Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

This Chicago rooftop balances lush, layered plantings with functional entertainment spaces. The design unfolds through a series of interconnected outdoor rooms, each with its own purpose and character. Oversized steppers form a central path adjacent the putting green, leading into a colorful, pollinator-friendly green roof that creates a living screen for the productive edible garden. At the terrace’s end, mature trees bring necessary scale to the space while a custom ipe fence draws the eye down the vegetated vista. At the other end, a custom climate responsive pergola defines the living spaces, with mechanical louvers and infrared heaters extending use throughout the seasons. As evening sets in, dimmable landscape lighting, along with the glow of an oversized fire feature, transforms the character of the garden. Throughout the terrace, biophilic design connects the cultivated landscape with the borrowed nature beyond it. Views across the Lincoln Park lagoon and lakefront extend the garden toward the horizon, while an oversized mirror above the grill reflects the lake back into the terrace, framing the garden with water and skyline from all directions. The landscape has also become a welcome stop for migrating birds and butterflies, bringing another layer of life and movement to the rooftop. The result feels distinctly removed from the city while remaining deeply connected to its landscape, creating a true garden above Chicago where nature, views, and thoughtful design create an immediate and enduring sense of peace.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

This outdoor space featured impressive architectural bones, anchored by a fireplace that naturally demanded attention as the primary focal point. However, the area lacked the essential furnishings, warmth, and cohesion required to function as a truly comfortable gathering spot. Our design goal was to create a functional seating arrangement for six while establishing a welcoming, inviting atmosphere through layered textures and intentional accessories. A unique aspect of this project was the client’s firm preference for metal outdoor furniture, which they preferred to source locally. We embraced this as a collaborative opportunity; I provided expert guidance on furniture selection and precise sizing to ensure the layout flowed exactly as envisioned, blending their choices seamlessly into the design. To ground the seating arrangement and soften the surrounding hard surfaces, we selected an outdoor rug in warm brown and gold tones. This addition introduced immediate visual warmth and clearly defined the conversation area. Finally, we incorporated accent pillows in soft cream and rich indigo blue to provide a sophisticated contrast that intentionally echoes the home's surroundings. We are delighted to announce that this outdoor retreat was honored with 2nd Place in the People's Choice Awards for Outdoor Spaces. At Clark Team Designs, we believe in "Real-Life Luxury", creating homes that work as beautifully as they look. By managing the details with our signature methodical process, we ensured this transformation was an effortless and enjoyable experience for our clients.

Every custom piece we create begins with a conversation, and this table is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can balance beauty and everyday practicality. Our client was immediately drawn to the natural character of a live edge black walnut table. The organic lines, rich grain, and unique silhouette bring a sense of warmth and artistry that simply cannot be replicated. However, with young children at home, safety quickly became an important consideration. The client shared their concern that the original live edge, while beautiful, might be too sharp for a family setting. After carefully discussing their needs, our team proposed a refined solution. We preserved the essence of the live edge, maintaining its natural flow and character, while softening the overall form. The corners were gently rounded, and the edges were skillfully smoothed and reshaped to eliminate sharpness without losing the authentic, organic look. From material selection to final finishing, every step was handled with precision. We selected premium black walnut slabs with deep, consistent grain and carefully paired them to create a harmonious surface. The resin was poured seamlessly to enhance the wood’s natural beauty, resulting in a clean, elegant river that complements rather than overpowers the walnut. The final result is a 98” x 40” dining table that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. It retains the charm of a live edge design while offering a safer, more comfortable experience for everyday family use. This project reflects our commitment to not only craftsmanship and quality, but also to truly understanding how our clients live and use their furniture. A table should do more than look beautiful, it should fit seamlessly into life.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

This outdoor space featured impressive architectural bones, anchored by a fireplace that naturally demanded attention as the primary focal point. However, the area lacked the essential furnishings, warmth, and cohesion required to function as a truly comfortable gathering spot. Our design goal was to create a functional seating arrangement for six while establishing a welcoming, inviting atmosphere through layered textures and intentional accessories. A unique aspect of this project was the client’s firm preference for metal outdoor furniture, which they preferred to source locally. We embraced this as a collaborative opportunity; I provided expert guidance on furniture selection and precise sizing to ensure the layout flowed exactly as envisioned, blending their choices seamlessly into the design. To ground the seating arrangement and soften the surrounding hard surfaces, we selected an outdoor rug in warm brown and gold tones. This addition introduced immediate visual warmth and clearly defined the conversation area. Finally, we incorporated accent pillows in soft cream and rich indigo blue to provide a sophisticated contrast that intentionally echoes the home's surroundings. We are delighted to announce that this outdoor retreat was honored with 2nd Place in the People's Choice Awards for Outdoor Spaces. At Clark Team Designs, we believe in "Real-Life Luxury", creating homes that work as beautifully as they look. By managing the details with our signature methodical process, we ensured this transformation was an effortless and enjoyable experience for our clients.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

This Chicago rooftop balances lush, layered plantings with functional entertainment spaces. The design unfolds through a series of interconnected outdoor rooms, each with its own purpose and character. Oversized steppers form a central path adjacent the putting green, leading into a colorful, pollinator-friendly green roof that creates a living screen for the productive edible garden. At the terrace’s end, mature trees bring necessary scale to the space while a custom ipe fence draws the eye down the vegetated vista. At the other end, a custom climate responsive pergola defines the living spaces, with mechanical louvers and infrared heaters extending use throughout the seasons. As evening sets in, dimmable landscape lighting, along with the glow of an oversized fire feature, transforms the character of the garden. Throughout the terrace, biophilic design connects the cultivated landscape with the borrowed nature beyond it. Views across the Lincoln Park lagoon and lakefront extend the garden toward the horizon, while an oversized mirror above the grill reflects the lake back into the terrace, framing the garden with water and skyline from all directions. The landscape has also become a welcome stop for migrating birds and butterflies, bringing another layer of life and movement to the rooftop. The result feels distinctly removed from the city while remaining deeply connected to its landscape, creating a true garden above Chicago where nature, views, and thoughtful design create an immediate and enduring sense of peace.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

This Chicago rooftop balances lush, layered plantings with functional entertainment spaces. The design unfolds through a series of interconnected outdoor rooms, each with its own purpose and character. Oversized steppers form a central path adjacent the putting green, leading into a colorful, pollinator-friendly green roof that creates a living screen for the productive edible garden. At the terrace’s end, mature trees bring necessary scale to the space while a custom ipe fence draws the eye down the vegetated vista. At the other end, a custom climate responsive pergola defines the living spaces, with mechanical louvers and infrared heaters extending use throughout the seasons. As evening sets in, dimmable landscape lighting, along with the glow of an oversized fire feature, transforms the character of the garden. Throughout the terrace, biophilic design connects the cultivated landscape with the borrowed nature beyond it. Views across the Lincoln Park lagoon and lakefront extend the garden toward the horizon, while an oversized mirror above the grill reflects the lake back into the terrace, framing the garden with water and skyline from all directions. The landscape has also become a welcome stop for migrating birds and butterflies, bringing another layer of life and movement to the rooftop. The result feels distinctly removed from the city while remaining deeply connected to its landscape, creating a true garden above Chicago where nature, views, and thoughtful design create an immediate and enduring sense of peace.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.

The Rochman Design Build team transformed another garage into a gorgeous space. For this project, we tore down a detached garage of our clients’ Ann Arbor Hills home and built a new 2 story garage & Study addition. On the ground floor there is a 1 car garage plus an exercise room. The 2nd floor is a large study which will have custom bookcases, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of day light. We also built a patio on the back where our clients can have breakfast and entertain. The patio is connected to the garage with beautiful brick pavers. There is a covered walkway between the house and the garage / Study. Following immediately with a 2nd project, Rochman Design Build moved from the garage and study addition on this Ann Arbor Hills colonial to the main house. This whole house remodel included doing a whole new kitchen, mudroom, powder room and butler’s pantry on the first floor. On the 2nd floor, we changed one entire side of the house into a large and beautiful study / office with a Juliette balcony, renovated the bathroom, and reconfigured the master bathroom including additional work in the remainder of the master suite.