Gate piers / pillars, more than functional supports, serve as the defining statement of an entrance. Our fine white concrete gate piers, available in various standard designs, are the epitome of an impressive entranceway. They can be tailored in height by adjusting the number of shafts used, ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Alongside our standard designs, we specialize in crafting custom-made gate piers to your exact specifications, complete with a selection of decorative finials for that finishing touch. At our core, we prioritize the use of the highest-quality fine concrete materials, allowing us to create bespoke architectural components in diverse sizes, colors, and shapes. Whether you desire simplicity or intricate detailing, we can replicate designs to perfection, no matter the quantity required. Trust us to transform your gateway into a captivating entry of enduring elegance. https://www.stuckhandel.de/zaunpfeiler.htm https://www.archilovers.com/projects/305871/elegant-architectural-gate-piers-fence-posts.html https://issuu.com/hausdekor/docs/stilvolle-zaunpfeiler-prospekt-trax-matthies-2023 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traxmatthies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traxmatthies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/traxmatthies/

This design blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this home's more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Vision Interiors by Visbeen with AVB Inc From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Gate piers / pillars, more than functional supports, serve as the defining statement of an entrance. Our fine white concrete gate piers, available in various standard designs, are the epitome of an impressive entranceway. They can be tailored in height by adjusting the number of shafts used, ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Alongside our standard designs, we specialize in crafting custom-made gate piers to your exact specifications, complete with a selection of decorative finials for that finishing touch. At our core, we prioritize the use of the highest-quality fine concrete materials, allowing us to create bespoke architectural components in diverse sizes, colors, and shapes. Whether you desire simplicity or intricate detailing, we can replicate designs to perfection, no matter the quantity required. Trust us to transform your gateway into a captivating entry of enduring elegance. https://www.stuckhandel.de/zaunpfeiler.htm https://www.archilovers.com/projects/305871/elegant-architectural-gate-piers-fence-posts.html https://issuu.com/hausdekor/docs/stilvolle-zaunpfeiler-prospekt-trax-matthies-2023 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traxmatthies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traxmatthies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/traxmatthies/

Gate piers / pillars, more than functional supports, serve as the defining statement of an entrance. Our fine white concrete gate piers, available in various standard designs, are the epitome of an impressive entranceway. They can be tailored in height by adjusting the number of shafts used, ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Alongside our standard designs, we specialize in crafting custom-made gate piers to your exact specifications, complete with a selection of decorative finials for that finishing touch. At our core, we prioritize the use of the highest-quality fine concrete materials, allowing us to create bespoke architectural components in diverse sizes, colors, and shapes. Whether you desire simplicity or intricate detailing, we can replicate designs to perfection, no matter the quantity required. Trust us to transform your gateway into a captivating entry of enduring elegance. https://www.stuckhandel.de/zaunpfeiler.htm https://www.archilovers.com/projects/305871/elegant-architectural-gate-piers-fence-posts.html https://issuu.com/hausdekor/docs/stilvolle-zaunpfeiler-prospekt-trax-matthies-2023 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traxmatthies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traxmatthies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/traxmatthies/

Gate piers / pillars, more than functional supports, serve as the defining statement of an entrance. Our fine white concrete gate piers, available in various standard designs, are the epitome of an impressive entranceway. They can be tailored in height by adjusting the number of shafts used, ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Alongside our standard designs, we specialize in crafting custom-made gate piers to your exact specifications, complete with a selection of decorative finials for that finishing touch. At our core, we prioritize the use of the highest-quality fine concrete materials, allowing us to create bespoke architectural components in diverse sizes, colors, and shapes. Whether you desire simplicity or intricate detailing, we can replicate designs to perfection, no matter the quantity required. Trust us to transform your gateway into a captivating entry of enduring elegance. https://www.stuckhandel.de/zaunpfeiler.htm https://www.archilovers.com/projects/305871/elegant-architectural-gate-piers-fence-posts.html https://issuu.com/hausdekor/docs/stilvolle-zaunpfeiler-prospekt-trax-matthies-2023 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traxmatthies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traxmatthies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/traxmatthies/

Gate piers / pillars, more than functional supports, serve as the defining statement of an entrance. Our fine white concrete gate piers, available in various standard designs, are the epitome of an impressive entranceway. They can be tailored in height by adjusting the number of shafts used, ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Alongside our standard designs, we specialize in crafting custom-made gate piers to your exact specifications, complete with a selection of decorative finials for that finishing touch. At our core, we prioritize the use of the highest-quality fine concrete materials, allowing us to create bespoke architectural components in diverse sizes, colors, and shapes. Whether you desire simplicity or intricate detailing, we can replicate designs to perfection, no matter the quantity required. Trust us to transform your gateway into a captivating entry of enduring elegance. https://www.stuckhandel.de/zaunpfeiler.htm https://www.archilovers.com/projects/305871/elegant-architectural-gate-piers-fence-posts.html https://issuu.com/hausdekor/docs/stilvolle-zaunpfeiler-prospekt-trax-matthies-2023 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traxmatthies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traxmatthies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/traxmatthies/

Equity Residences' 3 BR Kapalua Maui Golf Villa lanai. photo: Travis Rowan styling: Jaclyn Kaahui
Example of a beach style formal and open concept living room design in Hawaii

Michael Lowry
Inspiration for a large mediterranean porch remodel in Orlando with a roof extension

This homage to prairie style architecture located at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Arizona was designed for owner/builder/landscaper Tom Beck. This home appears literally fastened to the site by way of both careful design as well as a lichen-loving organic material palatte. Forged from a weathering steel roof (aka Cor-Ten), hand-formed cedar beams, laser cut steel fasteners, and a rugged stacked stone veneer base, this home is the ideal northern Arizona getaway. Expansive covered terraces offer views of the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed golf course, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the US, as well as the majestic Mogollon Rim and Stewart Mountains, making this an ideal place to beat the heat of the Valley of the Sun. Designing a personal dwelling for a builder is always an honor for us. Thanks, Tom, for the opportunity to share your vision. Project Details | Northern Exposure, The Rim – Payson, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Thomas Beck, LTD, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ

Situated on a three-acre Intracoastal lot with 350 feet of seawall, North Ocean Boulevard is a 9,550 square-foot luxury compound with six bedrooms, six full baths, formal living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen, great room, library, home gym, covered loggia, summer kitchen, 75-foot lap pool, tennis court and a six-car garage. A gabled portico entry leads to the core of the home, which was the only portion of the original home, while the living and private areas were all new construction. Coffered ceilings, Carrera marble and Jerusalem Gold limestone contribute a decided elegance throughout, while sweeping water views are appreciated from virtually all areas of the home. The light-filled living room features one of two original fireplaces in the home which were refurbished and converted to natural gas. The West hallway travels to the dining room, library and home office, opening up to the family room, chef’s kitchen and breakfast area. This great room portrays polished Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and 10-foot French doors. The East wing contains the guest bedrooms and master suite which features a marble spa bathroom with a vast dual-steamer walk-in shower and pedestal tub The estate boasts a 75-foot lap pool which runs parallel to the Intracoastal and a cabana with summer kitchen and fireplace. A covered loggia is an alfresco entertaining space with architectural columns framing the waterfront vistas.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

Detail of rustic arbor Photo: Kathleen Shaeffer

Rising amidst the grand homes of North Howe Street, this stately house has more than 6,600 SF. In total, the home has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three powder rooms. Designed with an extra-wide floor plan (21'-2"), achieved through side-yard relief, and an attached garage achieved through rear-yard relief, it is a truly unique home in a truly stunning environment. The centerpiece of the home is its dramatic, 11-foot-diameter circular stair that ascends four floors from the lower level to the roof decks where panoramic windows (and views) infuse the staircase and lower levels with natural light. Public areas include classically-proportioned living and dining rooms, designed in an open-plan concept with architectural distinction enabling them to function individually. A gourmet, eat-in kitchen opens to the home's great room and rear gardens and is connected via its own staircase to the lower level family room, mud room and attached 2-1/2 car, heated garage. The second floor is a dedicated master floor, accessed by the main stair or the home's elevator. Features include a groin-vaulted ceiling; attached sun-room; private balcony; lavishly appointed master bath; tremendous closet space, including a 120 SF walk-in closet, and; an en-suite office. Four family bedrooms and three bathrooms are located on the third floor. This home was sold early in its construction process. Nathan Kirkman

Photo of a large traditional partial sun backyard water fountain landscape in Atlanta.

Picture a home perched on a Colorado mountain, where every window frames a stunning view. West Watch is that vision brought to life – a modern retreat that merges with the Rockies, using natural materials and smart design to create a space that's efficient, inviting, and deeply connected to nature. Our clients dreamed of a mountain home with easy outdoor flow, from a wide sliding door to a spacious deck and a cozy hot tub. They wanted materials like wood, concrete, and metal that feel authentic and blend in. Sustainability was key too, going beyond basics to make the home energy-smart in the high altitude. At over 8,000 feet, harsh weather can mean high energy costs and building challenges. We addressed that with a compact shape to cut heat loss and waste, plus south-west facing windows for free solar warmth in winter. Overhangs keep summer heat out, so the home stays comfortable year-round without extra expenses or effort. The core concept? Harmony with the mountains. The home's orientation captures sun for passive heating, with big windows letting in light and views. A disappearing glass door opens the space wide, while overhangs provide shade. Practical touches like carport storage and a ships ladder to the loft keep everything functional and space-savvy. We used simple wood framing for strength and affordability, with wood siding and a metal roof built to handle mountain snow and rain. These choices make the home durable and low-maintenance, blending seamlessly into the landscape while keeping costs in check. Inside, it's all about simplicity and openness, with clean designs that highlight the outdoors. The main level flows to the deck, and the loft adds extra room without complicating things – creating a calm, versatile space for daily life. West Watch has become a true mountain sanctuary, saving energy and embracing the views in every way. It's a home that feels right at home in Colorado, offering comfort, sustainability, and those unforgettable moments – designed to last and inspire for years ahead.

Breathing New Life into an '80s Classic Sometimes, the most rewarding projects are about bringing families back together. When our clients recently relocated from Calcutta to join their mother, their classic 1980s, one-and-a-half-story house needed a major expansion into a spacious two-and-a-half-story home. With the younger generation now part of a globe-trotting workforce, this multi-generational estate needed to become a welcoming, highly functional anchor. The Structural Challenges We quickly realized this renovation required far more than a simple cosmetic facelift. The original construction featured some surprisingly lackadaisical contractor work that demanded immediate, expert attention: The Disappearing Inches: The ground floor common wall was 14 inches thick, but the upper floors dropped to 9 inches. This discrepancy was completely ignored during the initial 1980s build, compounding frustrating measurement errors in every single room. Leaning Walls: The first-floor walls were severely out of plumb—a notoriously common nightmare in older load-bearing structural systems. The Metamorphosis Design Solution At Metamorphosis Design, we thrive on absolute precision. While our firm is heavily specialized in the flawless tolerances of prefabricated architecture, we excel at applying our rigorous standards to complex, traditional structural surgery. In fact, untangling these old-school, analog building errors is exactly why Metamorphosis Architecture champions the millimeter-perfect reliability and speed of prefab construction today! To rescue this family home, our team executed high-level corrections, including repositioning crucial walls without even removing the roof slab. We also completely modernized the home's core infrastructure: Staircase Redesign: We replaced the grueling 8-inch stair risers with a gentle 6.5-inch climb for improved daily comfort and accessibility. Utility Overhaul: We entirely revamped the electrical distribution grid and swapped ancient stoneware sewer lines for modern PVC SWR systems and smooth aluminum composite water pipes. Eco-Upgrades & Reinforcement: We reinforced the aging 9-inch square brick pillars with heavy-duty RCC jackets to easily handle the new structural loads, and we integrated a highly efficient, sustainable rainwater harvesting system. The final result is a structurally sound, beautifully updated family estate—one that is practically begging for some moody, cinematic architectural photography to truly capture its dramatic transformation. We walked away incredibly satisfied with a job well done.

Gravity Shots
Example of a minimalist wooden floating open staircase design in Denver

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic travertine floor and beige floor front door remodel in San Diego with white walls and a dark wood front door