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."

This is a shot from inside of the poker room/man cave. We love the color combo with the belt driven fans.
Example of a large transitional walk-out medium tone wood floor basement design in Salt Lake City with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The solid wood door accessing the parking lot offers a second separate lockable entry and wood delivery can easily be driven up to the door and unloaded directly into the covered shed

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."

Inspiration for a rustic home design remodel in Sacramento

Perched in the foothills of Edna Valley, this single family residence was designed to fulfill the clients’ desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Much of the program and architectural forms were driven by the picturesque views of Edna Valley vineyards, visible from every room in the house. Ample amounts of glazing brighten the interior of the home, while framing the classic Central California landscape. Large pocketing sliding doors disappear when open, to effortlessly blend the main interior living spaces with the outdoor patios. The stone spine wall runs from the exterior through the home, housing two different fireplaces that can be enjoyed indoors and out. Because the clients work from home, the plan was outfitted with two offices that provide bright and calm work spaces separate from the main living area. The interior of the home features a floating glass stair, a glass entry tower and two master decks outfitted with a hot tub and outdoor shower. Through working closely with the landscape architect, this rather contemporary home blends into the site to maximize the beauty of the surrounding rural area.

Originally slated for demolition, this 1925 Tudor in Mission Hills was rescued and renovated, welcoming it into the 21st century with a complete gut of the interior and extensive rework of the grounds. Driven by 4 guiding words derived from Tudor design language—Obscure, Gilt, Directional, and Reveal—and after a careful study of photos from the original home, we crafted a sensitive, reverential, and gloriously warm home ready to welcome all who enter. Exterior lighting by Flambeaux. Exterior pavers are Phenix Fleuri marble. Exterior paint colors are SW 7570 Egret White and SW 7020 Black Fox. Doors and windows by Marvin. Custom walnut front door.

Complete 2nd floor architectural and interior design driven renovation of a Concord Chase Home in Glen Mills. Various floor plans were considered to add a new primary suite where the loft was. Fitting in the new closets was tricky and worked out great with access to the new large primary bathroom with a freestanding tub and large shower. The elegant glass chandelier accents the custom vanity with a 3" thick marble top. The previous primary suite was modified some the growing girls could share the newly renovated bathroom. A new 2nd floor laundry was added along with mudroom off the kitchen

Bedroom - cottage bedroom idea

This custom basement study and lounge in Marietta, Georgia is part of Project Post Oak, a thoughtfully designed basement renovation that blends function, comfort, and timeless design. Enclosed with steel framed glass doors, the space features rich blue paneled walls, custom built in seating, and warm wood flooring that create an inviting and private retreat within the home. Designed as a flexible space for work, reading, or quiet gatherings, the room incorporates layered lighting, integrated storage, and custom millwork that elevates the basement beyond a typical lower level finish. The tailored color palette and architectural detailing provide a refined atmosphere while maintaining durability and everyday usability. This project showcases how a custom basement renovation can introduce purpose driven rooms that feel intentional, cohesive, and seamlessly connected to the rest of the home.

This custom basement study and lounge in Marietta, Georgia is part of Project Post Oak, a thoughtfully designed basement renovation that blends function, comfort, and timeless design. Enclosed with steel framed glass doors, the space features rich blue paneled walls, custom built in seating, and warm wood flooring that create an inviting and private retreat within the home. Designed as a flexible space for work, reading, or quiet gatherings, the room incorporates layered lighting, integrated storage, and custom millwork that elevates the basement beyond a typical lower level finish. The tailored color palette and architectural detailing provide a refined atmosphere while maintaining durability and everyday usability. This project showcases how a custom basement renovation can introduce purpose driven rooms that feel intentional, cohesive, and seamlessly connected to the rest of the home.

The gently sloping block allowed for a single level easy access home. Living spaces are on the north side, enjoying abundant sunlight from morning until early afternoon and a strong visual connection to the garden. The main bedroom enjoys a segregated, northerly aspect, its articulated form protruding past the living spaces provides additional shading in summer. Additional bedrooms, sitting room and utility spaces are at the rear. External rendered ‘Exsulite’ foam walls, tinted double glazing and high specification insulation means a 7.5 star energy rating. The front of the house creates interest through form and texture, driven by the decision to eliminate windows to the west. The final result, with one small window, uses metal cladding to gently wrap the curved wall leading visitors to the brightly coloured front door. The simple façade is completed by an integrated garage door, effectively hidden in a finely detailed wall of Weathertex cladding.

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."

A DEANE client returned in 2022 for an update to their kitchen remodel project from 2006. This incredible transformation was driven by the desire to create a glamorous space for both cooking and entertaining. The frameless cabinetry with a mitered door and satin brass hardware is deliberately understated to highlight the marble. Dramatic and bold, the continuous, book-matched Panda White marble was used throughout the open footprint, including the fireplace surround, to give the space a cohesive feel. The custom, tapered hood, also covered in Panda White is a commanding centerpiece. The expansive space allowed for two waterfall-edge islands with mitered countertops - one for cooking with black-stained oak cabinets for storage and a prep sink, and the second to seat 6 for dining, which replaced the original informal eating area. A tray ceiling with wallpaper detailing elegantly frames both together. No detail was overlooked in the design process. A coffee station with retractable doors and beverage drawers was situated to graciously welcome guests. A Wolf 60” range, walnut interiors, customized drawer inserts, unlacquered brass finishes and a Galley Workstation elevate this kitchen into a truly sophisticated space.

A DEANE client returned in 2022 for an update to their kitchen remodel project from 2006. This incredible transformation was driven by the desire to create a glamorous space for both cooking and entertaining. The frameless cabinetry with a mitered door and satin brass hardware is deliberately understated to highlight the marble. Dramatic and bold, the continuous, book-matched Panda White marble was used throughout the open footprint, including the fireplace surround, to give the space a cohesive feel. The custom, tapered hood, also covered in Panda White is a commanding centerpiece. The expansive space allowed for two waterfall-edge islands with mitered countertops - one for cooking with black-stained oak cabinets for storage and a prep sink, and the second to seat 6 for dining, which replaced the original informal eating area. A tray ceiling with wallpaper detailing elegantly frames both together. No detail was overlooked in the design process. A coffee station with retractable doors and beverage drawers was situated to graciously welcome guests. A Wolf 60” range, walnut interiors, customized drawer inserts, unlacquered brass finishes and a Galley Workstation elevate this kitchen into a truly sophisticated space.

After photo - Renovation - 1981 Cape - Granby, CT Interior garage showing bench with antique tools. Galvanized light fixtures match bench hardware, driven simply by the galvanized track for garage doors. Fire door to the left still needs to be painted black. Robert Sparks - Architecturally Designed Interiors, Fitzgerald Builders.

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."

This custom basement study and lounge in Marietta, Georgia is part of Project Post Oak, a thoughtfully designed basement renovation that blends function, comfort, and timeless design. Enclosed with steel framed glass doors, the space features rich blue paneled walls, custom built in seating, and warm wood flooring that create an inviting and private retreat within the home. Designed as a flexible space for work, reading, or quiet gatherings, the room incorporates layered lighting, integrated storage, and custom millwork that elevates the basement beyond a typical lower level finish. The tailored color palette and architectural detailing provide a refined atmosphere while maintaining durability and everyday usability. This project showcases how a custom basement renovation can introduce purpose driven rooms that feel intentional, cohesive, and seamlessly connected to the rest of the home.