The home is able to achieve passive house standards and take full advantage of the views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) certified series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

The aluminum sculpture adds emotion while grounding the native vegetation in bog #1.
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

This abies concolor 'Blue Cloak' elicits emotion as it stands in a field of dormant pennisetum.
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

Master double-sink bathroom photo in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

If we are willing to talk about emotion in the context of architectural interiors, maybe we could create the very impactful common vernacular for Harvard that has evaded us for so long. And even for our health, Beauty matters.

Many people tell me that they have a unique, personal experience that touches their emotions and spirit when they look over my work. They "see things." Somehow the visual part of seeing my art touches something very deep inside themselves.

The final touches are what really make a room inviting and memorable. We used a tray with pops of colorful, modern accents arranged as a vignette for this dining table centerpiece to help buyers emotionally connect as soon as they walk into a room.

Example of a mid-sized tuscan medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Santa Barbara

This single family home was needing some spark to set it apart from all of the other homes on the market in the area. We staged it to inspire the buyer to see its potential and comfort. They did! Under contract in first week on the market! Come inside!

A reproduction of the famous Winslow Homer painting located in Toledo's Museum of Art. This original painting is similar but different and allows the viewer to experience the same emotional power of Homer's original work.

Spacecrafting Photography
Inspiration for a transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

This bathroom feels like a quiet retreat—organized, welcoming, and emotionally attuned. It’s a space that invites pause and presence, with styling choices that reflect both clarity and care.

Material culture IS about identity because stories are learned from objects, who made them, who used them and how they were used. Emotions are fundamental to the meanings we assign things and to the relationships we perceive.

Where art and architecture collide. This modern living room is anchored by a striking, emotionally resonant painting that shapes the entire room's tone. Sculptural furniture, curated textures, and sunset views complete the story of a space that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.

walls: Faces S4 Blanco, Tribeca Caliza floor: Silk Wood Classico faucets: NK Logic towel holder: Urban vanity: Custom vanity - Emotions Line (wood veneer) PHOTOGRAPHER: CRAIG DENIS CREATIVE ARCHITECT: AGD ARCHITECTS

Kitchen Island, in a redone home in Southington CT. This kitchen was done to evoke lots of emotional attachment. This room is a place to start cooking lots of family memories. Nancy the Stager

Recalling Tilda’s reference to beautiful emotion, why can’t interiors be soft yet emphatic, enthusiastic and light?!
Living room - mid-sized open concept living room idea in Toronto with a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv