A little inspiration from Earl Young

Today's design inspiration comes from a Northern Michigan architect who was actually never a licensed architect.  Born a Michigander, Earl Young grew up in Charlesvoix and was interested in creative disciplines from an early age.  He was interested in photography, taught himself photofinishing, was editor of his school newspaper and went on to complete one year of schooling from the University of Michigan's School of Architecture, however he dropped out after the first year and joined the family insurance business.  Young soon expanded into realty, but continued studying architecture and design on his own.  He was never a registered architect, but he practiced design and completed over 30 projects during his career.  The homes he designed are commonly referred to as mushroom, Hobbit or gnome homes with the doors, windows and roof lines integrating curved lines.  He was greatly influenced by Storybook style architecture, often incorporating cartoonish, squatty chimneys that appear to be dripping with gingerbread frosting.

Here are a few of Young's notable designs....

Image Source: www.mynorth.com

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/punktoad/6262711156/in/photostream/


This photo of Mushroom House is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Image Source: http://www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/index.html

Image Source: http://www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/index.html

Image Source: http://www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/index.html

Image Source: http://www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/index.html

Here are a couple fun Visbeen Architects' designs that were inspired by Young's work...

The Shelbourne

A concept we did for a fundraiser stage cottage