The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan has been a client of r.o.i. Design for many years, and we are always pleased to be able to work with that team on their development projects.
Before and through COVID, we worked with James Kuras of The Homestead to develop the finishes for Phase 2 of Shoreside, an 8th share, four condominium project on their Lake Michigan beach. While the footprint and layout of the project were identical to Phase 1, The Homestead decided to make some changes to the interior finishes and furnishings.
There is no escaping the lake view at every window, so the interior reflects The Homestead’s tradition of lakefront, cottage, beachside design. Most of the main floor has white shiplap siding grounded by warm wood floors and accented with blue kitchen cabinetry. Lighting, hardware, and plumbing used a combination of brass and black, which feels very authentic in the space. Bathrooms are simple but elegant in a beach sort of way.
We also were engaged to shop for furnishings, and with the help of Pottery Barn Contract and a few of our own proprietary upholstery companies, put together a package that fits their budget. This project was sold out and condo owners wanted to spend summer 2021 at the lake, so the challenges of COVID in building and procurement were “just in time” to get families into their vacation homes for the summer.
The Homestead selected regional art and décor for the place that added that “Michigan touch.” The outcome is spectacular, and the effort was the same. Congratulations to James Kuras and The Homestead Resort.
Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.
Returning customer Denis Johnson, of Johnson Newhof & Associates, reached out to r.o.i. Design for support with the final phase of design of their multifamily project, Darley Village, a full-service senior living community in Muskegon, adjacent to Chestnut Hills Retirement Community.
Denis was looking for a fresh eye on finishes and assistance procuring common area furnishings.
The call came in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, so we carefully engaged to review finishes and furniture. We ended up with a neutral palette that is warm and respectful of being close to Lake Michigan. We spiced it up with flooring options that create more of a high-end hospitality look without the cost.
At this moment, r.o.i. Design has many projects that are in process. Here are two we would like to share with our fans. These are good examples of our diverse talents and experience.
Darley Village
Darley Village is an active senior complex with new apartments being built in Muskegon, Michigan. Our main contact, Denis Johnson of JNA Group, has been a longtime associate of r.o.i. Design. We have collaborated on both hospitality and public space designs. Denis is a partner in, and the project lead for, this development.
This project pushes the finishes beyond the competitive offering and hints at a level of sophistication and “fun”, making it attractive to the discerning tenant.
Midwest Miniatures Museum
Midwest Miniatures Museum has made a bold move to purchase the historical Robbins House in Grand Haven, moving from their previous location in Hickory Corners, Michigan. r.o.i. Design has been engaged in the exhibit and related environmental design.
The project is a perfect fit between content and venue, and we are so excited to be on this team. Thank you to our friend and museum consultant, Timothy Chester, who referred us to the Midwest Miniatures Museum.
The Robbins House was built in 1899. Except for a brief time as a law office, the structure has been in continuous use as a private residence. This unique home is on the National Register of Historic Places and those familiar with the building are excited to see its new life as a museum. This conversion from home to the museum will take place in three phases; initially, the museum will re-open with first floor exhibits and a gift shop.
Concept document for some of the furnishings for Arbors at Ironwood
Not all of our projects are located in West Michigan! We recently wrapped up a project in Mishawaka, Indiana, providing clubhouse and office furnishings for a multi-family apartment community. The complex, The Arbors at Ironwood, is one of several communities managed by Eagle Point Properties. Eagle Point, based in Maine, and r.o.i. Design have worked together on several projects previously, some as far away as Virginia! They contracted with Wolverine Building Group to handle the renovations and r.o.i. Design to provide the furniture and wall décor that would make the Clubhouse and Leasing offices an inviting place for the residents to gather.
As residents enter the Clubhouse, they are greeted with a sitting area outside the leasing offices where they can wait comfortably. The main room boasts a sofa and comfy lounge chairs in front of a cozy fireplace, as well as dining tables and chairs to seat 16. The full kitchen has a counter with additional seating. The Ironwood community houses three computer lab stations for residents’ use! The leasing and management offices also received a facelift with new desks, filing, and seating.
The final touch was the addition of new wall decor. The images that were selected were chosen to further highlight the features of the area. This is something we have done at their other locations, and it has been enthusiastically received! It’s a small touch that helps personalize the space and reflects the community it serves.
Some of the furniture and decor installed at Arbors at Ironwood
For r.o.i. Design, furniture is integral to the design. Quite often we have the opportunity to work with our customers in selecting and designing the furniture and furnishings in their space. This is important to us because it elevates the design to a very personal level, where people are touching, sitting, and experiencing the design in visceral ways.
When we have spent the effort to help a professional service client create a welcoming, branded feel in their interior, sometimes it requires a non-typical office furniture solution.
When we have worked diligently to create a restaurant, lobby, or corporate space that wants to look like a hip restaurant, the furniture may not be able to be compiled from standard options. Thus, we have provided specialty services around furnishings for our customers.
Often, we have been engaged to work with one of many of our local office furniture providers to advocate for our customer, consulting on furniture styles and finishes.
We design custom furniture and work with our customers to find the best resource to create those pieces.
Recently we have been working with fabricators experienced with integrating technology into furniture, creating medical and professional desks.
We have created many custom conference table designs, exploring finishes and details to create an ideal meeting and conference environments.
There is also the need for furnishings that look residential but need to be contract-grade. Providing contract quality guarantees for wear and maintenance.
We have also designed procurement programs for developers, working directly with manufacturers to be able to design, select, purchase, and deliver common area furnishings for multi-family facilities.
Furniture has a functional and aesthetic responsibility in
commercial interiors and planning for appropriate furnishings take intention
and focus.
West Michigan Dermatology – Holland, MIPark East Court – Grand Rapids, MI
Campus View Apartments are located directly adjacent to the campus of Grand Valley State University. Campus View had the vision 50 years ago to purchase and develop property near GVSU to provide apartments for students. Today they have more than 400 units and continue to expand to serve the off-campus student housing needs.
r.o.i. Design had the privilege to work with them in 2016 to update their main lobby and leasing offices. This year we were asked to help them refresh the look of the four original apartment buildings. Those original apartment buildings were built in the 1960’s, featuring shag carpet and paneled wood walls. While the apartments have been updated, r.o.i. Design recommended a retro look for the common areas and corridors.
Our design included a mid-century modern use of patterns, colors, and light fixtures. The apartment hallways leave little doubt where the entries are with a bold accent of color at each door.
In addition to the corridors, r.o.i. Design designed building signage for the site that blends with the architecture but again, has a bold retro look.
The reports are that students are loving the upgrades, and Campus View is realizing new leases.
r.o.i. Design continues to work with Campus View in new projects that will open in 2019. From more information on Campus View go to campusviewhousing.com.
