Unleashing the Power of Architectural Expertise:

July 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Architecture Tips /by CBI

The Benefits of Hiring an Architect

Embarking on a construction or renovation project requires careful planning and expert guidance. That’s where hiring an architect comes in. An architect’s professional knowledge and creative vision can elevate your project to new heights, providing you with innovative solutions and a seamless journey from concept to completion.

Architects are trained to explore multiple solutions to design challenges, often providing unanticipated options. These solutions will be unique for your project.
Architects have experience in many construction methods- providing a range of options
Architects have long standing relationships with contractors, trades, and suppliers.
Experienced Architects can guide their clients through the very complicated process of design and construction for a variety of projects.
Architects have experience balancing the value versus expense of your project to provide guidance on how different techniques benefit your project.
Architects are trained to help you visualize your project prior to construction through 3-D modeling, sketches, and other visualization techniques. We enjoy bringing your dream project to life.
Architects will act as a coordinator of multiple allied professionals which may be needed on your project.
Architects will help coordinate the extensive amount of information needed by contractors to ensure your project is executed accurately and smoothly

When it comes to turning your architectural dreams into reality, hiring an architect can make all the difference. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication to providing exceptional design solutions are invaluable throughout the project. Experience the transformative benefits of architectural expertise by working with a reputable architect firm like CBI Design Professionals. Invest in the power of architectural vision and watch your project flourish!

10 Questions to Ask an Architect

June 14, 2023/0 Comments/in Architecture Tips /by CBI

Questions to ask an Architect Before Starting a Project

1. What services do you offer ie: Interior Design, Engineering Services, 3-D Modeling, etc
2. How long have you been in the business? How much of your business is of the project type you
are anticipating?
3. How does your design process work? Do you typically have a preferred style?

4. Do you provide design services for the entire state of Michigan? Can you work in other states?
5. Who will be my direct point of contact, and will they be my point of contact throughout the
project? Who will design my project?
6. Are there any builders, contractors, or other resources you would recommend for my project?

7. How do you charge for services?
8. How do you manage the budget and timeline for projects?
9. How do you handle challenges during the design process and are there additional costs
associated when things change?’
10. What is your role in the construction process, and do you oversee the project’s construction?

CBI: Gold Award Winner

March 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Architecture Awards /by CBI

2022 Best in American Living Gold Award Winner

CBI Design Professionals is the most recent recipient of the BALA 2022 One-of-a-Kind Custom Home (2,001–3,000 sq.ft.) Gold award. BALA is the premier awards program that spotlights the best residential designs in the building industry. The awards were presented during the recent International Builders Show.

Luxury residential design is a specialty of CBI Design Professionals. The newly built home that earned this group such a prestigious award is on the shores of Lake Leelanau and features wrap-around porches, a hidden boat house, a private hot tub terrace, and more.

The design of the lake house architecture is intentionally meant to pay homage to bygone eras where traditional wood detailing was a feature in and of itself. Every room in the award-winning home has a view of the water but still affords plenty of privacy as well.

Designed to complement the local cottage vernacular, the lakeside home is an idyllic representation of CBI Design Professionals’ commitment to respecting local character while simultaneously achieving customized functional appeal.

As elite custom residential architects, CBI Design Professionals insisted on using locally sourced materials, including wood materials and stone, whenever possible for the project.

These materials are also part of the historical vernacular of homes along Lake Leelanau. The natural, local materials add to the home’s charm and its ability to nestle right into its surroundings. The builder for the project was Burkholder Construction.

CBI Design Professionals was founded by Robert Clarke, who serves as the company president. Established in 1989, the firm has managed elite projects that include residential, educational, commercial, and religious properties.

Along with the 2022 One-of-a-Kind Custom Home Gold BALA Award and dozens of others, a few of the additional recent awards earned by CBI Design Professionals include 3rd place in the Large Remodel category, 3rd place for the Addition Project category, and 3rd place for the Historic Renovation Restoration category for the Detroit Design Awards.

Residential Architecture Firm Big Rapids

Top 3 Reasons to Hire Luxury Architects

May 10, 2022/0 Comments/in Architecture Tips /by CBI

One of the highlights of our business is talking with prospective luxury residential clients about plans.

Sometimes it’s designing and bringing to completion a new luxury home for discerning clients. Other times it’s discussing a major renovation or remodel of a historic luxury property.

From the planning process to overseeing and managing the actual construction, projects like these can be daunting. Before they talk with us, prospective clients often wonder, where do we begin?

And that’s to say nothing about the considerable budgets luxury residential construction entail.

We’ve found during these conversations that three reasons for hiring luxury architects come up time and again. Let’s take a look at each of these considerations.

Turning Dreams into Stunning Reality

As architects of luxury residences for more than 30 years, we take clients’ needs and dreams and turn them into reality. The end result is a functional, beautiful home that suits the site.

From our initial discussions, we begin to develop preliminary plans that meet the clients’ criteria. Is sustainability important? Is accessibility important?

If it’s an existing home, are there historical factors to be considered and referenced? Is the design well suited to the site?

Drawing on our years of experience, we are able to offer solutions the client may not have considered. We ensure that there is consistency in design down to the smallest details.

In the end, the project should seamlessly blend beauty, utility, and economy.

Overseeing the Project from Start to Finish

With any major luxury residential project, it’s a long journey from dream to plans to reality. Zoning, feasibility studies, contracts, permitting requirements, materials sourcing, scheduling, the list goes on and on.

Most clients have neither the time nor the experience to manage the project’s complexities on a day-to-day basis. Clients wonder where to begin. That’s where we step in.

We’re known for working with builders and contractors on behalf of our clients throughout the build process. Our office collaborates with the entire design and construction team, keeping the project running on track.

The Bottom Line: Budget

Before we first talk, every client has a budget in mind. As experienced architects, we incorporate and source materials and solutions that can work within a client’s budget.

By working closely with builders and contractors we trust, we can help avoid costly surprises and delays. Keeping the project running smoothly and on time is critical to staying within budget.

A Final Word on Luxury Architects

Over our years working with luxury home clients, we’ve found that the reasons clients choose us for their project boils down to three primary things.

Our portfolio of stunning projects shows our ability to guide the clients’ dreams from initial discussions to breathtaking reality.

Managing a long and complex build process takes proven expertise. On project after project, we’ve shown our management skills.

We bring added value and cost savings to every project with our hard-earned knowledge and relationships.

We’d love to sit down with you to explore how, as your luxury architects, we can turn your dreams into reality. Contact Us Today to start the process!

Residential Architecture Bloomfield Township

CBI Recognized with Top Honors

February 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Architecture Awards /by CBI

Building a Custom Lake House

March 26, 2021/in Uncategorized /by cbi

: The living room with views of the lake.

: Sweeping lake views and natural light.

: The suspension cable staircase in the middle of the home.

: The suspension cable staircase in the middle of the home.

For this Lake House project, we incorporate the natural surroundings in our design process. The home optimizes sweeping lake views and natural light to create a natural, calm experience.

Simple but striking design elements are built into multiple aspects of the home, such as the wall of built-ins and the fireplace, adding just the right amount of character to the living area while keeping a focus on the natural light and lake views. While a home suspension cable staircase in the middle of the home, creating contrast in design elements.

A Spring Transformation

March 10, 2021/3 Comments/in Uncategorized /by cbi

Spring has us in a transformative mood!

For this adaptive re-use project in Hillsdale, Michigan, we converted a carriage house that certainly had seen better days, into a multi-family residence.

Though our updates were extensive, it was important for us and the client that the historical character of the original structure be preserved. The end result could not have been better, and the client could not have been more pleased.

If there are two things we adore, one is an adaptive re-use project that gives new life to a historic

AFTER.

building and the other is a happy client.

Considering an adaptive re-use project for a historical building? Give us a call today!

Working Virtually Amid the Pandemic

February 19, 2021/1 Comment/in Uncategorized /by cbi

As we began this expansion of a family cottage for a former client the COVID-19 pandemic began, putting the world on hold for some time. On the beautiful lakeshore of Lake Erie on Pointe Pelee Island in Ontario, Canada, this cottage has been inaccessible to us (and our client!) for the duration of the project. But, just because the process is virtual, does not mean work had to stop.

“We originally did a few quick doodles over a picture for them to show how the character of a new screen porch could look. We gradually have worked with the builder on the island to develop details of how to actually build that character. Along the way the project has expanded to replace the windows, deck, and create sunscreen trellises across the lakeside,” says Robert Clarke on the challenges of working virtually. “No one could cross the border to see how it really is coming together!”

It is a challenge but we are getting through it and the builder has been great with sending us updated images throughout the process.

The owner is very anxious to go see and experience the new space and all its character. Hopefully, for this summer things will be clear and the home will be ready for enjoyment. We must say, the views across the lake have made it all worth the wait.

Making New Memories While Preserving Old

February 1, 2021/1 Comment/in Uncategorized /by cbi

One of many memories.

This historic home, which we were delighted to work with, saw many celebrations throughout its long life. Based on the photo included on the right, the home certainly saw its fair share of get-togethers and celebrations. Our historically sensitive renovation effort and expansion was done using careful work to preserve old memories while leaving room for many more to come.

Take a close look at the before and after photos for this project. Originally built in the 1920s, We matched the stone in the new additions with the original for a seamless expansion of this historic home.

Looking to update, expand, or preserve your historic home? Give us a call or email, today!

Home For the Holidays

December 29, 2020/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by cbi

Happy Holidays to all!

This year of at-home celebration does not have to be boring, just find exciting ways to bring the outside in. Take a cue from this two-story fireplace featured on the left. It’s designed with the same Michigan Split Face Fieldstone that was used on the exterior of the home. During the process, we designed a custom fireplace with sightlines across the room to the window, at just the right height to see what’s going on, on the other side.

Another idea could see you opening that special bottle of wine you have been saving for just the occasion. In this instance, take a gander at our specially designed wine cellar on the right.

As this tumultuous year comes to an end it feels extra important to take the time for reflection. And having the perfect space for it certainly helps!

This two-story library featured not only has three sitting areas but houses multiple collections including one comprised of maps!

Reflect on what you are passionate about and how you can bring more of it into your life.

Need more space for it? We are but a call away.