thoroughfare in downtown Traverse City. A 180-degree view of West Bay and the beach can be enjoyed from the bank of windows and a large, open balcony. The design was centered on a palette of brick, rustic wood tones, and modern neutrals. The classic red brick on the building’s exterior inspired us to integrate the industrial loft look of exposed brick as a feature wal… - [Lodge Meets Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lodge-meets-cottage-pj-vj~6137764) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: This 3,738 Square Foot custom home resides on a lush, wooded hillside overlooking Arbutus Lake. The clients wanted to thoughtfully combine a “lodge” and “cottage” feel to their space. The home’s style has been affectionately and effectively called “Cott-odge” A beautiful blend of neutrals compose the home’s color palette to reflect the surrounding setting’s stone, sands, woods and water. White casework and rustic knotty beams round out the careful blend of “cott-odge” style. The great room’s mul… - [BAC Design Group Showroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bac-design-group-showroom-pj-vj~6177372) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - [Classically Coastal Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classically-coastal-custom-home-pj-vj~6137791) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: This classical coastal home with architectural details to match has well-placed windows to capture the amazing lakeside views of the property. The 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home was designed with an open floor plan to provide a casual flow from space to space and affording each room with waterside views. Lakeside blue, grey and white hues are incorporated into the home’s color palette and interspersed with warm wood tones. The classic and efficient custom kitchen with two large islands accommodates da… - [Modern Farmhouse with Bay View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-with-bay-view-pj-vj~5765117) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - [Heirloom Waterside Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/heirloom-waterside-remodel-pj-vj~6177355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home situated on East Bay accommodates modern waterside living, while uniquely integrating antique architectural elements. This storied home had undergone previous remodels and the floor plan had to be entirely reworked to accommodate the open living space the clients desired. Historically the home was a fishing shanty that had a steel frame, upper level addition constructed over it. Collaborating with the architect, builders and homeowners, we were able to regenerate… - [West Bay Waterfront Walkout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bay-waterfront-walkout-pj-vj~2789916) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 44 - [In Town Beach View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-town-beach-view-pj-vj~2315294) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Open floor plan house for an active family on the beach. - [The Modern Family Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-modern-family-basement-pj-vj~6137803) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This active family entrusted our team to design a modern, yet casual lower level living space with an industrial twist. The space was designed to feel aesthetically warm and inviting, while able to accommodate the family’s activities in an open floor plan. With ample space for watching movies and sports, playing shuffleboard, exercising in the workout room, and practicing golf swings in the golf simulator, this basement can accommodate an assortment of hobbies. The layout was thoughtfully planne… - [Classic Kitchen Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-kitchen-refresh-pj-vj~2789965) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [West Bay Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bay-haven-pj-vj~2223581) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 28 - [West Bay Remodel - Maximizing Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bay-remodel-maximizing-views-pj-vj~2223549) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 24 - Description: Mid Century Ranch Remodel, white kitchen, grey accents, white subway tile, stainless farm sink, stainless appliances, pendant lighting, open kitchen, peninsula hood, water views, sleek style, Cambria, quartz, cabinet pulls, cylinder chandelier, cylinder pendants, Kohler, Emtek, dark wood floors, Mid century fireplace, ship lap, wainscot, ship lap island panels, white and dark wood trim - [Lakemore Retreat Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakemore-retreat-cottage-pj-vj~1286441) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Lakemore Retreat Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakemore-retreat-lodge-pj-vj~1286445) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - [From Northwest to Up North](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-northwest-to-up-north-pj-vj~6177220) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 32 - Description: The owners of this 2-story hilltop property overlooking Arbutus Lake moved from Seattle to Northern Michigan to build their dream house, complete with private frontage and idyllic water views. They collaborated closely on the design and construction, envisioning an energy-efficient, 3-bedroom, 3.5- bath lodge-style dwelling comprising rustic yet refined elements. The resulting 3230-square foot home evokes a sense of permanence and tradition. - [Interior Design - Elk Rapids Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-design-elk-rapids-residence-pj-vj~133847) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [East Bay Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-bay-remodel-pj-vj~981369) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Grand View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-view-pj-vj~382808) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [East Bay Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-bay-views-pj-vj~405574) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 41 [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/marty-rhein-ckd-cbd-bac-design-group-pfvwus-pf~847353646) ## Community Q&A **Q: what are your hardwood floors?** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of hardwood floors are these? A: Hello! And thank you for your interest in our design. The wide plank engineered hardwood is from Ferno – it "was" called Valencia, an Oiled finished European Oak by Casabella. I am not sure if this color is still available as this was done several years ago. That said, a quick search online garnered this info - https://www.casabellafloors.com/product-category/hardwood-flooring/ferno/ https://kaprizhardwoodfloors.com/product/ferno-valencia/ https://www.glamourflooringla.com/product/valencia-2/ I hope this helps! Cheers, Marty **Q: light fixture in bathroom** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the manufacturer and model name for the sconce in the bathroom A: Hi Amelia, Thanks so much for your interest in one our designs! That is a great sconce fixture from Restoration Hardware a while back but I’m afraid it may be discontinued. I did quick search and didn’t see it on their website - that said, I did another quick search of “chrome industrial sconce” and pulled this one up. Take look! Golden Lighting-3602-BA1 CH-CH-Duncan - 1 Light Bath Vanity Chrome Another similar one to consider is right from Houzz - “Polished Chrome Large Bell 1Lt Sconce w/Vintage LED Bulb” Hope this gets you at least started with finding a sconce you like! Cheers, Marty **Q: What color is island** *(in Photo Questions)* What color is island A: Hi Karla, Not really - unfortunately I think you’re seeing a color distortion on the computer/photo ... it’s more warm deep gray. Best to view an actual color chip at your local Sherwin Williams store. Hope that helps. Cheers, Marty **Q: can barn doors have a contemporary look?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can a barn door have a contemporary look? A: Hello, justjoans, Absolutely! A lot depends on the style and modern look you’re going for - here’s an example from Rustica - https://rustica.com/high-sierra-barn-door/ Also, consider the door slide hardware as well as the finish, materials, actual door, and roller design - these will all play in to help you achieve the modern look you're targeting. Finally, clearly there are many examples on houzz itself - still, here’s an article you might find helpful as well. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dwell.com/amp/article/modern-sliding-barn-doors-3cc55f39 Enjoy the day! **Q: what color on the wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, could you please share what paint color you have on the wall? A: Hello Cairnsma30! Thank you for the inquiry - yes, the paint color is a fantastic light neutral from Benjamin Moore called “Pale Oak” OC-20 https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-20/pale-oak?color=OC-20 Cheers! Marty **Q: Are the cabinets soft gray or white? It's hard to tell on electronics** *(in Photo Questions)* This is my all time favorite kitchen! I want to use this as my inspiration kitchen when I do a little DIY refresh to my own place soon. Thank you for answering! A: Hello, 1Busygal! Thank you for your interest and thoughtful compliment on this kitchen! The perimeter cabinet color is: Benjamin Moore "White Dove" OC-17 https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/OC-17/white-dove?color=OC-17 Have fun with your kitchen refresh and feel free to share photos! =) Cheers, Marty --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*