Best in the Midwest!


The International Builders' Show has proven to be a success as Visbeen Architects took home six awards in the 2012 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), including the high honor of Best in the Midwest!  

Our award-winners include...

Best in the Midwest • Platinum
One-of-a-Kind Home (up to 4,000 sq ft) • Platinum
Interior Design by Francesca Owings Interiors

One-of-a-Kind Home (over 6,501 sq ft) • Platinum
Built by Doug Sumner

Addition, Indoor or Outdoor ($150,001 & over per unit) • Gold
Interior Design by Via Design

On the Boards, Single-Family • Gold

On the Boards, Single-Family • Silver

“The BALA winners have always shown that they are at the forefront of innovative design, and this year is no different,” said Skip Howes, 2012 design committee chair and president of Scott Homes Ltd. in Woodland Park, Colo. “We are proud to recognize these companies and individuals for their creative and forward-thinking approaches to their work.”

Now in its 29thyear, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling, community and international, based on the principle that good design is not, and should not be, limited to high-priced and/or custom homes.  Even the simplest, most affordable homes can receive an award if they showcase good design. 

Award winners were announced during a ceremony on January 23, 2013 at the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at www.nahb.org/BALA, including the 2012 BALA Portfolio, featuring a review of design trends and scores of project photographs.


Sunny Slope


No structure is better suited to water than a ship, which was the inspiration for this waterfront home. The Sunny Slope is an imaginative addition to an existing cottage, providing stunning views and three floors of living space, all within a charming shingle-style design.  The obstacle of this project was the high risk erosion of the property, which limited our design of the guest addition to a crescent-shaped footprint.  Being able to fit a beautiful plan to this unique shape was an enormous, but fulfilling, challenge.

Connected to the main house by a glass-covered walkway, this addition functions as an autonomous home, complete with its own kitchen, dining room, sitting areas and four bedroom suites.  Oval windows, multi-level decks, and a fourth-story “crow’s nest” are just a few of the home’s ship-like design elements.



Architecture & Interior Architecture by Visbeen Architects
Interiors by Via Design

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