Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

The new Wolfe and Sub Zero appliances captured the clients’ dreams about redoing this space and they love their new kitchen! The owners of this attractive Johnson County home wanted an update to their kitchen. Their 17-year-old kitchen appliances needed replacing, so they decided to change out all the pale wood cabinets and start anew to accommodate the fresh sizes and styles. Arlene Ladegaard and the Design Connection, Inc. team assisted with the revitalization of the kitchen, creating a stunning new space through professional space planning, elevations and selections of modern materials, colors, and designs. The inset cabinet style produced a seamless look with the appliances hidden behind beautiful cabinet faces. The spiral brushed nickel pendants over the contrasting wood island topped off the look. Design Connection, Inc. provided; Kitchen design and layouts, tile, countertops, painting, appliance selection, cabinets, electrical, lighting and bar stools, project management, and installation of all materials to keep the integrity of the Design Connection, Inc. high standards.

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

A second vanity replaced a bathtub in this Jack-and-Jill bathroom. A custom wood framed oval mirror hangs from the ceiling in front of the glass block window, creating the ideal lighting conditions to apply makeup in the daylight.

I designed and assisted the homeowners with the materials, and finish choices for this project while working at Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths. Our client (and my former professor at OSU) wanted to have her basement finished. CCKB had competed a basement guest suite a few years prior and now it was time to finish the remaining space. She wanted an organized area with lots of storage for her fabrics and sewing supplies, as well as a large area to set up a table for cutting fabric and laying out patterns. The basement also needed to house all of their camping and seasonal gear, as well as a workshop area for her husband. The basement needed to have flooring that was not going to be damaged during the winters when the basement can become moist from rainfall. Out clients chose to have the cement floor painted with an epoxy material that would be easy to clean and impervious to water. An update to the laundry area included replacing the window and re-routing the piping. Additional shelving was added for more storage. Finally a walk-in closet was created to house our homeowners incredible vintage clothing collection away from any moisture. LED lighting was installed in the ceiling and used for the scones. Our drywall team did an amazing job boxing in and finishing the ceiling which had numerous obstacles hanging from it and kept the ceiling to a height that was comfortable for all who come into the basement. Our client is thrilled with the final project and has been enjoying her new sewing area.

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Rooftopia developed and built a truly one of a kind rooftop paradise on two roof levels at this Michigan Ave residence. Our inspiration came from the gorgeous historical architecture of the building. Our design and development process began about a year before the project was permitted and could begin construction. Our installation teams mobilized over 100 individual pieces of steel & ipe pergola by hand through a small elevator and stair access for assembly and fabrication onsite. We integrated a unique steel screen pattern into the design surrounding a loud utility area and added a highly regarded product called Acoustiblok to achieve significant noise reduction. The custom 18 foot bar ledge has 360° views of the city skyline and lake Michigan. The luxury outdoor kitchen maximizes the options with a built in grill, dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator and sink. The day bed is a soft oasis in the sea of buildings. Large planters emphasize the grand entrance, flanking new limestone steps and handrails, and soften the cityscape with a mix of lush perennials and annuals. A small green roof space adds to the overall aesthetic and attracts pollinators to assist with the client's veggie garden. Truly a dream for relaxing, outdoor dining and entertaining!

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.