Haven's November/December 2024 Issue

haven

PUBLISHER

Adam Grubb Media

MANAGING EDITOR

Stephanie Decker

EDITOR

Bailey Shelton

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Molly Tippner

WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing

Darcie Duranceau

Shari Held

Carie McMichael

Katie Mientka

Bailey Shelton

Wendi Williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS

360 Tour Designs

Adam Gibson Architectural Photography

Adam Grubb Media

Dave Pluimer

Sarah Shields Photography

Cover photo by Adam Gibson Architectural Photography

Upcoming Events

November 2024

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

November 7th & every other Thursday

Indiana Design Center – 200 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032 (Carmel Chapter)

November 6th & every other Wednesday

All In Painting – 122 S. Park Blvd., Greenwood, IN 46143 (Greenwood Chapter)

November 14th & every other Thursday

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E. 106th St., Fishers, IN 46038 (Fishers Chapter)

Home improvement professionals experience common challenges on their journey to success. Home Artisans is a curated community of like-minded business leaders dedicated to personal and professional growth and guided by a commitment to superior quality, value, and outstanding customer service. Visit homeartisans.com

Haven 2024 November Cover Party

November 14th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Kent Shaffer Model Home in Holliday Farms 10771 Holliday Farms Blvd. Zionsville, IN 46077

but space is limited. RSVP is required. Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

RSVP at havenhome.me/magazine/nextcover-party

Christkindlmarkt

November 23rd – December 24th

10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032

Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater

Step into the magic of the holidays and Experience the authentic German tradition of Christkindlmarkt! Stroll through the market and enjoy delicious German food and beverage offerings from over 60 huts. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy holiday music performed by artists from around the world, or lace up your skates and glide to the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com

December 2024

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

havenhome.me

Join us to celebrate the November/ December 2024 issue of Haven featuring Home-A-Rama and hosted by Franklin Window & Door. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with top professionals in the home services industry of Greater Indianapolis, all while supporting the featured charity, More Than A Phone, which provides phones to victims of domestic abuse. This event is free and open to the public,

December 4th & every other Thursday Indiana Design Center – 200 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032 (Carmel Chapter) December 3rd & every other Wednesday

All In Painting – 122 S. Park Blvd., Greenwood, IN 46143 (Greenwood Chapter)

December 12th & every other Thursday Hub & Spoke – 8100 E. 106th St., Fishers, IN 46038 (Fishers Chapter)

(See November listing for descriptions) Visit homeartisans.com

HOME-ARAMA

The Stunning Homes of HOME-A-RAMA 2024

by

There’s much to learn from the stunning show homes of Home-A-Rama 2024 presented by Centier Bank, including innovations in landscape architecture, interior design, construction, and smart home technology. Although the event wrapped up at the end of September, this issue is all about the designers, contractors, and builders that put these world-class show homes together. As you browse this month’s issue of Haven, be on the lookout for design elements that might suit your own home. But first, let’s get to know the major players in this year’s home show.

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

This 8,187 sq ft home is the epitome of Modern Contemporary home builds. Taking inspiration from the sprawling landscapes that surround the property, G&G Custom Homes is dubbing the property’s design “Modern Vineyard”.

“That’s what people are looking

for today, homes that bring the outdoors inside and plenty of places to entertain,” says Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes.

The centerpiece of the property is a chef’s dream kitchen, complete with dual-faucet sinks, marble backsplash, an extended cooktop, and plenty of storage space.

Bailey Shelton / photos by 360 Tour Designs

WEDGEWOOD BUILDING COMPANY

On a beautiful two acre lot sits this traditional two-story brick home with a three-port garage and wrap-around porch. Shortly after the Kistle family purchased the property that would one day be their home, they got in touch with the experts at Wedgewood Building Company.

“They wanted a home that was a kid-friendly home, from the wrap-around front porch and beyond, it was all about a feeling of casualness,” says Jeff Myers, architect with Wedgewood.

The family home is designed to suit a family of six, including lockers in the front mudroom for each kid, a playroom with built-in white board, a changing room just off of the back patio and pool area, and a full-sized tennis court on the property.

KENT SHAFFER HOMES & RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

The Modern European style home nestled in Promontory of Zionsville boasts an impressive floor plan designed specifically for easy movement throughout the home.

The unique layout of the master bathroom plays into the style and elegance of the home, with a luxurious tub tucked in an alcove of its own and framed in gorgeous stonework. A doublehead shower is the centerpiece of this room. With glass doors on either side, the shower is visually stunning and designed for seamless flow through the space.

This doctors’ home is designed for easy mornings and relaxing evenings with friends and family. The back deck and pool area offer many spaces to entertain, including outdoor dining, an indooroutdoor bar with porch swing chairs, a dream grill station, fire pit, and sunken garden.

Kristen Hale, President of Kent Shaffer Homes says, “We do a lot of work with the homeowner, and we’ve changed our process in the past couple of years to really hone in on helping the homeowner with their ideas of home upfront.”

OLD TOWN DESIGN GROUP

Old Town Design Group’s tenth HomeA-Rama home is a testament to their focus on timeless design, with new innovations nestled into a home with all the trappings of traditional style.

Matthew Huffman, President of Old Town Design Group, says, “There’s always something new, but being involved in Home-A-Rama also helps us as a builder

SIGMA BUILDERS

Kimberley Bowers, Partner with Sigma Builders, believes that modern homes should aim to house memories as well as people. “Things come and go, but at the end of the day, our homes are where a bountiful number of memories are made.”

This is an ethos that drew the Kebble family to Sigma when the homeowners decided to make the perfect property for their children and grandchildren to gather.

“This is the middle spot, this is where everyone can get together,” says Dave Berman, Partner with Sigma Builders. “So for us, it was very important to design these spaces to be very warm and cozy, specifically for the children.”

The home has unique spaces suited to the needs and tastes of the entire family, including an upstairs playroom, lakeside views from the backyard living space, a bedroom decorated with butterflies for the granddaughters, and a basement wine cellar and lounge for the adults to escape in the evenings.

set the next bar and keep excitement in the design.”

This 8,033 sq ft home has 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half-baths, and a gorgeous back patio overlooking the in-ground pool. In the basement is their take on a cigar lounge, with a moody builtin theater room and wet bar, perfect for entertaining guests or kicking back with a relaxing glass of wine in the afternoon.

BAGI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A YEAR OF SUCCESS AND GRATITUDE

TATUM HILL

Compendium Group

2024 BAGI Board President

As we come to the end of the year and my term as President of BAGI, I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who was a part of the Association in 2024.

This year was a great one! With the return of IndyRama and Home-A-Rama, we were able to reconnect with the public in one of our favorite ways by showcasing some fantastic homes, both downtown and in Zionsville. Both shows had record-breaking turnouts and we are so grateful to all of those that came out to see them.

As one of the builders in this year’s IndyRama downtown home show, I recognized the efforts from the Association to make the show stand out from years’ past resulting in increased attendance and new engagement with Realtor Day. The continued efforts to grow the efficacy of IndyRama into the future are sure to grow its success.

We took a similar approach to Home-A-Rama, growing the attendance bigger than before. We brought back some familiar favorites such as the VIP Preview Party, Wine & Design Night (formerly Ladies Night), and Realtor Day and even introduced a new event, Hometown Heroes Day, where community heroes, including our military, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers, were recognized for their continued contribution and impact.

2023 was the first year for the Women Build It Conference, and this year made it an annual event. With an increase in attendance by almost 25%, we are working to collaborate and strengthen the impact women have within the industry. This year we also started our own Women Build It Impact Team to continue the conversations, engagement, and efforts initiated by the conference.

As we look ahead at 2025, we have solidified greater membership opportunities including professional development, refreshed events, Impact Team meetings, advocacy efforts, and more. Stay tuned for all that BAGI will offer in the year to come—and I hope to see you there.

BAGI + 2024 CENTIER BANK HOME-A-RAMA:

2024 HOME-A-RAMA IN REVIEW

The 2024 Centier Bank Home-A-Rama at Promontory of Zionsville was a record-breaking success! This year’s show featured five custom builders as well as highlighted some of the finest design trends. Audiences were impressed with the caliber of this show as well as the design and entertainment ideas these homes presented. Did you miss the show? It’s not too late! You can purchase a ticket and tour these show-stopping designs on our virtual experience.

VISIT BAGI.COM/HOME-A-RAMA

photos by 360 Tour Designs

SIGMA BUILDERS

OLD TOWN DESIGN GROUP

SIGMA BUILDERS

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER

The combined home featuring Kent Shaffer Homes and Randy Shaffer Custom Homes was awarded the prestigious People’s Choice Award at this year’s Home-A-Rama. The award celebrates the Shaffer Homes team for their exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, as chosen by the event’s attendees.

WEDGEWOOD BUILDING COMPANY

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

WHY BAGI?

PROMOTE, EDUCATE & NETWORK

With over 500 members strong, BAGI works with other organizations and advocates on behalf of you and your business, supporting initiatives that enhance our industry by:

PROMOTING Central Indiana’s new home construction

EDUCATING both our members and consumers on the homebuilding industry’s standards, practices, and happenings

NETWORKING to encourage members to explore business opportunities and successes

READY TO GET STARTED?

Contact Barbara Zoderer, Director of Membership, Events & Promotions, at 317-236-6330 or barbaraz@bagi.com.

AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH

We meet our members where they are and work to get them where they want to go, allowing you to drive engagement, commitment, and opportunities at the level YOU desire.

PROMOTION

NETWORKING

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ADVOCACY

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PERSONALIZED RESOURCES

Our Interest Groups and Impact Teams allow you to stay up to date with news and opportunities that speak to your interests while providing a forum where you can build relationships, learn from one another, share resources, and discuss industry challenges and successes.

FIELD SUPERINTENDENTS

URBAN & DEVELOPMENT

SALES & MARKETING

SUBURBAN BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

REMODELING

ASSOCIATES

WOMEN BUILD IT

BAGI:

BUILDING A PATH TO THE FUTURE

HOW BYF INDIANA IS INSPIRING STUDENTS TO EXPLORE CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION

by Darcie Duranceau

As Indiana’s construction industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled workers is at an alltime high. Build Your Future (BYF) Indiana, supported by the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation (ICR), is stepping in to bridge this gap by inspiring youth across the state to explore fulfilling careers in construction. Through innovative programs like Construction Clubs and direct exposure to industry professionals, BYF Indiana is equipping the next generation with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to consider careers in the trades.

Kate Walters, Director of Youth Programs at BYF Indiana, brings a unique perspective to this mission. With a background in education, she has always been passionate about working with students. “I enjoyed my time working with elementary students, but I found this role at ICR and saw it as a chance to impact students positively while growing professionally,” she says.

ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH CONSTRUCTION CLUBS

One of BYF Indiana’s most impactful initiatives is the Construction Clubs program, which targets upper elementary and middle school students. Over six weeks, students participate in two-hour sessions that give them hands-on experience with construction tools and methods.

“BYF Construction Clubs have job exploration built into the curriculum, so students can tie their hands-on experience to well-paid jobs they could pursue in the future,” Walters explains. “This weaving together of personal accomplishment and career exposure creates a positive and meaningful experience for students.”

They are also meeting students at their level, appealing to them via technology, like the Skid Steer Simulator which allows video-game-like industry exposure.

A GENERATION LOOKING FOR IMPACT

One notable trend among today’s youth is their growing interest in impactful work that doesn’t require a four-year degree. Walters points out that many students are drawn to careers in

construction because of the financial stability they offer without the burden of hefty college loans. “Construction provides opportunities to support individuals and families without a large amount of debt, which is incredibly attractive,” she says. “Plus, the work is tangible and rewarding in itself.”

SUCCESS STORIES IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

BYF Indiana’s efforts are already yielding results. Walters recalls a youth internship program that introduced students to various careers in construction. “At the start, only one out of four students were interested in construction,” she says. “But by the end of the semester, more students expressed interest and attributed it to the positive, direct exposure they had to the industry.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN EXPOSURE

One of the biggest challenges in increasing youth interest in construction is a lack of exposure. “Many students know they want to be teachers because they see teachers every day,” Walters explains. “But construction workers aren’t usually in front of students.” To address this, BYF Indiana actively connects industry professionals with students through hiring fairs, classroom visits, and job site tours. “We work to give construction a face and a story that students can relate to,” she adds.

LOOKING AHEAD

For the coming years, Walters and her team have ambitious goals. “We’ve found a gap between students interested in construction and the available opportunities within the industry,” she says. “We’re working to create more entry points by providing basic skills training and partnering with industry professionals to offer safe and meaningful work-based learning experiences.” With BYF Indiana’s commitment to educating and inspiring youth, the future of Indiana’s construction industry looks promising. Walters and her team are not only helping students see construction as a viable career but also providing them with the tools and opportunities to build a successful future.

“BYF CONSTRUCTION CLUBS HAVE JOB EXPLORATION BUILT INTO THE CURRICULUM, SO STUDENTS CAN TIE THEIR HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE TO WELL-PAID JOBS THEY COULD PURSUE IN THE FUTURE.”

– KATE WALTERS, Director of Youth Programs at BYF Indiana

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS:

Collaborating with Government Agencies for Positive Housing Outcomes

by Darcie Duranceau

The Indiana housing market is currently facing significant challenges, with increasing housing costs and a shortage of affordable options limiting the ability of many Hoosiers to put down roots in their communities.

In just the past nine years, the cost of purchasing an average-price home has increased by 72% to 104%. As a result, community growth is stifled when new households cannot afford to settle. This underscores the importance of collaboration between the public, government agencies, and organizations like Build Indiana Roots (BIR), which focuses on promoting achievable housing in Indiana.

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN HOUSING SOLUTIONS

Government agencies play a critical role in shaping housing policies and facilitating developments that can alleviate housing crises. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC), for instance, is actively working to address the housing shortage by exploring opportunities to develop large tracts of land, such as the former General Motors stamping plant site along the White River.

The IEDC issued a request for proposals to sell its 45-acre site to a master developer who would oversee its complete development. This initiative aligns with BIRs’ goals of promoting balanced housing policies and creating opportunities for achievable housing in Indiana. By engaging in such projects, government agencies help shape Indiana housing market trends and influence home prices in Indiana.

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS’ APPROACH TO ACHIEVABLE HOUSING

BIR is dedicated to educating both the community and lawmakers about the importance of achievable housing. The organization emphasizes the need to protect homebuyers from being priced out due to nonessential regulations that are not backed by market data. Instead, BIR advocates for responsible building solutions and regulations that balance community needs with market realities.

POSITIVE FUTURE FOR INDIANAPOLIS HOUSING

Despite the current challenges, there is a bright future for housing in Indianapolis, thanks to the combined efforts of government agencies, organizations like BIR, and people like you. By promoting achievable housing and advocating for balanced policies, these entities contribute to increased affordable housing availability and sustainable community growth.

Individuals can stay informed about housing policies by connecting with Build Indiana Roots and receiving updates on key legislative developments and community efforts. By taking these steps, residents can actively participate in advocating for achievable housing and contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable housing market in Indiana.

INTELLIGENT LIVING SOLUTIONS:

Enhance Your Home for the Holidays with Smart Home Automation

As the holidays approach, the convenience and luxury of your smart home features can take your holiday decorations to a whole other level. The perfect holiday dinner can be finished off with custom lighting and music. There’s no need to leave the warmth of your bed to turn the heat up this winter. Smart home automation adds a touch of magic to celebrations this season.

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH LIGHTING

Transform your home for the holidays outside and in. Automated lighting options allow you to curate every space of your home to suit any occasion. Light up the exterior of your home with a red and green display for the winter holidays or set your interior lights to a warm glow to set the tone for Friendsgiving. From the garage to the mantle, you can program lights to suit any season or special occasion, making your home feel festive and inviting all year round.

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC

Bring holiday celebrations to life with smart home audio. Whether it’s waking up to cheerful holiday tunes or ensuring your New Year’s Eve party has the perfect soundtrack for every room, smart home audio solutions let you enjoy music in all areas of your home. You can even zone audio, so kids can enjoy their music in one room while

the adults mingle to their playlists in another. And don’t worry about missing the doorbell over the music—these smart systems seamlessly integrate with alerts, ensuring you never miss a beat.

THE PERFECT AMBIANCE—ALWAYS

No matter the season, create a fully immersive holiday experience by combining automated lighting, thermostats, and audio. Whether it’s a warm glow paired with festive melodies, a bold display of lights for any season, or setting the thermostat to “always on” until January 3rd, smart home automation makes your house a showstopper no matter the occasion.

Visit the Intelligent Living Solutions’ Experience Center to explore more ways to elevate your holiday celebrations and daily life. Discover how easy it is to create the perfect ambiance for every occasion with custom smart home solutions.

INDY GRILLS AND OUTDOOR LIVING:

WARMING UP at Home-A-Rama

INDY GRILLS SHOWCASES HOT NEW DESIGNS IN TIME FOR CHILLY WEATHER

by Wendi Williams / photos by 360 Tour Designs

November isn’t the time to start talking about patios, grills, and outdoor kitchens… or is it? Bill Michalak, coowner of Indy Grills, thinks it’s never too soon (or too late) to start planning the outdoor space of your dreams. In fact, a lot of those dreams were probably sparked at this year’s Centier Home-A-Rama (HAR), where he and co-owner Michael Shannon partnered with builders to showcase the latest trends and timeless designs in outdoor living.

Michalak has a decades-long background in fireplaces, but in 2020, he wanted to expand on his expertise. That’s when he and business partner Shannon started adding patio projects on the side, and soon decided it was time to launch their own business.

Four years later, Indy Grills is a premier provider of high-end, exceptionally customized outdoor and indoor living spaces, working in both the residential and new construction industries to provide top-notch craftsmanship and unparalleled design in patios, outdoor kitchens, and entertaining spaces.

“We’ve done Home-a-Rama every year since we’ve been in business,” Michalak says. “The builders have their plans, and we work with them to create the design and make product selections.”

He says working with residential construction clients and building the full patio from start to finish helps them better understand the new construction builders’ challenges and equips them for problem solving. This knowledge helps the team ask the right questions, even

when they’re handling just a portion of the project.

It strengthens their partnership with builder clients like Kent Shaffer Homes, where they’ve contributed to multiple aspects of the home, including fireplaces, outdoor heating, the outdoor kitchen, Omega Mantel, and the chimney top shrouds.

It also helps them stay up on the latest trends and design features. Currently, Michalak says, customers want outdoor heating options so they can maximize their outdoor spaces, even when temperatures drop (so no, November isn’t the wrong time to start planning at all). He says that outdoor living is growing in popularity, which he’s noticed during his years of Home-A-Rama participation. “If you went into every Home-A-Rama house,” he says, “you’d find outdoor living in each one.”

But you don’t have to live in a show home to have a welcoming and usable outdoor space. Michalak says customers of Indy Grills range from those who just want to be able to flip an occasional burger to those that want to spend hours outside with their elaborate smokers and full-service kitchen. But no matter the scope or the budget, Michalak and his team are committed to getting it right.

“I’m certified by the National Fireplace Institute,” he says. “I’ve spent

“If you went into every Home-A-Rama house, you’d find outdoor living in each one.”

– BILL MICHALAK Co-owner, Indy Grills and Outdoor Living

a lot of time in the industry, and I bring that history and knowledge to what I do.”

And what he does is ensure that every customer has an outdoor space that is safe, stylish, and functional. In fact, he had his team build an entire patio inside their office, for unbeatable hands-on training. That way, he knows the work will be done consistently, and most importantly, it will be done right.

The cold weather is upon us, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming up a stunning outdoor patio or kitchen. Bill Michalak and the Indy Grills team will be ready and waiting to help you make it a reality. Check out their online estimator, or give them a call at (317) 676-9687.

Glamour in the Garden: Using Porcelain Pavers in Outdoor Design

by Carie McMichael

Porcelain pavers are blazing a trail of dynamic aesthetics throughout Midwestern lawns and gardens. Limited surfacing options out there rival its durability and versatility without compromising the natural beauty of an outdoor landscape. Bursting from the proverbial box of traditional concrete, these engaging alternatives bring elegance to high-traffic outdoor areas. Mont Surfaces, a supplier of fine surfaces, offers porcelain pavers in a comprehensive array of colors. They believe porcelain pavers are ideal for many outdoor options. “Mont’s porcelain pavers are trending for outdoor design. Durable and longlasting, porcelain pavers are ideal for walkways, patios, gardens, pool decks, and rooftop environments,” says Carol Payto, Chief Marketing Officer of Mont Surfaces. Versatility is the defining characteristic of porcelain. Mica flecks incorporated into the porcelain can give homeowners the look of natural stone or wood on outdoor surfaces without sacrificing durability. The variety of colors and styles allows homeowners to

design inspiring, cohesive spaces in which their home’s exteriors are punctuated by matching walkways and recreational areas.

These distinctive tiles also provide durability against fluctuating Midwestern weather. Rapidly rising and falling temperatures place stress on concrete paths and walkways, but porcelain pavers are composed of kiln fired clay that is resistant to the daily wear and tear of high-traffic areas. They’re less likely to break from the expanding and contracting effect of extreme hot and cold, and if one of the panels breaks, it’s easy to replace the tile seamlessly, where traditional concrete might be left with an unsightly patch.

In a patio setting, porcelains low level of water absorption resists the growth of moss and mold that would damage its structure and allure. This also makes it ideal for areas around pools or other natural water features.

To explore all of the dynamic options for your home and garden, visit Mont Surfaces at montsurfaces.com.

STEPHANIE WIOTT DESIGNS:

A HOME in a Category of Its Own

by Bailey Shelton / photos by Sarah Shields Photography and 360 Tour Designs

Drawing inspiration from the homeowners’ beautifully maintained antique furniture and distinct traditional style, Stephanie Wiott and her team brought this 2024 Home-A-Rama to life. This Lexington Farmhouse, nestled in the equestrian setting of the Promontory of Zionsville, showcases the potential of newly built modern homes.

WOODWORK AT THE HEART OF THE HOME

“Every bit of woodwork in the home is white oak,” says Wiott, “The homeowners loved the graining, the way it stains, and the feel of it, so we were sure to use white oak throughout.”

One type of wood in a diverse array of contexts and stains brings the key architectural elements of this home to life—it is beautiful, resilient, and dynamic.

PATTERN AND TEXTURE

Unlike most modern builds, which try to stick with neutral tones and crowd-pleasing textures, the farmhouse embraces bold colors, lively patterned wallpapers, and rich textures. The home gym’s portraits of Ben Franklin blowing bubble gum combine classic style

and contemporary humor. The wallpaper by irreverent pattern designer Judy Quintero caught Wiott’s eye months before the project began.

CHARACTER ELEMENTS

In the den, winged armchairs clad in cream wool herringbone and a green velvet sofa surround antique wood tables and brass figurines.

“I think we get used to seeing the white walls all the time, so it was exciting to work on something more classic and timeless,” says Wiott. “It’s not the kind of house that’s going to be gutted and redone in ten years; everything is designed to last forever.”

A UNIFIED EXPERIENCE

Stephanie Wiott Designs worked directly with the homeowners to ensure every room in the home fit comfortably into one cohesive style. Harmonious elements guide visitors through spaces like the second-floor butterfly room and ensuite. A Sputnik chandelier resembling a cluster of butterflies draws the eye up. Meanwhile, trim detailing of the custom window coverings via Drapery Street ties into the theme, as does the green tile of the arched shower entrance in the ensuite bathroom.

For inspiration and advice for your home project, contact Stephanie Wiott Designs for a consultation or explore more at stephaniewiottdesigns.com.

stephaniewiottdesigns.com

M c COMB PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS + JD HOSTETTER & ASSOCIATES:

People, Process & Product

Quality home exteriors are by no means a one-man show. For decades, the Indianapolis team at McComb Pella have relied on their talented partners and clients in the construction industry to bring their high-quality windows and doors to the homeowners that need them most. McComb Pella offers a wide variety of longlasting options, with good, better, and best to suit everybody’s budget. However, it’s their long-term industry relationships that continuously connect their products with homeowners all around Indianapolis and beyond.

“Quality windows aren’t cheap, but we make sure our customers get a fair price,” says Tom Pantzer, owner of JD Hostetter &

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

Associates. “They never complain that we overcharge them because we never will.”

JD Hostetter & Associates has served Indianapolis and surrounding counties for the past 20 years, primarily as an exterior remodeling company that works on siding, roofing, painting, gutters, windows, and doors. Seven years ago, Pantzer purchased the company from the previous owner. Since then, he’s built a reputation for being low-pressure and delivering on high quality.

“We take on more of a consultant role than that of a salesperson,” says Pantzer, who calls himself the “antichrist of sales.” This is because after meeting with a potential client, he sends the person an estimate,

TOM PANTZER Owner, JD Hostetter & Associates

“The McComb Pella Showroom is a great asset to us because customers can go there to see, touch, and ‘test drive’ their windows.”

– TOM PANTZER

then follows up with one phone call. After that, you won’t hear from him again. On more than one occasion, he’s had people call back to tell him that he’s the only one who hasn’t repeatedly bugged them, and that endears him to them.

“A customer I’d given a quote to two years ago just called me and said that he’s ready to hire me,” says Pantzer. “It shows that people really don’t want to be pressured.”

Pantzer estimates that roughly 25% of his clients are repeat customers. Someone may hire JD Hostetter to paint the exterior of their house, then later call back to replace their windows and again to install a new roof.

“When people find someone they’re happy with, they hire you time and again,” says Pantzer.

Pantzer feels the same way about his relationship with McComb Pella, the company he works with to supply windows to his clients.

“I’ve known the McComb family and their product for 30 years,” he says.

Pantzer likes working with McComb Pella because he can rely on their employees to be detail-oriented and well-versed on all things window. This comes in handy when customers ask questions that are beyond Pantzer’s scope.

“I’ll tell people, ‘I have no idea, but I’ll find out for you from my Pella contact,’” he says.

With a trustworthy expert on the line, Pantzer is left to focus his

efforts on the bigger picture. He also likes the fact that despite being a huge company, he’s connected with a local Pella representative whom he touches base with regularly.

“If something goes wrong, I’m not dealing with somebody far away,” says Pantzer, who frequently sends his customers to check out McComb Pella’s showroom. “It’s a great asset to us because customers can go there to see, touch, and ‘test drive’ their windows.”

JD Hostetter is focused on the customer and the experience, and they deliver on both.

“It’s a novel concept for so many companies,” says Pantzer. “But what makes us successful really comes down to our people, our process, and our product.”

To learn more about how quality windows and doors can elevate your home, contact McComb Pella Window & Door today or schedule an appointment at their showroom off 96th Street in Indianapolis.

YOUR SURE STEP TO SAFETY & SUCCESS

A SURE STEP treatment results in a non-slip surface that maintains its appearance while providing enhanced safety.

This treatment is particularly beneficial in areas prone to getting wet such as bathrooms, showers, kitchens, entryways and pool decks.

• Effective indoors/outdoors in all types of weather

• Will not chip, peel, or discolor

• Not a film or coating

• Commercial and residential use

Product benefits: Significantly increases the safety of floors and bathtubs by creating an invisible tread design, making treated surfaces safer when wet.

Cost Effectiveness: The treatment is inexpensive compared to the costs associated with slip and fall injuries, such as medical expenses, lawsuits, and increased insurance costs.

Durability: Sure Step treatments last a minimum of one year on floors and up to five years on bathtubs without changing the appearance of the surfaces.

Customer Testimonials: Various customers including homeowners, restaurant chains, condominium complexes, and hotel chains have reported a significant reduction in slip and fall accidents after using Sure Step.

SURE STEP IS DEVELOPED AND PROVEN FOR:

CERAMIC TILE | CONCRETE | QUARRY TILE

SPANISH TILE | MARBLE | GLAZED BRICK

TERRAZZO | PORCELAIN/ENAMEL and many other hard mineral surfaces

The Cure of Consistency:

FlatMade Concrete Company and G&G Custom Homes

by Carie McMichael / photos by 360 Tour Designs

This year’s Centier HomeA-Rama (HAR) put the best of luxurious home design on full display with each of the five homes encapsulating upscale, dazzling works of craftsmanship. At the heart of these designs was the refined and steadfast dedication of dozens of local artisans, including Ben Driskell’s premiere firm of concrete tradesmen, FlatMade Concrete Company.

This year, FlatMade collaborated with one of the showcase’s builders, G&G Custom Homes, to bring their HAR design to life.

“G&G had a specific idea of what they wanted the function of the concrete to be,” Driskell says. “They wanted something

that was sleek and smooth, but still functional.”

CLEAN LINES THROUGHOUT

The work of FlatMade Concrete Company can be found around the G&G show home, including the porches, steps, pool area, and driveway.

The home’s Modern Vineyard style is deceptively simple, but requires advanced planning and precise engineering. From the walkout basement and in-ground pool to the various outdoor living areas and porches big and small, the G&G home hinged on expertly poured concrete.

MAKING QUICK WORK OF IT

One of the most challenging aspects of the project, according

to Driskell, was the timeline.

“They wanted us to come in around springtime, which may be ahead of the typical schedule for a typical project,” says Driskell. “We had four weeks to get the entire project done, which for the size and how large the driveway is was a bit of a challenge.”

In order to maintain the visual consistency, FlatMade completed the driveway in one solid pour. This required a meticulous, choreographed approach to ensure the pour would cure consistently–an undertaking that underlined the skill of Driskell’s crew.

Despite a rigid schedule of just under four weeks, Driskell’s team finished the project on time through a

coordinated effort. He says he hopes the continuity of their craftsmanship will not go unnoticed.

“We kept a consistent finish in the colors and the texture on the pool deck, the porches, and the driveway…It’s been one of my favorite projects we’ve ever worked on.”

For high-quality concrete that will stand the test of time, visit flatmadeconcrete.com

G&G CUSTOM HOMES:

INDOOR & OUTDOOR Perfection

by Christy Heitger-Ewing / photos by 360 Tour Designs

Among the many benefits of Home-A-Rama presented by Centier Bank is that it puts innovations in home design on full display. Builders come back year after year to showcase their talents, and G&G Custom Homes is no exception.

“From the architectural design on the exterior to all the interior finishes, people said they loved the house, how it sits on the lot, and the fact that it’s on the lake,” says Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes. “A lot of folks said they didn’t realize there was a lake out here. And they love the large lots.”

During the first weekend of HAR, more than 6,000 eager guests toured these luxury homes. The Promontory of Zionsville, a luxury neighborhood development that features large estate lots and rolling equestrian countryside, acted as the setting for HAR 2024.

The home built by Garcia and his team sits on an expansive two acre lot which inspired the home’s design. From the foyer, guests have a clear view of the scenic backyard pool and the lake framed in trees that sits beyond it.

Visitors were also drawn to the striking LED chandelier which drapes itself in strands of glowing orbs over the dining room table. Although this is just one of the many stunning lighting options featured throughout the home, it’s also one of the first features visitors see as they enter the property.

Sliding glass pocket doors connect the great room to the huge outdoor covered porch beyond, enabling homeowners to expand their living space on warm summer evenings.

“People love being able to bring the outside in and vice versa,” says Garcia, who took extra care to plan several dynamic outdoor living spaces. The covered patio can suit a crowd under its vaulted ceiling, with a television and sectional patio seating ideal for hosting a crowd during a game-day barbecue. On the second floor, a rooftop deck overlooking the lake allows for a private outdoor retreat.

The showstopper of the property is the in-ground pool and water feature, which allows homeowners to take in scenes of the lake while doing their morning laps. It’s easily accessible via the walkout lower level, or outdoor dining area. This secondary dining option is covered with a Smart Pergola, which adjusts to cover the porch in shade with the touch of a button.

The black-and-stone exterior siding stole the show with its striking dark and modern

appearance. This composite wood in plastic pre-finished siding is manufactured by NewTechWood. These products, which feature a 25-year warranty and UltraShield technology, protect materials from fading, splitting, staining, molding, burning, and pest invasion. The team chose to use a color swatch called Shou Sugi Ban; it replicates a Japanese Charred Wood.

“One day 1,650 people came through and so of course I couldn’t talk to everyone, but for those who were serious about the house or wanted to know something, they sought me out,” says Garcia. “We were house number one, so a lot of people started there and many of them came back through for a second time at the end of the tour.”

Each of the five show homes showcased very different styles, so each tour offered something fresh and new. Although all of G&G’s properties are highly personalized, the Modern Vineyard style home they’ve built in the heart of the Promontory of Zionsville is an impressive feather in their cap.

To learn more about how Garcia can bring your luxury dream home to life, contact G&G Custom Homes today.

Investing in Family

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

“The biggest and best investment you make for your family is providing a home,” says Isaiah Baker, owner of Baker Contracting LLC. “That’s where your favorite memories are made—like Christmas mornings, Thanksgiving dinners, and birthday parties. I feel honored we get to help make those memories possible.”

When Isaiah Baker thinks about building, he thinks of family. In the 1950’s, his grandfather started Al Baker and Sons Construction. Baker grew up going to job sites with his dad, and likes to continue that tradition with his son, Henry. Although he didn’t necessarily plan to follow in his family’s footsteps, as he got older, something clicked.

“It just made sense,” says Baker. “So much was ingrained in me without even knowing it.”

In 2012, he opened his own company, Baker Contracting, LLC, a full-service builder that specializes in custom residential construction and commercial remodeling. His work echoes that of his family (granddad, dad, and uncle), but where they primarily built spec homes,

BAKER CONTRACTING LLC

204 N. Main St. Kokomo, IN 46902

765.432.6631

info@baker-contracting.com baker-contracting.com

Isaiah is a custom home builder with a focus on high-end, innovative designs.

“Every home we build is completely designed and tailored for our client’s wants, needs, and budget,” says Baker, who also carries on the tradition of working with family alongside his brother, Matt.

As a third-generation builder, Baker partners with family and treats his employees as an extension of that relationship. Baker Contracting is a small company with just six in-house staff, so they’re a close-knit group to say the least.

Baker works with clients in all stages of life. Whether you are looking to build your first home, build a larger home for a growing family, or are looking to downsize and plan for later years in life. Tailoring each home for their clients wants, needs, and budget allows them to create the perfect space for your family.

Isaiah, Matt, and their extended co-worker family is excited to help plan your dream home and help you invest in your own family.

Learn more about Baker Contracting and their devotion to family by visiting baker-contracting.com.

ANTHONY’S CHOPHOUSE:

HOLIDAY HOST The Perfect

by Bailey Shelton

The annual retreat, the company holiday party, an unforgettable New Year’s celebration at a rooftop bar. These are the moments we strive for in the lead-up to the holiday season. But it’s hard to know how to make that dream a reality, especially if hosting isn’t already one of your mastered skills. Here are the basic building blocks of a seasonal event well done.

BREAK BREAD AND CELEBRATE WITH A TOAST

This season is made for celebrating the people around you, and there’s no better way to show you care than a nice meal. For those of us inexperienced with the art of home hosting, what better way to ensure a world-class meal than by booking with none other than Anthony’s Chophouse. Their menu rotates seasonally based on the freshest and finest ingredients available, but fine dining is always on the menu.

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

For company events and family gatherings alike, the goal of gatherings around the holiday season should always be to connect with one another. Whether it’s coworkers gathering for the office holiday party, or adult children and parents celebrating the holidays with a drink on one of the 3UP lounge couches, there’s no better time of year to toast to one another.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

For the annual report, be prepared to add a little flare. Attentions slip as we reach the end

of the year, but that shouldn’t mean the death of a meeting. Dress up the slideshow, order some cocktails, open up the floor to Q&A. Add in one of your high school yearbook photos toward the end, just to see if everyone’s paying attention.

The dynamic event spaces at Anthony’s Chophouse are ready for whatever your private event might entail–with Wi-Fi and AirTime capabilities, the holiday party slideshow is just kicking off. Their gorgeous Glass Chimney room is ideal for larger gatherings of up to 30 people, while their elegant Board Room space seats up to 16. The atmosphere is unmatched, the menu is set. All there’s left to do is come together.

AN EVENT TO MARK THE SEASON

3UP will also play host to their annual New Year’s Eve event. Ring in the New Year on the 3UP rooftop bar and lounge with your nearest and dearest. Tickets are $150/person, which includes a welcome cocktail, a toast at midnight, all-you-can-eat food from a select menu, reserved seating, and party favors.

SPEND YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ANTHONY’S CHOPHOUSE AND 3UP ROOFTOP LOUNGE.

Breaking the Mold

MARBLE UNIQUES ® TAKES A HARD PASS ON COOKIE-CUTTER DESIGN

by

MARBLE UNIQUES:

Wendi Williams / photos by 360 Tour Designs

Just like snowflakes, you won’t find two natural stone countertops alike. That’s what drew Heather Keck, interior designer and co-owner of Marble Uniques, into the business in the first place. Her passion for natural stone didn’t end with marble, however. For the past 15 years, Heather has worked on diversifying Marble Unique’s product offerings to include a variety of natural stones such as marble, granite, quartzite, and soapstone. In addition to the variety of natural stones offered, Marble Uniques also has an extensive line of engineered quartz and porcelain products.

The draw, Heather says, is that every piece of stone is completely distinct, so homeowners and builders can achieve a unique, custom look no matter their style. Many factors influence how a natural surface will look in a space, from different characteristics in the stone and its place of origin, to the lighting and paint colors surrounding it.

While plenty of big box stores cater to conventional, cardboard cutout homes, Heather says the team at Marble Uniques takes pride in standing out from the crowd. That’s why this past September, they once again participated in Centier Home-A-Rama (HAR), partnering with Old Town Design Group for the 15th year.

“These are high-end builders for Home-A-Rama,” Heather says. “They give us a color palette and a design idea, and we help them choose the best materials to bring it to life.” The home built by Old Town Design Group, for example, required materials that would be located in the pool area, and would need to be resistant to chemicalheavy pool water and outdoor conditions. These concerns are all taken into account throughout the collaboration.

But while visitors to the HAR show homes might think they’re looking at a level of design that’s out of reach, Heather says this isn’t so. In fact, she invites anyone in the process of building or remodeling their home to make an appointment to visit their showroom in Tipton and see what types of natural stone can fit their style and their budget.

“We have magic workers in our shop,” she says of their team of designers, fabricators, and installers. Heather says Marble Uniques provides each customer a project coordinator who will be with them from start to finish, no matter the size of the job. This individual attention is as unique as the product, and ensures

customers get the look they want—without surprises.

Heather says watching interior design shows and browsing photos on social media is a great start to figuring out your style and your desired look, but nothing beats seeing the product in person. That’s why she encourages anyone considering a remodel to visit the HAR homes during the annual show, as well as the Marble Uniques showroom.

“Come in,” she says. “Touch the stone. Feel it, and understand how it might look in your home.” She says customers can also see different options for edging and seaming, and learn about everything from current design trends to stone upkeep and maintenance. “We’ve been in the stone business a very long time,” she says. “It all comes back to education and understanding the product.”

Marble Uniques® is a family-owned business serving all of Indiana and surrounding areas. Visit their Tipton showroom, or give them a call at (317) 596-9786.

“Come in. Touch the stone. Feel it, and understand how it might look in your home.”

– HEATHER KECK Co-owner, Marble Uniques

MARBLE UNIQUES

From tapping the source to treating it.

better water

STONE MART:

The Timeless Beauty of Jewel Stones

by Shari Held

Decorating trends and styles come and go. Some design trends can end up dating your home. But you can’t go wrong when you decorate with material from Stone Mart, a wholesale supplier of natural stone and engineered material. Whether you’re considering using a quartz material, such as one from their Jewel Quartz Collection, or a natural stone, especially one from their Galleria of Stone Jewels, its beauty and elegance will be timeless.

ENGINEERED STONE

When describing their Jewel Quartz Collection, Kaelyn Van Camp, Marketing Manager for

Stone Mart, puts it this way, “Our Jewel Quartz Collection was inspired by the grandeur of space and intricacies of nature. There’s nothing quite like it.”

The quartz in Stone Mart’s Jewel Collection looks like natural stone. It features unmatched depth and comes in various rich or subdued colors and patterns to enhance your home’s decor. Its offerings include both polished and honed finishes.

CREATED BY MOTHER NATURE

Stone Mart carries a substantial selection of natural stone—granite, quartzite, marble, dolomite, soapstone, semi-precious stone—of which

some can be found in their Galleria. The colors range from warm to cool tones and feature dynamic patterns with lots of movement to more subtle ones. Available finishes include polished, honed, and leathered.

PRESERVING YOUR STONE’S BEAUTY

Quartz is fairly low maintenance, although it isn’t heat-resistant, while natural stone is porous and should periodically be sealed to help with stain resistance.

Preserving the beauty of your material is simple. Use a mild soap detergent, like Dawn dish soap, with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge for daily care. Other

heavy-duty cleaners, which can remove soap scum and even provide some protectiveness, should be used more sparingly. It’s important to use a cleaner that’s made for your specific material.

“No matter what kind of material you use in your home, proper care and maintenance will help it to stay beautiful and timeless,” Van Camp says.

When you’re in the market for a material that adds timeless beauty to your home, ask your fabricator or contractor about visiting the experts at Stone Mart to find the perfect match for your project.

The NEW ERA of Construction: A

WOMEN BUILT

HOME-A-RAMA HOUSE

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR:

photos by Adam Gibson Architectural Photography and Sarah Shields Photography BUILDER:

Abeautiful build comes to fruition through collective collaboration, constant communication, and the creative assembly of talented people. The talented women of the construction industry know this to be true. Cori Brown, Emily Handke, Kristen Shaffer-Hale, Sarah Wilson, and Sunshine Brooks all recognize that to get a job done, not only does it take a village, it takes a knowledgeable, creative, reliable village.

Emily Handke, President of Emily Handke Design, has been designing luxury homes for eleven years. After starting her career in Seattle, she returned to the greater Indianapolis area. In 2021, she launched Emily Handke Design (EHD), which offers varied architectural designs—from modern to traditional.

“Our homes are all customized to how our clients live,” says Handke.

Innovation is king in the construction industry as new products and technologies continually enter the market. 3-D architectural designs are one such innovation that allows clients to visualize the design of their future home.

“It’s exciting presenting a new home to a client in 3-D for the first time,” says Handke, who believes the best floor plans begin with a focus on the home exterior design and style. The 3-D process allows Handke and her team to design both the interior and exterior simultaneously. They layer many softwares together to offer a holistic view of the project, including architectural details and exterior building materials.

Handke, who regularly collaborates with other women-owned businesses, loves watching industry friends excel. Her friend,

Kristen Shaffer-Hale, President of Kent Shaffer Homes, is a thirdgeneration builder and one of the only female luxury custom home builders in the state. Growing up on job sites, watching her father and grandfather build homes, laid the foundation for the builder she is today. After graduating from Purdue University, Shaffer-Hale briefly worked in the production home field before ultimately joining her family in the construction of custom homes. A few years ago, she took the reins as President of the company.

“I never wanted a career that was monotonous. This certainly is not that,” she says. “This job is about problem solving and creative thinking as every build presents new challenges.”

Shaffer-Hale loves the fact that in the field of construction, something’s always trending.

“Fifteen years ago, it seemed homes were either comfortable/ livable or a show-home, and you had to pick one,” says ShafferHale. “Now, no matter how extravagant the homes that we build are, they seamlessly blend comfort and fun for the whole family.”

In addition to working with Emily Handke Design, Hale has partnered with Sarah Wilson, President of Wildflower Designs.

“These two women have been absolute forces of nature to work with, and they have been dropping clients’ jaws on job after job,” says Shaffer-Hale.

“THIS JOB IS ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING AND CREATIVE THINKING AS EVERY BUILD PRESENTS NEW CHALLENGES.”

– KRISTEN SHAFFER-HALE President, Kent Shaffer Homes

BUILDER: KENT SHAFFER HOMES

“WE’RE BLESSED TO WORK WITH THE MOST CREATIVE AND TALENTED TRADE PARTNERS IN ALL OF CENTRAL INDIANA.”

– CORI BROWN Owner, Franklin Window & Door

Wilson has worked in the design industry for more than a decade. A Minnesota native who moved to Indiana 20 years ago, Wilson is involved in projects from blueprint consultation to pillows on the couch. Her specialized approach involves visualizing the design of a whole house—from front door to doggy door, adding accents and pops of color in just the right places.

“Homes shouldn’t feel like independently designed rooms. They should have a cohesive design all the way through,” says Wilson, who feels humbled that her clients place their trust in her vision. “This is one of the biggest investments people make. I’m honored to play such a vital role in it.”

Meanwhile, the team at Shine Design Interiors specializes in bringing homes to life with texture, layers, comfort, and personality.

“We bring the icing to the cake, if you will,” says Sunshine Brooks, President of Shine Design Interiors. “We believe our surrounding environments have a direct impact on our well-being. Helping people achieve what feels right for them and their family is everything to us.”

BUILDER: KENT SHAFFER HOMES

Shine Design Interiors, which launched in 2010, has grown to include a team of five amazing women who run Shine Design HOME, a brick-and-mortar shop. HOME allows Brooks to curate furnishings, art, textiles, and unique finds for her clients and customer base.

Connecting all these threads of women in the home construction industry is Cori Brown, owner of Franklin Window & Door. Brown started the company in 2012. A specialty trade window and door company specializing in luxury residential, their niche is sourcing specialty architectural products from all over the world to elevate their architects, builders, and designers.

“We allow them to create new and unique projects,” says Brown. Marvin Window And Doors has been an integral part of this with their continually shaping the window and door industry with new and unique product offerings.

Brown and her team with the help of Marvin Windows and Doors are taking the industry to the next level with architects who are continually stretching the limits of design. Through the years, Brown has relished being a part of some of the most incredibly designed and built homes in the market. Many of the homes that Brown has been a part of creating have been featured in national publications like Architectural Digest and Traditional Home.

“We’re blessed to work with the most creative and talented trade partners in all of Central Indiana,” says Brown. “Many of them work on projects all over the country.”

Brown loves collaborating with other women in the building industry. In fact, she happily collaborated with a team of talented women for this year’s Home-A-Rama show home for Kent Shaffer Homes. The property was designed, built and decorated by an all-female team.

If you’re eager to build a beautiful home with women who care, communicate, and connect all the dots to make the process fun, contact them today.

WINDOW & DOOR 200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 117 Carmel, IN 46032 317.993.3660 franklinwindowanddoor.com

haven COVER PARTY

LOCATION: Thursday 14th Nov.

Featuring our host:

KENT SHAFFER MODEL HOME IN HOLLIDAY FARMS 10771 HOLLIDAY FARMS BLVD., ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077

Join us to celebrate the Nov. / Dec. 2024 issue of Haven featuring Home-A-Rama and hosted by Franklin Window & Door. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with top professionals in the home services industry of Greater Indianapolis, all while supporting the featured charity, More Than A Phone, which provides phones to victims of domestic abuse. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP is required. Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The Best in How-To: Design & Women Work It Workshops

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

The primary question Keianna Rae Harrison and her colleagues at HER Home Design Build LLC field from women is, “How do you do that?”

In 2022 Harrison, Executive Director of Design & Remodeling Services, and Micah Smith, Director of Remodeling Services, launched the “Women Work It” workshop series as part of HER Home Design Academy in response.

The series teaches women the basics of home remodeling and interior design. These workshops, which are offered once a month on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, tackle topics such as drywall, paint, flooring, and tile. The November 16th workshop will demonstrate how to lay LVP, a popular type of household luxury vinyl plank flooring. December 14th is all about tile.

“We’ll create a whole picture with mosaic tiles on a piece of drywall that you could utilize in your home for wall art or flooring detail, anything fun,” says Harrison.

The Women Work It workshops, which cost $25 and up, will continue in 2025, but topics are still to be determined.

“We invite you to go to our social media pages and suggest some topics,” says Harrison.

In addition to this series, Harrison and her team also offer Design Workshops through the Academy that educate the public on the basic elements of home design. In October they hosted one on how to create a table centerpiece that spans the holidays—from Halloween to Christmas.

December’s workshop theme is the Design Time Capsule where they’ll identify ten basic items everyone needs as part of their home décor for the new year.

“It’s like a wardrobe capsule but with design,” says Harrison.

“Kitchens” is the theme for January’s Design Workshop. Harrison and Megan Olivero-Kreie, lead interior designer for HER, will explore the latest trends for functional kitchen design, covering everything from countertops to floors, cabinetry and storage.

“We will talk about how to make the most of both small and extremely large kitchens,” says Harrison. “We’ll help people create beautiful, functional kitchens no matter the size or budget.”

They will also touch on installing watersaving fixtures and dishwashers, and discuss best practices to introduce technology and sustainability into the kitchen.

If you’re looking to up your home’s interior design game, visit herhomedesign.com or herhomedesignacademy.com today. You can also check out @herhomedesign and @herhomedesignacademy on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and Threads.

Sign up today!

LOREN WOOD BUILDERS DESIGN-BUILD:

Loren Wood Builders Design-Build Launches New Office in Indianapolis

by Carie McMichael

One of Southern Indiana’s most prolific custom design-build firms is solidifying their local presence with the establishment of a new office in Indianapolis. As long-serving artisans throughout the state, Loren Wood Builders Design-Build hopes to increase access to their team as part of their continued mission of client-focused service.

At the helm is Loren Wood, who started his own firm in 2010 after leaving a career as a math teacher–eventually joining forces with his uncle and cousin and their custom build firm. His uncle has since retired, but his cousin now serves as the firm’s CFO. Beyond these two, the company has expanded dramatically over the years to include a comprehensive team of industry experts, from the management team, down through the field crew.

The firm’s comprehensive range of services is executed by a team of seasoned tradespeople, including architects, designers, carpenters, electricians, painters, site and project managers, as well as a supportive administrative staff and a network of industry partners. Wood’s team prides themselves on their vital role in realizing a homeowner’s vision for their space. The team supervises every step of their process from design to doorstep.

“We have the most robust design-build team in the region,” says Wood. “There is not another team that has such a comprehensive group of individuals that all share the vision, values, and capability of executing really highlevel work and delivering challenging, highly detailed projects. That’s where our company stands out.”

LWB’s process begins with a comprehensive pre-design consultation and feasibility study, including a 3-D-scanned analysis of the client’s space. Following multiple stages of design and development, a cost-estimation is conducted and approved. Then construction can begin. LWB remains engaged with clients after completion of any project to ensure all of their needs and goals have been met. Throughout this process, Wood and his team help set realistic expectations for clients alongside clear goals to exceed those

expectations for a highly successful project— a principle that has become one of the firm’s core values. This approach allows the team to strike an important balance between delivering innovative design and serving the practical needs of the client.

“I think there’s always an inherent tension between the budget, the design drivers, the clients practical, logistical, programmatic needs, and a designer’s desire to deliver a really architecturally significant project,” says Wood. “And for us, that process of helping align the project goals with the client’s budget and the reality of the site and home constraints really starts from that first client visit.”

Wood hopes the new Indianapolis office will improve ease-of-access to his team for his clients and industry partners. “As our team has grown and our projects have become more geographically diverse, setting up a satellite office in a location where we’re already doing considerable work and anticipate future growth made a lot of sense.” Clients can expect to see the same gold standard of client-focused attention to detail at the Indianapolis office, as well as the same fortified teamwork and devotion to superior construction and renovation.

Both the firm’s residential and commercial work can be viewed across southern Indiana. Notable commercial projects include The Elm restaurant, the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation Firehouse, Oliver Winery’s renovated contemporary tasting room, Hoosier Heights Climbing Gym Church renovation in Bloomington, and Osteria Rago, along with countless other commercial and residential projects. You can learn more about their firm and their process at lorenwoodbuilders.com

“As our team has grown and our projects have become more geographically diverse, setting up a satellite office in a location where we’re already doing considerable work and anticipate future growth made a lot of sense.”

– LOREN WOOD Owner & Founder, Loren Wood Builders Design-Build

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA:

Home Artisans of Indiana Welcome Greenfield Tradespeople with New Chapter

by Carie McMichael

The Home Artisans of Indiana has long been committed to uniting home improvement professionals who share a passion for superior quality, value, and exceptional customer service. In 2024, the organization continued its expansion with the addition of a new chapter in Greenfield, Indiana, advancing their vision of growing to ten chapters by 2031.

Located just east of Indianapolis on I-70, Greenfield is one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Indiana. In 2024, the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce reported more than 50 new members, shattering their annual average of seventeen in recent years. With this influx of businesses comes a new crop of home improvement and renovation professionals who are looking to leave their indelible mark on the industry.

Derik Blosser, Director of Operations for Peak Stone Company, is currently the interim Greenfield chapter Champion for the Home Artisans of Indiana and also sits on its executive board. His role is that of a mentor, ensuring that this new chapter meets the same standards that members have come to expect across the state. Blosser hopes the addition of Greenfield to their existing chapters will deepen their organization’s reach and influence within the local home improvement community.

“As a hub for local home improvement professionals, we’ll be able to foster a sense of community through networking opportunities and collaboration,” says Blosser. “The regular meetings, events, and opportunities for artisans to share ideas and resources will hopefully strengthen relationships among local Greenfield business leaders. It will also enhance the overall goal to build better businesses together

through shared knowledge and referrals.”

Some of the newer members to Greenfield’s burgeoning assembly of artisans include Rebekah Phillips of Wooton Hoy, LLC, Matt Belcher of Belcher Electric, Harrison Bartel of Completely Independent Insurance Agency, and John Hobelman of IndyReFire.

Blosser says, “The Greenfield chapter will be supported by the already established governance structure, as well as resources for membership development and education/chapter programming.”

He says that the chapter will also benefit from ongoing mentoring and the support to ensure alignment with the core values of the organization. Additionally, the organization will promote growth by facilitating networking events and community engagement activities, such as the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build.

BRIGHT BUILDING FUTURES ARE AHEAD for the industry professionals of Greenfield, Indiana. To learn more about Home Artisans of Indiana, or become a member, visit homeartisans.com.

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA homeartisans.com

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA is a community of like-minded, home improvement professionals dedicated to personal and professional growth. HAOI hopes to have ten chapters in Indiana by 2031.

PROJECT

A Vision of Sleek Design & Soothing Vibes

by Katie Mientka / photos by Dave Pluimer

For ACo clients Sarah and Dave Smiley, joy was the last thing their lusterless primary bathroom brought. Yes, it worked. Yes, it was functional. Yes, they could make do. But bath time (or any other time) wasn’t exactly a trip to the spa. Sarah was ready to change that.

Enter Design & Sales Consultant Kim Trees. Kim specializes in creating purposeful and practical spaces that enhance client lifestyles and well-being. With her transformational touch, Kim was the ideal fit for this remodel.

BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION

This primary bath was dark and drab. A built-in tub took up prime real estate, and a closed-off shower further sapped the space of light. The vanity area lacked sufficient storage and functional organization. Features like cultured marble and travertine tile gave the bathroom a dated look that just didn’t align with the Smileys’ desire for a sleek, light, and airy experience.

As the primary bathroom, this space is utilized by the entire Smiley household, including their young children who love bathtime. Sarah wanted the space to be functional and convenient, of course, but also elegant and inviting. Kim says, “She had a vision. I knew from the get-go that it was going to be a fun project because she has amazing taste!”

A DESIGN INSPIRED BY LIFE

To give this bathroom new life—and to ensure it aligned with the Smiley’s goals—ACo came up with several solutions that worked with the current layout. They removed the walls surrounding the shower space, replacing them with full glass panels on one side and a half wall on the other. This opened up the space between the tub and shower, letting light flow through the entire room.

A freestanding soaker tub replaced the built-in tub, making an

“It’s

absolutely beautiful, and such a huge difference. Much lighter, more open, and elegant.”

–

KIM TREES Design & Sales Consultant, ACo

indulgent statement with its gold fixtures. Will the kids stop to admire the elegance? Probably not… But they do have a flatscreen, flush-mounted on the wood-look tiled accent wall to entertain them during suds sessions.

The same tile is carried through to the shower, with its slim vertical lines giving visual height to the space. Emser Tile’s Passion in Blanco softens the overall look with a muted white/off-white variegated color palette and natural texture.

No trip to the spa involves travertine countertops, so Kim, with Sarah’s guidance in mind, went with Calacatta Miraggio Gold Quartz from MSI. The crisp white background and refined gold veining makes the ultimate sophisticated statement.

FROM LACKLUSTER TO LUXURIOUS

The Smiley’s bathroom delivers on all their functionality needs while elevating their experience. Turns out joy is a soaker tub in a light, airy space!

Kim says, “It’s absolutely beautiful, and such a huge difference. Much lighter, more open, and elegant.”

Whether you have a vision firmly in mind, like Sarah, or you are unsure of where to start, ACo approaches your project with a singular focus: What do you need from your space so you can live your life more efficiently, conveniently, and beautifully? Let’s go from there. Connect with ACo to discuss your upcoming remodel.

THE FIREPLACE CENTER OF INDIANAPOLIS:

Sooty Little Secrets:

WHY FIREPLACE INSPECTIONS CAN PUT YOUR MIND

by Bailey Shelton

Colder days ahead are already driving us inside and around the hearth. There’s something magical about that first fire of the season. Shorter days and a chill in the air are met with warm blankets and the crackling of flames. For older homes, there might be a bit of mystery around the fireplace– can it be used safely, or not?

“Most people understand the seriousness of having a fire inside their largest investment,” says Gary Smalling of Smalling Masonry, who’s fireplace and chimney sweeping company has served Central Indiana for over a decade.

A usable fireplace is probably more possible than you think. Historic homeowners often believe that their original fireplace is beyond reach, but it’s hard to really know until you’ve had an inspection.

INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS

Each of Smalling’s inspections includes a sweeping, which keeps the fireplace burning cleanly and allows the inspection team to see issues that they might otherwise miss among the soot and creosote. Build-up happens naturally with any chimney, so annual inspection packages like the ones offered through Smalling Masonry allow

THE FIREPLACE CENTER OF INDIANAPOLIS

3837 N. High School Road, Suite 1 Indianapolis, IN 46254 317.299.2229 indyfireplace.com

homeowners to stay on top of fireplace maintenance without worrying about preventive measures.

“What a lot of people don’t know is that dust and dander can mess with the wiring of their unit,” says Smalling. “Probably 50% of the time, when we’re called out for a service call on a gas fireplace that isn’t working, all we have to do is clean the unit, and it starts working again.”

Even when everything is in working order, homes with fireplaces should have annual inspections before their first use each winter. With an annual inspection on the books with a Certified Chimney Technician, maintenance costs and insurance rates can stay low.

Moisture is the number one enemy of masonry. The best way to prevent costly repairs to the structure or internal damage is to stay on top of maintenance appointments to stop damage at the first sign. The technicians at Smalling Masonry are certified by NCSG, CSIA, NFI, and/or F.I.R.E.

AT EASE

Whether you’re planning to seal off a fireplace entirely or install a modern unit, an inspection can help offer homeowners a clearer picture of their renovation options.

“Even if you don’t do anything about it, you still need to know what you have,” says Smalling.

Before your chimney sweep arrives, be sure to leave around 7 feet of space clear around the fireplace, and do not turn on gas fireplaces or burn wood for 48 hours before inspection. This ensures that the embers are extinguished and the firebox has completely cooled.

IN WITH THE NEW

Homeowners with aging or outdated fireplaces might be looking for the next step–here, too, an inspection comes in handy.

New homes can also benefit from regular inspections and routine maintenance. Most new fireplace units have warranties that hinge on having a routine maintenance plan. If you’re considering a hearth for your home, Smalling Masonry and the Indianapolis Fireplace Center are a great place to start. With many options from modern lines, it’s hard to go wrong. Call (317) 903-8121 or visit smallingmasonry.com to book an initial inspection.

THE SMART PERGOLA:

Year-Round Luxury

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

You may think of the rising and setting sun as two peaceful times of the day, but many pleasant dinners on the patio have been blinded by a burst of sun hanging low on the horizon. Rainfall is another element that can ruin any enjoyment of the outdoor area. If you’re looking to build a functional structure, you must also consider where on your property that beautiful sun rises and falls. The first thing Claudio Bertolini, co-owner of The Smart Pergola, does when he meets with a client is pull out his compass.

“If one side of the property is facing west or even south, if you don’t have a plan to block the sun, you’re not going to enjoy your outdoor area,” says Bertolini. Curtains fly with the wind and a permanently closed solid roof structure blocks out the sun, along with any natural light throughout the day. The Smart Pergola provides a more satisfying option.

Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes, had The Smart Pergola installed at his company’s 2024 Home-A-Rama home. Even though the majority of these products are attached to home structures, The Smart Pergola also installs free-standing poolside structures with remote-controlled motorized louvers and retractable screen. The Smart Pergola Garcia commissioned is one of these freestanding units.

“The Smart Pergola allows homeowners to use their outdoor area with the highest level of flexibility” says Anna Bertolini, co-owner. “If you angle the louvers against the sun, you can still have nice air ventilation underneath while enjoying shade. It’s like sitting beneath

a tree rather than sitting under a permanent roof.”

The system automatically closes if it detects a drop of rain, offering clients peace of mind while sleeping, running errands, or vacationing.

“If you have friends coming over, it’s nice to not have to say, ‘We can’t sit outside. We have to wait for our cushions to dry out,’” says Bertolini. Basically, you can plan events without worrying about the elements.

With Indiana’s ever-changing weather, establishments love not having to close their outdoor seating when a storm blows through. This is why 75 restaurants in Indianapolis have installed The Smart Pergola and are so happy they did.

Some clients ask for more screens to be installed so that the structure can be completely enclosed. They add infrared heaters, lights, and audio systems, enabling them to use their outdoor space all year round.

“You can go from a very open structure to a very closed room with the touch of a button,” says the Bertolinis.

To learn more about The Smart Pergola®, call (317) 682-4072 or visit TheSmartPergola.com.

/ photos by 360 Tour Designs

LEE SUPPLY:

Celebrating Years of Industry Partnerships

LEE SUPPLY MARKS A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY AND PARTNERS WITH HOME-A-RAMA IN 2024

by Wendi Williams / photos by 360 Tour Designs

For three-quarters of a century, Lee Supply has prided itself on being a local, family-owned supplier of appliances, custom lighting, and designer finishes. They have also taken great pride in being a part of BAGI Home-A-Rama (HAR) for the past eight years. This year, Lee Supply partnered with multiple builders to provide plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances for the upscale show homes in Promontory of Zionsville.

Rique McPheron, Builder Sales and Association Representative at Lee Supply, says the collaboration with BAGI builders for the HAR is a mark of distinction in the way the company operates. “We set ourselves apart by not just being another vendor,” he says. Lee Supply distinguishes itself by being a true partner for homeowners and builders, in their willingness to get deeply involved in the project and offering solutions that make the customer happy. He says that means

always being willing to go above and beyond and to foster a relationship that lasts well past the show or project.

Part of that, according to McPheron, comes with Lee Supply’s long history of excellence, trustworthy reputation, and having remained family-owned and locally operated for over seven decades.

“I hear it all the time,” McPheron says, “that people do like to work with family businesses, especially since most of the custom builders we work with are just that.” He says that members of the Lee family remain active in the daily operations of the business, even pitching in on job sites and “getting their hands dirty.”

The experience and dedication of the Lee family and their team make the company the go-to choice for brands people recognize. For anyone searching for the latest trends, Lee

Supply offers twelve kitchen and bath showrooms to explore.

Lee Supply has recently seen a growing interest in outdoor spaces, with ceiling-mounted heaters often paired with outdoor screens to make these spaces inviting year-round. Another growing trend is adding more color in the kitchen, whether it’s cabinets in two different colors or a specific cabinet area with a bold, contrasting shade.

McPheron adds that no matter what customers want— whether it’s replicating a look from the stunning show homes of HAR, or elegant design on a smaller scale—Lee Supply is ready to deliver.

Want to learn more about how Lee Supply can take your new or existing home to the next level? Reach out to them for a custom quote, or give them a call at (317) 844-4434. Be sure to visit your nearest Lee Supply Kitchen & Bath Showroom.

“We set ourselves apart by not just being another vendor.”

– RIQUE McPHERON Lee Supply

INTEGRA BUILDERS:

The Ultimate in MODERN CONTEMPORARY

by Christy Heitger-Ewing / photos by 360 Tour Designs

Have you ever dreamed of making a grand entrance where all eyes are on you? Here’s one better—building a grand entrance that demands the attention of all who enter or even pass by. Such is the case at the Hampton Cove property located on Geist. Forget the typical porch with a few steps and a covered landing. This home takes it to the next level with a waterfall feature that wows. On one side of the entrance is a 15-foot waterfall that cascades into the pond below. A grand 14-foot solid wood pivot door, seemingly defying gravity with its massive size and weight, welcomes guests into the home with effortless grace.

Five bedrooms and five and a half luxurious baths provide an environment of unparalleled comfort. Three fireplaces lend an air of warmth and sophistication, while floating steel and wood steps adorned with glass railings create a sense of ethereal lightness. Smart Home features abound as everything including the window treatments, thermostat, garage door, televisions, and kitchen faucet can be controlled by phone. The home also offers an abundance of modern lighting features, including indirect lighting, atmospheric lighting, and mood lighting to help set the tone throughout the day.

The master bathroom, a sanctuary of tranquility, boasts a captivating hammockstyle bathtub. Suspended with exquisite delicacy, it nonetheless offers surprising strength.

“It looks like a delicate piece to climb into,” says Michael Mercho,

President of Integra Builders. “But we’ve had two guys sit in it at the same time. It’s very sturdy.”

Directly behind the great room is an outdoor area with a convertible ceiling that opens and closes.

“It’s like a convertible pergola, if you will,” says Mercho. This area also includes drop-down screens and space heaters in the back that make it into a four-season room. The contemporary home has two decks—one off the second floor and the other a true rooftop deck that boasts stunning 270-degree uninterrupted views of the lovely lake and stunning sunsets.

The foundation requirements on this lot were particularly interesting for two reasons. First, the basement theater was dug 3 feet deeper than basement slab, culminating in a colossal

screen and dedicated bar seating. “It’s a really unique atmosphere.” says Mercho.

Second, “We were able to reclaim almost 30 feet of backyard area that had been lost on the site due to erosion, which gave us quite a bit of space to build some of the landscape, hardscape and pool infinity edge features of the backyard,” says Mercho.

In the basement, a haven for relaxation and athletic pursuits. A vented cigar room with a high-quality air filtration system ensures a smoke-free environment, ideal for savoring premium cigars. Adjacent to it, a

thoughtfully curated wine cellar and a stylish bar invite you to unwind with a glass of your favorite elixir. Plus, the basement level has an indoor/outdoor gym with a sauna and ample space for equipment.

“You can slide the doors open to the patio where there is more endurance and sprint equipment right outside the gym door,” says Mercho. “It’s an awesome training corner of the house.”

With over 35 years of experience, Integra Builders specialize in crafting luxury homes designed for forward-thinking individuals and families.

KENT SHAFFER HOMES:

UNDER THE HOOSIER SUN: Kent Shaffer Homes

Delivers European Dream at Home-A-Rama Showcase

by Carie McMichael / photos by 360 Tour Designs

Every advent of the BAGI’s Centier Bank Home-A-Rama custom home showcase promises the height of excellence in the region’s top luxury custom home builders. Among them is Kent Shaffer Homes, whose exemplary body of work is based on three generations of seasoned builders. This year, they’ve distinguished themselves from their contemporaries with a show home that boasts the tonal harmony of simplistic beauty and enduring style. Kristen Shaffer-Hale has been building in Central Indiana for over fifteen years.

Her childhood was spent watching her father and grandfather between the support beams of job sites, witnessing first-hand the fastidious attention to detail required to deliver the gold standard of craftsmanship. Now, as the president of Kent Shaffer Homes alongside her father, she is continuing her family’s legacy by making the dreams of Hoosier homeowners a reality.

For this year’s Home-A-Rama showcase, Kent Shaffer Homes sought to achieve an enduring, singular style by incorporating modern cosmopolitan elements while embodying a pastoral European aesthetic. Built on a large lot in Zionsville’s new custom home community development, Promontory of Zionsville, the home exudes a serene elegance evocative of the Tuscan countryside. Shaffer-Hale says, “We went with a modern European exterior with mixtures of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean styles inside.”

The influences of European architecture are on full display from the bespoke barrel vault ceilings in the primary bedroom to the glass doors imported from Italy to the covered porch designed to resemble the quaint wooden trellises of 19th-century German gardens. Its sweeping roofs giving way to rustic Ashlar masonry and sumptuous exposed wood will remind homeowners of sloping golden hills at sunset, all hemmed in with a waterfront view framed by striking picture windows.

WINNER

of the 2024 Home-A-Rama People’s Choice Award

Shaffer-Hale praises the home’s timeless sophistication, “I have been fortunate enough to build some absolutely stunning dream homes, even a Home-A-Rama Best in Show, in my career. Reminiscent of the timeless architecture found on European villas, this exquisitely refined estate is the perfect fit for the new Promontory development and is sure to wow guests and its future owners for years to come.”

Blending the refinement of old Europe with the warmth of a rural hearth, the home is an ideal place for entertaining. Hosts can emerge from a custom backlit wine room with a fresh bottle of chardonnay to rejoin their guests between the roomy dual kitchen islands, or a round built-in booth in the lower level bar. Socializing al fresco is always an option with the outdoor pass-through countertop, equipped with swinging bar stools that provide ample opportunity for appreciating the grand vista of the waterfront.

“Our biggest challenge with the home show is always the timeframe. We ended up only having ten months to build the home and furnish it,” says Shaffer-Hale. “Our vendors and subs rose to the challenge and we were able to finish in time.”

Kent Shaffer Homes received Home-A-Rama’s Best in Show award back in 2018. In the

years since, Shaffer-Hale has cultivated partnerships with some of the best artisans in the industry, and further developed signature methodologies dedicated to clients and craftsmanship. These powers combined have allowed her to transform dynamic designs from blueprints to homes where families can create lasting precious memories—homes like this year’s Home-A-Rama show house.

“Brimming with warm stone, wood, and flooded with light in the 2-story great room, this build is not only a dream for my clients,” she says, “it has been a dream project that I have been fortunate to see through from conception to move-in day. This home, and the clients that I have partnered with on this journey, are why I build.”

To see one of the dream properties from Kent Shaffer Homes, schedule a visit via kentshafferhomes.com.

MIRROR & GLASS CONCEPTS:

PICTURE THIS!

Elevating Homes With Glass & Mirrors

by Carie McMichael / photos by 360 Tour Designs

For over forty years, Mirror & Glass Concepts has been elevating homes in Central Indiana as prime suppliers of contemporary glass and mirrors. “We are built on the principle of turning the visions of homeowners into reality,” say Debi and John Grecco, co-owners and operators. “Our innovative designs have been transformative, meeting the ambitious challenges of our high-end custom home builders, as well as those of homeowners and remodelers.”

Locally owned and operated in Carmel, Indiana, Mirror & Glass Concepts prides itself on their responsiveness and their hands-on approach to the process of designing, fabricating and installing glass and mirrors. They continue to push the envelope on new and exciting ways to use these materials. Whether the goal is to create a more functional layout or add high-end finishes, they ensure that every detail reflects the same level of care and skill typically reserved for luxury homes.

Mirror & Glass Concepts’ work

played a significant role this year in the annual Centier Home-A-Rama (HAR) custom home showcase. Two of the five builders featured in the lineup of luxury residential homes worked with Mirror & Glass Concepts for their designs.

Wine rooms are always a conversation-starter, and the team at Mirror & Glass Concepts partnered with designer Sarah Wilson in the Kent Shaffer Homes and Randy Shaffer Custom Homes build to create an additional layer of personality.

Exquisite glass doors place the stunning wine room on full display for homeowners and their guests.

An interior glass panel in the room allows the homeowner to memorialize their time with family, friends and each bottle of wine shared, creating a unique and dynamic display.

Mirrors are also starring attractions in the Kent Shaffer Homes and Randy Shaffer Custom Homes build, particularly in its bathrooms. The use of antique mirror evokes a heritageinspired feeling to balance the sleek,

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

contemporary angles and curves of the rest of the house. The custom antique mirror over and under the vanity in the powder bath is a statement piece and outstanding example of Mirror & Glass Concept’s creativity and craftsmanship.

In the workout room, their workmanship transforms a simple space into something dynamic and multifunctional. Erecting pivoting mirrors opposite floor-to-ceiling panels affords the homeowner the flexibility to transform the space to suit their workout routine.

One of the best reflective accents of the show is displayed in G&G Custom Home’s build. The spacious chef’s dream kitchen is punctuated by a multi-layer antique mirrored surface that wraps the range hood, creating a subtle reflection of the room’s overhead lighting and broad panoramic glass doors. Mirror & Glass Concepts furthered designer Hilari Goris’ Modern Vineyard vision for the G&G property with a full glass entry system in the upstairs loft office space. This glass feature creates a sense of openness and transparency to compliment the home’s charisma. This same technique is used in the workout room / sauna corridor.

In both the G&G and Kent Shaffer Homes and Randy Shaffer Custom Homes, shower enclosures that would capture the imagination of any homeowner are also featured. In the G&G home, Mirror & Glass Concepts skillfully executed a wet room, in which both the shower and bathtub occupy the same space, encased by glass with black finish highlights.

The glass doors and back wall of the Kent Shaffer Homes and Randy Shaffer Custom Homes shower enclosure draws attention to a bathroom layout in which the shower is the centerpiece—once again lending itself to the designer’s take on an open-concept. Even the most discerning homeowners who want to elevate their space will appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship that Mirror & Glass Concepts brings to each project. The

innovative use of materials with seasoned methodology creates cinematic perspectives for any homeowner in any sized home.

LIST OF SERVICES:

 Glass Enclosures

• Showers

• Wine Rooms

• Offices  Custom Mirror Fabrication

• Polished and Beveled Mirrors

• Exercise Rooms

• Antique Mirrors

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

KENT SHAFFER HOMES / RANDY SHAFFER CUSTOM HOMES

HAVEN MEDIA & BAGI:

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

are Building a Bright Future Together

by

Bailey Shelton / photos by Adam Grubb Media

Believe in your own abilities, connect with the people around you, and embrace diversity in your industry—these are just a few of the lessons attendees of the 2024 Women Build It Conference went home with this year.

The event, which took place at the Forum Event Center in Fishers on August 28, 2024, was co-hosted by Haven Media and the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. This one-day conference aims every year to empower and connect women in the construction industry. Keynote speakers Emily Shaw and Sarah Reuter tackled topics like imposter syndrome and navigating career success and personal well-being.

“Instead of feeling like, ‘oh, I’m different, that’s bad,’ I’d like for us to get to a place of, ‘oh, I’m different. Thank God’,” says keynote speaker Emily Shaw.

At every level of the conference, powerful women made their voices heard. The event was emceed by Diana Daniely of Ferguson and Mia Farrell of ACo. During a panel discussion, attendees were encouraged to pose questions to a panel of women leaders in the industry, including Caryn O’Sullivan from Drapery Street, interior designer Revkah Gordon, Kimberly Bowers from Sigma Builders, and Kristen Elder from Ferguson.

“We’re already talking about new programming to come back bigger and better,” says Stephanie Decker, event director and managing editor for Haven magazine. “It’s about what the women want. Our committee is made up of more than 30 women who are all focused on how we can better provide resources that women in the industry aren’t getting elsewhere.”

Planning has already begun for next year’s Women Build It event, with a new committee of community leaders taking charge. To stay informed on next year’s event, visit womenbuildindy.com.

THANK YOU TO THE WOMEN BUILD IT CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

84 LUMBER

ACO

ARBOR HOMES

BEAZER HOMES

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

BRAVAS

CAMBRIA SURFACES

CERTAINTEED

D.R. HORTON

ESTRIDGE HOMES

FERGUSON

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

HER HOME DESIGN

HOME & WILLOW DESIGN

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

INDY CUSTOM STONE

LEE SUPPLY

LENNAR

M/I HOMES

NARI

REYNOLDS ELECTRIC

SIGMA BUILDERS

TAYLOR MORRISON

VIRGINIA TILE

WEBER CONCRETE

Sarah Reuter

AUGUST 28TH, 2024

photos by Adam Grubb Media

COVER PARTY

September/October 2024

Hosted by

photos by Adam Grubb Media

APPLIANCES

directory of HOME SERVICES

If you would like to be included in this directory, please contact please contact our sales team at sales@adamgrubbmedia.com

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

FERGUSON SHOWROOMS

Ferguson Can Help!

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 101 Carmel, IN 46032

317.705.0794 fergusonshowrooms.com

ADAM GIBSON ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Architectural Photography 317.345.1311

adamgibsonphoto.com

ASSOCIATIONS

LEE SUPPLY

Elegant Kitchen & Bath

Design Studio

415 W. Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032

317.844.4434 gotolee.com

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Promote. Educate. Network. 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.236.6330 bagi.com

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

Together We Grow Thriving, Sustainable Communities 6510 Telecom Dr., Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278 BuildIndianaRoots.com

MARBLE UNIQUES

Make it Uniquely Yours® 815 West Jefferson (SR 28) Tipton, IN 46072 317.596.9786 marbleuniques.com

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

We Build Better Businesses Together homeartisans.com

CONCRETE

FLATMADE CONCRETE CO.

Concrete Made Right 15290 Allisonville Road Noblesville, IN 46060 317.446.5549 flatmadeconcrete.com

MONT SURFACES

The Best Quality Products Money Can Buy 5945 West 84th St., Ste. A Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.875.5800 montsurfaces.com

SIMS-LOHMAN FINE KITCHENS AND GRANITE

Fine Kitchens and Granite

Zionsville – 317.870.8011 Lafayette – 765.474.4900 Greenfield – 317.467.0710 sims-lohman.com

STONE

MART

Unique Experience, Exquisite Materials

8215 Zionsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.991.4253 stonemartmarblegranite.com

FIREPLACES

THE FIREPLACE CENTER OF INDIANAPOLIS

Fireplace Sales And Repair in The Greater-Indianapolis Area 3837 N. High School Road, Suite 1 Indianapolis, IN 46254 317.299.2229 indyfireplace.com

FLOORING

SURE STEP

Non-Slip Surface Treatments

317.674.5967 surestepnonslip.com

GRILLS

LIVING

& OUTDOOR

INDY GRILLS AND OUTDOOR LIVING

Specializing in Beautiful, Outdoor Living Projects and Grills

753 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317.676.9687 indygrills.com

INTEGRA BUILDERS

Modern Luxury. Masterfully Built. 9003 Technology Lane Fishers, IN 46038 317.426.7807 integrabuilders.com

KENT SHAFFER HOMES

A Reputation Built On Honesty, Integrity, and Quality

317.903.3087 kentshafferhomes.com

THE SMART PERGOLA

Outdoor Living: Rain or Shine 317.682.4072 thesmartpergola.com

HOME BUILDING

BAKER CONTRACTING LLC

Design - Build - Develop

204 N. Main St. Kokomo, IN 46902 765.432.6631 info@baker-contracting.com baker-contracting.com

LOREN WOOD BUILDERS

DESIGN BUILD

Design-Build | Custom Homes | Renovations

900 S. Walnut St. Bloomington, IN 47401 825 Massachusetts Ave.,. Suite C Indianapolis, IN 46204 812.287.7575 lorenwoodbuilders.com

WOODSTOCK CUSTOM HOMES

modern | lifestyle | possibilities 4838 E. 64th St. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317.506.3568 woodstockcustomhomes.com

HOME AUTOMATION & SECURITY

INTELLIGENT LIVING SOLUTIONS

Smart Home Experts

85 E. Cedar St. Zionsville, IN 46077

317.942.0502 intelligentlivingindy.com

HOME REMODELNG

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

Built for Living

15530 Shining Spring Drive Westfield, IN 46074 317.418.7665 ggcustomhomes.com

SCOTT BATES CUSTOM HOMES

Building Beautiful Custom Homes for Over 20 Years

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 124 Carmel, IN 46032 317.408.4853 sbcustom.com

ACo

Love Where You Live 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46038 317.575.9540 LiveAco.com

BATH EXPERTS

Your Dream Bathroom is Possible in as Little as One Day! 4011 Vincennes Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.917.3797 bathexperts.com

J.D. HOSTETTER

Love Coming Home Again

7651 88th St. W Indianapolis, IN 46278

317.483.0735 jdhostetter.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

HER HOME DESIGN

Interior Design, Build & Home Staging

4400 W. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46268

317.671.6312

herhomedesign.com

MIRRORS & GLASS

MIRROR & GLASS CONCEPTS

Custom Mirrors & Shower Enclosures

950 3rd Ave. SW Carmel, IN 46032

317.843.1204 mirrorglassconcepts.com

REAL ESTATE

NICOLE LYON

Realtor®/Broker F.C. Tucker Company

Nicole.Lyon@TalkToTucker.com

317.501.0639 TalkToTucker.com/Nicole.Lyon

RESTAURANTS

ANTHONY’S CHOP HOUSE

An Innovative Take on a Traditional Steakhouse

201 W. Main St. Carmel, IN 46032

317.740.0900 anthonyschophouse.com

WATER TREATMENT & WELLS

C AND J WATER

Providing Central Indiana Families with Quality, Affordable Water

7601 South Indianapolis Road Zionsville, IN 46077

317.733.SOFT (7638) candjwater.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR

A Different Experience. A New Perspective.

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 117 Carmel, IN 46032

317.993.3660 franklinwindowanddoor.com

MCCOMB PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS / PELLA EXPERIENCE CENTER

Discover the Pella Difference 4705 E. 96th St., Suite 27 Indianapolis, IN 46240

317.981.3720 pella.com/locations/indianapolis

RG DECOR

Interior Design Services

4341 W. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46268

317.733.1200 rgdecor.com

STEPHANIE WIOTT DESIGNS

Better Living Begins at Home

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 123 Carmel, IN 46032

317.669.6389 stephaniewiottdesigns.com

THE MARINA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

Exclusive Waterfront Lots 11695 Fall Creek Road Indianapolis, IN 46256 317.845.0270 Ext. 104 marinalimitedland.com

C&J WELL CO.

Treating You Well for 25 Years 8 East Main Street Brownsburg, IN 46112

317.852.WELL (9355) cj4water.com

To access this directory online, visit Haven’s website at havenhome.me, or scan the code.

Being thoughtful in building a home is about considering not just the aesthetics, but also the functionality. It’s about understanding the needs and desires of the people who will inhabit it. It’s evident in the layout, which flows intuitively and promotes both social interaction and moments of solitude. The result is a space that feels special and inviting... more than just a structure; it becomes a sanctuary, a place where memories are made and that you're proud to call home.

Come feel the Woodstock difference in Westfield’s Reserve on South neighborhood.

17129 SANDERS FARM CIRCLE

Open Saturdays & Sundays 12-4.

WoodstockCustomHomes.com

Listing luxury is best left to an agent with experience.

Listing a luxury home is not as easy as you would think. There are more expectations as well as more demands of the client and prospective buyers. It’s complicated to say the least. This segment of the real estate market is also very competitive among buyers, sellers and agents. With the premium costs of selling a home in this category, you want an agent who’s been there and has seen it all before. You want

an agent to represent your interests first and foremost as well as be available to calm you down when you need it the most. Someone with a logical cool head and the heart that works for you and your success.

Call Nicole today. She can get your home search started or help you get your current home sold. She knows the luxury market and will help you every step of the way.

Discover the Nicole Lyon advantage today. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you!