Photo: Kayla Pearson © 2016 Houzz
Dining room - 1960s dining room idea in Chicago

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Our Lanai Collection cools the sunroom with its contemporary features—shelter style arms and bench seating. Pieces are crafted by hand using naturally weathered rattan and then covered in creamy colored covers that are not only water repellant but treated to resist the effects of the sun. Lanai is beautifully signed for covered porches and indoor sunrooms; it is not suitable for outdoor (uncovered) seating areas.

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz
Family room - traditional family room idea in Los Angeles

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Neons around perimeter of room at the top. Sports memorabilia adds some great finishing touches.
Inspiration for a large timeless enclosed home theater remodel in Cincinnati with a wall-mounted tv

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

High Res Media LLc
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Phoenix

Sometimes things just happen organically. This client reached out to me in a professional capacity to see if I wanted to advertise in his new magazine. I declined at that time because as team we have chosen to be referral based, not advertising based. Even with turning him down, he and his wife decided to sign on with us for their basement... which then upon completion rolled into their main floor (part 2). They wanted a very distinct style and already had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. We just helped bring it all to life. They wanted a kid friendly space that still had an adult vibe that no longer was based off of furniture from college hand-me-down years. Since they loved modern farmhouse style we had to make sure there was shiplap and also some stained wood elements to warm up the space. This space is a great example of a very nice finished basement done cost-effectively without sacrificing some comforts or features.

Personalize your living room by hanging a large-scale photograph you love. "Wave 2" is a limited edition photograph by UK-based artist Matthew Farrar. 24 x 24 inches. Edition of 9 prints. Signed, numbered, and dated by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. Ships directly from the artist's studio. Saatchi Art's customer support team handles all aspects of shipping for a completely hassle-free delivery. Our 7-day 100% money-back guarantee allows you to buy with confidence. If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your purchase, return it and our curators will help you find a work you’re happy with. Discover more works by Matthew Farrar at saatchiart.com.

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

The design strategy included working within the footprint created by the home and backyard, wanting to incorporate a swimming pool “destination” within the backyard that would be large enough to fit the “larger than life” criteria, but without taking away any of the natural beauty or obstructing the view of the horse pastures, barn and nature surrounding the home. Once the design work began, and the pool area was able to incorporate one of every feature the customer could have wanted, Curtis had some steel grates from a former tilt-a-whirl carnival ride that gave him the idea of suspending a stage over the pool. The initial idea was a modest stage with some waterfall/sheer decent features. With the idea of using steel to form the framework, the stage idea grew into something much more that would include a full stage set up, lighting trusses, a “green room” and staging area. Once the stage was designed to be so large, the pool size and scope needed to match including the patio surround, area underneath the stage, and all the additional features. The home architecture is a Ranch with a full finished walkout basement adjacent to the pool area. An existing deck had to be removed to allow for the pool build and new Trex deck, as well as a 3 story tall observation tower that overlooks the pool and surrounding horse pastures. The design strategy was to work within the footprint the house and decks provided to create an extension of the home for outdoor entertaining. Since the exterior of the house was quite long (and dull, the owner equating it to a 1970’s motel), our team needed to incorporate elements to make the space feel more like a backyard resort. The goal was maintaining a cozy at home feel in a grand expanse of space. It takes a team and a unique blend of artistry to build this project. Sandi Maki, co-owner of the company is responsible for the business side of things, and marketing to reach exceptional customers who allow us to build these backyard dreams. The construction side of our company boasts a diverse, multi-geneational family business. Allan Curtis is the designer/builder and comes up with the fantastic pool plans and ideas. His team consists of his daughter Jesse Curtis, who is high right hand and manages the project just as much as Allan does. She is instrumental in everything from dig day, to tying the steel, pouring the concrete, stonework and tile work, forming the waterfall, applying ecoFinish, pouring and stamping patio, and everything in between. Allan’s nephew Mark Curtis installed and plumbed the three pool filtration systems. Allan’s wife Annie has become very good at stonework on walls and waterfalls adding the unique accents our projects have become known for. Allan’s sister-in-law, Karen Olson also does tile and stonework on the jobs and created the rockstar mural on the patio. Frank DiPiazza assists with structural elements and built the new deck, and college student Brendan Schafer assists where needed and maintains the pool and equipment during the summer on a weekly basis. As with many homeowners who reach out to Legendary Escapes, this owner, Dale Walter, knew he wanted a “custom” pool without knowing what that really meant. He was able to show Curtis the space, and his initial ideas, and then allowed Allan and his team the freedom to dream and build. The majority of Legendary Escapes customers make the decision to hire the company after the first meeting with Curtis. As long as the project and design are challenging and interesting, the customer meets the criteria of being easy to work with, and is special in their own unique way Curtis will consider taking on their project. From the beginning it is important to Curtis that the customer understands they need to allow the project to take on a life of it’s own, and for Curtis to create without interference or asking too many questions – working together becomes a reality. The design is typically presented on paper, a hand-colored, hand drawn design that outlines only the large elements, and an accompanying budget which outlines the structural elements and budgets and has a “theme” budget for items to be determined but doesn’t change once it is set. Once that contract is signed, Curtis and his team over-deliver on what the customer could only have dreamed up in their wildest imagination. Projects proceed in an organic way- not every element is planned before the project begins. As the space begins to take shape, so do the details and finishing elements. When the Rockstar project began, there was no plan for the guitars on the fences, or guitar fire features. The VIP seating area wasn’t added until mid way through the patio pours as the space began to take shape. The murals both in the grotto and on the pool floor were planned just moments before each of them was to be installed. It’s this free-flowing combination of the customers and team’s dreams, ideas, elements and the Legendary Escapes team that creates backyard pools that are as much art as they are design and engineering masterpieces.

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Sometimes things just happen organically. This client reached out to me in a professional capacity to see if I wanted to advertise in his new magazine. I declined at that time because as team we have chosen to be referral based, not advertising based. Even with turning him down, he and his wife decided to sign on with us for their basement... which then upon completion rolled into their main floor (part 2). They wanted a very distinct style and already had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. We just helped bring it all to life. They wanted a kid friendly space that still had an adult vibe that no longer was based off of furniture from college hand-me-down years. Since they loved modern farmhouse style we had to make sure there was shiplap and also some stained wood elements to warm up the space. This space is a great example of a very nice finished basement done cost-effectively without sacrificing some comforts or features.