Situated on over 2-acres of pristine country land, York House was originally built by the York family of Stonington, Connecticut in the mid 1700’s and served as a tavern and inn while functioning as the homestead of Jeremiah York’s large family until the early 1900‘s. Known as the “Pumpkin Inn'' the property was reimagined for a New York City transplant family who valued original details and history all while maintaining playfulness, whimsy and balance. Interior preservation of woodwork and structure became the foundation to explore a sequence of entertaining spaces once utilized as the tavern, separate from the living spaces of the home’s original inhabitants. Already having an openness parallel to more contemporary architecture, the home lacked large amounts of natural light, which is systemic to the architecture of the period. Color, pattern, and visual connectivity was valuable in creating warmth and light in an otherwise utilitarian program. Revealing and refinishing the original flooring, ceilings and beams created architectural patterning that influenced wall textures, furniture and lighting selections.

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

This artwork by artist Kathleen Patrick was selected by the US State Department to be part of their "Art in Embassies" Program. It was chosen to hang alongside works by such iconic Chicagoans as Frank Lloyd Wright. Original Mixed Media Painting on Canvas by Kathleen Patrick Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 36" x 48" x 1.5" This painting is sold - but you can contact us to commission a painting from this series. Paintings in this series have been created as large as 6 ft. x 8 ft. We also offer Fine Art Limited Edition Canvas Prints. Artist Enhanced versions are available for purchase too! Tel: 312-292-7904 Visit our website www.chicagoskylineart.com to see much more!

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method

Once home to antiquarian Horace Walpole, ‘Heckfield Place’ has been judiciously re-crafted into an ‘effortlessly stylish' countryside hotel with beautiful bedrooms, as well as two restaurants, a private cinema, Little Bothy spa, wine cellar, gardens and Home Farm, centred on sustainability and biodynamic farming principles. Spratley & Partners completed the dramatic transformation of the 430-acre site in Hampshire into the UK’s most eagerly anticipated, luxury hotel in 2018, after a significant programme of restoration works which began in 2009 for private investment company, Morningside Group. Later, modern additions to the site, which was being used as a conference centre and wedding venue, were largely unsympathetic and not in-keeping with the original form and layout; the house was extended in the 1980s with a block of bedrooms and conference facilities which were small, basic and required substantial upgrading. The rooms in the listed building had also been subdivided, creating cramped spaces and disrupting the historical plan of the house. After years of careful restoration and collaboration, this elegant, Grade II listed Georgian house and estate has been brought back to life and sensitively woven into its secluded landscape surroundings.

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

The Old Ottawa South Community Centre Renovation and Expansion was completed in 2010 for the City of Ottawa Parks and Recreation department, and the Ottawa South Community Association. The existing heritage building was originally constructed as a firehall, but since the 1970s has been used as a community centre. The scope of work for the renovation included the gutting and reorganization of the existing interior spaces, improvement of barrier-free access, and the upgrading of mechanical and electrical systems. The expansion provides the community with a new multipurpose room for a wide range of programs. The addition respects the heritage qualities of the existing building while accommodating the new requirements of a larger hall and new program spaces. A high level of community consultation was engaged throughout the design phase. This project is a strong example of collaboration between the consultant team and the user groups.

The Old Ottawa South Community Centre Renovation and Expansion was completed in 2010 for the City of Ottawa Parks and Recreation department, and the Ottawa South Community Association. The existing heritage building was originally constructed as a firehall, but since the 1970s has been used as a community centre. The scope of work for the renovation included the gutting and reorganization of the existing interior spaces, improvement of barrier-free access, and the upgrading of mechanical and electrical systems. The expansion provides the community with a new multipurpose room for a wide range of programs. The addition respects the heritage qualities of the existing building while accommodating the new requirements of a larger hall and new program spaces. A high level of community consultation was engaged throughout the design phase. This project is a strong example of collaboration between the consultant team and the user groups.

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method

Situated on over 2-acres of pristine country land, York House was originally built by the York family of Stonington, Connecticut in the mid 1700’s and served as a tavern and inn while functioning as the homestead of Jeremiah York’s large family until the early 1900‘s. Known as the “Pumpkin Inn'' the property was reimagined for a New York City transplant family who valued original details and history all while maintaining playfulness, whimsy and balance. Interior preservation of woodwork and structure became the foundation to explore a sequence of entertaining spaces once utilized as the tavern, separate from the living spaces of the home’s original inhabitants. Already having an openness parallel to more contemporary architecture, the home lacked large amounts of natural light, which is systemic to the architecture of the period. Color, pattern, and visual connectivity was valuable in creating warmth and light in an otherwise utilitarian program. Revealing and refinishing the original flooring, ceilings and beams created architectural patterning that influenced wall textures, furniture and lighting selections.

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method

While most people in town considered this building a "tear-down", the new homeowners wanted to revive the property with an ambitions renovation and addition project. Two major challenges needed to be overcome on this project: the first was preserving the integrity of the original 200 year old barn; the second was designing a complementary structure that would co-exist on the site without looking like a 21st century addition. In order to achieve these goals, our team studied how farm buildings evolve on a site over time. Additions are usually constructed based on need and function. With this protocol in mind, a grain silo was designed to act as our entry tower and buffer the intersection of the two buildings. The silo acts as our focal point and allowed us to construct very simple buildings to house the balance of the owner’s program. The team paid very close attention to scale, use of materials (many of which were recycled) and developed a vocabulary of modern interior detailing that would complement the original house. Specific program requirements for the project included: large entertainment spaces, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, a squash court, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, master suite, and plenty of storage space. In addition, since both adults work from home and receive clients in their offices, two offices needed to be created and it was critical to separate the work areas for the more private family spaces. The new silo, with central stair, became the element that allowed these different program needs to coexist effectively.

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method