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Top Real Estate App Development Companies Delivering Smart PropTech Solutions
The real estate industry is experiencing a revolution in technology as there have been developments in the form of mobile applications, which have now become essential tools and prove to be an integral part for buyers and sellers as well as agents and developers in this industry. The application of technology in the form of virtual tours and property recommendations through artificial intelligence and other such technology has brought about a new way of doing real estate business. It has been found out through statistics that the PropTech industry will experience considerable growth in the next decade due to the increased use of smartphones, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Why Real Estate Apps Are Transforming the PropTech Industry
The introduction of digital platforms has revolutionized the way people search for, assess, and buy properties. Modern real estate software ensures easy access to property listings, neighborhood information, mortgage calculators, virtual tours, and direct contact with real estate agents, thus cutting out many of the obstacles that were part of the purchasing process. Real Estate App Development allows companies to manage properties efficiently, automatically generate leads, effectively handle customers, and make informed decisions. The inclusion of artificial intelligence and digital transactions makes the experience of using these apps even more efficient.
List of Top Real Estate App Development Companies in the Global Market
1. Suffescom Solutions
Suffescom Solutions is a mobile app development company specializing in Real Estate App Development for startups, real estate agencies, property management firms, and enterprises. The company develops scalable, feature-rich applications that simplify property discovery, virtual tours, lead management, and secure digital transactions. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI, AR/VR, cloud computing, and location intelligence, Suffescom Solutions helps businesses build intuitive PropTech platforms that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The company also focuses on customization, security, and post-launch support to ensure long-term business success.
Key Features
Custom real estate application development
AI-powered property recommendations
Property listing management
Interactive map integration
Virtual property tours
CRM integration
Secure payment gateway
Multi-platform development
Cloud-native architecture
Maintenance and support
2. RisingMax
RisingMax develops innovative digital solutions for businesses seeking advanced PropTech platforms. Its expertise in Real Estate App Development enables companies to launch scalable property applications equipped with intelligent search capabilities, real-time property updates, and secure communication tools. RisingMax combines modern UI/UX practices with cloud technologies to deliver applications that improve customer engagement and simplify property management.
Key Features
Cross-platform app development
AI-enabled property search
Property management dashboard
Cloud deployment
Push notifications
Digital payment integration
Analytics and reporting
API integration
Secure authentication
Ongoing technical support
3. Ascendix Technologies
Ascendix Technologies is known for developing enterprise-grade PropTech software for commercial and residential real estate businesses. The company focuses on building customized applications that streamline property management, brokerage operations, customer engagement, and business workflows. Its expertise includes CRM development, cloud solutions, and data analytics, enabling businesses to manage property portfolios more efficiently.
Key Features
Enterprise real estate solutions
CRM integration
Commercial property management
Cloud infrastructure
Advanced analytics
Workflow automation
Custom software development
Secure data management
API connectivity
Long-term support
4. WillowTree
WillowTree develops premium mobile applications across various industries, including real estate and digital commerce. The company creates user-centric property applications that emphasize intuitive navigation, personalized property recommendations, and engaging digital experiences. Its development approach combines robust engineering with modern design principles to build scalable PropTech platforms for growing businesses.
Key Features
Mobile-first development
Personalized user experience
Property search optimization
Cloud-native architecture
Interactive UI/UX
Analytics integration
Secure user authentication
Multi-device compatibility
Third-party integrations
Continuous optimization
5. Unico Connect
Unico Connect specializes in delivering customized digital products for startups and enterprises, including Real Estate App Development solutions. The company builds scalable applications that simplify property listings, communication, lead management, and customer engagement while integrating cloud technologies for improved business performance.
Key Features
Custom property applications
Cloud-based infrastructure
Real-time messaging
Lead management system
Property listing platform
API integration
Digital documentation
Performance analytics
Secure payment integration
Ongoing maintenance
6. Trango Tech
Trango Tech develops intelligent mobile solutions that help real estate businesses digitize property management and customer interactions. Its applications support advanced search functionality, location-based services, secure transactions, and AI-powered recommendations. The company focuses on scalable software architecture that supports long-term business growth and operational efficiency.
Key Features
Property marketplace development
AI-powered recommendations
Interactive map integration
GPS-enabled search
Digital document management
User analytics
Cross-platform applications
Secure backend systems
CRM connectivity
Cloud deployment
7. MindInventory
MindInventory is a software development company delivering digital transformation solutions across multiple industries, including real estate. Its Real Estate App Development services include modern property applications that combine intuitive interfaces with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing. The company focuses on creating engaging user experiences while ensuring scalability, security, and seamless business operations.
Key Features
AI-enabled property applications
Cloud-native development
Property management tools
Interactive dashboards
IoT integration
User engagement features
Third-party API integration
Business intelligence reporting
Secure infrastructure
Continuous technical support
Essential Features Every Modern Real Estate App Should Include
Successful Real Estate App Development requires more than attractive property listings. Modern applications must provide seamless experiences for buyers, sellers, agents, and property managers while simplifying transactions and communication.
• User Registration and Profile Management
Allow buyers, sellers, agents, and administrators to create personalized accounts with secure authentication and profile customization.
• Advanced Property Search
Provide powerful filters based on location, property type, price range, amenities, size, and availability to improve property discovery.
• Interactive Maps
Integrate GPS-enabled maps that display nearby schools, hospitals, transportation hubs, restaurants, and neighborhood information.
• High-Quality Property Listings
Support multiple images, HD videos, floor plans, property specifications, and detailed descriptions for each listing.
• Virtual Tours
Enable immersive 360-degree property walkthroughs using AR/VR technology to improve buyer confidence before physical visits.
• AI-Powered Property Recommendations
Use artificial intelligence to recommend properties based on user preferences, browsing behavior, and previous searches.
• Real-Time Chat and Messaging
Facilitate instant communication between buyers, sellers, and agents for faster inquiry resolution.
• Mortgage Calculator
Help users estimate monthly payments, loan eligibility, and financing options directly within the application.
• Appointment Scheduling
Allow users to schedule property visits, virtual meetings, or consultations with agents through integrated calendars.
• Secure Digital Payments
Support booking fees, deposits, subscription payments, and service charges through encrypted payment gateways.
• Document Management
Store contracts, agreements, ownership documents, inspection reports, and legal paperwork securely within the application.
• Push Notifications
Notify users about new listings, price changes, scheduled visits, document approvals, and promotional offers.
• Admin Dashboard
Provide centralized control over users, listings, transactions, content moderation, analytics, and platform management.
• Analytics and Reporting
Offer detailed insights into customer behavior, listing performance, lead generation, conversions, and revenue growth.
• Strong Security
Implement encrypted communications, secure authentication, role-based access control, data privacy measures, and regulatory compliance.
Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Real Estate App Development
The future of Real Estate App Development is being driven by intelligent technologies that improve decision-making, customer experiences, and operational efficiency throughout the property lifecycle.
Artificial intelligence is transforming property discovery by delivering personalized recommendations, predictive pricing models, and automated customer support. Machine learning algorithms analyze user preferences and market trends to recommend relevant properties while helping businesses generate qualified leads more effectively.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming essential components of digital property experiences. Virtual property tours allow buyers to explore homes remotely, reducing travel time and accelerating purchasing decisions.
Another significant trend is IoT integration within smart properties. Connected devices enable users to monitor energy consumption, security systems, lighting, and climate control directly through mobile applications, enhancing property value and user convenience.
Finally, sustainability is becoming an important focus. Modern real estate platforms increasingly highlight green-certified buildings, energy-efficient homes, and environmentally friendly construction projects to meet changing buyer preferences.
Conclusion
The rapid evolution of the PropTech sector has made Real Estate App Development an essential investment for businesses aiming to deliver seamless, technology-driven property experiences. From AI-powered property recommendations and immersive virtual tours to secure digital transactions and cloud-based management systems, modern applications are transforming every stage of the real estate journey. Selecting an experienced development company with expertise in emerging technologies, scalable architecture, and user-centric design is crucial for building a competitive digital platform. As customer expectations continue to evolve, organizations that invest in innovative real estate applications will be better positioned to improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve long-term growth in the digital property marketplace.
FAQs
1. What is Real Estate App Development?
Real Estate App Development involves building mobile or web applications that help users buy, sell, rent, and manage properties through digital platforms.
2. How much does Real Estate App Development cost?
Development costs vary based on features, platforms, integrations, UI/UX complexity, and technology requirements, ranging from basic to enterprise-grade solutions.
3. Which features are essential in a real estate app?
Core features include property listings, advanced search, virtual tours, GPS maps, messaging, appointment scheduling, payment integration, and analytics dashboards.
4. Why should businesses invest in Real Estate App Development?
It enhances customer engagement, streamlines property management, increases lead generation, supports digital transactions, and helps businesses stay competitive in the evolving PropTech market.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley.
The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic.
We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws.
The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year.
Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

An addition was added to the read of the home before the current owners purchased the property. The homeowners gave it a modern touch by adding a garage door to open the sitting area up to their outdoor entertaining space. Wrapping the addition in corrugated steel gave it a funky feel that the homeowners love.
Photos by Craig Thompson.
Resources:
Designers: Camden and Heather Johnson Leeds; Concrete Zen; Contractor: Brian Sieffert, Take Pride Construction (now a joint venture with Artemis Environmental known as Artemis Construction & Design); Flooring: stained concrete, Concrete Zen; restored hardwood, Take Pride Construction; Countertops: concrete counters and reclaimed marble floor, Concrete Zen; Cabinetry: Ikea; Windows: Pella Windows; Superior Window Manufacturing, Inc.; Exterior cement panels: Eastern Architectural Products; Exterior reclaimed barnwood: Artemis Environmental (now a joint venture with Take Pride Construction known as Artemis Construction & Design); Garage Door: Thomas V. Giel Corporation; Outdoor concrete vessels and firepit: Concrete Zen
Find the right local pro for your project

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal.
With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones.
Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe.
On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms.
Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

This project required very subtle illumination due to the fact that the home is located in a very woodsy area. The large trees allowed us the opportunity to install tree mounted downlighting to illuminate the garden beds softly and cast some illumination on the driveway also. The entryway walls were illuminated with under cap, hardscape lights. The entryway is graced by two, laser cut, decorative steel bollard lights that were purchased through Attraction Lights: www.attractionlights.com The overall scene is very inviting and adds a warmth and elegance to the property when the sun goes down.

Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities.
Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine.
Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for.
The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes.
We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.

Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities.
Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine.
Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for.
The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes.
We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint.
Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind.
The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie.
On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon.
Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards.
Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home.
The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year.
Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling.
A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function.
Photo by John Sutton Photography.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home.
The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day.
In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat.
The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression.
Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home.
Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name.
The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.
Joe Nowak

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus.
When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back.
With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open.
In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley.
The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic.
We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws.
The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year.
Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

Committed to strong environmental standards, Tbektu Design and Development determined from the beginning that the "Eleven on 7th" project would not only follow green development protocol -- but also that it would even become a benchmark for Low-Impact Development, from the purchase of the infill property to the 100% recycled paper used for marketing.
"Gunstock," was selected to floor the first home, Halcyon Halls as Teresa preferred our oil-rubbed finish rather than polyurethane, which contributed to a non-toxic work environment for the contractors and a non-toxic home in which to live. Since family is front & center in ELEVEN on 7th, a floor that can handle everyday life was crucial and our oil finish leaves the floor looking and feeling more natural, not shiny like a polyurethane, and makes for very easy touch-up and maintenance. The wide plank pine fits perfectly with Teresa's vision for both Halcyon Hall and the entire ELEVEN on 7th development.
Visit Halcyon Halls
TBEKTU Design + Development
All photos courtesy of: Reed Brown Photography / Nashville, TN

Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities.
Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine.
Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for.
The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes.
We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.

Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities.
Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine.
Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for.
The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes.
We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley.
The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic.
We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws.
The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year.
Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home.
The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day.
In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat.
The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression.
Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home.
Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name.
The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.
Joe Nowak

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA
When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together.
The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden.
Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover.
Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.
Stone walls terrace the land and create space for a parking court of macadam.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities.
Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine.
Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for.
The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes.
We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.
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