Design for a Cause

Designed by Karen Swanson and Glenda Meads of Swanson-Meads Architects, the most recent addition to Birmingham’s Westchester Way is a $1.45 million, 4,580-square-foot, English Arts-and-Crafts-style showhouse built to reflect a woman’s perspective of the ideal home. Swanson and Meads consulted with a committee of eight women of various backgrounds before creating the floor plan. The result — constructed by Wellington Chase Homes — boasts four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, and a three-car garage.

Troy’s Michigan Design Center — a co-sponsor of the effort — donated its resources to the 20 design professionals charged with giving each room its own unique look. Each designer was given an area and adapted their design based on this year’s theme. “I asked a lot of my women friends for their opinions before I began my design,” says designer Michael Coyne of Michael Coyne Design. “My assistant Bridget has six children and was a great resource that allowed me to establish a design with more functionality while remaining feminine.”

Located at 386 Westchester Way, the home will be open to the public September 18-21 and September 25-28. Net proceeds from the tour will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Michigan Design Center, Troy; 248-649-4772.