Lauren Svenstrup, founding principal of Studio Sven in Chicago, Illinois, is self-admittedly not a “yes person” when it comes to her clientele and her passion for design. Instead, it is about finding that rich, creative balance in a pursuit of curiosity over conformity, dedicated to a process of discovery, of exploration, and of the powerful potential of why. Her work,…
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Into the Woods
Designing modern architecture wasn’t always on the agenda for Celeste Robbins, principal architect of the award-winning, Winnetka, Illinois architecture firm of Robbins Architecture Inc. There could be a historical misconception about modern architecture—that it is cold or even clinical. Its resurgence in the early 2000s was partially motivated by a society appreciative of decluttered, clean forms and minimalism. Robbins was…
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Spatial harmony
On the coast of Lake Michigan in Illinois, this contemporary, waterfront home is an artful composition of geometric form, glass, and stone designed to intentionally dissolve traditional boundaries to its shoreline landscape. There is a curated depth to its experience, from entry sequence to lakefront facades providing unobstructed, albeit layered, views outward to the lake. Colors take on a thematic…
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Joseph Filippelli, AIA
Principal Architect, Owner North House Architects | Grand Haven, Michigan Buildings, like stories, often reflect the world in which they are built. It is in the thoughtful material and form, and the intentional organization of space and position in landscape that physical narratives are crafted, leaving behind symbols and record of the many who once used it—from public libraries…
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Creative forces look to illuminate and inspire
Luminaut, an architecture and design firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, believes in the illuminated experience. Built on a culture of collaboration and celebration, the firm is backed by a team of architects, designers, and creative professionals dedicated to creating inspired spaces for clients across a number of sectors. Recognized for its expertise in hospitality, senior living, and university campus-based Greek…
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Decade of design
Mathison | Mathison Architects, an award-winning, full-service architectural firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrated its 10th anniversary this month with an open house held on Oct. 10, 2023 at its downtown office location, commemorating a decade of architecture and design work dedicated to creating impactful projects for clients. The firm, which embraces the belief that human-centered design is good…
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SmithGroup expands Great Lakes presence
Recently, SmithGroup, an award-winning, global, integrated design firm, expanded its geographic footprint in the Great Lakes region with the opening of a new office location in Cleveland, Ohio. The expansion is intended to build upon its legacy of work in the Great Lakes region, joining a network of operations in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Detroit, Madison, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh, and to…
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Interiors in revolution
“There is a kindred spirit between people who collect campers, people who collect old cars, people who collect old motorcycles, and people who collect old boats. We are all in the same group that appreciates and honors history, and likes to preserve things,” said Sondra K. Phillips, ASID, EDAC, principal, founder, and owner of SKP Design LLC, an interior design…
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Systems of design
“People find their own ways of using things regardless of how prescriptive it can be,” said Lee Fletcher, principal and co-founding partner of Fig40, an award-winning, multi-service, industrial design firm based in Toronto, Ontario. “We need to have a sensitivity to that.” This intention to the intrinsic human nature of design underscores the Fig40 portfolio, which Fletcher has been building…
