Northern Michigan is often known as a vibrant tourist destination due to its valuable natural resources and seasonal beauty. Since the 1870s—and as railroads expanded their lines to reach more corners of the area—hidden gems such as Walloon Lake were exposed to the yearly influx of visitors from cities such as Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago. To participate in the industry…
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Nick Liebler, LEED AP
Nick Liebler, LEEP AP, architect, and partner at White & Liebler Architects in Petoskey, Michigan is inspired by the idea of craft in design. “You’re creating something that didn’t exist before, so the challenge of being able to take a given set of ideas and turn it into something tangible—that would be what is most exciting to me about design,”…
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Great Lakes By Design: Ergonomics
Design Corner Elements a ring inspired by the historic architecture of the Guardian Building Nate & Natty the refined and soft-spoken seating line from Kimball U by Moen a new-to-market smart shower product delivering streamlined personalization Design Spotlight Future of space the role of ergonomics in the working environment and in transforming space to drive a more mobile and agile…
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Kevin Montgomery, AIA, LEED GA
“A few years ago, I really decided to embrace the idea of you don’t know what you don’t know. Our job is something that the best of them are in their prime when they are in their final stage of their career, potentially, and it is because you can continue to master more and more of what goes into the…
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Kenneth C. Richmond, AIA
For Ken Richmond, AIA, founder, and partner at Ken Richmond, Architect in Traverse City, Michigan, a day in the life will often see him spending a certain amount of time interacting with clients and consultants, office time, and field time, and dealing with the process of building—which he pointed out is different than the end result. “To me the process…
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Inspired resource
When building or remodeling a residence, unforeseen details can arise at any point in the design process—often placing stress on homeowners, architects, builders, and others involved. Since 1968, Williams Kitchen & Bath in Grand Rapids, Michigan has positioned itself as a locally-owned kitchen and bath design and consultation company assisting homeowners in smoothing out the many details involved in realizing…
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The crafted climb
With a well-tuned eye for detail developed by an early introduction to the art of carpentry and further honed by a 15-year specialization in stair systems, Matthew Conrad, design and installation specialist at Stair System Specialists in Saginaw, Michigan is no stranger to the craft. From compelling works of art designed to last and engaging stair systems unified with—and enhance—the…
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Industrial revolution
Established in 2016 as an early-stage investment firm in Midwest-based startup companies emphasizing manufacturing, Banyan Tree Ventures LLC in Hudsonville, Michigan has since evolved into a multi-endeavor business. Now, the diversified business comprises Banyan Tree Surplus, an industrial supply source; Banyan Tree Equity, a private equity investment arm; and Banyan Tree Fabworks, a specialty proto-design shop where it designs, creates,…
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Beautiful backdrop
Since revising its lineup of engineered stone, quartz, and solid surfaces to offer products for every budget, Lakeside Surfaces Inc., a Midwest installer and fabricator of countertop materials, has also included a hand-selected grouping of options from HanStone Quartz, the flagship product and subsidiary of global manufacturer Hanwha Surfaces. Driven to create products that enhance life’s journey and provide a…
