Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

Clerestory windows to bring in added light and save on wall space. Overall - single level modern home on golf course with peak-aboo mtn views. The design was an open concept with multiple sitting options. Kitchen is the hub of activity so adding an extra sitting area allows the chef to move freely while still engaging with guests in an open environment. The direction from the owner was to have lots of light and clear views of the mountains and golf course. She also wanted lots of wall space for art which was important to her. It's easy to put lots of windows in, but how do you decide which walls get windows and which get art? Regarding the lot: There’s a golf bunker near the lot so the challenge was to get up high enough, still be a single level home. We designed the home to step up from the garage to achieve views. Greg Welch Construction: http://gregwelchconstruction.com/ Interiors finishes: Legum Design: https://www.legumdesign.com/ Photo credit: Cheryl McIntosh of www.greatthingsaredone.com

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

Clerestory windows to bring in added light and save on wall space. Overall - single level modern home on golf course with peak-aboo mtn views. The design was an open concept with multiple sitting options. Kitchen is the hub of activity so adding an extra sitting area allows the chef to move freely while still engaging with guests in an open environment. The direction from the owner was to have lots of light and clear views of the mountains and golf course. She also wanted lots of wall space for art which was important to her. It's easy to put lots of windows in, but how do you decide which walls get windows and which get art? Regarding the lot: There’s a golf bunker near the lot so the challenge was to get up high enough, still be a single level home. We designed the home to step up from the garage to achieve views. Greg Welch Construction: http://gregwelchconstruction.com/ Interiors finishes: Legum Design: https://www.legumdesign.com/ Photo credit: Cheryl McIntosh of www.greatthingsaredone.com

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within. 2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

Our socially engaged, active client transplanted from the East Coast found a charming older home in Minneapolis that provided a home base in a new city. While the home had its charm, the dark interior didn’t provide the uplifting respite she desired. With a busy travel schedule and calendar full of after-hours social events, she was looking for a space to unwind at the end of a long day. She wanted to maximize her time at home, and a place to host friends pre-gala. We transformed an extra bedroom into a happy-hour type lounge with upholstered chairs and bar cart along with her Grandmother’s vanity and privacy screen for the ultimate pre-gala experience. In the kitchen, we replaced the dark cabinetry with open painted shelves to lighten the space and provide convenient access to her glassware, adding sparkle to the room. And perhaps most importantly, her bedroom is now a quiet, peaceful refuge with luxurious details that wrap her in warmth and relaxation. ---- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ---- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/deco-boutique-kitchen/

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements. Key Features: 1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property. 2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. 3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining. 4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness. 5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment. Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to: • Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association. • Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings. • Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners. The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements. Key Features: 1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property. 2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. 3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining. 4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness. 5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment. Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to: • Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association. • Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings. • Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners. The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

This project converted a builder design with entry level finishes into an elegant, "L Shaped", entertaining space that fit the needs of an active family. Off white Omega painted cabinets with a timeless recessed panel door design set the tone for a transitional setting. Lennon granite was used to partner the cabinets with the grey tones in the large format tile splash and the warmth of the oak flooring. A window was removed from the cooking wall to simplify the space and organize the work triangle in a way that guests would know where to sit and multiple cooks could operate without a congested setting. The sink was placed on the large island to allow the cook to be able to engage with the family room and whoever sits at the stools. Products include Thermador / Viking / Wolf appliances, Omega Dynasty Lorring - Magnolia Cabinets, Amerock hardware, and American Hardwood Flooring - red oak flooring.

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements. Key Features: 1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property. 2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. 3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining. 4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness. 5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment. Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to: • Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association. • Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings. • Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners. The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

This project converted a builder design with entry level finishes into an elegant, "L Shaped", entertaining space that fit the needs of an active family. Off white Omega painted cabinets with a timeless recessed panel door design set the tone for a transitional setting. Lennon granite was used to partner the cabinets with the grey tones in the large format tile splash and the warmth of the oak flooring. A window was removed from the cooking wall to simplify the space and organize the work triangle in a way that guests would know where to sit and multiple cooks could operate without a congested setting. The sink was placed on the large island to allow the cook to be able to engage with the family room and whoever sits at the stools. Products include Thermador / Viking / Wolf appliances, Omega Dynasty Lorring - Magnolia Cabinets, Amerock hardware, and American Hardwood Flooring - red oak flooring.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

This custom waterfront home is designed to take full advantage of our client’s gorgeous Centennial Lake property. They will have 180-degree waterfront views from the main level and walk-out basement. On the main level, the vaulted cathedral ceiling over the kitchen and great room is accented with custom wood trusses, and the dining room boasts a coffered 10′ ceiling. A stone fireplace anchors the great room. Designed for a very active family, a large mudroom with a half bath and plentiful storage was a must. The main-level primary bedroom suite is accented with a 10′ coffered ceiling over the sleeping area, and a spacious 5-piece ensuite with a glass shower, soaker tub, and double sinks. A walk-in closet and an outdoor covered deck complete the suite. A second bedroom on the main level is co-located with the main bath and will accommodate family members in their own private space. Plus, there’s an office with a lovely view of the lake for a quiet place to engage in hobbies or work. An expansive sunroom off the dining area and kitchen will accommodate their large extended family. The vaulted cathedral ceiling in the sunroom will be finished with the same custom wood trusses as the great room. Providing a transition from inside to outside, the covered deck surrounds the sunroom on three full sides. To ensure the comfort of their extended family, three additional bedroom suites are located on the lower level, along with two full bathrooms. A rec room with a bar, and the games room, both with coffered ceilings, will be filled with fun during family gatherings. Plentiful storage space and an area to change after outdoor activities will be well used by this sporty family. A patio, with covered and open areas, offers additional outdoor space to enjoy the views. The exterior modern Craftsman style is accented with stone, timber elements, and maintenance-free siding.