Project overview

Created for the NARI Student Design Competition featuring students from MATC, MIAD, and WCTC, this project reimagines a classic Milwaukee Craftsman home by blending its architectural heritage with a modern, refined approach. The design draws from the region’s Arts and Crafts history and emphasizes honesty, warmth, and natural materiality while translating these qualities into a contemporary living environment.

The great room and porch use rich wood tones, stone veneer, leather, wool blends, and neutral earth based colors to create a cohesive and timeless atmosphere. Clean lines and simplified detailing maintain the Craftsman character while allowing the materials to remain the focus.

A modernized fireplace anchors the living room with underlit shelving, sculptural curvature, and integrated wood log storage that adds both function and visual interest. This feature updates the traditional hearth in a way that feels fresh but still connected to the home’s roots.

The porch extends the living space with an outdoor kitchen and a generous lounge area designed for hosting or relaxing on cozy evenings. It is covered by a louvered pergola that can close at the click of a button, creating a rain proof, adaptable environment throughout the seasons.

Sustainability is integrated throughout the space with recycled upholsteries, responsibly sourced materials, and durable long lasting furnishings. These choices support the Craftsman value of honest construction while aligning with environmentally conscious design.

Together, the living room and porch form a warm, grounded extension of the home that honors Milwaukee’s architectural lineage and reflects a thoughtful, sustainable approach to modern living.

Results

This project was a meaningful milestone in my design education and a rewarding experience from start to finish. I set out to honor Milwaukee’s classic Craftsman architecture while introducing modern functionality, natural materials, and sustainable choices. I’m proud of how successfully the final design achieved that vision. The space reflects the warmth, honesty, and material richness that define the region’s architectural heritage, while still feeling fresh, intentional, and uniquely my own.

Entering the NARI Student Design Competition pushed me to refine my ideas, articulate my design decisions, and create a cohesive environment that balanced tradition with contemporary living. The project was recognized with Second Place, a result that felt both validating and deeply fulfilling. More importantly, I walked away feeling accomplished. I'm confident that I created a space that was beautiful, functional, and true to the values I care about as a designer.