Expanding in Social Media

We have taken the plunge, bit the bullet, made the move and jumped into some new social media avenues with both feet.  Instagram and Twitter, here we come!

If you didn't already know, here is where you can find us in the social media sphere...

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates

Twitter

https://twitter.com/visbeenarch

Instagram

@visbeenarchitects

Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/visbeenarch/

Houzz.com

http://www.houzz.com/pro/visbeen/visbeen-architects

Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Houzz?  We should follow eachother!  Send us a message, tweet at us or show us some love through any of these avenues and we will return the favor.

Thank you again for all of you who already follow us, participate, give us feedback and support our business endeavors.  We truly appreciate it!

Kettner

Were you able to tour the beautiful Kettner residence during the Grand Rapids Spring Parade of Homes two weeks ago?  If not, here is an opportunity to take a pictorial tour of this sprawling family home with character to spare.

Craftsman detailing and charming asymmetry on the exterior are paired with a luxurious hominess inside.  The formal entryway and living room lead into a spacious kitchen and circular dining area.  The screened porch offers additional dining and living space.  A beautiful master suite is situated at the other end of the main level.  Three bedroom suites and a large playroom are located on the top floor, while the lower level includes billiards, hearths, a refreshment bar, exercise space, a sauna and a guest bedroom.

Designed by: Visbeen Architects, LLC

Built by: Schultz Builders

Interiors by: DeGraaf Interiors

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: Distinctive Details Make the Difference

From selecting garage doors, to integrating home security systems, to exquisite millwork -- no detail has been overlooked in the careful building of the Heartsworth, Grand Rapids Magazine's Design Home 2013.  Read on for this month's issue of the magazine to read more about what delightful details will be included in this 7,500-square-foot Ada residence.

For ease of reading, click here to view full article on our website.

Career Opportunity for CAD Technician

We are currently have a position open for a CAD technician responsible for the supervised drafting and coordination of residential construction documents.  A successful candidate would possess the following qualifications:  CAD experience, construction knowledge, ArchiCAD experience is a plus.

Qualified candidates should contact Paul Fikse in our office to submit their cover letter and resume - info@visbeen.biz. 

Lakeshore Spring Parade of Homes

The Lakeshore Spring Parade of Homes kicks off tonight at 6:00pm!  Don't miss your chance to tour the Tupelo, a one-of-a-kind waterfront home in South Haven with stunning views of the pier, beautiful sandy beach frontage on Lake Michigan and an unmatched level of craftsmanship by Mike Schaap Builders.  It's really a showstopper!

The hours of the parade are as follows:
June 13-22
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 6pm-9pm
Wednesday & Saturdays: 1pm-9pm
(Closed Sundays & Mondays)

We hope to see you there!

Michigan Blue Magazine: Great Lake Story, Ch 2

Our Great Lake Story continues in the summer issue of Michigan Blue Magazine.  Read about the meticulous thought that was put into the multi-faceted design of the Emmett, along with design sketches of the exterior and interior of this waterfront gem.

For ease of reading, view the full article on our website.  Missed the introduction to the Great Lake Story?  No problem, check out our Chapter One blog post and catch up! 

P.S. Check out p 61-63 for a piece on Bouwkamp Builders featuring the Beach House (designed by Visbeen Architects) and the Peninsula, a development in New Buffalo where one of our designs is currently under construction.

Bekins Showroom Tour

Here is a pictorial tour of Bekins beautiful new Grand Rapids showroom.  If you haven't been in to visit yet, let this entice you to go there and check it out!

Designed by Visbeen Architects
Built by Mike Schaap Builders
Cabinetry by Benchmark Wood Studio

Style Guide: Georgian

Named after England's kings George I, II, III and IV who ruled from 1714 - 1830, Georgian style architecture was made popular as conspicuous symbols of the owner's wealth.  Comfort, convenience and privacy prevailed in this residential style, with separate rooms being designed for each activity like cooking, dining, entertaining and sleeping.  The houses became larger and in order to keep the large rooms warm, large chimneys were built at both ends of the home.  Symmetry is a key feature of this style, with well-balanced exteriors and ornately decorated entrances intended to impress the homeowners' friends.  Doorways are often flanked by pilasters with elaborate cornice or pediments above.  Throughout the years, a Georgian Style home's location has often determined the materials used.  New England used unpainted wood, the Midwest often preferred stucco over stone or brick, the South primarily used red brick and the Deep South used tinted stucco with iron railings and gates.

Here are a few well-known examples you may recognize that epitomize the Georgian style...

The Royal Crescent, designed by Sir John Soane - Bath, England
via

Virginia's Governors mansion - Williamsburg, VA
via

The Westover Plantation - Charles City County, VA
via

Here are a few Visbeen designed residences with Georgian-style flair...

 Berkshire

 Buckman

 Haverhill

Patterson


To accomplish the look of a Georgian style residence, we use products like...

1.  Roofing - GAF has a beautiful roofing product called Camelot II that can give an authentic Georgian look at a fraction of the cost of other products.

2.  Columns:  Georgian entryways and interiors often include columns and a company like HB & G Columns offers a wide variety of columns, column caps and bases to achieve the look.

3.  Vents:  Exteriors of Georgian style homes often include vents on either the front façade or the roof.  We spec products from companies like Rutland Gutter Supply for Georgian vent details.

Sources:
Walker, Lester: American Homes: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Domestic Architecture, p94
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_colonial_architecture