A Few of Brandon's Favorites Featured this Year...

3310 Milton Avenue // Laura Juarez Baggett Studio

My take - I have know Laura for many years and in fact sat next to her in design studio in my junior year in architecture school.  The continuous refinement of her work and attention to detail are quite inspiring.  As the great Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe once said, "The Devil is in the Details."  Laura doesn't just get this, but she masters it to the point that it really takes hours, if not days, or perhaps even years to wrap your head around what it is she's expressing in a collision of form and function.

AIA - This remodeled Tudor home fits snuggly in a University Park neighborhood with tight lots and diverse homes.  While the renovation extended the home 1500 square feet, the copper clad modern addition is not visible from the street to keep the historic charm of the existing facade. While the front two rooms still exist in their classic form, the rest of the interior was changed dramatically to provide an open kitchen, dining, living room plan. The attention to detail and design consideration showcases good architecture on a small scale... more

4214 Shorecrest Drive // M Gooden Design

My take - Michael Gooden has to be one of the most talented architects in North Texas.  What he did with these existing structures is nothing short of amazing.  I love the fact that the concept and given conditions are never ignored in his work, but instead taken to a whole new level to create truly original concept-driven architecture.

AIA - Dissonant House is a composition of many parts built around the central core, a 1,400 square foot masonry-clad farmhouse built in 1939.  Two previous additions to the structure from the 1960s and 1980s were peeled away from the original house during the revisioning and restoration project.  The renovation of a third “contemporary” addition, which was built in the early 2000s, transformed an under-utilized and inefficient studio space into a Primary Suite for the owners.  Finally, a new two-story addition was built to accommodate a young family and to create harmony for the entire project.. more

5016 Maple Springs Boulevard // Harold Prinz, AIA

My take - You know I love me some authentic mid-century modern.  The home was very cool, but the steep topography of the site and the way the home is anchored to it was spectacular.  It's truly a MCM treasure of this city, and I'm so thankful it hasn't been torn down.

AIA - This historic Maple Springs home was designed and built by Dallas Architect Harold Prinz in 1950. It is a story of love, devotion, and cutting-edge midcentury modern design in Dallas. When he and his wife Jeanette purchased the narrow, sloping lot in Oak Lawn Heights, he could not find a conventional lender to approve a loan.  The design was deemed "radical and the topography unsuitable". Fortunately, Mr. Prinz found a commercial banker to take a chance on his innovative design that not only satisfied the FHA’s concerns but won First Honor for Excellence in Residential Architecture by the AIA Dallas Chapter in March 1950. While architect Harold Prinz may be better known in Dallas for other projects, his personal home speaks to the architect’s dedication to his craft and love for his family... more

source: Dallas AI

Does Your Realtor Know Good Design?

The 2nd of 4 modern homes in a row is complete. Time to embrace urban city living with the ability to walk to tons of restaurants, bars & retail shops. This home emphasizes clean straight lines, while celebrating natural woods in the cabinetry finished in a calm muted gray to the white oak floors & the unique quartzite c-tops. This 4 bed, 4 & a half bath home features a master suite on each level with huge walk-in closets. A total of 3 bedrooms on the 2nd level. One of them enormous & designed as a flex space to provide an area for whatever you lifestyle demands. Enjoy the open floorplan with spacious kitchen with Bertazzoni appliances which flows to the living area seamlessly to the large patio. Revel in the view of sycamore trees lining the wood privacy fence. Sleek stylish European windows provide an abundance of natural light The simplicity in color palette & finish selection provide an opportunity for you to design your own space based on personal preference.

The Smith House is a classic MCM designed & built by famed Gordon Nichols in the desirable Disney Streets. This home was one of the featured model homes during the 1954 Parade of Homes. The open concept living spaces sit in the center of the house setting the trend toward a more casual modern lifestyle. Features include: vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, clerestory windows and expansive walls of glass. The kitchen features original cabinetry, vintage pink appliances and Formica counters. All principal living spaces and bedrooms open to the covered lanai or decks & offer views of the pool & yard. This is a great opportunity to own an iconic Mid-century Modern home in a great neighborhood with great schools.