Attempting to capture a Hill Country view, this contemporary house surrounds a cluster of trees in a generous courtyard. Water elements, photovoltaics, lighting controls, and ‘smart home’ features are essential components of this high-tech, yet warm and inviting home. Published: Bathroom Trends, Volume 30, Number 1 Austin Home, Winter 2012 Photo Credit: Coles Hairston

One of our favorite residential pergolas. This unique design portrays 3 different styles fused together to create one gorgeous space for the homeowner. Photos by Austin Higgns @i_like_viewfinders on Instagram

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing built the heavy timber portion of this gorgeous poolside pavilion. The heavy timbers are Douglas Fir and the decking is White Pine both stained in the same wood stain. Photo Credit: Angle Eye Photography

Modern contemporary home in Malibu, CA Architecture & Design: Burdge & Associates Architects Photos: MK Sadler Developer: FBHearthstone

Landmark Photography

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Designed to entertain, this site was maximized to create an extension of the home. The project boasts a complete outdoor kitchen, multiple covered seating areas, a gas fireplace, outdoor TV's and state-of-the-art sound system, a pool, spa, and putting green. From daytime swimming to an intimate evening dinner party, followed by a late night game on the putting green, this backyard has something for the whole family to enjoy.

Jim Schmid Photography

Micahl Wycoff

Patrick Olin