Home improvement shows are fun to watch, but are they realistic? Everyone in our office has done our share of DIY and remodeling projects, so we feel well qualified to weigh in on the subject. Like most home owners, we enjoy watching home remodeling shows on HGTV and elsewhere. Sometimes the end results are really […]
Why are barns red? Why are shutters green and porch ceilings blue? The answers may surprise you. And then again, maybe not. In the past, people made paint color decisions much the same way that we do today: based on budget, availability, personal taste, utility, and sometimes superstition. Red Barns In the old days, many […]
Summer is the perfect time to vacation at a theme/amusement park. Parks offer a big bang for your buck and most are located within an easy drive of major metropolitan areas. Enjoy live entertainment, exciting rides, casual dining, and fun shopping – all in one place. Just park your car and stay for the day […]
What is the key to success in business? “Do what you love. And love what you do”. It might sound a little corny, but I do love my profession, in fact I think of it as a life-style not a job. For the owners of Shakou Sushi “love what you do” is not just a […]
Google search for “easy care” and you will get all sorts of advice on relationships, haircuts, and lawns. But there are few articles on choosing easy care products for your home or commercial building. With every architectural project, our firm looks for products that bring value to our clients. We specify building products that are […]
Libertyville is the best of both worlds. Its vibrant downtown business district, great schools, and ready access to recreation makes Libertyville a great place to live, work and play. Centrally located in Lake County, between Milwaukee and Chicago, Libertyville has been recognized by many for its successful downtown revitalization. It has caught the eye of […]
You probably haven’t given much thought to the stability of your building walls. In the spring, we see landscapers and building owners piling dirt and mulch up against building walls. If you want to maintain healthy building walls, you don’t want to be that guy. Walls are not always as strong as you think! I […]
Theming is the icing on the cake for theme park rides. Ride theming compliments the ride itself by adding a layer of storytelling and effects to intensify the guest experience. From the Batman-themed Dark Knight to the black-ops themed X-Flight, we have had tons of fun designing ride theming and integrating coasters into amusement parks. […]
Mid-century modern design elements have experienced resurgence in popularity in recent years. It’s no wonder – the style is known for its simple, clean and multi-purpose focus. Let’s explore the origins of mid-century modern design and the reasons this popular style is finding a new audience. Mid-century modern design developed as an architectural, interior design, product, […]
Most of us choose paint based on local availability, cost, and color. But there is more to selecting paint than meets the eye. Architects choose paint based on building use, location, substrate, color, product longevity, safety, and warranty. Our #1 tip…don’t skimp on the quality! When hiring a professional to paint you can expect labor […]
Lighting color-sensitive spaces is a special design challenge. Whether highlighting a work of art or rendering a fashion model on the runway, specialized lighting makes all the difference. Not all spaces require specialized lighting. An overall level of illumination is adequate in most warehouses and offices, with additional task lighting in select locations. But in […]
Snow-covered buildings can be beautiful and picturesque. But heavy snow-fall can deliver a one-two punch to roof structures that are not capable of supporting the weight. Record snow-fall in the New England region has led to a number of dramatic roof collapses in Maine and Massachusetts. Here in the Midwest, we also regularly experience heavy […]
We are big movie fans and look forward to watching the Oscars at this time each year. At home, we let the kids stay up late to watch their favorite stars pose on the red carpet. We serve special movie-themed snacks and have spirited conversations around the nominees. When the awards presentations begin, we get […]
Drones have the potential to become an important a tool for the construction industry. Some general contractors and surveyors are already utilizing drones, also known as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for a variety of surveillance and documentation uses. Construction equipment maker Komatsu plans to use US-made drones to scan job sites from the air and […]
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning affects thousands of Americans each year. Mild effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, may be mistaken for the flu. Severe effects of carbon monoxide poisoning may cause death. Winter is a more vulnerable time for potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s why: in the winter, the cold air contains less oxygen. Carbon […]
