Matthew Kleinrock
Elegant gender-neutral playroom photo in DC Metro with beige walls

Photo: Jennifer M. Ramos © 2018 Houzz
Example of a cottage chic l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Austin with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash, white appliances and brown countertops

The industrious clients came to us with dreams of a new garage structure to provide a home for all of their passions. The design came together around a three car garage with room for a micro-brewery, workshop and bicycle storage – all attached to the house via a new three season porch – and a native prairie landscape and sauna structure on the roof. Designed by Jody McGuire Photographed by Corey Gaffer

Starr Homes, LLC
Family room - rustic dark wood floor family room idea in Dallas with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Tuscan white one-story exterior home photo in Miami with a hip roof

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

This 1959 Mid Century Modern Home was falling into disrepair, but the team at Haven Design and Construction could see the true potential. By preserving the beautiful original architectural details, such as the linear stacked stone and the clerestory windows, the team had a solid architectural base to build new and interesting details upon. The small dark foyer was visually expanded by installing a new "see through" walnut divider wall between the foyer and the kitchen. The bold geometric design of the new walnut dividing wall has become the new architectural focal point of the open living area.

Inspiration for a country white two-story wood and board and batten exterior home remodel in Baltimore with a metal roof

With Select, you can store a range of items and accessories in your pantry. Choose drawers and chrome baskets to store bags of chips, ovenmits, table covers, and more.

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly. This is far more than a swimming pool. It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience. A Client With a True Rockstar Life The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality. His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful. The Design Vision Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky. The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater. Repurposed Materials Used as Art Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components: Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting 3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space. Artistic Features and Highlights The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as: A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line Guitar-shaped fire features Backlit album panels positioned just above the water A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details. Engineering Challenges and Solutions Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included: Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it. The Legendary Team This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including: Al Curtis – Designer and builder Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment. A Client Who Trusted the Process As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities. The Final Result The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

Wild flower meadow next to the lake and apple orchards showcasing Upstate New York apple production. Some areas mowed for entertaining and tents.
Inspiration for a huge rustic drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard stone vegetable garden landscape in New York for spring.

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

Timeless Palm Springs glamour meets modern in Pulp Design Studios' bathroom design created for the DXV Design Panel 2016. The design is one of four created by an elite group of celebrated designers for DXV's national ad campaign. Faced with the challenge of creating a beautiful space from nothing but an empty stage, Beth and Carolina paired mid-century touches with bursts of colors and organic patterns. The result is glamorous with touches of quirky fun -- the definition of splendid living.

Example of a large backyard concrete paver and rectangular pool house design in DC Metro

2019 Addition/Remodel by Steven Allen Designs, LLC - Featuring Clean Subtle lines + 42" Front Door + 48" Italian Tiles + Quartz Countertops + Custom Shaker Cabinets + Oak Slat Wall and Trim Accents + Design Fixtures + Artistic Tiles + Wild Wallpaper + Top of Line Appliances

Light-filled home office with plaid wallcovering, wood desk, and cozy chair near windows.
Example of an arts and crafts home office design in San Francisco