Gerald Bauer has been named a winner of the 2020 Award for Emerging Excellence in the Classical Tradition. The Award, which is now in its fourth year, is a collaboration between the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), The Prince’s Foundation, and the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU).
The COVID pandemic presented plenty of challenges for people’s health and well being. Some industries came to a standstill. But demand for home-improvement supplies and building materials soared. It also caused some major supply-chain disruptions. Exhibit A: Lumber, which, for a time just a few months ago, was nearly impossible to get, and what was available was extremely pricey.
A lot of us made design changes to our homes during the pandemic to accommodate more people in the family living, working and studying in the house nearly 24/7 for months on end. Interior designer Melissa Benham of Studio Gild, who works on projects in Chicago for BGD&C and in Los Angeles, where she lives, is no exception.
“I definitely did make a couple of changes,” said Benham. “Being able to be outside a lot in Los Angeles really helped, so I amped up my outdoor space. I purchased new furniture—an outdoor sofa, lounge chairs, side tables, and a plethora of new planters and plants to cover every inch of space. It’s been wonderful to be able to bring my laptop outside and take work calls while getting fresh air and a dose of vitamin D. My pups enjoy it too!”
Building a custom home means that everything in it, from the space configuration and size of rooms to the doorknobs, lights and landscaping, will be designed just for you. That also means a nearly infinite number of choices and lots of decisions. Does that excite you or cause you anxiety? That depends on your personality, but either way, BGD&C is here to help. We spoke with Taryn Lund, senior project manager at BGD&C, for some insight into the process.
One of the most important aspects of designing outdoor spaces is creating different experiences – from intimate dining under the stars, to open yards for playing tag and catching fireflies, to lounge areas where the whole family can relax and reconnect. Which is why our list of Must Have’s when building custom includes a variety of features and outdoor rooms, like outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, water features, free play areas, al fresco dining spots, lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, and if you have the space, an outdoor pool is something the whole family will enjoy during the summer months.
For the 30 years BGD&C Custom Homes has been building in and supporting the local communities of the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, so has our long time collaborator, Scott Byron & Co., been beautifying the area with their gorgeous, engaging landscape designs. We are excited to spotlight Scott Byron, CEO of Scott Byron & Co., who has over 40 years of experience in design, construction, maintenance, and project management. Byron’s goal is to create the most positive end result for the client, while “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complimentary to the architecture and setting”. We hope that while you are sheltering in place these beautiful gardens will provide you with inspiration.
When Dr. Anil Pillay, an ER doctor in Gary, Indiana and a friend of BGD&C Vice President, Charles Grode, approached us with the idea of building intubation boxes that prevent Coronavirus aerosol infection, we just couldn’t say no. Dr. Pillay is on the frontline where supplies are short, money is tight and the protection he and his team need is difficult to come by.
Our latest project, Urban Classic Home, was recently honored with both national and local awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago.
As we welcome a new year and a new decade, we are excited about the latest trends in luxury and custom homes. Technology and sustainability are always at the forefront of design and home building, but we are seeing an increase in various other trends as well. Here are the top four trends we expect to see more of in custom homes in the new year.
On Wednesday, November 20th, we hosted a Mom’s Night Out at Monica + Andy’s Lincoln Park guide shop for the holidays. About 18 moms (and one little one!) came out to decorate custom dollhouses with the help of design expert Amy Kartheiser of Amy Kartheiser Design. We had a great time toasting to the beginning of the holiday season with wine courtesy of Winestyr.
