Pondless Waterfall Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family. Safety Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond. Cost Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of pond you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you’re not dealing with an established ecosystem, it’s not necessary to run the pump 24/7. Space The small size of the Pondless Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in your yard. Maintenance - Taking care of your Pondless Waterfall is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that’s required. Flexibility Perhaps the best part of the Pondless Waterfall is the possibility for the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you’d build a pond, that’s ok! If you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it’s easy to add a pond onto a Pondless Waterfall. Complete System It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall and stream without a pond. Where does the water go? A Pondless Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom, inside a Snorkel Vault and Centipede Module. A pipe runs from there up to a BioFalls Filter and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it give the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the “pond” is there but not visible. The Pondless Waterfall has made many water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. In other words, when all else fails … go Pondless!

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet

This small living room design has dark blue walls that make the white wood blinds pop out of the windows. Love the white art accessories too. Horizontal wood blinds are an affordable choice for window treatments for any home decorator looking to make a room feel warm and inviting. Consider combining window treatments with curtain panels, drapery panels or valances to make the window area look larger or become a feature in the room. Windows Dressed Up window treatment store featuring custom blinds, shutters, shades, drapes, curtains, valances and bedding in Denver services the metro area, including Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Evergreen, Broomfield, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Wheat Ridge. Come in and talk to a Certified Interior Designer and select from over 3,000 designer fabrics in every color, style, texture and pattern. See more custom window treatment ideas on our website. www.windowsdressedup.com. Photo: White wood blinds by Lafayette Heartland Wood Blinds.

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

Afyon Sugar Marble floor and mosaic wall tile So you decided to re-design some parts of your house. You don’t know where to start and what to choose. One of the more important decisions you will make is your choice of tile. Will it fit your furnishings? Should anyone enter the room, which type of atmosphere should the visitor feel? When they look down, what should they see? You should seriously consider Afyon Sugar marble tiles for your floor. Afyon Sugar marble, with its origins in the region Afyon, Turkey, is a high quality white or dark white marble with distinctive yellow or dark yellow veins running through it. It breaks the “cold” feeling a pure white marble tile can create or the pure white hygienic look. The veins create warmth and are suitable with basically any color scheme you decide in furnishings, curtains and paint. Imagine waking up in the morning and the sun’s rays lightly playing with the floor or kitchen counter and distinguishing the yellowish hint in the tile. This tile usually comes in polished finishes; although honed and brushed finishes are also widely available. Afyon Sugar marble mosaic wall tiles are perfect to round off the warmer atmosphere one would like to create in a room. The cleanliness of white with the hint of warmth creates that warmer feeling. Mosaic sizes generally starts at 5cm upwards. Create a pattern between light and dark by designing one first. Ask your specialist tile merchandiser for assistance in this regard. Most should have great pattern ideas. If not, they are not really offering the full service. Afyon Sugar marble usually comes in 2-3cm thickness, although minimum thickness of 1cm may be found. The grain per cubic centimeter density is 2.70 with an impressive 0.19% water absorption rate. Porosity is at 0.45%. This tile comes in various other edges, not only straight. Talk to your local tile merchandiser. Afyon Sugar marble tiles have various applications for interior or exterior use, counter tops in the bathroom or kitchen and stone cladding. So, when deciding on the right tile and you want to create some warmth within a clean finish, why not look at Afyon Sugar marble floor or wall tiles. This tile is an excellent all rounder tile with a soft finish. Talk to your local tile merchandiser who has the knowledge, expertise and necessary skills in providing you with the right advice.

Example of a small classic 3/4 white tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

As you may know, Superior Chimney writes a lot of articles to educate the Chicagoland area on chimneys and how to identify problems. Every once in a while, it is good to go back and review the basics. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to discuss what are the components of a chimney. Let’s get started. What are the Components of a Fireplace? We’re going to get started on the actual chimney itself. Most chimneys are built of brick and some are constructed of a wood framed chase with siding on it to match the rest of the home. The traditional masonry fireplace chimneys include (from the inside out) a firebox, where the firewood burns and gas starter are located. Going up is the throat, smoke chamber and then chimney flue. These are the components of a masonry chimney where the exhaust/air travels through - From the firebox and out through the top of the chimney. You can most often ‘see’ your chimney from the ground, you will notice the bricks and on top of that will be the chimney crown (cement slab) which keeps the elements away from the brick chimney. On top of the chimney crown is the chimney cap. This is what keeps animals & debris from entering the chimney flue… raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, etc… down the flue, and into the firebox. Now that we know what components that a chimney has, let’s focus on a couple of key areas. Fireplace Dampers All chimneys are fitted with a fireplace damper. A fireplace damper is a metal plate that opens and closes, allowing smoke from the fireplace to move up and out of the home. If you have a fire and the fireplace damper is closed, or restrictive, the smoke will back up into your home. The smoke needs a place to go. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should remain closed in order to keep the cold air out of your home and warm air from escaping your home. Just because you have a fireplace does not mean that you have to deal with cold drafts in the room the fireplace is in. Chimney Flues As we all know, heat rises. The heat from the fireplace is going to rise taking with it the smoke, and other gases. This process is known as drafting. It is important to have good drafting as it prevents the smoke or gases from staying in your home and harming your family. Chimney Flue Liners Flue liners are important to the chimney; they are your firewall. It works to prevent overheating of any combustibles next to the chimney. And, it helps so the chimney construction doesn’t corrode from the byproducts of burning wood, or creosote. There are a few types of flue liners, such as fire clay tiles, heat resistant concrete, and stainless steel. Superior Chimney recommends the use of stainless steel in our geographic freeze and thaw climate. Our technicians can give you the details when we are at your home. What is the Purpose of Taking Care of the Chimney? Chimney Fires. This is where regular sweep & inspection is crucial to the health of your home. Without a chimney sweep or chimney cleaning each year, (whether you use the chimney or not, gas or wood burning) the chimney can cause a fire to transfer to your home. Only Nationally credentialed service technician professionals know and can inspect the key components of a fireplace for known condition and continued use. Be sure to contact us today!

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine – zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! “The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings,” says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. “We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore.” The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. In the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. “The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today,” says Lisha. “The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!” In addition to the kitchen, the home’s first-floor half bath, living room and den also got an update. Outdoor Homescapes also built storage into the space under the stairs and warmed up the entry with custom blue and beige wallpaper. “In the half bath, we used the client’s favorite color, orange,” says Lisha. “We added a vessel bowl that was also found at a fair and an antique chandelier to top it off.” The paint in that room was textured by running a dry brush vertically while the paint was still wet. “It appears to be wallpaper, but not!” explains Lisha. Outdoor Homescapes also used black/white custom tiles in the bath and laundry room to tie it all in. Lisha used antique pieces in the laundry room with a custom black/white porcelain floor. To open up the wall between the old kitchen and living room, we had to install a 26’ steel I-beam to support the second floor. It was an engineering feat! Took six men to get it into place! “The client – an empty nester couple – had already done their upstairs remodel and they knew the first floor would be a gut-out,” continues Lisha. “The home was in very poor condition prior to the remodel, and everything needed to go. Basically, wife told husband, we either do this remodel or we sell the house. And Mr. inherited it from his Mom, so it has sentimental value to him.” Lisha loves how original it turned out, noting the refreshing department from the usual all-white kitchen with black/white flooring, Carrera marble or granite countertops and subway tile. “The clients were open to mixing up styles and working with me to make it come together,” she says. “I think there’s a new excitement in mixing the decades and finding a way to allow clients to hold on to treasured antiques or special pieces while incorporating them in a more modern space. Her favorite area is the large island. “I love that they will spend holidays and regular days around that space,” she says. “It’s just so welcoming!”

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

Large cottage black two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in San Francisco

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."

Industry: Building Design and Construction Location: USA The Objective Develop a 3D model for retaining wall design plan meant to block the flood water from a nearby river The Solution Several elements as specified by client were incorporated to design a retaining wall and a detailed 3D model was developed. Technology/Software Used 3Ds Max An environmental consultant had to assess a site and provide a plan to the client for retaining wall design meant to block the flood water from a nearby river from entering the site. Some old hand drawn sketches of a retaining wall structure and a PPT with landscaping plans, was all that was provided. Improvising the basic design and preparing a well rendered 3D model, to facilitate the consultant to give final presentation of the design to the client, was the task. Challenges 1. Client expected a design improvement based on a landscape PPT & some handmade designs developed in 2008. 2. Files were without any exact dimensions or additional inputs from the client 3. No plans, elevations and CAD files were given to support the team for further design revisions and 3D modeling 4. Client’s verbal explanations were to be used as a base to analyze and understand the requirements. 5. Numerous brainstorming sessions, repeated iterations and approvals. 6. Client was accessible only through email and conference call Engineering Solution Retaining the wall to stop flood water from a nearby river entering the area filling it with debris 1. Hi-Tech team deftly handled the communication, approvals and design development process. 2. Built a retaining wall to extend the useful area towards the flood plain of the river. 3. Retaining wall was designed as a 3 stepped structure with property (7 – 8 homes and a swimming pool) at the top. 4. Terraces with trees and shrubs were included. This design feature made the entire wall look like a natural retaining boulder covered with greenery. 5. Narrow walkways and stairs that led to the terrace were incorporated in the design 6. Subterranean garage under the flat ground surface of the property was also included as a part of the design Benefits 1. In a short span of one month, the team managed to develop a fully fledged design and plan for the retention wall. 2. Vacant space was effectively utilized; the stepped wall not only stooped the flood water from entering the client’s property, but also created space for 7-8 homes. 3. The designed structure looked very much a part of the natural terrain, and in fact added to the beauty of the surround

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."