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My Town: A.K. Rikk's

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Some of you may have been watching WZZM 13 on Thursday of last week and had the chance to see the story about A.K. Rikk's
If you missed it, the story covered the news that A.K. Rikk's was featured in Elle magazine as a top shop for 2014. This is an amazing accomplishment for A.K. Rikk's! 
In 2012 A.K. Rikk's moved into their new location which was designed by Visbeen Architects.  The vision for the store was to have an alluring, sophisticated retail space that would express in architectural language the high quality and finely tailored merchandise that is offered to their clientele.
The interior of the store seamlessly flows to the exterior and into the green space which was designed for hosting events. The store is hosts high end clothing along with high end events. One event that has been hosted at the store is Runway for Charity. 

The event will be held again this year at the store on May 31st and hosted by A.K. Rikk's, Design 1 Salon Spa and Visbeen Architects. It features a fashion show with designer clothing and a raffle. All proceeds are donated to the Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. 










Newly Finished Home: Georgetown

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With porches on every side, the “Georgetown” is designed for enjoying the natural surroundings. The main level of the home is characterized by wide open spaces, with connected kitchen, dining, and living areas, all leading onto the various outdoor patios. The main floor master bedroom occupies one entire wing of the home, along with an additional bedroom suite. The upper level features two bedroom suites and a bunk room, with space over the detached garage providing a private guest suite.

We are excited to share that our home design, Georgetown, has been completed in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina. 
This home, along with the Laurel, were a product of the combined efforts of  Visbeen Architects, Sam Liberti of Low Tide Designs and Developer, David Weekly Homes. 





 


Keep an eye on our website, Facebook and keep following our blog for more photos to come!

Project Team
Architect & Interior Architect: Visbeen Architects
Builder & Interior Design: Custom Classics
Designer: Low Tide Design

Southern Living, In Style

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Southern Colonial or low country homes are what you will find in the Palmetto Bluff community in Bluffton South Carolina. With distinct design features, these homes preserve the historical style that is found in this southern community. Commonly, Low Country homes are built with indigenous materials and decorated with neutral tones to create a seamless transition from the peaceful surrounding nature to the interiors of the low country homes. This style of home can be found in Virginia, Louisiana, the Carolinas and parts of Georgia.  


Common Features found in Low Country style homes:
  • Steeply pitched roofs
  • Multipane, tall, double-hung windows
  • Wide, Welcoming front porch
  • Tall foundation walls to protect against moisture damage
  • Large columns lining the front entry

We have had an opportunity to design homes for the prestigious Palmetto Bluff community. Our designs offer simplistic beauty and functionality with large outdoor living spaces that seamlessly transition into the interiors. 

Georgetown

 Laurel

 Musgrove

 Yates


Williamsburg

2014 Spring Parade of Homes

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The Spring Parade of Homes kicks off tomorrow, May 23 at 1pm. The homes will be available to view until 9pm each day. The parade of homes is a great opportunity to see the fine craftsmanship and design trends of local builders, architects and interior designers. 

We have two homes in the Grand Rapids Parade of Homes this year. The first home is a mediterranean style and was built by Mike Schaap Builders. Located in East Grand Rapids this home was designed by Visbeen Architects with a perfect balance of warmth, luxury and functionality throughout. 

The second home is located in the Waterford Heights neighborhood and is built by White Birch Builders. This Visbeen designed craftsman home offers artfully crafted custom cabinetry to reflect the charming neighborhood it is located in. 


We are proud to share that our East Grand Rapids design was chosen as an Editor's Pick in Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home
We hope that many of you will get the opportunity to see the craftsmanship and design talents that have gone into creating these beautiful homes. 
To learn more about these projects you can visit the Parade of Homes website and search for Visbeen Architects or search the builder. 


The homes will be available to tour on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 23, 1pm-9pm
Saturday, May 24, 1pm-9pm
Monday, May 26, 1pm-9pm
Wednesday, May 28, 1pm-9pm
Friday, May 30, 1pm-9pm
Saturday, May 31, 1pm-9pm
Wednesday, June 4, 1pm-9pm
Friday, June 6, 1pm-9pm
Saturday, June 7, 1pm-9pm

GRBJ: Bay Harbor

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We are excited to announce that we have added a new satellite office location! Our clients can now meet with us at our satellite office in Chicago, our home office in Grand Rapids or at our newest addition in Bay Harbor, MI!
The office is located in Bay Harbor Village at 4000 Main Street Bay Harbor, MI.
Our office is shared with Sotheby's real estate office in Bay Harbor. The location was perfectly suited for meeting with clients in the Northern Michigan area. It will allow our firm to design more waterfront homes. We have a lot of experience in waterfront architecture and we wanted to be in a community that would allow us to expand on our expertise. You can read the short article that was published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal late last week.

Georgetown

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As promised…Here are the rest of the photos for our newly completed home, the "Georgetown". Located in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, this home puts a northeastern spin on the traditional low county architecture. 
This home opens with a gracious, yet elegant, entry way to provide views to expand through the main level.
The neutral colors and decor allow for a smooth transition from the interiors to the natural surroundings. 
The home has two wings which encompass the rear patio for added privacy while entertaining outdoors.  
The main level of the home is characterized by wide open spaces with a connected living room, dining and kitchen areas all leading to the various outdoor patios.
The gracious porches, catering style kitchen and pass through for outdoor dining are just a few of the traditional "Low Country" elements this home has to offer. 
 Although this home is large, a major effort went into making every space special and unique, including the sitting area under the stairs for an intimate getaway in the open main level. 
The master suite is accessed through a hallway with a barrel style ceiling leading into the master bath. 
The master suite features a walk in closet with windows for natural light and a sitting room for the owners. 
With three additional bedrooms on the upper level and one in the guest suite above the garage, the "Georgetown" is suitable for a large family or a small one that enjoys hosting a number of guests. 
 The guest suite has a private living room and kitchenette for guests that wish to have added privacy during their stay. 




























Project Team
Architect & Interior Architect: Visbeen Architects
Builder & Interior Design: Custom Classics
Designer: Low Tide Design

Location: Palmetto Bluff - Bluffton, SC

Angela Mulder: NAHB Design Committee Appointment

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We are proud to announce that our very own Angela Mulder has been appointed to serve on the Design Committee for the National Association of Home Builders
Good, cost-effective, design is very valuable to architects, builders, developers and sales representatives  to build a better business and imagein the housing industry. The NAHB Design Committee is in place to help these professionals understand design trends and to find solutions to problems they may have with a design in order to provide a higher quality product. In addition to business development, the Design Committee promotes public awareness of new and effective design solutions to the ever changing design trends. They also promote the increase in ongoing interaction between designers and builders which helps the build process go smoother for all parties involved. 

The Design committee is composed of two sub committees: one which focuses its efforts on the Best in American Living Awards, which recognizes good design within the residential design and building community. 

The second sub committee, focuses on the Design Education sessions that are offered at the International Builders Show and other conferences and online events. 
The committee meets during IBS and during the NAHB Spring & Fall Board of Directors meetings. Being a member of the design committee is an honorable position to hold and we are very proud to have Angela representing our firm on the national level. 

Art Deco Architecture

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Art Deco Architecture is one of the many styles of architecture that has swept through the industry. It made a large impact on architectural design,  in addition to architecture, it influenced art, fashion and furniture design through this period. 
This movement in architecture in was very popular in 1925-1940 and has left lasting impressions in architecture. A couple iconic Art Deco Buildings are the Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Radio City Music Hall
Chrysler Building
The origins of Art Deco architecture come from Paris around 1900. It was referred to as "La Societe des artistes decorateurs" or the Decorative Artists Society. Among the many famous names in the Art Deco movement is Hector Guimard, founder of the Decorative Arts Society designed many of the modern entrances to metros in Paris. 
Photo Via.
Another great example of Art Deco architecture is in the hotel district of South Beach Miami, Florida. Furniture, facades and decor in this district are all true to the Art Deco Style. 
We had the privilege of seeing some of these structures in person and took a few pictures.

Elements of Art Deco Architecture:


  • Stepped Pediment - Profiled like a staircase
  • Flat Roofs
  • The Power of 3s - Everything generally comes in a set of 3
  • Banding or racing stripes
  • Columns
  • Glass Block 
  • Neon 
For a complete list visit the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches

Cornerstone University Chapel Construction to continue

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Earlier this week a semi truck ran into a part of a US-31 overpass near Holland, MI and it needs to be replaced. This may take a while due to high demand and a very limited supply of steel in Michigan. 
The shortage is stemming from the Tappan Zee Bridge project in New York and the Ohio River Bridges Project on the Kentucky/ Indiana border. These projects are eating up a large supply of the available steel in the area causing building projects that involve steel to be put on hold.
Photo Courtesy of WZZM13
After learning of the shortage and seeing the impact it has been having on building and road projects in the area, WZZM13 set their eye on Cornerstone University's new chapel construction. The rising concern with the steel shortage had people wondering what is happening. WZZM interviewed the architect of the project, Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects, asked his opinion on the matter. "I think what's happening with steel is just a little lead time. So there's supply and demand issue". 
Fortunately the builder, Christman Company was thinking ahead and ordered the steel 12 weeks in advance and only paid the going price rather than the 14-16% price increase that builders are having to pay now. This planning was a result of a change in the original plan from wood beams on the interior to steel in the design, "the effect was giving the structure that radial pattern. They're crossing in the center from all four corners" says Visbeen.   

 To read the full article and to watch the video interview with Wayne Visbeen visit WZZM13




Holbrooke Design in the Lakeshore Parade of Homes

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The newly completed Holbroke is one of 22 homes in the Lakeshore Parade of Homes this year. Located half way between Holland and Grand Haven this high-end custom home was designed to be family friendly and to provide a warm welcome. The Holbrooke was designed by Visbeen Architects and the team at Bouwkamp Builders and is listed in the Parade at $750,000-plus category. 
This home was featured on Mlive over the weekend with a complete photo tour of the high end features this home has to offer. Like us on Facebook and look for more pictures of this home and others that we have designed. 


Houzz Feature: Hanging Beds

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Give your bedroom a style lift with a fully or partially suspended bed — or one that just mimics the look


The boys bunk room from our home design, the "Stafford" was a space that was created to provide a fun, yet functional hangout space. 

Do you have a hanging bed or a really unique space in your home? Share it with us on our Facebook page and tell us why you love it!

Laurel Houzz Tour

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In case you missed it…Late last week, our home design, "Laurel" was featured on Houzz in the traditional architecture idea book. Becky Harris, a Houzz contributor had a chance to interview Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects to get an insider look at how he prepared for designing the Laurel in the traditional community in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton South Carolina. 
 The Laurel was designed to be a traditional Lowcountry home and to fit in with the surrounding homes in the community. To read more about this traditional southern home and the homework that went into designing it, read the Houzz Tour:  Lowcountry Style With an Eye on Entertaining

Ennerdale

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Many of you may have seen it during the Grand Rapids Parade of Homes this year but in case you were not able to attend the parade here are some of the highlights of Ennerdale. 
The perfect design for a growing family, the innovative Ennerdale combines the best of a many classic architectural styles for an appealing and updated transitional design. The exterior features a European influence, with rounded and abundant windows, a stone and stucco façade and interesting roof lines. Inside, a spacious floor plan accommodates modern family living, with a main level that boasts almost 3,000 square feet of space, including a large hearth/living room, a dining room and kitchen with convenient walk-in pantry. 
Also featured is an instrument/music room, a work room, a spacious master bedroom suite with bath and an adjacent cozy nursery for the smallest members of the family.

The additional bedrooms are located on the almost 1,200-square-foot upper level each feature a bath and are adjacent to a large multi-purpose loft that could be used for additional sleeping or a craft room or fun-filled playroom. 
Even more space – 1,800 square feet, to be exact – waits on the lower level, where an inviting family room with an optional tray ceiling is the perfect place for game or movie night. Other features include an exercise room to help you stay in shape, a wine cellar, storage area and convenient guest bedroom and bath.
There is also a large work out room as an added bonus in the lower level.
 

You can find more photos of this home on our Houzz page and our website. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!


Project Team:
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Mike Schaap Builders
Interior Design:  Benchmark Wood Studio
Photographer:  Chuck Heiney

Design Challenges: Designing an Award Winning Home

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Not all homes are a walk in the park to design. There are hurdles that have to be jumped through, sometimes the neighborhood association has strict design regulations, the client may have a particular architectural style and design taste that is out of their budget or it is simply the lot that the home is being designed on is almost impossible to work with. Designing homes that have difficult parameters is not all bad. This challenges the architect to be creative and come up with an innovative design which may lead to something that has never been done before.
Wayne Visbeen has had many design challenges set before him by clients but the challenge is what makes it fun. Thus the result usually means happy clients and quite often an award winning home is born.
Winners of the NAHB, Best in American Living Awards (BALA) in their respective categories, these homes which were designed by Visbeen Architects all presented their one unique set of design challenges that has helped them stand out. 

 The Warren is a home located in the heart of a historic neighborhood where the architectural style tends toward craftsman, tudor, shingle style and georgian. The lot was a typical infill lot, 75' wide by 145' deep and the home owners wanted to keep the home under 3000 sq ft.
Best in the Midwest • Platinum
One-of-a-Kind Home (up to 4,000 sq ft) • Platinum
Built by Insignia Homes
Interior Design by Francesca Owings Interiors


The Tupelo was designed with abundant waterfront views in mind. However, a beachfront lot can present challenges of its own, this one in particular is a 20' grade change from the front entrance to the walkout to the beach. 
Detached Home 3001-4000 sq ft, Home Built for Sale • Gold
Project Team:
Interior Designer & Merchandiser:  Benchmark Wood Studio
Developer:  Chad VanHorn
Land Planner:  Debest Landscaping


This lakefront home was designed to capture the best views of the lake. Easy enough, until you add in two families that desire to have dual master suites both with a spectacular view and separate spaces for their kids. The product is the Allenwood. 
Silver for One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec Home up to 4000  sq ft
Project Team:
Builder:  Ashby Builders 
Interior Designer:  Francesca Owings

Product Feature: Phantom Screens

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Sitting on your porch should be an all day affair, not just a mid day retreat. With summer in full swing and temperatures on the rise we are all spending much more time outdoors to to enjoy the warm summer breezes. In the design industry, we have seen an increasing demand for indoor-outdoor living spaces to be incorporated into the design of homes for entertaining large groups and have found that these spaces are the most functional when they can be seamless between indoors and out. 

For projects that require a semi-perminant barrier from the outside we have found Phantom Screens to be a favorite in design for architects, builders and clients alike. Phantom Screens are retractable screens which can be placed over large openings, doors and windows. 

"Phantom Screens exists to positively impact and enrich the lives of our customers". 
~ Phantom Screens Mission ~

Why use Phantom screens? They can be used to maintain a seamless design while keeping bugs out and they can provide solar shading to provide added comfort to any outdoor living space. They have also been a staple in the design of the NAHB New American Home.

Our favorite Phantom Screens products are the retractable screens which are designed to cover large openings. These screens are used to separate a screened porch and an outdoor patio and with a touch of a button will retract and create a large indoor-outdoor entertaining space. These screens provide protection from insects, shade from the sun without taking anything away from the view. 

The screens come in a variety of colors and can be customized to blend with your exterior color scheme and they come in different mesh weights to provide the optimal UV protection for individual preferences.
The best way to beat the heat this summer is with retractable screens from Phantom Screens!

By design, these Visbeen Architects homes have utilized Phantom Screens to enhance the functionality of the homes they belong to. 
 The Phantom screens on the Hasserton allow the home owners to utilize this three season porch with uninterrupted views of the lake. 
 The screens on our Stockton design allow for a full view of the Fairways. 
 Stafford has screens that offer a full view of the pool and give the residents an extra large entertainment space perfect for pool parties and cookouts. 
The Phantom Screens on Kearney Hill allow for panoramic views of the lake. ,
 With retracted screens, the patio with seating for 4 doubles for the owners of the Clareville. 
If you have considered adding an indoor-outdoor living space to your home and would like sum and insect protection, look no further than Phantom Screens. To see more products that phantom Screens has to offer visit their website

2014 Global Choice Calling for Votes

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Have you ever seen a home that you absolutely love and think "I really think that home deserves an award". Well it is your lucky day! It is time for you to choose which home you like best and vote for it!

There are 10 homes is this years competition. Cast your vote for your favorite home in this years American Residential Design Awards competition.
This is the 4th year we have entered a home into this competition and we are hoping to bring the Global Choice Award for our home design Georgetown.

It is time for you to decide! 



Step 1: Click HERE to be directed to the ARDA website where you will find the slideshows for the 2014 Global Choice Entries. 

Step 2:  Click on the entry that you want to see and you will be redirected to a YouTube page with the slide show.  (HINT: we are Global-04).


Step 3:  Click HERE or the link at the bottom of the page and cast your vote!

Voting will close on July 31st at midnight.
We would like to thank you all for your votes. Please share the link to the 2014 Global Choice page with the people in your networks and ask them to vote (hopefully for us)!

If you have any trouble voting on the website you can cast your vote via email directly to the AIBD. Put our entry number Global-04 as the subject and in the body. ARDA@aibdmember.org

Georgetown Project Team:
Developer:  David Weekly Homes
Builder & Interior Design:  Custom Classics

Unbuilt Gems: Dune Grass

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The home design being featured this week is Dune Grass. This is one of the home designs that did not make it past the ink on paper. We are happy to bring you the unbuilt Visbeen Design, Dune Grass.

The best lakeside retreats usually have a stunning waterfront view, outdoor living spaces, and extra room for entertaining guests. The “Dune Grass” has all of these, and more. Along with being the ideal family resort, this home offers the luxury and style of a custom Visbeen Architects home design.

Much thought was given to the homeowner’s needs when drawing up these floor plans. The lower level provides wide-open spaces for eating, gathering and relaxing. Expansive patio space is complimented by a screened porch and hearth area for entertaining larger groups. The master suite occupies the south wing of the home, providing a private sanctuary for the home owners. 
The theme of the upper level is hospitality. Three guest bedrooms, each with adjoining bathrooms, are connected by a lofted sitting area and office space. Across the way, above the garage, is the private guest apartment. The “Dune Grass” was designed to entertain, leaving no guest without the comforts of home.

Georgetown: Living Large in the Master Suite

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Located in the Palmetto Bluff community in Bluffton, SC is the the Georgetown. It was designed to fit in with the traditional low country style which dominates the area but has some details that are common in the northeastern region. This 2-story home, although expansive, uses every square foot efficiently in the design.

 The master suite occupies one wing of the home and is packed with all of the essentials for a private getaway. You are welcomed into the master suite through the vestibule with a barrel vaulted ceiling and built in storage for both a grand and functional entrance.  

The master bathroom offers space and functionality for multiple occupants to use at a time. In addition to the dual sinks, this bathroom offers both a claw-foot tub and shower with a water closet for privacy.
The master closet is spacious enough for two to store their clothes and to use as a dressing room.
The master suite has a private sitting area to use as an escape from the rest of the home and features a wet bar on one side and a built in library with a window seat.

The master bedroom is filled with windows to offer an expanse view over the bayou.
The Georgetown is one of the entries in the AIBD's 2014 Global Choice Awards competition. If you like this master suite you can vote for us, Global-04, with the following link. Voting will end July 31st at midnight. 

Georgetown Project Team:
Developer:  David Weekly Homes


Builder & Interior Design:  Custom Classics

Follow us on Facebook and Houzz

Home Feature: Holbrooke

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The "Holbrooke"is one of our more recently finished designs to be completed. Dating to the early 20th century, Craftsmen houses originated in southern California and quickly spread throughout the country, eventually becoming one of the early 20th century’s most beloved architectural styles. Holbrooke features Craftsman quality and Shingle style details and suits today’s homeowners who have vintage sensibilities as well as modern needs. Outside, wood shingles, dovecote, cupola, large windows and stone accents complement the front porch, which welcomes with attractive trim and columns.
Step inside, the 1,900-square-foot main level leading from the foyer into a spacious 17-foot living room with a distinctive raised ceiling leads into a spacious sun room perfect for relaxing at the end of the day when work is done.   
An open kitchen and dining area provide a stylish and functional workspace for entertaining large groups. Nearby, the 900-square-foot three-car garage has plenty of storage for lawn equipment and outdoor toys. The upstairs has an additional 1,500 square feet, with a 17 by 17-foot private master suite with a large master bath and two additional family bedrooms with bath. Recreation rules in the 1,200-square-foot lower level, with a family room, 500-square-foot home theater, exercise/play room and an 11-by-14 guest bedroom for family and friends. 


Designer:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder & Interior Design:  Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.



 There are only 10 days left to cast your vote for the American Residential Design Awards Global Choice Home! If you have not had a dance to cast your vote be sure to do it soon, voting ends on July 31st at Midnight.

BALA: Summer 2014 - It's all about the details

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The NAHBs Summer news letter has been released! Check out what is happening all across the country in the building industry. See what our very own Wayne Visbeen has to say in the "it's all about the details" section featuring a slideshow of some our waterfront home designs and the details that make them great.





Published by National Association of Home Builders
Best In American Living
Summer 2014
It’s summertime, and Best in American Living is looking at all things outdoors: expanding infill homes out; the green features buyers really want (but can they afford them?); making water an amenity; and rewarding a disabled war hero with a special, eco-friendly home.
We’re also celebrating our Big 3-0! Yes, Best in American Living Awards has watched American communities—and values—change for over three decades now. Take a trip back in time with us to see 30 years of design trends.
The Drawing Board
Designing a Home for a Wounded War Hero
Three teams of architects competed at the International Builders Show to create the best house plan for a disabled veteran. One very considerate plan was the winner.
Jaclyn S. Toole, Assoc. AIA, CGP
Tools and Techniques
City Living Gets a Share of the Great Outdoors
These narrow-lot infill homes wrap around courtyards for great outdoor living and beautiful indoor light.
Steve James, AIA
Proofs and Truths
Keen for Green
NAHB's recent Housing Market Index survey reveals which green products and practices builders are finding most cost-effective and attractive to buyers.
Paul Emrath, Ph.D.
Portfolio
Healthy Ever After
Low-income rental housing can meet more than economic needs. Arbor House in the South Bronx addresses the typical health issues of an urban "food desert."
Brooke Fishel
It's All In the Details
Waterfront Homes
When designing waterfront homes, builders and architects must consider water views, outdoor spaces, outdoor rooms, prevailing winds, shading, and more. Here's how to put all the pieces together.
Wayne Visbeen
Special Section
30 Years of BALA Design Trends: What's Changed, What's Stayed?
A look back at BALA winners across three decades provides insight into how American communities—and American values—have changed over time.
Brooke Fishel
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