From the studio

Field notes on building well.

Honest writing about what actually matters in a remodel — written by the people doing the work, not by a content marketing team.

Design · 8 min read

Kitchen Trends Worth Following in 2026 (and Three to Skip)

After 14 years of building kitchens on the North Shore, here's what we're seeing clients actually love long-term — and the trends that already feel dated.

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Hiring · 11 min read

How to Choose a Remodeler: 12 Questions Every Client Should Ask

Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. Here are the questions we wish more clients asked us — and our competitors.

March 22, 2026

Process · 9 min read

A Plain-English Guide to Building Permits in Highwood and Highland Park

Permit requirements vary wildly between North Shore municipalities. Here's what actually triggers a permit — and what doesn't — in the towns we serve most.

March 5, 2026

Investment · 7 min read

The Real Return on a Remodel: What North Shore Buyers Actually Pay For

The 'recoup percentages' you read in trade magazines are national averages. On the North Shore, the numbers look very different. Here's what we see at closing.

February 14, 2026

Craft · 10 min read

Working with Historic Homes: The North Shore's Hidden Architectural Heritage

Highwood, Highland Park and Lake Forest contain some of the Midwest's finest pre-war residential architecture. Here's how we approach restoring it.

January 28, 2026

Investment · 8 min read

How to Actually Budget for a Remodel (Without Lying to Yourself)

Most homeowners go into a remodel undercapitalized — not because they can't afford it, but because they haven't planned for the full cost. Here's our framework.

January 9, 2026