Welcome to Miller Marriott's FALL 2021 newsletter! We love sharing design & home maintenance tips, staying connected and giving you a glimpse at our homes and new projects.
DESIGN-BUILD - WHY DO WE DO BOTH?
We believe our clients' homes are much more than just a building; they are a place where they can relax, entertain, raise a family, and escape from the pressures of the world, all in surroundings that reflect their individual style & how they live.
To truly create beautiful and functional homes that goes beyond client’s expectations, each home must be treated with individuality, creativity, and a detailed passion only possible through “Design -Build”.
While “Design-build” may seem like a new term, the concept is ancient. Prior to the 20th century, architects acted as both designer & construction manager on building projects. When the Industrial Revolution came, it was necessary to separate the role of the architect and contractor, as building needed more technical expertise on both sides – and new higher learning institutions taught aspiring architects to focus on the planning portion of projects. In 1909, the American Institute of Architects even adopted a code of ethics that forbade architects from engaging in building construction, which is responsible for great expertise in both designing and building a home. At Miller-Marriott, we believe that merging the designer and builder so that the two are part of the same organization and the same process allows for significant advantages for our clients.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF A TRUE DESIGN-BUILD
• Shared Goals – Client’s budget, schedule, end-result & exceeding expectations are a goal of the entire team from day one.
• Accountability - Vendors & subcontractors are led by one company and have one consistent place to go for answers & guidance.
• Design & Process Continuity – The most efficient way to create a home unique to the client in a timely manner with the highest quality & attention to detail.
• Experience & Expertise – Having experts in both Design & Construction elevates “buildability”, custom design & final aesthetic. Our architects visit job sites and our construction managers review designs in the conceptual stage, sharing knowledge and continuously growing.
• Open & Clear Communication – The client is involved & well-informed in every element of the process. The details matter and it is essential teams are set up for real-time communication between the experts and clients in both Design and Construction.
MEET THE MILLER MARRIOTT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM
Jim Marriott: Principal Architect. Jim’s homes are unlike any other, recognized for their timeless design, quality and masterful use of space. He has been designing homes for over 35 yrs professionally and has been a true lover of architecture since age 4. Influenced by architect Robert Stern, with design experience running the gamut from the Mickelson Colonial team to Design-Build on the North Shore and finally to his favorite Design-Build partnership at Miller Marriott. Internally, we say Chris and Jim have a “secret sauce” when their minds work together to create something others cannot imagine.
Jim has always had the goal of understanding what a client resonates with and what truly inspires them. Yet he doesn’t believe in copying a picture or something that has already been done, he promotes evolving a design and the creation of something that has not been done yet. Always professionally evolving and learning, Jim still embraces the art of hand drawing. He utilizes his artistic talents and experience, paired with the client’s goals to “solve the design puzzle” and create the perfect home for them. Jim says he has not created his “masterpiece” yet and in the meantime, he is focused on mentoring and growing the rest of the talented Miller Marriott architectural team.
When not creating, you will find Jim spending time with his family, searching for antiques or working on a project with his wife. Or possibly enjoying a nice glass of Bordeaux with his friends.
Ben Mather: With ten years of design experience in southeastern Wisconsin and Chicago, and a Masters Degree in Architecture from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at UW-Milwaukee, Ben brings an exciting new approach to design at Miller Marriott. Like Jim, architecture was always in his future, evident from his childhood fascination with Legos and Lincoln Logs. Ben believes that a wholistic approach to how someone lives their life, including how they work and play, leads to meaningful architecture. Understanding what a client does outside of the home may influence what brings them peace and relaxation when they are home, and contributes to the story that every space has to tell. Ben thrives on learning, as evident from his education and research accolades, and is gleaning the benefits of working side-by-side with Jim, sharing his experience in and out of the office.
Outside of Miller Marriott, Ben spends time with his wife Meghan and two young sons. They enjoy attending Brewers games, or listening to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (Ben is an accomplished violinist).
The two newest members of the architectural team come from outside of Wisconsin.
Reagan Ochoa joins us from Wichita, Kansas, where she was working as an Architectural Drafter. Reagan graduated from Wichita State University and has had a love for residential architecture, customization, and creativity since her youth when her parents built their home. She enjoys the project orientated aspect of design and embraces the importance of the attention to detail needed to create someone’s dream home.
Reagan & her husband are already exploring their new Wisconsin home. They enjoy the outdoors and find comfort in how welcoming & friendly people have been.
Kayley Tuchek joins us from Ames, Iowa, where she was a Drafting Specialist creating 2D and 3D projects, including building floor plans, mechanical plans, and interior renderings. She graduated with her Masters in Interior Design from Iowa State University, with a love of creative problem solving and skills in several design software solutions. She believes home design is specific and special to each individual client and believes in the importance of communication and a hands-on approach to delivering the perfect design.
She can’t wait to take advantage of the terrain of Wisconsin, as there are not so many hills, trees, and lakes in Iowa. You can find Kayley and her boyfriend enjoying the Wisconsin outdoors in their free time.
THE GRAND HAVEN, a custom home opening in 2022
Mixing traditional elements of Victorian and Colonial Revival architecture with weathered materials, the Shingle Style is considered by many as the first modern American architectural style. Debuting in the late 1800's and early 1900s, on the east coast, shingle style homes often include features such as asymmetrical facades flared roofs and aprons, large porches and exterior wood detailing. The style quickly became synonymous with east coast architecture, and has made its timeless beauty home to families all across the United States. Wide, shady porches encouraged spending lazy afternoons in rocking chairs, and floor plans ranging from traditional to open concept lend the style to fit many lifestyles.
The Grand Haven was designed with historic charm and functionality in mind. The open concept floor plan and vintage interior selections create a seamless transition from the cedar shake exterior. We hope you love this home and its timelessness as much as we do.
It was brought to America’s East coast and quickly became most peoples summer home. The open concept floor plans, vintage interior selections, and natural/light paint colors are very true to the original design of shingle homes.
NAGAWICKA LAKE HOME (LATE 2022)
With nods to the historic Dutch Colonial style, this 5 bedroom/4.5 bath home, provides the perfect blend of custom quality with modern conveniences.
Waterfront location on beautiful Nagawicka Lake. Walking distance to downtown Delafield, WI and all it’s amenities…shopping, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.
If interested, please call 262-369-0531
Three ways to cozy up your home for the Fall Holidays.... by SARA HALL
1. Layer with Textiles- Add some pillows and throws in warm colors like caramel, cinnamon and rust to a more neutral space for some warmth. We love velvets, mohair, and boucle’s. You can also layer a smaller rug with warm colors over a more neutral rug.
2. Mix Fall Foliage with Summer Ferns – I love the staying power of ferns and complimenting them with the quintessential fall flower, the mum, and specialty pumpkins.
3. Bring Nature In – Cutting some fall foliage and branches from your yard is a beautiful way to add some fall color. My favorites are sumac, golden rod, and maple leaf branches. Use some floral preservatives and cold water to help them last longer.
VISIT OUR HOLIDAY DECOR & DESIGN OPEN HOUSE
November 13th, 12-2PM. Join us for BIRCH & BANYAN coffee or cider while you tour the latest model.
Featuring the latest holiday decor, beautiful tablescapes, floral arrangements and design ideas from G-HOME (Elm Grove), MAYHOUSE COLLECTION & MAGNOLIA FLORAL SHOPPE (Oconomowoc) and PATIO PETALS (Hartland). Gorgeous rugs featured and for sale from the LOOM HOUSE.
SARA HALL, MILLER MARRIOTT DESIGNER Come and get her advice on holiday decorating or any design dilemma (she said to bring a picture of the space).
HOME MAINTENANCE TIP Dave Draeger, Site Superintendent
HUMIDIFY YOUR HOME THROUGH THE COLD MONTHS
As we prepare for our next Wisconsin winter, it is important to remember that the humidity level is an essential factor in preventing problems caused by dry air throughout your home. Your wood doors, crown molding, floors, and furniture could be damaged from moisture loss. Dry air can cause bubbling, gaps, ruin home décor or cracking in wood & furniture. This damage happens when dry air sucks out the needed moisture in your home. These issues can have long term effects that can cost you money to repair or replace them. One of the most sensible ways to minimize damage and extend the life of your home is to address the condition of your indoor air and humidity. Properly humidifying your home in winter also helps decrease static electricity, as well as allergy symptoms and the spread of airborne viruses.
General recommendation from heating and cooling experts, is keeping your home at 30-60% humidity but consult a professional on what is best for your home.