This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This remarkable three-story staircase features a continuous handrail that flows seamlessly from the basement to the third-floor loft without a single newel post interrupting its path. The unbroken rail line defines modern elegance, creating visual continuity across all levels. White oak treads and handrail provide warmth and balance, keeping the design inviting despite its striking contemporary form. From the top of the basement up, the stairs are freestanding with floating stringers that enhance the sense of lightness. Combined with the home's slat walls, the staircase creates unique and spectacular views from every angle, proving that sometimes the most impressive design choice is what you leave out. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

This exquisitely designed galley-style kitchen unfolds as a quiet masterpiece of understated elegance, where every detail has been thoughtfully orchestrated to enhance the home’s natural beauty in the most refined manner. The discreetly concealed appliances, behind classical flat panel coverings, create an unbroken canvas that invites the eye to wander freely, embracing the subtle harmony of form and function. At the forefront, a marble-topped breakfast bar gleams gently, its cool surface reflecting the soft ambient light and offering an elegant stage for intimate conversations or invigorating morning rituals. Barely visible in the foreground, the deep, dark wood dining table emerges like a rich invitation, poised to host moments of grandeur with a distinguished guest list or to provide a serene refuge away from the bustle of the outside world. This nuanced layering of spaces and textures speaks to a design philosophy that honors the natural flow between interior and exterior, drawing out the natural serenity of the surroundings while enveloping residents and visitors alike in an aura of sophisticated comfort.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith