The National Association of Home Builders’ 2022 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) recognized and honored design excellence in the following categories: Single-Family, Multifamily, Affordable, Remodeling, Community, Interior Architecture & Design, and Specialty.  The judges also awarded nine Best in Region and top awards for Home of the Year, Community/Community Facility of the Year, Multifamily Community of the Year, Remodel of the Year, and Room of the Year. These award-winning projects featured many new trends in single-family and multifamily architecture…

Based on the Census Bureaus’ latest estimates, the population of the State of Texas grew by 470,708 persons between 2021 and 2022. This nominal increase was the largest of any state. Texas joined California as the second state to have a total population above 30 million, with a total estimated population of 30,029,572 on July 1, 2022. This population growth… Read More ›

Tucked away on a peaceful golf course, this 5,400-square-foot home certainly didn’t lack views. It was, however, lacking an open design. Removing two walls in the foyer opened up the space, allowing guests to see the spectacular view of the greens from the front door. Installing larger windows brightened up the space, making it appear larger, and two steel beams were added to the kitchen to create more cabinet space and functionality. Natural entertainers, the home owners wanted their home…

Higher mortgage rates and home prices, as well as increased construction costs contributed to lackluster new home sales in February, but signs point to improvement later in the year. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in February increased 1.1% to a 640,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised reading in January, according to newly released data by the… Read More ›

The Session is a unique development that transformed two aging early-1900s townhomes near the U.S. Capitol. After losing much of their charm through piecemeal renovations, Monarch Urban tastefully restored and expanded the structures. The end result is a single building housing seven luxury condominium units, with many original details preserved and enhanced. It is a testament to the power of allowing our cities to grow incrementally to fit their needs, all while enhancing and preserving neighborhood character. Architect/Designer | Square 134Builder…

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee raised the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points but indicated that it was moving to a more data dependent mode as markets digest incoming risks for banks. The Fed is balancing two economic risks: ongoing elevated inflation and emerging risks to the banking system. Chair Powell noted that near-term uncertainty is high… Read More ›

Create Character and Optimize Storage with Built-ins Built-ins, which are installed as permanent features in a home, can add charm and supply needed storage space for homeowners. Some popular options for built-ins include bookshelves, cabinets, desks, entertainment centers, and window seats. The cost of built-in cabinets can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the materials used, the space’s size, and the design’s complexity, but because built-ins often negate the need to purchase particular furniture, they can be…

The Lake Las Vegas amenity building serves as the epicenter for activities at the resort-style master planned community in Henderson, Nev. This expansive contemporary structure provides residents a relaxed, comfortable and elevated canvas to enjoy their lives to the fullest. The amenity center sits on the highest central point of the property, allowing breathtaking views of Lake Las Vegas and the dramatic topography of Rainbow Canyon. A contemporary palette of steel, stone, wood and ultra-smooth stucco reinforce the modern style,…

A brief drop in mortgage rates and a pullback in home prices boosted existing home sales in February, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The 30-year mortgage rates averaged less than 6.3% in February per Freddie Mac and the median sales price in February posted the first decline since February 2012.  The monthly increase in sales ended a… Read More ›

Tasked with creating a home large enough for a family of eight, this beautiful 11,000-plus-square-foot home is an architectural wonder. The home was designed to integrate and collaborate with the existing structures (e.g., boathouse, gatehouse) that were already part of this amazing property. Designed to capture natural light and lake views, extreme attention to detail was paid inside and out. When designing a house this large, it was very important to design the main- and lower-level spaces to accommodate large…