Style Guide: CottageA term that originated from the Middle Ages, a "cottage" referred to the dwellings of agricultural workers, or cotters, and their friends a family. Cottages were smaller peasant units, usually on the property of larger plantations or estates. Today, cottages most often refer to buildings used as s…
Runway for CharityA.K. Rikk's, Design 1 Salon Spa, Aura Cosmetics, The Matthew Agency and our firm, Visbeen Architects, are bringing Grand Rapids the must see fashion show of the summer, called Runway for Charity. All proceeds from the event benefit the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. The last event in 2011 (forme…
Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program Looking for Next ClassAs you may or may not have known, Wayne is a part of the first class graduating from the Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring (JEM) Program. It offers small business leaders / entrepreneurs in West Michigan the opportunity to be mentored by other successful business and community leaders to enhance …
A.K. Rikk's Takes Home an ARE Award for Outstanding MeritOn April 16, 2013, the Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E) Design Awards were given out at a ceremony in Downtown Chicago at the Hard Rock Cafe. The 72 winners were awarded for excellence in all aspects of retail design from 51 projects all over the world. With a record breaking 2,000+ ent…
The Blaine with a little Sweet Southern ComfortThe Blaine has a new look! One of our classic designs, the Blaine, was just built on the beautiful Lake Lanier in Georgia with a little different, "Sweet Southern Comfort" flavor. Check it out!What fun seeing our work going up across the country!…
Cabin Life: Dreams on Paper: Northwest CabinThe May issue of Cabin Life Magazine is out and includes a unique, contemporary little cabin we designed called the Northwest Cabin. This modest lodge, at just over 500 square feet, uses simple forms to create a cabin that lives large despite it's petite size. For ease of reading, click here to vie…
Building Less Than Meets the EyeWait...less, you say? That's right.In Builder Magazine's Business Update last week, they included an interview with Wayne discussing the design of the Warren Residence, an infill home and winner of the Best in the Midwest from the Best in American Living Awards, which offers eye-popping aesthetics …
Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: First a house then a home"Long before it can become a cherished home, it all starts with a superbly built house."The story of the Heartsworth continues in April's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. The "bones" of the home are described in this chapter - selections of the lumber, foundation walls, siding, stone and roof shingl…
Architectural Tutorial: Timber FrameA residential construction method used commonly in the 17th and 18th century, timber framing did more than just create sturdy structures. It has impacted design elements and details that have been incorporated into architectural styles for years beyond. Today, we most commonly see elements of timb…
