A Bold Renovation Pays Off
Last week I drove by a building that had been changed so remarkably that I just had to stop. “Wow! Did you see that? That’s not new construction, but a renovation.” In the sleepy little town of Six...
View ArticleHow to Design a Better Elevation
Last week a new client reached out looking for some guidance on their exterior elevations. They found themselves caught in between value and upgraded elevations. Their value elevations were loved by...
View ArticleThe Cure to Farmhouse Fatigue
Nothing is more Americana than a white farmhouse surrounded by green fields. With its clean lines, it is the perfect combination of elegant nostalgia and a simplified aesthetic. The front porch makes...
View ArticleLife Without a Car
A few weeks ago, we talked about the challenges of parking – either too many cars, too small of a garage, or no garage at all. Life without a car means no car payments, car insurance, and no need to...
View ArticleA Back-to-Basics Housing Market
I have heard many descriptions of the housing market today. It lacks urgency Plagued by uncertainty Too much volatility But we’re now in the middle of the spring selling season when sales should be...
View ArticleThe Porch and Affordability Dilemma
There was a recent article about the rise, fall, and return of the front porch. It was a great read about the history of the front porch, including its original function. The front porch has once again...
View ArticleDoes Your Garage Have Room for Cars?
Garages are designed to house our cars. Right? As such, they differ from how we designed interior rooms in our houses. There is no heat or air conditioning Smelly garbage & recycling bins are often...
View ArticleWaterfront: Where the Rear Elevation Matters
When it comes to views of the water, we can’t get enough. Whether it is the ocean, the St. John’s River, a lake or even a retention pond, buyer will pay a premium for a water view. But what about the...
View ArticleWhat Lies Beneath
“What Lies Beneath” is the name of a horror film from 2000. It was real nightmare material. Ah – but it is also the dread of every building or developer. The most benign piece of land may look simple...
View ArticleBeat the Heat in Your Outdoor Living Space
Friday is the first day of summer, so it seemed appropriate to talk about making the most of our outdoor living. My back porch is my happy place. It’s where I go at the end of the day to unwind and...
View ArticleBeating the Summer Heat (and glare)
Last week I wrote about air movement to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable in the summer. Ah – but that is only half of the story. Protection from the western sun is also very critical – for...
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