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    Megan Feenstra-Wall, AIA

    Architect | Mathison|Mathison Architects Grand Rapids, Michigan There was a period in time when Megan Feenstra-Wall, AIA, architect at Grand Rapids-based Mathison |Mathison Architects, and her husband took a year off from their professional careers and spent nearly six months backpacking and traveling through southeastern Asia and the subcontinent of India. While the trip, which was rather spontaneously decided last…

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    Mark Humitz, AIA, LEED AP

    Owner, President | Cornwell Architects Traverse City, Michigan “I was one of those kids, who always stuck his nose where he maybe shouldn’t, but I was just fascinated with the whole construction process and design and how things went together,” said Mark Humitz, AIA, LEED AP, in reference to the addition project at his childhood home in Dearborn, Michigan. “It really…

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    Robert Sears

    Owner, Principal | Sears Architects Grand Rapids, Michigan Robert Sears, owner of the boutique architecture and planning firm known as Sears Architects, considers himself lucky. “I knew what I wanted to do. So many people don’t have a passion or a clear direction for their career,” Sears said. “I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was in sixth grade.…

  • Creative Endeavors

    Finished luxury

    Text: R.Collins The Minnesota-based company known for pushing the solid surface envelope continues its legacy by offering innovative finish options and expanded designs—and its Michigan-based partner is bringing it to the table. Since entering the quartz market in 2000, Cambria has been changing the functionality and style of kitchens worldwide. Founded by the Davis family and known for producing and engineering…

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    Gina Van Tine, AIA, LEED AP

    Owner, Principal | inFORM Studio PC Northville, Michigan | Traverse City, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois “When I was a little kid, my grandparents owned a saw mill down in Tennessee and I’ve always been around buildings my whole life,” said Gina Van Tine, AIA, LEED AP, principal and owner at Detroit-based inFORM Studio PC. “I just loved it. I thought it…

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    Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA

    Owner, Principal | Visbeen Architects Inc. Grand Rapids, Michigan | Chicago, Illinois Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, owner and founding principal at Visbeen Architects Inc., is passionate about his craft, which shines through in his artful, real-time sketches as he combines his creative vision and technical skill to bring his clients’ dreams to reality. His dedication to delivering innovative solutions—both visually…

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    Nicholas J. White, AIA, LEED AP

    Owner, Principal | N.J. White Associates Architecture & Planning Petoskey, Michigan It was nearly four decades ago when Nicholas J. White, AIA, LEED AP, owner and principal at N.J. White Associates Architecture & Planning, decided to establish his own firm in Petoskey, Michigan and create the art he had initially studied when an undergraduate in Ohio. “I was a Fine…

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    Great Lakes By Design Magazine is a bi-monthly design publication highlighting the arts, the destinations, the fashion, the products, and the people behind them throughout Michigan, Chicago, Indianapolis and other major markets surrounding the Great Lakes. One year and two year subscriptions are available to have this print exclusive features delivered to you.

  • Print Edition

    Volume 1, Issue 6: The Architects

    Photography by M Buck Studio Architects are often responsible for some of the world’s most striking and inspired structures in the built environment. As a field, it frequently requires a deft application of balanced artistry and mathematics, creativity and engineering, and aesthetics and functionality. Whether it takes winged form in innovative bridges, pedestrian walkways, civic and cultural buildings, commercial spaces, or custom residential…