Architectural Resource is extremely excited to share with you the 'River View' house. This very special remodeling project was the first remodeling project in S.E. Michigan to achieve Emerald Certification (the highest level possible) in the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) National Green Building Certification Program. This home combines smart, sustainable design; advanced construction techniques; and integrated solar panels for renewable energy capture. The result… our clients received a Credit for net excess electrical production in July of 2014, the hottest July on record to date! This state of the art remodel and addition project includes a new two-story addition, master suite and kitchen remodel, and a view of the Huron River valley that one reporter exclaimed was "the most beautiful view in Ann Arbor!" -Beth Singer Photography

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

... and AFTER
Mid-sized mid-century modern open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling living room photo in Other with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Bathroom - mid-sized 1960s master multicolored tile multicolored floor bathroom idea in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Back in April of 2016, YIMBY reported on new building applications for 846 Monroe Street, in Brooklyn’s Ocean Hill neighborhood. Since then, work has begun on the vacant, 28-foot-wide lot, and now, we have the reveal for the project, which is being designed by Joshua Felix of J Goldman Design/BEAM Group. The architect of record for the site is BMG Design Build, as listed on the Department of Buildings permits, and the project is being developed by Shimon Kaufman. The structure will total four floors and eight units, spanning 7,304 square feet in total. With units averaging under 700 square feet apiece, rentals are very likely. Fortunately, despite the probability of apartments, the design does not compromise on basic architectural decency, and lacks the PTAC units that characterize the exteriors of the vast bulk of new developments of the same typology in New York City. The facade will also be fairly attractive, featuring a mix of grey brick, and black and white paneling. A small area covered in brown gives a pop of muted color that is just enough to add some visual variety to the exterior.

This kitchen was created with StarMark Cabinetry's Fairhaven inset door style in Quarter Sawn Oak finished in Pearl with Bronze glaze.
Open concept kitchen - huge traditional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Our homeowners came to us in need of a bathroom remodel. Unique to this design is that the toilet and shower are in a separate room from the vanity. The space is separated by a pocket door. The vanity area has no door to the master bedroom; it is an open concept. This makes the vanity area almost serve as a dressing area due to the proximity of the walk in closet (and open concept). The shower offers an oversized bench and niche. The homeowners enjoy the rain shower head which is ceiling mounted. They also have a hand held body sprayer. We partnered with DeWils Cabinetry and Cambria Quartz for the vanity area. Double vanities, with full height tower cabinets, complete with glass doors in the top shelf, are not only decorative but offer tons of organized storage for toiletries. One of the other features we love about this cabinetry is the use of a spice rack style cabinet pull out. Our clients report that it is the perfect size for their toiletries https://www.houzz.com/pro/cambriaquartz/cambria https://www.houzz.com/pro/dewils/dewils-custom-cabinetry

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for. “They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”. The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends. The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system. The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet. Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen. Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout. The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace. One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed! After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

LOFT | Luxury Loft Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC This ultra feminine luxury loft was designed for an up-and-coming fashion/travel writer. With 30' soaring ceiling heights, five levels, winding paths of travel and tight stairways, no storage at all, very little usable wall space, a tight timeline, and a very modest budget, we had our work cut out for us. Thrilled to report, the client loves it, and we completed the project on time and on budget. Photography by Riley Jamison

All rights credited to photographer. This Copyright Disclaimer under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for “fair dealings” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

This is an example of an eclectic full sun landscaping in Boston.

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Tween Bedroom Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC | Part Twelve This completely transformed 3,500+ sf family dream home sits atop the gorgeous hills of Calabasas, CA and celebrates the strategic and eclectic merging of contemporary and mid-century modern styles with the earthy touches of a world traveler! AS SEEN IN Better Homes and Gardens | BEFORE & AFTER | 10 page feature and COVER | Spring 2016 To see more of this fantastic transformation, watch for the launch of our NEW website and blog THE FOUR POINT REPORT, where we celebrate this and other incredible design build journey! Launching September 2016. Photography by Riley Jamison #TweenBedroom #remodel #LAinteriordesigner #builder #dreamproject #oneinamillion

This Assonet, MA home looks beautiful with CertainTeed vinyl siding and Harvey Windows! These Care Free customers hired us to install a GAF Timberline HD roof in 2018 and were so happy with their experience they brought us back to replace their windows, door, and siding! Harvey Classic Replacement Windows provide energy efficient curb appeal. A Care Free customer and Pickup family favorite, these double hung windows are manufactured right here in New England. Featuring a fully welded sash and frame to provide better performance than other vinyl windows, the Harvey Classic offers an air-tight seal that keeps the elements outside and your heated and/or cooled air inside! Visitors are also welcomed with a ThermaTru Smooth Star Door, a stylish fiberglass entry door system that is primed and ready to paint any color you choose! The homeowners chose CertainTeed Restoration Classic vinyl siding in the color, Flagstone. Manufactured for both durability and beauty, this vinyl siding mimics the look of natural cedar siding. This particular project features a double 4″ exposure which provides classic New England style with deep shadow lines and a 200 mph wind rating! This siding will not falter during tough weather conditions and is fade, crack and, dent resistant giving this homeowner peace of mind! According to Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value report, vinyl siding offers one of the highest returns of any other home improvement project with a whopping 75.6% return on investment!

While this type of "lawn" is largely a contradiction to the norm, this homeowner is reporting a great deal more interest in these parts of the landscape than before.

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Family Room Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC | Part Seven This completely transformed 3,500+ sf family dream home sits atop the gorgeous hills of Calabasas, CA and celebrates the strategic and eclectic merging of contemporary and mid-century modern styles with the earthy touches of a world traveler! AS SEEN IN Better Homes and Gardens | BEFORE & AFTER | 10 page feature and COVER | Spring 2016 To see more of this fantastic transformation, watch for the launch of our NEW website and blog THE FOUR POINT REPORT, where we celebrate this and other incredible design build journey! Launching September 2016. Photography by Riley Jamison #familyroom #remodel #LAinteriordesigner #builder #dreamproject #oneinamillion

Ron Rosenzweig
Example of a tuscan shed design in Miami

Elegant kitchen photo in Columbus

The piano had an important spot in the house, for in home concert purposes. I was invited to a concert there shortly after the house was completed, and was delighted to both see and hear how well the house accommodated lots of eager listeners all over the house in a relaxed setting. The accoustics were good too, I'm glad to report. Architect: Sarah Susanka, FAIA; Photo courtesy of Bob Parish