• Design Spotlight,  Featured,  Print Edition

    Ben Franceschi, AIA

    Principal Mathison | Mathison Architects | Grand Rapids, Michigan   To Ben Franceschi, AIA, architecture is a fundamental tool for making decisions that can impact the lives of those who inhabit designed spaces. It is in the details, the poetic moments, and appreciation of site that can lead to thoughtful solutions that inspire—and it is the social architectural element, or…

  • Featured,  Form

    The thoughtfully considered

    AIA Minnesota recognizes outstanding built projects for 2023   For nearly 70 years, AIA Minnesota has recognized its members and member-owned firms for their architecture and urban design work through its AIA Minnesota Honor Awards and Commendations for Design Excellence. Over the decades, the program has challenged architects to envision what is possible, recognizing that design can be a vehicle…

  • Design Spotlight,  Featured,  Print Edition

    Shannon Easter White, AIA, NCARB

    Founding Principal, Owner FUNchitecture LLC | Flint, Michigan   While considered simple in her own words, Shannon Easter White, owner and founding principal of FUNchitecture LLC of Flint, Michigan, is driven by an architectural philosophy that embraces an authenticity, a permanence, and an element of joy in both the process and the end result. Defined by a commitment to fun,…

  • Featured,  Relish

    To Adalina

    In poetic, literary tradition, a hospitality destination set in the Gold Coast Historic District of Chicago, Illinois has reimagined a second-generation restaurant space into a sensory feast, where its muse is both mystery and namesake, giving voice to the exploration and delight of the culinary experience. Its impression, carefully curated, leaves a lingering hint of curiosity on the palate, as…

  • Design Spotlight,  Featured,  Print Edition

    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…

  • Featured,  Form

    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…

  • Design Spotlight,  Featured,  Print Edition

    Pamela Lamaster-Millett, AIA

    Principal, Partner Searl Lamaster Howe Architects | Chicago, Illinois   In the digital age of rapid technology advancement and immersive virtual landscapes, Pamela Lamaster-Millett, AIA, envisions a future in which the industry embraces architecture’s inherent permanence and continues to advocate for the importance of the tactile experience in physical spaces. “In our modern time, where everybody is looking at social…

  • Featured

    To set a soul on fire

    In a 1942-built bungalow in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, the conceptual design and speakeasy vibes of its recently transformed lower-level sounds like music. There is a gradual swell in volume as one descends the stairwell beneath neon lights that speak like lyrics to an expressive landscape, gesturing to rhythm and tone of ambient composition. The bright glow of magenta and…

  • Featured,  Form

    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…