THE WARMTH OF HOME This project was a comprehensive renovation and addition of a new pool house and outdoor entertainment spaces. In keeping with the home's sustainable ethos, new vertical siding manufactured from upcycled rice hulls was selected to complement stained cedar shingles and painted siding. The distinctive stainless steel shingle cladding remained in excellent condition and was carefully preserved. The result is an exterior that feels renewed without compromising the architectural character that defined the original home. Inside, the home was fully reimagined to better support the modern rhythms of family life and frequent entertaining. The interior was taken back to the studs, allowing the floor plan to be thoughtfully reorganized to improve openness, circulation, and visual connections between spaces. Every interior finish was replaced, including custom cabinetry, lighting, and architectural detailing. The interiors are now warm and inviting, highlighted by quality craftsmanship throughout. Rather than replacing this exceptional home, this project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can preserve significant architecture while enhancing its performance and livability. The reimagined interiors are calm, warm, and inviting, creating spaces that encourage gathering, support everyday family life, and reinforce the enduring comfort and sense of home that great residential architecture can provide.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

THE WARMTH OF HOME This project was a comprehensive renovation and addition of a new pool house and outdoor entertainment spaces. In keeping with the home's sustainable ethos, new vertical siding manufactured from upcycled rice hulls was selected to complement stained cedar shingles and painted siding. The distinctive stainless steel shingle cladding remained in excellent condition and was carefully preserved. The result is an exterior that feels renewed without compromising the architectural character that defined the original home. Inside, the home was fully reimagined to better support the modern rhythms of family life and frequent entertaining. The interior was taken back to the studs, allowing the floor plan to be thoughtfully reorganized to improve openness, circulation, and visual connections between spaces. Every interior finish was replaced, including custom cabinetry, lighting, and architectural detailing. The interiors are now warm and inviting, highlighted by quality craftsmanship throughout. Rather than replacing this exceptional home, this project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can preserve significant architecture while enhancing its performance and livability. The reimagined interiors are calm, warm, and inviting, creating spaces that encourage gathering, support everyday family life, and reinforce the enduring comfort and sense of home that great residential architecture can provide.

THE WARMTH OF HOME This project was a comprehensive renovation and addition of a new pool house and outdoor entertainment spaces. In keeping with the home's sustainable ethos, new vertical siding manufactured from upcycled rice hulls was selected to complement stained cedar shingles and painted siding. The distinctive stainless steel shingle cladding remained in excellent condition and was carefully preserved. The result is an exterior that feels renewed without compromising the architectural character that defined the original home. Inside, the home was fully reimagined to better support the modern rhythms of family life and frequent entertaining. The interior was taken back to the studs, allowing the floor plan to be thoughtfully reorganized to improve openness, circulation, and visual connections between spaces. Every interior finish was replaced, including custom cabinetry, lighting, and architectural detailing. The interiors are now warm and inviting, highlighted by quality craftsmanship throughout. Rather than replacing this exceptional home, this project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can preserve significant architecture while enhancing its performance and livability. The reimagined interiors are calm, warm, and inviting, creating spaces that encourage gathering, support everyday family life, and reinforce the enduring comfort and sense of home that great residential architecture can provide.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Details, bridge over waterfall, water feature.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Details, bridge over waterfall, water feature.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Details, bridge over waterfall, water feature.

This gracious home was designed with comfort, livablity and timeless style in mind. The thoughtuful finishes, interesting designer lighting and wood tones make it a beautiful, easy space to be in. A traditional Craftsman home exudes warmth and character, characterized by its handcrafted details and use of natural materials like stone, wood, and tile. The design features exposed beams, custom woodwork, and built-in furniture, creating a sense of craftsmanship that prioritizes architectural integrity. A wide front porch with overhanging eaves welcomes visitors, while low-pitched roofs and shingle siding provide a classic, timeless look. Inside, cozy interiors are enriched by wrought iron accents, casement windows, and stained glass, reflecting the home’s deep connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. The thoughtful combination of functional elegance and charming details creates a comfortable, family-friendly space full of enduring beauty and practicality.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Corrugated metal, custom garage doors.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Interiors, great room, dining area, kitchen, living room, family room, stone fireplace, hallway, tray ceiling, staircase, stairway, stairs.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Details, bridge over waterfall, water feature.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Set in the heart of Sarasota’s historic Cherokee Park, Watersound sits on a premier corner lot, blending timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance. Embodying a relaxed Florida vernacular style, the home wraps around an interior courtyard, drawing in natural light and breezes. The layout fosters a connection to nature, with the home tailored to its surroundings as though it had been in the family for generations, yet feeling vibrant and fresh. A welcoming porch defines the entry, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court. The living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The grand screened porch, designed for living, dining, and cooking, features a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring, making outdoor living central to the home’s design. Inside, vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry, and a Lacanche range anchor the living and kitchen areas. Thoughtful details such as herringbone wood flooring, terra cotta tile, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper, and vintage-inspired penny round tiles bring charm and character throughout. A bespoke Gulf Coast modern color palette and decorative lighting crafted from brass, blackened bronze, and white enamel unify the vintage and modern elements. Designed to stand the test of time, Watersound will remain just as timeless and relevant 100 years from now, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship and enduring grace.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

This Swanbourne luxury home is a refined showcase of contemporary design, completed in December 2024 after a 17-month build. Clean architectural lines, premium materials, and bespoke finishes define the residence, creating elegant and light-filled interiors throughout. Designed with a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, the home balances timeless luxury with modern functionality, resulting in a sophisticated and enduring family residence.

Set on a narrow lakefront parcel defined by tight setbacks and limited hardscape allowance, this modern cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform restriction into possibility. Carefully composed to preserve privacy while opening fully toward the water, the home feels both expansive and intimate—an elevated retreat grounded in its landscape. Though modest in footprint, the residence lives generously. Four bedrooms are tucked efficiently within the plan, including a light-filled quilting studio that reflects the homeowners’ creative life. Each bedroom opens onto its own private balcony, offering moments of pause and perspective with views stretching across lake and countryside. The upper level also includes a family room, providing a quiet gathering space removed from the activity below. From here, the home’s vertical volume becomes apparent, as daylight pours down through a dramatic two-story space framed by glass facing the lake. At the center of the home, a custom steel-and-wood plank stair acts as both circulation and sculpture. Rising through the double-height volume, it leads the eye upward to a tall Nelson cigar lamp suspended above—an intentional moment of drama and delight. The main floor is designed around connection and flow. Kitchen, dining, and living areas exist as one continuous space, unified by light, views, and material warmth. A 12-foot-long island anchors the kitchen, serving as the natural gathering place for morning coffee, family meals, and summertime buffet-style entertaining. When fully opened, large folding accordion glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing the screened porch to become a true extension of the living space. Function is carefully layered throughout the plan. A mudroom entry from the tucked-under two-car garage includes a powder room and utility closet, while a generous entry closet provides essential storage and has been dimensioned to accommodate a future elevator. Designed intentionally for aging in place, the home incorporates zero-threshold access from the garage, wide halls and doorways, reinforced wall blocking for future grab bars, and infrastructure for a future elevator—ensuring long-term comfort without compromising design. Clad in dark painted board-and-batten siding, the exterior minimizes visual scale and allows the home to recede quietly into the landscape. Recessed balconies and façade elements are wrapped in warm wood-look siding, adding depth and contrast while bringing warmth into the interior. At night, light spills softly from within, and the cabin glows along the shoreline—welcoming, calm, and enduring.