2016 DHDA: Homes

2016 Design Awards

Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice


Historic Renovation/Restoration

Photo by Gloriouso Photography

1st – William J. Thomas Studios

Located in Metamora’s beautiful horse country, this 3,500-square-foot farmhouse underwent a full exterior restoration. The goal was to return the property to its original 1860s splendor. All existing siding and trim was removed and replaced, and the porch was extended around the home. The horse barn and carriage house now feature a full pine board interior, with six horse stalls, a large hayloft, and an apartment.

Photo by Chuck Heiney

2nd – Mike Schaap Builders with Jeffrey Roberts Design

Photo by Jim Haefner

3rd – Wendy Silverman with Saroki Architecture and Mosher Dolan


Small Space Remodel (Up to 1,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Eric Perry

1st – Jacob & Co.

Blending a traditional home with a Mid-Century design was difficult, but the end result was achieved through the use of traditional premier cabinetry and a modern island. Implementing a waterfall marble edge on the island to add a contemporary touch, in combination with the home’s Mid-Century furniture and light fixtures, melded the two eras successfully.

Photo by Kate Benjamin Photography

2nd – Mainstreet Design Build

Photo by Brad Ziegler

3rd – Desrosiers Architects


Large Remodel (More Than 1,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Gloriouso Photography

1st – William J. Thomas Studios

This 3,500-square-foot farmhouse underwent a full exterior restoration. A historic rendering, completed in the late 1800s, was inspiration for the restoration. All existing siding and trim was removed and replaced, and the porch was extended around the home, expanding views. The horse barn and carriage house are connected by a 100-foot breezeway. The property, now called “Old Magnolia Farm,” is a stunning American farmhouse and equestrian estate.

Photo by Beth Singer

2nd – Glenda Meads Architects, with Richard Ross Designs

Photo by Beth Singer

3rd – Joseph Mosey Architecture, Inc., with Schuster Homes


Addition Project (Architecture)

Photo by Beth Singer

1st – CBI Design Professionals Inc.

This project consisted of a renovated kitchen and nook, a new prep kitchen and exterior kitchen at the pool deck, exterior covered eating areas, and pool cabana upgrades as well as mechanical, lighting, and security improvements. The goal for the exterior was to blend it seamlessly with the original home, and care was taken to use the same materials and detailing. As a result, the addition is just what the family needed.

Photo by Beth Singer

2nd – William J. Thomas Studios

Photo by Gloriouso Photography

3rd – Glenda Meads Architects


Sustainable Design

Photo by Jim Yochum

1st – Allegretti Architects Inc.

In shepherding the homeowners through the evolving processes and organization of the newly emerging LEED for Homes requirements, the best methods were used to achieve an outstanding design and to provide the 84 LEED points necessary for the platinum rating. The owners and the firm believe this will be a seminal home and will have a positive environmental influence on the direction of local housing.

Photo by Beth Singer

2nd – Jennifer Taylor Studio with Anahi Hollis

Photo by Jeff Garland

3rd – Angelini and Associates Architects with Donna Newsom Interior Design and Christopher John Robert Laycock, LLC


Vacation Home in Michigan

Photo by Chuck Heiney

1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.

This floor plan was tailored to fit a narrow lot. Multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome to the unique design. The kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gatherings of family and friends, and the great room has a natural fireplace. The upper level features a master suite, two bedrooms, and access to a third-floor loft.

Photo by William J. Hebert

2nd – Visbeen Architects Inc.

Photo by Beth Singer

3rd – The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs with Cottage Company Interiors


Vacation Home Outside of Michigan

Photo by Wayne C. Moore

1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters, and interesting roof lines. The interior is equally impressive, and boasts an open floor plan that accommodates today’s busy families and modern lifestyles.

Photo by Michael James

2nd – Christian Tennant Custom Homes, with William Sabella & Ty Nunn

Photo by Chris Campbell

3rd – VanBrouck & Associates Inc.


New Model Home (Architecture)

Photo by Don Schulte

1st – Petrucci Homes With Distinction, with Richard Daniels & Associates

When this home was purchased, its original architecture was completely hidden. The only solution was to gut the building. We rescued Bavarian-themed beams and put on a fresh coat of white paint. The hardwood floor dated back to the early 1900s, but required a lot of work. It was a pleasant surprise to find a fieldstone fireplace  and so much more!

Photo by Wayne C. Moore

2nd – Visbeen Architects Inc.

Photo by David Leale

3rd – Visbeen Architects Inc.


Contemporary Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Adam Kunselman

1st – AZD Architects 

This 2,600-square-foot modern house sits on a 50-foot-wide lot on Williams Lake. The exterior materials consist of a commercial masonry split-faced block, black-framed metal windows, and accents of stained cedar. Every inch of the lake side of the house is glass, including a three-story, frame-less glass corner. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance, low-profile soft industrial modern house, and that’s precisely what he received!

Photo by Scott Kunselman

2nd – AZD Architects with Dokan Construction

Photo by Beth Singer

3rd – Glenda Meads Architects with BoConept


Contemporary Architecture (More than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Steven Sivak

1st – Steven Sivak Architects

In this simple, unemotional box, art, life, and light thrive. On one hand it’s a brutal concrete box, but on the other hand, it’s exactly what the client ordered. While the exterior appears as a solid, light oozes from unexpected surfaces of the walls and ceilings. Due to extreme care and control of the casting process, the concrete surfaces are glass-smooth and contain the subtle hallmarks of poured concrete.

Photo by Adam Kunselman

2nd – AZD Architects with Zanotti Divergilio Builders Inc.

Photo by William J. Hebert

3rd – Visbeen Architects Inc.


Traditional Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Wayne C. Moore

1st – Visbeen Architects

Old and new architectural styles combine in this farmhouse-inspired design. After entering from a columned front porch, residents enjoy a welcoming, open floor plan that accommodates today’s busy families and modern lifestyles. Note the intriguing mix of materials in this neutral-palette kitchen.

Photo by Gloriouso Photography

2nd – William J. Thomas Studios

Photo by Kate Benjamin Photography

3rd – Mainstreet Design Build


Traditional Architecture (More Than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Brad Ziegler

1st – VanBrouck & Associates Inc. with Luxe Homes Design + Build and Oliver Max Interiors

This English manor-style residence has an aura of timeless, stately bearing. While the house is sited on acreage with manicured lawns, mature trees, and English gardens, the “in-town” Birmingham property is long and narrow. This required a creative footprint to house three cars and spacious interior rooms including a conservatory, a two-story library, and large dining and gathering spaces.

Photo by William J. Hebert

2nd – Visbeen Architects Inc.

Photo by Ryan Halsey

3rd – Brandywine Construction & Management with Krieger Klatt Architects Inc. 


Overall Home

Photo by Gloriouso Photography

1st – William J. Thomas Studios

This 3,500-square-foot farmhouse underwent a full exterior restoration. A historic rendering, completed in the late 1800s, was inspiration for the restoration. All existing siding and trim was removed and replaced, and the porch was extended around the home, expanding views. The horse barn and carriage house are connected by a 100-foot breezeway. The property, now called “Old Magnolia Farm,” is a stunning American farmhouse and equestrian estate.

Photo by Jim Haefner

2nd – Wendy Silverman with Saroki Architecture and Mosher Dolan

Photo by Beth Singer

3rd – The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs, with Cottage Company Interiors