Style Guide: Mediterranean

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the name suggests, the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, and Italy.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Graphite MM';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most of the preeminent architects of the age were primarily known for painting and sculpture, skills which </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">they often put to good use in the decoration of the palaces they were designing for their wealthy patrons.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Bramante was to distinguish himself in ecclesiastical architecture enjoying papal patronage for his long career.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Sangallo, Michelangelo, Rafael, Michelozzi and others executed many domestic designs for palaces in both </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">urban and rural environments to complete a resume that includes both public and private architecture.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Private courtyards were a defining feature of the urban </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">palaces of the time in an effort to reproduce in miniature the grand gardens of the country estates.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The style is characterized by visual elements like arched windows and doorways, low-pitched roof lines covered in tiles, and stucco walls. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Intricate stone details can also be found throughout interior and exterior elements.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a look at a few famous modern day mediterranean style homes you may recognize....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUerzBSmoqWJ-hAxivHJuQKSm5t0HwenHo4336lf5j9QuH_wQsRCaoUFvFS-d6OQuELHykVfjs29eyX7-eO6wpN1OM0oo2Yl2E64MXLv4AtA8DVB3bhoYVPJYhcgAFSyXupM0YBLhxKqt/s1600/01_item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_cher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUerzBSmoqWJ-hAxivHJuQKSm5t0HwenHo4336lf5j9QuH_wQsRCaoUFvFS-d6OQuELHykVfjs29eyX7-eO6wpN1OM0oo2Yl2E64MXLv4AtA8DVB3bhoYVPJYhcgAFSyXupM0YBLhxKqt/s320/01_item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_cher.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2010-10/malibu_homes_slideshow_slideshow_item2_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></a></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly "attainable," but Cher's massive Italian Renaissance Malibu estate is a good example of modern day Mediterranean architecture.  It was up for sale a few years back for a whopping $45 Million.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6LPrl9AYYjAb-i-qIddRMN7SC7vswykmlHkJ5NIKnlQgngJ0WNgqxeu2LqzFrL0uYlCBPyTA1Y8bmG2Qz1t6AEGUwCLalzePUB_FDDGk946_zWmP38vfLJ03LLIjISISqDVBh3SbY47X/s1600/02_0113171-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6LPrl9AYYjAb-i-qIddRMN7SC7vswykmlHkJ5NIKnlQgngJ0WNgqxeu2LqzFrL0uYlCBPyTA1Y8bmG2Qz1t6AEGUwCLalzePUB_FDDGk946_zWmP38vfLJ03LLIjISISqDVBh3SbY47X/s320/02_0113171-15.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/diandra-douglas-in-montecito-estate-of-the-day/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></a></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Michael Douglas' ex-wife Diandra Douglas resides in the Mediterranean style home built in the 1920's that the couple had purchased in 1979 for $275,000 in Montecito. </span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmaAwbcNH2xyZ_QKzgoqV9Gfd4NF4N5GMWQBiBIxfTbc514nrPRULgOcmXL9mZO9MRRQkPXH4lPisNkagAHjRPHAyTdkql6zPjSOT_Ak43GcrE9Psk6LNGvvE7RdPaH_qyzJA-BqJjk5b/s1600/03_111332869180837.peg.txt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmaAwbcNH2xyZ_QKzgoqV9Gfd4NF4N5GMWQBiBIxfTbc514nrPRULgOcmXL9mZO9MRRQkPXH4lPisNkagAHjRPHAyTdkql6zPjSOT_Ak43GcrE9Psk6LNGvvE7RdPaH_qyzJA-BqJjk5b/s320/03_111332869180837.peg.txt.jpeg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.deasypenner.com/property/photos/2923/1369-east-altadena-drive"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></i></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A villa-style home designed by Reginald Johnson in 1915, the renowned architect of the Biltmore Hotel.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And here are a few <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Architects</a>' designed Mediterranean abodes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCWsf4Bt2pNvaGRFR-Jw8QGPl5MJ4xeM92n1VVdWUlsGouL5NQ938n4fDY5FDmS6dxhLch8ocCYkyjJbxHmY9FbJJV84lc9elt_8njRwhVj7PaM0siGJMcLnA2wy9jDBoNqxDnMOksUwk/s1600/04_Domenico+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCWsf4Bt2pNvaGRFR-Jw8QGPl5MJ4xeM92n1VVdWUlsGouL5NQ938n4fDY5FDmS6dxhLch8ocCYkyjJbxHmY9FbJJV84lc9elt_8njRwhVj7PaM0siGJMcLnA2wy9jDBoNqxDnMOksUwk/s320/04_Domenico+LR.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> The <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/10/grand-rapids-magazine-building-your.html">Domenico</a></span></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AQ-pxJJU31lxVrCbrqo8e2roClcM81mJqnzRCtdfrXudFbM_0RiQ9ZMszFeGWC8e9GWey1RBGwrW4u0LFPcDQJsExzSCQ44a0vgUBwDDBwT-cewUyYMFKWvTCHYM3m14CkL9vAXHFw28/s1600/05_Legacy+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AQ-pxJJU31lxVrCbrqo8e2roClcM81mJqnzRCtdfrXudFbM_0RiQ9ZMszFeGWC8e9GWey1RBGwrW4u0LFPcDQJsExzSCQ44a0vgUBwDDBwT-cewUyYMFKWvTCHYM3m14CkL9vAXHFw28/s320/05_Legacy+Woods.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Legacy Woods</span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqxCvgQ6Mxd6GA7eYxH5SEbr1D0HIcEbGa1JqY4SO2hvIQdwa6Yv6MBICYXgACaVK43r4gSMvX3pi4aK4ocREfUPcIUfReAXiZZgbKMe9glmaHcNjrUvYtRmthKUT09MN27WboFhRycFq/s1600/06_Star+Coast+Villas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqxCvgQ6Mxd6GA7eYxH5SEbr1D0HIcEbGa1JqY4SO2hvIQdwa6Yv6MBICYXgACaVK43r4gSMvX3pi4aK4ocREfUPcIUfReAXiZZgbKMe9glmaHcNjrUvYtRmthKUT09MN27WboFhRycFq/s320/06_Star+Coast+Villas.jpg" width="237" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Star Coast Villas, a development in China</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are looking to achieve the Mediterranean style, here are a few great products to consider:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Roofing</b></i>: <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Roofing</a> has a designer shingle line called <a href="http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Shingles/Designer/Monaco">Monaco</a>.  It gives you the look of a genuine European tile roof at a fraction of the cost with the added bonus of a lifetime ltd transferable warranty with Smart Choice Protection for the first ten years.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg338fZxX_ShYQ6qPuUgQ0nS40YwCBKEiHnbvyI3H1PKbXx4gY78B33cdvjhVZwnVsysmXLo5OA0NXc6eq_xgY7x973dilUd2P9Fl-AuJGsaPDb2dw3s6uyBK1QNacM1H1mkTcG5iDl9E1C/s1600/07_Monaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg338fZxX_ShYQ6qPuUgQ0nS40YwCBKEiHnbvyI3H1PKbXx4gY78B33cdvjhVZwnVsysmXLo5OA0NXc6eq_xgY7x973dilUd2P9Fl-AuJGsaPDb2dw3s6uyBK1QNacM1H1mkTcG5iDl9E1C/s200/07_Monaco.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Fireplace / kitchen hood details</i></b>: <a href="http://tartarugadesign.com/">Tartaruga Design Inc.</a> offers historical European-inspired mantelpieces and kitchen hoods, impeccably crafted and hand-sculpted.  They offer nearly unlimited combinations of design variations, material choices and hand finishes, making each piece as unique as the properties they are made for.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCcJ8T2BSdd5fwHG77D0M66MCJwZWySd9AJqJTHEuFVwy68f7g7krLfC24HO1M9ZhoPg-JuGjck6lmJ101nsviV9LnCuxqzqXvDuWkzROtIjj12O5Pme4Zuhfy7Z5ELCeVS0EwdLSw9nX/s1600/Tartaruga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCcJ8T2BSdd5fwHG77D0M66MCJwZWySd9AJqJTHEuFVwy68f7g7krLfC24HO1M9ZhoPg-JuGjck6lmJ101nsviV9LnCuxqzqXvDuWkzROtIjj12O5Pme4Zuhfy7Z5ELCeVS0EwdLSw9nX/s200/Tartaruga.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Stone details</i></b>:  <a href="http://www.haddonstone.com/Default.aspx">Haddonstone</a> is the leading manufacturor of cast stone building materials, making elements like quoins, keystones, balustrades, coping and capping, etc.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1fHwXb2OsiUgVDuBFeBF1qR9RZdNNoVgQNxGWHZu6RDQiFEfo5xJbfWDhcqAho6-46YWTPmErDYlOTtypdkEKXZeMm3ARyH_TqMs7zlKpewidvrUNHrsF8Qn7l_Q_p61s8RUUsQETjw-/s1600/AI055ACS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1fHwXb2OsiUgVDuBFeBF1qR9RZdNNoVgQNxGWHZu6RDQiFEfo5xJbfWDhcqAho6-46YWTPmErDYlOTtypdkEKXZeMm3ARyH_TqMs7zlKpewidvrUNHrsF8Qn7l_Q_p61s8RUUsQETjw-/s200/AI055ACS.jpg" width="163" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Windows</i></b>: <a href="http://www.loewen.com/">Loewen</a> windows offers a variety of window lines and even custom designs to perfectly fit every architectural style, including Mediterranean.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzuo-D-eWuYoNtJE0RX1bOw30bN7ho0eGBweA7VUW3WA_AvwKcicNYFmRKeUEs1sbHN_CTB7sLu_96-YixP2g1PSZ56-6SKKqfX3ulv-hfvnlG_FW1vpLNMI3UmkYzIvPZGJAn5jp1e4Q/s1600/black-2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzuo-D-eWuYoNtJE0RX1bOw30bN7ho0eGBweA7VUW3WA_AvwKcicNYFmRKeUEs1sbHN_CTB7sLu_96-YixP2g1PSZ56-6SKKqfX3ulv-hfvnlG_FW1vpLNMI3UmkYzIvPZGJAn5jp1e4Q/s200/black-2005.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>

Style Guide: Mediterranean

As the name suggests, the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, and Italy.   ...

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Builder Magazine: Mad for Trad

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The winners of the <a href="http://www.bestinamericanlivingawards.com/showpage_details.aspx?showpageID=9520">2013 Best in American Living Awards</a> affirm that traditional good looks still appeal to all kinds of buyers.  Our Best in the Midwest design, the <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/07/warren.html">Warren</a>, is included in this feature with the story behind the design.  Another great example of a truly beautiful home as unique as the family it was designed for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc-76V5zPxWkexOcSpey0DdF0cmZtNgCSx_bDonNOzWCTCMcpxy9sV1Lu3vnMEHLr6Ensx13D_Cqd2yeiNukDyleMX0mAPya3h6F6WYeoGgUaxny4WeMNhD0vLghqAhDorMd0fcu3r62B/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc-76V5zPxWkexOcSpey0DdF0cmZtNgCSx_bDonNOzWCTCMcpxy9sV1Lu3vnMEHLr6Ensx13D_Cqd2yeiNukDyleMX0mAPya3h6F6WYeoGgUaxny4WeMNhD0vLghqAhDorMd0fcu3r62B/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_Cover.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytKt4277TclUWV2Ngzl4nFTwomI9DvkTctTEFAte5gl16rk6Bd0dLqSyLAkIHfIuWfJln-q7IDZi8fv2bWUB7oynqy34d8lTAmopdu055betAU-DHZDKGwOCZgMRR9_VOsUeiNc5bCnKW/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytKt4277TclUWV2Ngzl4nFTwomI9DvkTctTEFAte5gl16rk6Bd0dLqSyLAkIHfIuWfJln-q7IDZi8fv2bWUB7oynqy34d8lTAmopdu055betAU-DHZDKGwOCZgMRR9_VOsUeiNc5bCnKW/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb4RUbEcieonR5SGV8JjpfT8KByRtGdormSPGc-DR0hKxZDT36zuA70mhcTNythPlIOuQXISd1jQl8L5xpfICYjgYa76lSkGGX-aGUQZOg4NFUipOegXz_9rJNj_QjJMKwZt6VQmfXiJk/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb4RUbEcieonR5SGV8JjpfT8KByRtGdormSPGc-DR0hKxZDT36zuA70mhcTNythPlIOuQXISd1jQl8L5xpfICYjgYa76lSkGGX-aGUQZOg4NFUipOegXz_9rJNj_QjJMKwZt6VQmfXiJk/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0ffbJXkOEF_DimZAtYY8QH_tCqkxYVvNs3kM7H6Och-97NEt1hp319TLhfzchQIUXx567S4OMBu-l_ZN5rUBvD4ZUd7W1E93R_PPt5KTNsTySju-GCsfcE_lciQ0Sj544wAXmOFcw2vz/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0ffbJXkOEF_DimZAtYY8QH_tCqkxYVvNs3kM7H6Och-97NEt1hp319TLhfzchQIUXx567S4OMBu-l_ZN5rUBvD4ZUd7W1E93R_PPt5KTNsTySju-GCsfcE_lciQ0Sj544wAXmOFcw2vz/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KMC-5sfC29qMlZEn1A2g1TOu_2IZDNCgt_WQAHexM26Ci2DTlo46LK490rgvChy7bRYlZxOxFRcVGFOtpfSjKa_ys3oL5025ncr_uGaTr0n1VOcWtd36keh4-B9YcZc0DkLhRl2Jcqug/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KMC-5sfC29qMlZEn1A2g1TOu_2IZDNCgt_WQAHexM26Ci2DTlo46LK490rgvChy7bRYlZxOxFRcVGFOtpfSjKa_ys3oL5025ncr_uGaTr0n1VOcWtd36keh4-B9YcZc0DkLhRl2Jcqug/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER9I35ks0TlqX6j8mLwZfm0_oaCCtOVgTgWok9MwNFT-8N-ntsnLgx3qyUtVJbu-w_UiYjrcl_rCf8mFIUQvVpKJb3kjLA8Yatd1Q1CfVXeQ1aY_PBaFFQlWwcuQljHlTsOgmLYsqsn0E/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER9I35ks0TlqX6j8mLwZfm0_oaCCtOVgTgWok9MwNFT-8N-ntsnLgx3qyUtVJbu-w_UiYjrcl_rCf8mFIUQvVpKJb3kjLA8Yatd1Q1CfVXeQ1aY_PBaFFQlWwcuQljHlTsOgmLYsqsn0E/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>To view the full article, <a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/builder/Builder_Jan2013_Bala.pdf">click here</a> to visit our website.</i><br /><br />

Builder Magazine: Mad for Trad

The winners of the 2013 Best in American Living Awards affirm that traditional good looks still appeal to all kinds of buyers.  Our Best in...

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Best in the Midwest!

<!--StartFragment--> <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">The International Builders' Show has proven to be a success as <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Architects</a> took home six awards in the 2012 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.bestinamericanlivingawards.com/showpage_details.aspx?showpageID=9520">Best in American Living Awards (BALA)</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"> by the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">, including the high honor of Best in the Midwest!  </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our award-winners include...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5f9U-hxgZz8G4s3Nq0ktfDIFglv42RSciwhqH4lOURV6pTEd_zJ8BBPQ5sjX1yKgTmbA6rdRtraXrkXcPvR42QbMSgRCa_GeHk8g4Rk5wMoaaZtD6tvPF-HTT-g3uFewRmC83FuqTNzl/s1600/01_Warren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5f9U-hxgZz8G4s3Nq0ktfDIFglv42RSciwhqH4lOURV6pTEd_zJ8BBPQ5sjX1yKgTmbA6rdRtraXrkXcPvR42QbMSgRCa_GeHk8g4Rk5wMoaaZtD6tvPF-HTT-g3uFewRmC83FuqTNzl/s400/01_Warren.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/07/warren.html">Warren</a></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Best in the Midwest • Platinum</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>One-of-a-Kind Home (up to 4,000 sq ft) • Platinum</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Built by <a href="http://www.insigniahomes.us/">Insignia Homes</a></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Interior Design by <a href="http://www.francescaowings.com/">Francesca Owings Interiors</a></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OWYn6t7rI4iHeOqM2EK8oGiPQmWkNW1_H55Io7_KiBMHbHRdCVcwkJ_4iunISrLV49E26fwPCR5bHZq_Mpi_CduIE-a1GeIgxuhMbC95qUMAM8OnxQNvwHSMs2O8pqDHqudM8r4HUSYN/s1600/02_OldWoodsManor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OWYn6t7rI4iHeOqM2EK8oGiPQmWkNW1_H55Io7_KiBMHbHRdCVcwkJ_4iunISrLV49E26fwPCR5bHZq_Mpi_CduIE-a1GeIgxuhMbC95qUMAM8OnxQNvwHSMs2O8pqDHqudM8r4HUSYN/s400/02_OldWoodsManor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2011/06/old-woods-manor.html">Old Woods Manor</a></span></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b>One-of-a-Kind Home (over 6,501 sq ft) • Platinum</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Built by <a href="http://www.douglassumnerbuilderinc.com/">Doug Sumner</a></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpGTP4F9JwxYNwqLDqL1vjFSe5zb0cshAqbUZvNON_f2qPI3JfauLWGKvNDlpU6hvJySwHnloDb4zXoWiMtjm9pY3-EPW-m4Q8Rej92wsXBzYX-8laHDD77fx-HZQ5E-DREPxnR0T6SuH/s1600/03_SunnySlope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpGTP4F9JwxYNwqLDqL1vjFSe5zb0cshAqbUZvNON_f2qPI3JfauLWGKvNDlpU6hvJySwHnloDb4zXoWiMtjm9pY3-EPW-m4Q8Rej92wsXBzYX-8laHDD77fx-HZQ5E-DREPxnR0T6SuH/s400/03_SunnySlope.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/10/sunny-slope.html">Sunny Slope</a></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b>Addition, Indoor or Outdoor ($150,001 & over per unit) • Gold</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Built by <a href="http://danvosconstruction.com/">Dan Vos Construction</a></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Interior Design by <a href="http://viadesign-inc.com/">Via Design</a></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDJ8pOCRL0-m52BTtos_TtKulBDHvFg9BvN_rwUMOfI5pDZjm8YuM2-KVnBEOA_xmrvmZ_Si-cuSSuLs9rxT6inRGiZfmgudHCWG0wwUE17mginxlkUy8jDjuatM76zIFZFvcwDivZdE2/s1600/04_Cambridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDJ8pOCRL0-m52BTtos_TtKulBDHvFg9BvN_rwUMOfI5pDZjm8YuM2-KVnBEOA_xmrvmZ_Si-cuSSuLs9rxT6inRGiZfmgudHCWG0wwUE17mginxlkUy8jDjuatM76zIFZFvcwDivZdE2/s400/04_Cambridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><b><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2011/09/architectural-tutorial-storybook-homes.html">Cambridge</a></b></i></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b>On the Boards, Single-Family • Gold</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88c9hAAmlKzZDi3OKkZLf0UqvExmChU3kPt8kPDrxiKfpgxTH4Ej94KWWvmalMc9LA_R65VfDyhtHuV77pIbuD1cYGS-kI9nkmrkXnC8TBAPi5vQ4mVlZi8YN4OLmkEOGLfaWe9EawSr/s1600/05_TupperCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88c9hAAmlKzZDi3OKkZLf0UqvExmChU3kPt8kPDrxiKfpgxTH4Ej94KWWvmalMc9LA_R65VfDyhtHuV77pIbuD1cYGS-kI9nkmrkXnC8TBAPi5vQ4mVlZi8YN4OLmkEOGLfaWe9EawSr/s400/05_TupperCamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/09/architectural-tutorial-boathouses.html">Tupper Camp</a></span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b>On the Boards, Single-Family • Silver</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">“The BALA winners have always shown that they are at the forefront of innovative design, and this year is no different,” said Skip Howes, 2012 design committee chair and president of Scott Homes Ltd. in Woodland Park, Colo. “We are proud to recognize these companies and individuals for their creative and forward-thinking approaches to their work.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now in its 29^thyear, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling, community and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> international, based on the principle that good design is not, and should not be, limited to high-priced and/or custom homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Even the simplest, most affordable homes can receive an award if they showcase good design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Award winners were announced during a ceremony on January 23, 2013 at the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at </span><a href="http://www.nahb.org/BALA"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.nahb.org/BALA</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, including the 2012 BALA Portfolio, featuring a review of design trends and scores of project photographs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><!--EndFragment-->

Best in the Midwest!

The International Builders' Show has proven to be a success as Visbeen Architects  took home six awards in the 2012 Best in American Li...

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International Builders' Show 2013

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1RvYmhWm_TsxHlIH_CeP5rw-cFTXcGP_tIAO0LERIrEb6MRfLlaW2vybvkIcZo2ML4_GUV3rt72oU0wWgzt2WymQQOzeC-fzVC64f9Kf-FKujMOq9HE9NSLiNoxbHQqCHlpa_YZ-xgMv/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1RvYmhWm_TsxHlIH_CeP5rw-cFTXcGP_tIAO0LERIrEb6MRfLlaW2vybvkIcZo2ML4_GUV3rt72oU0wWgzt2WymQQOzeC-fzVC64f9Kf-FKujMOq9HE9NSLiNoxbHQqCHlpa_YZ-xgMv/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" /></a></div>The big <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/Home/">NAHB International Builders' Show 2013</a> begins on January 22 and Wayne will be there sketching LIVE!  He will once again be teaming up with <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Corporation</a>, North America's largest manufacturer commercial and residential roofing materials, manning their <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/Search/VBooth.aspx?id=23986">booth</a> as the national spokesperson.  If you are planning to be at the show or are in the Las Vegas area, come see Wayne in action during the following times:<br /><i>Tuesday, January 22</i><br />10:00am - 12:00pm<br />2:00pm - 5:00pm<br /><i>Wednesday, January 23</i><br />9:00am - 12:00pm<br />1:00pm - 3:00pm<br /><i>Thursday, January 24</i><br />10:00am - 12:00pm<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrTa4ZJgl7Pa8BEmlwOIe2_lPD3DmXvpJL958YZKxo89o-1Ym6G1MhlCD31ipB2hNka-bMrolS5LHBe8RV8vRMTau0tG6wcbltAGB1LwXXU48LSBEJy3sfBZf2iyqajJ4JL9LFEo96HVf/s1600/Picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrTa4ZJgl7Pa8BEmlwOIe2_lPD3DmXvpJL958YZKxo89o-1Ym6G1MhlCD31ipB2hNka-bMrolS5LHBe8RV8vRMTau0tG6wcbltAGB1LwXXU48LSBEJy3sfBZf2iyqajJ4JL9LFEo96HVf/s320/Picture+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In addition to Wayne offering his "ask the expert" advice to members of the industry, there will be exciting things happening at GAF's booth, including a meet-and-greet with Orange County Choppers' Paul Teutul Sr. and viewing of the spectacular custom GAF bike he built in a recent episode of the show.  Here are some highlights of GAF's IBS activities:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 643px;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; width: 477.75pt;" width="637"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img height="202" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://files.clickdimensions.com/gafcom-ac4nn/images/13-01-07_chopper_email_blast/email-blast1.jpg" width="320" /><o:p></o:p></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><map name="MicrosoftOfficeMap0"></map><img border="0" height="259" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://files.clickdimensions.com/gafcom-ac4nn/images/13-01-07_chopper_email_blast/email-blast2.jpg" usemap="#MicrosoftOfficeMap0" width="320" /><o:p></o:p></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img height="89" id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://files.clickdimensions.com/gafcom-ac4nn/images/13-01-07_chopper_email_blast/email-blast3.jpg" width="320" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><br />We look forward to a great show!

International Builders' Show 2013

The big NAHB International Builders' Show 2013 begins on January 22 and Wayne will be there sketching LIVE!  He will once again be team...

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Luxury Home Quarterly: Achieving a Signature Identity AND Versaility

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzXnjuwfWlEnt0XIwPjCnSVdlmJmrFkJaBG4pWym6vIYuXnx8CXd0DDyFliLIqLCPU0lEjYHuL60mJvEgrTvPNNAFaT2C7v6QwXQv5B7Q7a8ytn2OIDylJCxEFTITD7mA9dD72c_vMZAr/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzXnjuwfWlEnt0XIwPjCnSVdlmJmrFkJaBG4pWym6vIYuXnx8CXd0DDyFliLIqLCPU0lEjYHuL60mJvEgrTvPNNAFaT2C7v6QwXQv5B7Q7a8ytn2OIDylJCxEFTITD7mA9dD72c_vMZAr/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_Cover.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />The winter issue of <a href="http://luxuryhomequarterly.com/">Luxury Home Quarterly Magazine</a> just came out and includes a lovely feature on the <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2011/12/carlton-shores.html">Carlton Shores</a> residence and the outstanding team of <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Architects</a> + <a href="http://www.mikeschaapbuilders.com/">Mike Schaap Builders, Inc.</a> that brought it to life.  Taking on Carlton Shores, a project with a more contemporary feel and aggressive timeline of less than nine months, proved to bring out the best of each team member.  The results speak for themselves.  Read more below...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRtcBJ5b3WTa7MW1isgXF-x0yhd0krFu8eddKvvNbPQ6yl_BwFD4omIV2j-AruSwzHYsmnyQL5OkKzTLpUSAbtSfqUeIqvGM_8jdmqMwJlUcfpfAyp_pnnw7BNgf-ViYVgzS3ZW1Viqxd/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRtcBJ5b3WTa7MW1isgXF-x0yhd0krFu8eddKvvNbPQ6yl_BwFD4omIV2j-AruSwzHYsmnyQL5OkKzTLpUSAbtSfqUeIqvGM_8jdmqMwJlUcfpfAyp_pnnw7BNgf-ViYVgzS3ZW1Viqxd/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5276WnPptNObpIObXk7VAowtVEYqAJgupXwtCnr84UU3YjxF_wVIC8iVDrPnNhboIvooIGSndAF92cQt-WbRhZdCo5rNHhSrJZ38iYmb7VplO8mC5bUUWGJESNRZe7RJ1WEtquVwDIp0/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5276WnPptNObpIObXk7VAowtVEYqAJgupXwtCnr84UU3YjxF_wVIC8iVDrPnNhboIvooIGSndAF92cQt-WbRhZdCo5rNHhSrJZ38iYmb7VplO8mC5bUUWGJESNRZe7RJ1WEtquVwDIp0/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6duQ2pD_ZPaEJpL22py8kmlTMEXskkXzeioMxJCXrBXneMbxQ6sE_Q2LYQjbfVfuOLBdYeNHD5QihvGkDo7XxDmv75Mjfb5_Jjg6YuoDo-5XbSJhMH_MpU64t8oMkepJ-vuxT86ZrUmK1/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6duQ2pD_ZPaEJpL22py8kmlTMEXskkXzeioMxJCXrBXneMbxQ6sE_Q2LYQjbfVfuOLBdYeNHD5QihvGkDo7XxDmv75Mjfb5_Jjg6YuoDo-5XbSJhMH_MpU64t8oMkepJ-vuxT86ZrUmK1/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_p3.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVjlOyWSgu-I2q0kNfXgsCTYMoJGtvVoItcGDbJ7xr14RFAQsh0GpR1bWGzzHjjNZgT8zMQLSj8uQUW-Gt4TeLr9VmNT5epFd1vCCRhyphenhyphenU0rH92q01w1V8Yh1h7eVn3JSWIGdrLrbim8ay/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_VAad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVjlOyWSgu-I2q0kNfXgsCTYMoJGtvVoItcGDbJ7xr14RFAQsh0GpR1bWGzzHjjNZgT8zMQLSj8uQUW-Gt4TeLr9VmNT5epFd1vCCRhyphenhyphenU0rH92q01w1V8Yh1h7eVn3JSWIGdrLrbim8ay/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_VAad.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwizD5TeK1T-VF1HTHsYFRminBBhaNvU9lOEqrVoTWC_ofag0F4ROYR7ZdtgCobJY4AmzBt9UpdI6fEYqhVxtZa77ftvhW-zZ1Lmvv5S4iMA9fuQvqRabARDa3rSw8MfgPzLe4c4dkxGme/s1600/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_MSBAd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwizD5TeK1T-VF1HTHsYFRminBBhaNvU9lOEqrVoTWC_ofag0F4ROYR7ZdtgCobJY4AmzBt9UpdI6fEYqhVxtZa77ftvhW-zZ1Lmvv5S4iMA9fuQvqRabARDa3rSw8MfgPzLe4c4dkxGme/s320/LHQ_Winter2013_CarltonShores_MSBAd.jpg" width="243" /></a><br /><br /><br /><i>For ease of reading, please <a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/luxury_home_quarterly/LHQVisbeenAssociates_MikeSchaapBuilders_Winter2012.pdf">click here</a> to view the full article on our website.</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Luxury Home Quarterly: Achieving a Signature Identity AND Versaility

The winter issue of Luxury Home Quarterly Magazine just came out and includes a lovely feature on the Carlton Shores residence and the out...

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Stafford's gym earns Reader's Choice on Houzz

The gymnasium in the lower level of our design, the Stafford, earned a spot in the Top 10 Reader's Choice for 2012 on <a href="http://Houzz.com/">Houzz.com</a>!  Have you joined the 33% of New Years resoluters in trying to get fit for 2013?  Why not get a little inspiration from these great spots for home exercise.  These top ten are sure to knock your New-Years-resoluting gym-socks off!<div><div><br /></div><div><script type="text/javascript"> var hzw_id=7911345;function hzwshow(id,v,delay){var showDiv=document.getElementById('hzexpand'+id);if(v){ position=function(element){ var p={x: element.offsetLeft || 0,y:element.offsetTop || 0};while(element=element.offsetParent){ p.x += element.offsetLeft;p.y += element.offsetTop;} return p;};var ref=document.getElementById('hzfooter'+id);var p=position(ref);var scrollX=(window.pageXOffset||(document.body.scrollLeft-10)||document.documentElement.scrollLeft);var x=Math.min(Math.max(p.x -(300-ref.offsetWidth)/2 ,scrollX),(window.innerWidth || document.body.clientWidth) + scrollX -300);var root=document.body;root.insertBefore(showDiv,root.firstChild);showDiv.style.top=(p.y + ref.offsetHeight + 3) + 'px';showDiv.style.left=x + 'px';} var timeout=window['hzwtimeout'+id];if(timeout) clearInterval(timeout);if(delay && !v){ window['hzwtimeout'+id]=setTimeout('hzwshow('+id+',false,false)',400);} else{ showDiv.style.display=v?'block':'none';} } </script><style type="text/css">#hzroot7911345 div {width:100%;}#hzfooter7911345 {line-height:normal;} #hzfooter7911345 a {text-decoration:none;} #hzfooter7911345 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzexpand7911345 {display:none;width:290px !important;position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #888;padding:4px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;z-index:100;} #hzexpand7911345 div {color:#eee !important;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;} #hzexpand7911345 a {color:#ccc !important;text-decoration:none;} #hzexpand7911345 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzsection7911345 {margin-top:8px;} </style><div id="hzroot7911345" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;"><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6471357/list/Readers--Choice--The-10-Most-Popular-Home-Gyms-of-2012">Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Home Gyms of 2012</a></div><div style="border: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; margin: 0; padding: 0;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" id="HouzzWidget5310453.660786152" name="HouzzWidget5310453.660786152" scrolling="NO" src="http://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/6471357//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300" style="border: 0 none; height: 275px; width: 300px;"></iframe></div><div id="hzfooter7911345" style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a>- <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen">Kitchen Remodel</a>, <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom">Bathroom Remodel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8952986735250444759#" onclick="return false;" onmouseout="hzwshow(7911345, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(7911345, true)" style="text-decoration: underline;">More »</a></div><div style="position: relative;"><div id="hzexpand7911345" onmouseout="hzwshow(7911345, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(7911345, true)" style="left: 0px; position: absolute;"><div id="hzsection7911345">Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:</div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom-lighting-and-vanity-lighting">Bathroom Lighting And Vanity Lighting</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/ceiling-lighting">Ceiling Lighting</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/chandeliers">Chandeliers</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/light-bulbs">Light Bulbs</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/pendant-lighting">Pendant Lighting</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/recessed-lighting">Recessed Lighting</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/table-lamps">Table Lamps</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/wall-sconces">Wall Sconces</a> · </div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 34px; line-height: 40px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div></div>

Stafford's gym earns Reader's Choice on Houzz

The gymnasium in the lower level of our design, the Stafford, earned a spot in the Top 10 Reader's Choice for 2012 on Houzz.com !  Have ...

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Cabin Life: Dreams on Paper: Sweetwater

Cabin Life published another one of our cozy cabins in their Dreams on Paper section of the February issue.  Take a look at the Sweetwater, a Texas hill country design that expresses itself in a rustic vernacular with just a hint of refinement.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfaLmWQb8b069iu5aMN-KwmFhkuJm8afKF6PoaMZjQIVQ5bL0SRkPn7W_1o0M-g_WgQ-4C_hzxr883I9wL6I97UmaVaoBrh6_M5HKXmZ1iO6jeG7MHFXrRuTwuk7PcZZg5RvJggOtH7ZS/s1600/CabinLife_Feb_2013_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfaLmWQb8b069iu5aMN-KwmFhkuJm8afKF6PoaMZjQIVQ5bL0SRkPn7W_1o0M-g_WgQ-4C_hzxr883I9wL6I97UmaVaoBrh6_M5HKXmZ1iO6jeG7MHFXrRuTwuk7PcZZg5RvJggOtH7ZS/s320/CabinLife_Feb_2013_Cover.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcukSYFgZQiMjyYb2b9orl2lhsRB7do7f4qdA0tD6W-GatM81LxA2mfwaZ0GzehFGPaO3zXbfVCmFYjZv-x2-wcp1AQgCZhyePRTl-SKsb4Wychi1aT9Vl5FtmL1vMnA4UBs7BOi7lC4q/s1600/CabinLife_Feb_2013_Sweetwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcukSYFgZQiMjyYb2b9orl2lhsRB7do7f4qdA0tD6W-GatM81LxA2mfwaZ0GzehFGPaO3zXbfVCmFYjZv-x2-wcp1AQgCZhyePRTl-SKsb4Wychi1aT9Vl5FtmL1vMnA4UBs7BOi7lC4q/s320/CabinLife_Feb_2013_Sweetwater.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br />

Cabin Life: Dreams on Paper: Sweetwater

Cabin Life published another one of our cozy cabins in their Dreams on Paper section of the February issue.  Take a look at the Sweetwater, ...

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Grand Rapids Business Journal: A Field of Dreams and Dorms

Today's <a href="http://www.grbj.com/">Grand Rapids' Business Journal</a> featured a great article about our project with <a href="http://www.cornerstone.edu/">Cornerstone University</a> on the front page.  The unique project will include a baseball stadium, atheltic center and student housing complex all in the same building.  Read on for the full article and an additional image of the beautiful facility. <br /><br />We can't wait to see this stadium seat 500 screaming fans, cheering on the Golden Eagles!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyyuLhZA66Yy9llCPO3cc7S_70TaFxLes3oTG7TRreQpqZCk5RJfbOIioUTEZl3X5aa-2XSLFFF5eWYfsz-MXEpVjx6FKeBa8eFhN7uw1Rggojyntj0l0oC2u7GmeUew0hcm6NeXfVCty/s1600/GRBJ_FieldofDreams_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyyuLhZA66Yy9llCPO3cc7S_70TaFxLes3oTG7TRreQpqZCk5RJfbOIioUTEZl3X5aa-2XSLFFF5eWYfsz-MXEpVjx6FKeBa8eFhN7uw1Rggojyntj0l0oC2u7GmeUew0hcm6NeXfVCty/s320/GRBJ_FieldofDreams_p1.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt4yHU-p-yEw6RyP0UCpB-mGoYFUd3On_X8xqi4DtWrCIrirb5sF20m47R0YbHrP-EXkJURJvPF-Muhl2Lc1MUB0J6IyHc4KxOLLsGPut6ChzYs8ABTTyTh2-6whT8sYpZH_O44PXIh-z/s1600/GRBJ_FieldofDreams_p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt4yHU-p-yEw6RyP0UCpB-mGoYFUd3On_X8xqi4DtWrCIrirb5sF20m47R0YbHrP-EXkJURJvPF-Muhl2Lc1MUB0J6IyHc4KxOLLsGPut6ChzYs8ABTTyTh2-6whT8sYpZH_O44PXIh-z/s320/GRBJ_FieldofDreams_p2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCOF5s5G-FAnSWi8LhYTDpnOy25yBTxNN40Bc_mm3P1O7scrE9NfeJPOTUphszmolAYXIfF9mlJf7C9DU6BNFMXCoCtTkdJcqYBFZkanqpkAoQr-cAanlFraSF3_VB66-f_yZ1TWrwRnq/s1600/2011_11_17+(with+logo).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCOF5s5G-FAnSWi8LhYTDpnOy25yBTxNN40Bc_mm3P1O7scrE9NfeJPOTUphszmolAYXIfF9mlJf7C9DU6BNFMXCoCtTkdJcqYBFZkanqpkAoQr-cAanlFraSF3_VB66-f_yZ1TWrwRnq/s320/2011_11_17+(with+logo).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Grand Rapids Business Journal: A Field of Dreams and Dorms

Today's  Grand Rapids' Business Journal featured a great article about our project with Cornerstone University  on the front page. ...

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Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: The Adventure Begins

The Design Home 2013 is here!  We are partnering with <a href="http://www.grmag.com/">Grand Rapids Magazine</a> and<a href="http://www.infinitihomes.net/"> Infiniti Custom Homes</a> to bring you The Heartsworth, a 7,500 square foot, craftsman-inspired design.  The story begins in January's issue of GR Magazine, introducing you to the prime location for this beautiful home, minutes away from the heart of Ada.  Check out the full story...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv7yt-V1n5yW9w8A6x0WUrey8ZvzgPaJS_hx-VXzmSqMXs9q2cfdWP1lEuhJ80GbCWi_7dolB2L6NMHzf8DWuw7arLMgBfxMSpDYYcl7wojhprpl0mFgjiMEZ1_Ey5zPHsl85jc3Vq-z_/s1600/GRMag_Jan_2013_GRDH_Ch1_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv7yt-V1n5yW9w8A6x0WUrey8ZvzgPaJS_hx-VXzmSqMXs9q2cfdWP1lEuhJ80GbCWi_7dolB2L6NMHzf8DWuw7arLMgBfxMSpDYYcl7wojhprpl0mFgjiMEZ1_Ey5zPHsl85jc3Vq-z_/s320/GRMag_Jan_2013_GRDH_Ch1_Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0jWVbiX6QkWdnhORlPLQahtXkQ40vsGhKlsDuuIJx4q1IP15jzqZjsqZP3H73Fg8kw_DoUJ6fSEb0qYfnOT8dNUK2lcI1DqTIU486xW8i9I3ZhPEEF8IpDDH49eO7tT1hRe1w0ZTTsWl/s1600/GRMag_Jan_2013_GRDH_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0jWVbiX6QkWdnhORlPLQahtXkQ40vsGhKlsDuuIJx4q1IP15jzqZjsqZP3H73Fg8kw_DoUJ6fSEb0qYfnOT8dNUK2lcI1DqTIU486xW8i9I3ZhPEEF8IpDDH49eO7tT1hRe1w0ZTTsWl/s320/GRMag_Jan_2013_GRDH_p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>For ease of reading, please </i><a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/gr_magazine/GRMag_Jan_2013_GRDH_Ch1.pdf"><i>click here</i></a><i> to view the full article on our website.</i>

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: The Adventure Begins

The Design Home 2013 is here!  We are partnering with Grand Rapids Magazine and Infiniti Custom Homes to bring you The Heartsworth, a 7,5...

Read more »