Professional Builder Magazine Cover

One of <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Professional%2BBuilder%2BMag%2BPost">Visbeen Associates</a>' designs, the Hampshire, made the cover of <a href="http://www.housingzone.com/pb/pubhome">Professional Builder Magazine</a> last month. Check out the cover photo of the Hampshire's beautiful kitchen! To see more photos of this home design, visit the gallery of our website (<a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Professional%2BBuilder%2BMag%2BPost">www.visbeen.biz</a>) > Residential Projects > American Neighborhood > Hampshire. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GoGA8upm6KB4N_c9Mdj3out5Cl8_y9gktmfHwHyznDq4MJMPbBFuQ_LozTA675XBXJrE0mmeRJZYeDMsEsIa3e6WVowpLN322H2vnxcwpXMrZi0gIeUWlIP2tOS6JwGkO_tP-WuDXd_G/s1600/Cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607386998566549074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GoGA8upm6KB4N_c9Mdj3out5Cl8_y9gktmfHwHyznDq4MJMPbBFuQ_LozTA675XBXJrE0mmeRJZYeDMsEsIa3e6WVowpLN322H2vnxcwpXMrZi0gIeUWlIP2tOS6JwGkO_tP-WuDXd_G/s320/Cover.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 320px;" /></a></div>

Professional Builder Magazine Cover

One of Visbeen Associates ' designs, the Hampshire, made the cover of Professional Builder Magazine last month. Check out the cover pho...

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Become a Blog Follower/Subscriber!

<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to follow/subscribe to our blog by submitting your email address in the space just to the right of this post. You will be kept up to date on anything new we post here on our blog with a simple email.</span></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why subscribe, you ask?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Here are a few reasons...</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All things VAI:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you will be kept up to date on all things related to our firm - where you will find us when we are in the news, trade shows where we will have a booth, our award winning designs, the social side of our firm (we have one, we promise!), any happenings with our staff members as well as many other items of special interest regarding our firm.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Extensive view of our projects:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> we post renderings, sketches and photos of projects recently started, currently in progress or already completed. See the variety of styles and types of work we do on a regular basis and how we might be able to help with any design needs </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">you</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> may have!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's educational:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> we not only post items of special interest regarding our firm, we also try to offer an educational spin on the architecture we do. Learn the meaning of architectural terms you never knew you didn't know in our monthly Architectural Tutorial. Get design tips from Wayne Visbeen on a variety of topics that will make your house a home. Read about local vendors we work with regularly during the design and construction process.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Contests:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> we have contests/quizzes on items posted on our blog, so if you subscribe and participate in them on our </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">facebook page</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, you will be sure to win some prizes!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are a few things NOT to expect from subscribing to our blog...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spam emails: you will not be signing up for emails from anyone but us. We have never and will never share your information with any company outside of Visbeen Associates.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Emails asking for something: this blog is meant to offer information </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">to you</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, its free and meant to be fun, so we hope you just sit back and enjoy. The only thing we will ever ask for is your participation!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you would like to keep up to date on all of these fun items of interest, enter your email address in the blank on the right side of our blog and click 'Subscribe.' You will be sent an email within minutes from FeedBurner to verify your email address before your subscription is activated, so be sure to check your inbox and spam folder for the email. Click on the link in the email that is sent to you and you will be all signed up. It's that easy!</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span>

Become a Blog Follower/Subscriber!

If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to follow/subscribe to our blog by submitting your email address in the space just to t...

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Licensed in 6 States

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizedAbsZYiQtC-DCAAOKUpBTda77rcW66nbyVESMESeAmWxpQQ5ukwefLnF0GsnF1r0byq1JUYG_Fqd9jqPkHxT3cHics-qSF_lQ-GP-zJVqEan8AEtTtV3myGo0JQ_IYXMsxGCnpB-3LE/s1600/USA522letterBWPrint%28cropped%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603316239109625730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizedAbsZYiQtC-DCAAOKUpBTda77rcW66nbyVESMESeAmWxpQQ5ukwefLnF0GsnF1r0byq1JUYG_Fqd9jqPkHxT3cHics-qSF_lQ-GP-zJVqEan8AEtTtV3myGo0JQ_IYXMsxGCnpB-3LE/s320/USA522letterBWPrint%28cropped%29.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Did you know that Wayne Visbeen is a licensed architect in 6 states? Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and, most recently, Illinois. We regularly work with clients on projects out of state and have never found distance to be an issue during the design process. One of our out of state clients recently said,</span><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">"The high level of accuracy and detail in the project documents avoided many of the issues that often raise questions, cause delays and result in extras.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">When questions did arise, Paul Fikse and the rest of Wayne’s team presented solutions that met the design intent, supported the project budget, and were provided in a timely fashion.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">As a result, we never found the geographic distance between us to be an issue.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">In fact, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">we often commented that we got faster results from Michigan than we were able to get from our local architects<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">"</span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">If you or someone you know is in need of architectural design services locally or outside of the state of Michigan, please contact our office today!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>

Licensed in 6 States

Did you know that Wayne Visbeen is a licensed architect in 6 states? Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and, most recently, ...

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So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

Our controller for many years, Marcy Stellin, recently left her position at <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz">Visbeen Associates</a> for another great career opportunity. So we bid farewell to Marcy in true VAI style this week - with a party! Here are some photos from our little get-together at <a href="http://www.breweryvivant.com">Brewery Vivant</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Marcy - so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu! We wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for your many years of faithful service here at VAI!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawKzDwvYuQDvPw6XgqLSFg-NB3olonCMzdeWAW8CI7exvrQEl_vLh3LHHYPGX3gS2-PjooLX_hOnKjpVlifagRpbQ31QwX5NJEKTBfWmFcIlcPLjNJdMXB4WLU_2OqLqYxaCanJaz_HJd/s1600/IMG_0240-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246547196067458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawKzDwvYuQDvPw6XgqLSFg-NB3olonCMzdeWAW8CI7exvrQEl_vLh3LHHYPGX3gS2-PjooLX_hOnKjpVlifagRpbQ31QwX5NJEKTBfWmFcIlcPLjNJdMXB4WLU_2OqLqYxaCanJaz_HJd/s320/IMG_0240-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Party just getting started</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYzIqf4VW1EUL4vR71mtJDHH2ePzkh112ggYct7L8lHkypZ0ZlOn3vNcN3rOQfcLObrmWVGslq1w-A7zYrcARNGKllQAgptVThLv7hnlpCTiBpJiUEBlMlqeM6QTOAdHpFwPlrOCQ75_5/s1600/IMG_0242-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246544967378418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYzIqf4VW1EUL4vR71mtJDHH2ePzkh112ggYct7L8lHkypZ0ZlOn3vNcN3rOQfcLObrmWVGslq1w-A7zYrcARNGKllQAgptVThLv7hnlpCTiBpJiUEBlMlqeM6QTOAdHpFwPlrOCQ75_5/s320/IMG_0242-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Getting ready to try some of Brewery Vivant's fantastic brews</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><i> </i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VCcZmu8OAwJxvsYd2TwqOZa_NQIFOYJaodKRHk6gg5ZI-qMZ33jB9GqosvFnwVwtxS8WnUQWC_QD9C_fYh6Xmxr6szcbUn_3oMwi-PzYgfFbgGWbspl_-wPRn2IGkBdhEeP2SumIX-xi/s1600/IMG_0244-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603246539075454850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VCcZmu8OAwJxvsYd2TwqOZa_NQIFOYJaodKRHk6gg5ZI-qMZ33jB9GqosvFnwVwtxS8WnUQWC_QD9C_fYh6Xmxr6szcbUn_3oMwi-PzYgfFbgGWbspl_-wPRn2IGkBdhEeP2SumIX-xi/s320/IMG_0244-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Our venue for the party, Brewery Vivant, a new pub/brewery located in an old funeral chapel</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPpr2r0sAXO-_3UXia9wt7-U-YwMXDWTaMRJQqqxZRDeJvDhBa_JnV7Fg_0RCzEOPopg2GmfBhgbdy1KKKgEKPdjgwc7qrt17xMfCv0NSPnMwfX0hnwuDukf7e5n7jduDJjCsw0OkvbS2/s1600/IMG_0248-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603245725067857586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPpr2r0sAXO-_3UXia9wt7-U-YwMXDWTaMRJQqqxZRDeJvDhBa_JnV7Fg_0RCzEOPopg2GmfBhgbdy1KKKgEKPdjgwc7qrt17xMfCv0NSPnMwfX0hnwuDukf7e5n7jduDJjCsw0OkvbS2/s320/IMG_0248-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Food, drink and fellowship!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yl9pVHuB76avL7kHzswCAGaGUMc78Y5Qd-vLMnb_IwIHtEXSa2fXBTmblTo4VXKKf2ifKIsdXN-j2FcU0b5_g8l_YJULL-4aDjA_nIRfXCcE4GlA-55fD4W4tNhHgtcGBQVLjPAWibrv/s1600/IMG_0250-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603245714620763138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yl9pVHuB76avL7kHzswCAGaGUMc78Y5Qd-vLMnb_IwIHtEXSa2fXBTmblTo4VXKKf2ifKIsdXN-j2FcU0b5_g8l_YJULL-4aDjA_nIRfXCcE4GlA-55fD4W4tNhHgtcGBQVLjPAWibrv/s320/IMG_0250-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Hugs goodbye!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYdEILvuYfmGcxfKMH48ZFRGir0a2AV3mCEJeJmAUC7ewbhLrx7QVCtqXfGD-PzEoQmbX4Kaq66uX3AyQUCR_yRlKje4uivlf8829c_uYOzlKqvQJkvxP4Qid6VA6uTm1gJX8M6SPxfLa/s1600/IMG_0251-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603245712058042770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYdEILvuYfmGcxfKMH48ZFRGir0a2AV3mCEJeJmAUC7ewbhLrx7QVCtqXfGD-PzEoQmbX4Kaq66uX3AyQUCR_yRlKje4uivlf8829c_uYOzlKqvQJkvxP4Qid6VA6uTm1gJX8M6SPxfLa/s320/IMG_0251-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Farewell speech from Wayne</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZTtL3cJd02wm00m_PNqZR-rHH5jPP5NFrgez9QtSLsMPgzWhYxMNksfAVO7Q2mvadHPdj4PSWx0BpgVOvqfRAUlOoti5nG8p8eJQi8CZPCSo28mbAhoMT99uLhYWfn8tRT7h3TBE-xOk/s1600/IMG_0258-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603245701350608274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZTtL3cJd02wm00m_PNqZR-rHH5jPP5NFrgez9QtSLsMPgzWhYxMNksfAVO7Q2mvadHPdj4PSWx0BpgVOvqfRAUlOoti5nG8p8eJQi8CZPCSo28mbAhoMT99uLhYWfn8tRT7h3TBE-xOk/s320/IMG_0258-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>We surprised her with a little going away present</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8an8W3UxcFaGY0wjDlZTYuvfMCyVxe2riGXLFUfYj25SvofRzOrIPm5bz7R_yCxPw3QeW_znj_Ku8Bhk15ijB0bwMv0M92kEyJq1pIu83d6kg0kRxD_AlcLFrm-4WSGTH73gGTlycF7f3/s1600/IMG_0260-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603245698472230546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8an8W3UxcFaGY0wjDlZTYuvfMCyVxe2riGXLFUfYj25SvofRzOrIPm5bz7R_yCxPw3QeW_znj_Ku8Bhk15ijB0bwMv0M92kEyJq1pIu83d6kg0kRxD_AlcLFrm-4WSGTH73gGTlycF7f3/s320/IMG_0260-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Framed renderings of her beautiful, VAI-designed home!</i></span></div>

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

Our controller for many years, Marcy Stellin, recently left her position at Visbeen Associates for another great career opportunity. So we ...

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2 East Fulton Design Concepts

What used to be the Junior Achievement Building on the corner of Fulton and Division in downtown Grand Rapids has been purchased by <a href="http://www.locusdevelopment.com/">Locus Development</a> with plans to fully renovate the property. <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a> is the design architect working with Locus and <a href="http://www.towerpinkster.com/">Tower Pinkster</a> (architect of record) on the design of this project - check out these conceptual watercolors recently rendered by the talented David Lorenz. We are very excited about the project and the potential for this downtown diamond-in-the-rough!<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas-kKTP-Cmm6E2gPwpXpU6NdToyt-JR3W7yZYzfx_-wLRIJOoC6BQjYiabdj2PQFJWCnR7mmIUNeReCqE1SyFRfnDky2wp4WlWjyQR6r0isSdMoM17sbsjSpoUs_fgv73r2OSVKAV87j6/s1600/R1.1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602205906559576386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas-kKTP-Cmm6E2gPwpXpU6NdToyt-JR3W7yZYzfx_-wLRIJOoC6BQjYiabdj2PQFJWCnR7mmIUNeReCqE1SyFRfnDky2wp4WlWjyQR6r0isSdMoM17sbsjSpoUs_fgv73r2OSVKAV87j6/s320/R1.1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9hf8SrGfpL8rcOCQNOMdi2F6oOTMgodd7D_SXx6n1arLQLeD8aoxMJvst0yOvlHGQ7RY5Zb5OzNZSt6LVmb_fS1IOMw4o-yTaP8yA4kEf31j72JZQgDsAUDsJsIokycHF4RHMUqspNn2/s1600/R1.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602205904566541314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9hf8SrGfpL8rcOCQNOMdi2F6oOTMgodd7D_SXx6n1arLQLeD8aoxMJvst0yOvlHGQ7RY5Zb5OzNZSt6LVmb_fS1IOMw4o-yTaP8yA4kEf31j72JZQgDsAUDsJsIokycHF4RHMUqspNn2/s320/R1.2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWp2e2-JHRigpV901_0xHzE0-W0xzUupg4leevkHZTI-kHoPLcHvqKTKSqjcu69QpA1kxhHIucAFDllykm60Oa-rlUiRwgEYAsdkCxOTgM-AOhIkCmAzQzSIadpbBfkyOVPjQkcI2m_Sf/s1600/R1.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602205894264048818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWp2e2-JHRigpV901_0xHzE0-W0xzUupg4leevkHZTI-kHoPLcHvqKTKSqjcu69QpA1kxhHIucAFDllykm60Oa-rlUiRwgEYAsdkCxOTgM-AOhIkCmAzQzSIadpbBfkyOVPjQkcI2m_Sf/s320/R1.3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a></div>

2 East Fulton Design Concepts

What used to be the Junior Achievement Building on the corner of Fulton and Division in downtown Grand Rapids has been purchased by Locus De...

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Vote for Paul Fikse!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wmWesHPrwYLnMAuLM8crToJaoEG_og_U6HepcVyEdMZ41hGNLhKdjNLAEAYwVOtx0WPoPwwfmAGufvA6BcrOYsCqqWKzdL8E_5gyt3QZxwHpA7lE3rxeif-cSqVSKeYTstMi6EklcDSd/s1600/Paul.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601083917759205938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wmWesHPrwYLnMAuLM8crToJaoEG_og_U6HepcVyEdMZ41hGNLhKdjNLAEAYwVOtx0WPoPwwfmAGufvA6BcrOYsCqqWKzdL8E_5gyt3QZxwHpA7lE3rxeif-cSqVSKeYTstMi6EklcDSd/s320/Paul.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Our Vice President, Paul Fikse, is currently running for Byron Center Public School Board in the upcoming election on May 3, 2011. Paul is involved in the community through his three children currently attending Byron Center schools. You may have seen him at one of many equestrian, swimming, volleyball, baseball and other sporting events that he has been involved with and attended over the years. Fikse has most recently added participation in the Watch Dog Dads program to his contribution to the school district. According to Fikse, "it is undeniable how important the education of our children is. The knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom and in extra curricular activities will serve each student in developing the framework for the rest of their life. This is noteworthy both as a parent and for the community at large." He has always been a big proponent for public education after growing up in a large school district in the suburbs of Chicago. Fikse says, "I've always worked towards excellence, and given the opportunity to join the school board, I will work with that same goal in mind while also being a positive influence on the education system in Byron Center." Vote for Paul Fikse on May 3, 2011!<br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPLaR4x8MyjvCGV-Sag-DdA-yHwsH0Iyes5Ab6qCZWTjjh1mztRqOCdEAdtx4cau0gTF_2QNlWUq2tq_l01h_3HyuK_tImsf7lN4ArykE1D6tsAZR-a5pwY2hJWPmbS8QygoRaSpRqx1L/s1600/Sign.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702143491273762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPLaR4x8MyjvCGV-Sag-DdA-yHwsH0Iyes5Ab6qCZWTjjh1mztRqOCdEAdtx4cau0gTF_2QNlWUq2tq_l01h_3HyuK_tImsf7lN4ArykE1D6tsAZR-a5pwY2hJWPmbS8QygoRaSpRqx1L/s320/Sign.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" /></a></div>

Vote for Paul Fikse!

Our Vice President, Paul Fikse, is currently running for Byron Center Public School Board in the upcoming election on May 3, 2011. Paul is ...

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Architectural Tutorial: Shingle Style

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The Shingle style is an architectural style that is uniquely American. Simply defined, it a style in which the entire building is covered in shingles. It developed in the late 1800's out of the Stick and Queen Anne styles because of a revived interest in colonial American architecture from the 17th century. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The style is characterized by having a picturesque or rustic look, with irregular roof lines includ</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ing </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">hipped, gabled, or gambrel</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">free-flowing floor plans, open porches, and less variety in color and materials.*</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Over the years, we have become known for our work in traditional residential architecture, including the numerous shingle style homes we have designed. Take a look at a few of our designs as well as some of our uniquely original variations.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvMuPInyGkT2VztkVlpPx6RFO5dh4eUO7J5zLaFfpEt5jwptpqc5W5X0agemyTdX4tYlQ4iedIgmnPRzkvU2LCE13XwmrKqb7VRzn9bAj-gCMoDXCr-dQvLTLLMsuM14HBBqj3Jjr3BZq/s1600/1-Westchester+_DSF3490.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682533278910034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvMuPInyGkT2VztkVlpPx6RFO5dh4eUO7J5zLaFfpEt5jwptpqc5W5X0agemyTdX4tYlQ4iedIgmnPRzkvU2LCE13XwmrKqb7VRzn9bAj-gCMoDXCr-dQvLTLLMsuM14HBBqj3Jjr3BZq/s320/1-Westchester+_DSF3490.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQeKznAUiIHue1H25DDQv0jyw5hY_HyAuS3fjzkN_uiKnIdaOi5TVvwz4l737F_q06R5-KqWaSdobs0SsE6tbIc8FcQLIWRVnNWdX_hL46rVEVZcGKmC5kQGJbl2vQSqp3SfwNEw4UtWk/s1600/2-Westchester+_DSF3763.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682531226784002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQeKznAUiIHue1H25DDQv0jyw5hY_HyAuS3fjzkN_uiKnIdaOi5TVvwz4l737F_q06R5-KqWaSdobs0SsE6tbIc8FcQLIWRVnNWdX_hL46rVEVZcGKmC5kQGJbl2vQSqp3SfwNEw4UtWk/s320/2-Westchester+_DSF3763.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">This dramatic design, called the Westchester, takes its inspiration from the past but retains the best of the present.</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div></span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp4Br5GRsm7r-sydQ4fS7UA3qNRFt9sDHgS0bY2iMCUrPo2gDyFG_PAJw95cRVrWt08BFn27bKlddB6_oG6To2TU-C8qoA4izR80aXr3Trr1YSkP9-214Y_XRnkXKtdG_XkQlTLKLU3SV/s1600/3-VisbeenExterior_3c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682275620193074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp4Br5GRsm7r-sydQ4fS7UA3qNRFt9sDHgS0bY2iMCUrPo2gDyFG_PAJw95cRVrWt08BFn27bKlddB6_oG6To2TU-C8qoA4izR80aXr3Trr1YSkP9-214Y_XRnkXKtdG_XkQlTLKLU3SV/s320/3-VisbeenExterior_3c.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Our most recognizable design - the Ingleside. The challenge of this modern version of the shingle-style was to recreate the classic look while avoiding the pitfalls of the original materials.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></div></span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-Bdru-l1SPwKeZaFMIfbj3a-C2Fhluugz3bXMHgNpwo_gK7btGx2d-BfBr_OIOt2QBT8XRQbq-pMSoHB18xHUyrby3MC5etjWzVAj-RgTKoAFd4etb8FJlwQ70tSSRFBxXmtLN1TLVxK/s1600/4-Wainsborough+-+9022_7219.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682272373798722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-Bdru-l1SPwKeZaFMIfbj3a-C2Fhluugz3bXMHgNpwo_gK7btGx2d-BfBr_OIOt2QBT8XRQbq-pMSoHB18xHUyrby3MC5etjWzVAj-RgTKoAFd4etb8FJlwQ70tSSRFBxXmtLN1TLVxK/s320/4-Wainsborough+-+9022_7219.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><i>Touches of the ever-popular Shingle Style – from the cedar lap siding to the pitched roof – imbue the Wainsborough with all-American charm without sacrificing modern convenience.</i></span></div></span><div><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><br /></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASIYHueQwnYJ50DhPvQ7EGy9AuFMB1D38PoveacE-PewduY0wccky6CNJmYpWn91mLJdQCtDK9zBPMD2Tyx0YeHIXUr1zBL3VU7hunkD_RItjQmn4BYHiJxTUAUSQIORsw9hSBKtUsfg4/s1600/5-Cyprus+Pointe+Front.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682263432424642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASIYHueQwnYJ50DhPvQ7EGy9AuFMB1D38PoveacE-PewduY0wccky6CNJmYpWn91mLJdQCtDK9zBPMD2Tyx0YeHIXUr1zBL3VU7hunkD_RItjQmn4BYHiJxTUAUSQIORsw9hSBKtUsfg4/s320/5-Cyprus+Pointe+Front.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 134px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Filled with traditional accents, this Shingle-style design, called Cypress Pointe, features a stylish exterior and a thoroughly livable interior.</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7V7cBTLoM64ljadO8B6GomMRwxMYmemdXBMzFy_mXvlbw7M4S4haEZHx0R1CzaMRZUnPjslJn6vXeGG-VVxwoT8TPSqcsMG1YEiUYp8AuterL4FkPyefNo0AuFaetiY9Q56HcQxwT5wY/s1600/6-Blaine+_MG_3118.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682259241659874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7V7cBTLoM64ljadO8B6GomMRwxMYmemdXBMzFy_mXvlbw7M4S4haEZHx0R1CzaMRZUnPjslJn6vXeGG-VVxwoT8TPSqcsMG1YEiUYp8AuterL4FkPyefNo0AuFaetiY9Q56HcQxwT5wY/s320/6-Blaine+_MG_3118.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Blaine was inspired by both the relaxed aspect of the Shingle Style and the all-American Four Square found around the country.</span></i></div></div><div><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakMEWpQSaqA7hvb0rPPF-20cRXAImBgGJWg4zyDZjZUgsDkZnoHFgqQ23S803lIOYEtpQgO1PbxpzmbOT_01c88XWRrgywFA0K7QMy__nlvLPrzoKt4B3jk-pbbOYRMv7KGY5sxbfgXsq/s1600/7-Sunset+Coast+-+06.2.02+-+Rendering.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600682251593339634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakMEWpQSaqA7hvb0rPPF-20cRXAImBgGJWg4zyDZjZUgsDkZnoHFgqQ23S803lIOYEtpQgO1PbxpzmbOT_01c88XWRrgywFA0K7QMy__nlvLPrzoKt4B3jk-pbbOYRMv7KGY5sxbfgXsq/s320/7-Sunset+Coast+-+06.2.02+-+Rendering.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ideally suited for property across the street from a lake, this distinctive, shingle-style home is designed for primary viewing from its expansive wrap-around porch and myriad front-facing vantage points.</span></span></span></p></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </i></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">*sources: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/540781/Shingle-style, </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=9251&term_type_id=3&term_type_text=things&letter=S</span></span></div></div></div>

Architectural Tutorial: Shingle Style

The Shingle style is an architectural style that is uniquely American. Simply defined, it a style in which the entire building is covered in...

Read more »