HOW BUILDING GREEN CAN IMPACT YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Architecture and design have the ability to impact so many different areas of life.

It is something that we at BPC® love most about it. And in today’s environment, building green or environmentally compassionate spaces is ever more intriguing. For many, there are so many moving parts to a project that adding in additional “green” elements seems overwhelming. It can be an easy thing to pass on.

Before you say “no”, let’s look at some ways integrating green design can actually POSITIVELY impact your bottom line. 

But first… what exactly is green design? 

Green design is design that reduces or eliminates negative environmental impacts. And it in turn can create positive impacts on the Earth’s climate. Green elements can be factored in during a multitude of project phases, whether it be design, construction, or operation. Green design can help to preserve naturally occurring resources. 

It is easy to subconsciously associate green design with an increased project cost. But that isn’t always the case. In fact, there are quite a few areas that actually can return long-term savings by incorporating green elements. Let’s look at some. 

ENERGY COST SAVINGS

This may be old news but it is continuing to be true. People who live in green homes save money on their energy and water bills month after month. Think of those savings over time… it could be significant! In fact, a green home meeting the EPA’s ENERGY STAR requirements is designed to save up to 30% on energy costs. And when you look at passive homes (the world-leading standard in energy-efficient construction), energy use can be reduced by up to 90%! That means you will only be using (and paying for) 10% of the energy a conventional home uses. 

Local power companies love clean energy homes. Let’s look at net-zero houses as an example. Net-zero homes are designed to reduce you energy use to less than the amount of clean energy your home produces. The excess clean energy your home produces gets put back into the grid. The power company then (generally) pays you for the power you sent back to them, usually in the form of credits to offset any power you may use from the grid. In some areas of the country, the clean power that homes generate can be SOLD to the power company, which can completely offset the amount of energy you may need to buy from them resulting in no net energy costs. 

A great thing to consider if you are building a new home is to specifically design for the lot you are on. This can help you tap into and harvest a home’s natural potential for green energy sources, whether it be solar power, wind energy, or natural ventilation. All of which can reduce its draw on man-powered sources and in turn reduce your energy bills.

WATER EFFICIENCY

Another aspect of green energy is water efficiency. The average American ​​uses 80-100 gallons of water per day, and while less than half of that will be used for cooking or drinking, chances are that all of it is treated, potable water from the municipal provider. What many people don’t realize is that it’s fairly easy to implement systems for recycling and reusing water on your own property, thereby decreasing the demands on shared supplies, and reducing your water bills. And the high-quality materials that go into a green home are often more durable than what goes into a standard building, therefore likely requiring fewer repairs. So what are some ways you can implement green water solutions into your home? 

Water Collection & Reuse 

Look to reduce the use of drinkable water for non-consumption purposes. There are two ways to do this: collect rainwater, and reuse indoor wash water. You can install cisterns above or below ground that will collect and store run-off from rooftops and other impervious surfaces, as well as water from laundry machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, and sinks. The latter is classified as greywater, meaning that it does not include human waste or sewage.

Irrigation 

The irrigation of lawns and gardens consumes up to 50% of the potable water we bring onto our property, and much of that just ends up as runoff, rather than being absorbed by the plants being watered. install smart, programmable sprinkler systems and moisture sensors that allow you to measure the amount of water your yard needs at any given time, and control irrigation from a central shut-off valve. Combine this system with your rain and wastewater collection and you’ve got your outdoor greenery dialed.

Indoor water use

The primary means of reducing indoor water use has to do with the fixtures you choose. Selecting low-flow sink and bathtub faucets, showerheads and toilets can reduce indoor water use by 30-40%.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Building green isn’t just about building homes that are good for the environment. They are also good for your health as well. Green homes don’t only take energy into consideration, they take into consideration what materials are brought into your home. Poor indoor air quality can pose serious health risks for residents. By using building materials that are toxin-free and low VOC, you can help combat indoor air pollution. Which in turn can keep you healthy and away from the doctors. 

CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Here we go – here is where everyone assumes a green house will pay the price. But in actuality, the cost of building a green, high-performance home does not have to be higher than a conventional home. If you decide to invest more upfront, to build an extremely green, super energy efficient, and very high-performance home, your savings will be higher and your payback will still be surprisingly quick. Here are just some of the ways building and owning a high-performance green home makes a lot of economic dollars and sense!

HIGHER RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

Here is where a green home can pay you back for years to come. Green homes, in general, generate a higher return on investment over the course of time. Along with a higher reported occupant satisfaction, green homes typically have a higher resale value and are on the market for less time than a conventional home.  According to a recent study, green homes can be built for the same cost as conventional homes. On top of that, green homes sell faster and at a higher price than conventional homes. For example, a 2019 study by Zillow showed that in the New York City area, green homes with solar panels sell for 5.4% more than comparable non-green homes. The percent increase in resale value a green home with solar panels sells for varies across the country.

In addition, with green certification, there are more affordable insurance policies and loan rates. An increasing number of insurance companies are offering discounts on policies covering green homes or rebuilding a damaged home to green standards. And homeowners buying green may be eligible for discounted loan rates from their mortgage company. 

The return on investment or ROI on green homes is generally higher than the ROI on conventional homes. The longer you live in a green home, especially a zero energy green home, the higher ROI you will have compared to a comparable non-green conventional home.

Designing green also doesn’t have to be all or nothing, it can fall anywhere between changing out your lights for LEDs to getting your project certified…Even the smallest moves can make an impact. Our BPC™ is extremely environmentally compassionate. So even if you don’t come to us with a green directive, we always are thinking about how we can implement these things in all our projects so you can reap the benefits regardless.

How Hospitality Design Can Elevate Small Communities

At Blue Pencil Collective®, we wholeheartedly believe that good design makes life better.

Design can elevate your entire life. And it can elevate the lives of entire communities as well.  Think about your favorite room in your house. What emotions does it evoke? Do the effects of the room stay with you after you leave? Spaces can have psychological effects. So designing to improve the function of life is very important. 

Hopefully, you were able to identify and reflect on a personal space and how it impacts your life. But what about community spaces? In hospitality design, it is also important to design in a way that elevates and inspires the lives of others. 

So what is hospitality design? 

Well, to put it simply, the hospitality industry refers to a variety of businesses and services linked to leisure and customer satisfaction. A defining aspect of the hospitality industry is also the fact that it focuses on ideas of luxury, pleasure, enjoyment, and experiences. As opposed to catering for necessities and essentials. Hospitality design consists of the architecture and design elements that create these places and spaces. 

The hospitality industry can have a big impact on communities. Many small towns and communities depend on the hospitality industry and tourism to impact their bottom lines. Hospitality design can leave an impression on them that leads to referrals and return visits. It can also help create a unique culture for your community and what it has to offer.

Design can aid in telling the unique story of the community. It can create a sense of place, belonging, and home to the locals. After all, hospitality and tourism doesn’t only affect the outsiders. It also supports the locals. And when done right, good hospitality design should serve the locals as much as it serves tourists. 

Take Stillwater, MN as an example. Stillwater has always been known as a quaint, little river town. With a unique history, Stillwater draws in tens of thousands of locals and tourists each year. In the last few years, the tourism industry in Stillwater has boomed. And alongside it, new hotels, restaurants, and attractions have been added. By intentionally designing these spaces to add to Stillwater’s charm and history, tourists (and locals) enjoy an elevated experience during their stay. That experience will stay with them as well which is why it is important that the hospitality design leaves them with positive mental notes.

With a deeper understanding of hospitality design and its importance, let’s talk about how we can help elevate your small community using design.

Blue Pencil Collective® specializes in exclusive hospitality design. What does that mean?

It means creating unique spaces and environments that respect the local culture and history, while serving what the community is, what they need or are lacking, and what is going to bring tourists in. We see it as helping create a sense of pride while also nurturing, cultivating, fostering, and promoting the local community. This is done through the creation of unique spaces and experiences that serve both the local community and its visitors. 

Here is how we can help you. 

When it comes to your next exclusive hospitality project, BPC® can help bring it to life. We are full-service, meaning we are there with you from the very start to the very finish (and beyond). We have an unique approach and thought process when it comes to architecture and design, one that we don’t see often in the industry. We integrate our client’s into the BPC® family. As your design team, you can expect engaged and honest conversations that will elevate the experience and finished project. 

The first thing we will do is to get clear on your vision. What is it you are looking to do, what do you want the finished project to convey, etc. From there we will scope out the project and estimated cost in our Design Brief process. 

Next comes design. We will explore the space in more depth, creating the outline for the entire project as we go along. That will lead us into development, where we capture more specific details, and finalize internal drawings and materials. Once design and development are complete, we work with industry experts to move the project into construction. We know you will love our network of partners just as much as we do. 

Ultimately, we will help you create a unique space and experience you can be proud of and that will support your local community. Throughout the project and at completion, you will feel a sense of community. Our intense commitment and personal investment drive all of our projects to greatness. 

Contact us for your next exclusive hospitality project. We can’t wait to hear from you! And to stay up to date on all of BPC’s® latest hospitality projects, follow along on social media or visit the blog!  

The Benefits of a Full-Service Architecture and Interior Design Agency

In need of help with a residential or commercial property?

Whether a new build or a renovation, an architecture and interior design project can be daunting to clients! And for good reason. Building or renovating is a big task! And it’s hard to know where to start. 

We got you covered! A great first place to start is hiring an expert. But when you are choosing an architecture and interior design firm, the options can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of agencies out there offering a variety of services. A million questions might be running through your head… What services do I need? What does “full-service” mean? Do I need full service? Could I just piece it all together on my own? 

As far as we see it, there is tremendous value in hiring a full-service agency. And no, we aren’t just saying that because we are a full-service agency. We really believe it!  Full-service, in short, means being capable of handling ALL aspects of the project. From true beginning to truly the end.  Project management occurs throughout the entire process ensuring that the client truly reaps the benefits of a full-service agency. 

Speaking of benefits, what upside can you expect from choosing a full-service team? Well, come on, we’ll show you! 

HIGHER LEVELS OF TRUST

Any time you start a project, you are looking to build a relationship with the team you hire. Both parties are evaluating each other and ideally want to build trust throughout the course of the project. When you work with a full-service agency, the relationship and trust are established up front and then intact the entire length of the project. There is no changeover between teams which means no need to re-establish relationships along the way. This also leads to a higher level of trust! The longer you work with someone, the better both parties understand and work together. For us at BPC®, we fully integrate our clients into our family and will stay connected long after the work is done!

INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY

Another element of hiring a full-service agency is the cohesion it will provide. Leveraging a single agency ensures consistency between all design elements – after all, there is no transitioning between design teams throughout the length of the project. This consistency will stretch across exterior landscaping, architecture, interior design, and furniture procurement of finishing touches, just to name a few! Communication and management are two additional areas of a project that benefit from a full-service agency. Having a core team manage the entire project can result in better customer service and experience. A full-service team also eliminates the headaches of coordinating multiple vendor contracts and logistics. 

HIGHER LEVELS OF PROJECTS SATISFACTION

The biggest upside of using a full-service team to complete your project? You will overall be more satisfied with the project. Full-service project management generally results in: 

• Better bundled prices for services
• Better aligned goals and priorities
• Better allocation of budget and financial accountability
• Quicker feedback and turnaround time
• Clear understanding of the client
• Reduced time and frustration

These elements are typically directly linked to client satisfaction. We touched on it before, but hiring a team that takes the time to fully understand your wants and needs, and create a relationship with you, will positively impact all elements of the project. When you are hiring an architecture and interior design team, it should be MORE than transactional. 

When you work with us at Blue Pencil Collective®, we’re not messing around. When we say full-service, we DAMN WELL mean it! We have you covered from project start to project finish (and beyond).  BPC® takes your most intimate space and intelligently crafts it to ensure that your home life is your BEST life. Hear what our full-service process looks like! 

1. FIRST STEPS

We get clear on your vision after a discovery call, follow up with a detailed proposal, and then, together, we make magic!

2. DESIGN

We explore how the space will look and function, creating the outline for the entire project. We also take care of the boring stuff, so you can focus on your dreams for the space.

3. DEVELOPMENT

Capturing more specifics and details, we finalize the initial concepts and dive deeper into the selections like materials, fixtures, and other key design elements.

4. CONSTRUCTION

When the design is finalized, we hand off the drawings for permit and construction and coordinate with our industry experts.  Don’t worry, we’re still in the mix and with you to the end!

Our full-service services are top-notch and our work speaks for itself. If you are looking for an exemplary architecture and interior design agency to bring your dreams to life, look no further. We truly become invested in our clients and our projects. Working with us will bring you into the BPC® family for life!

Ready to make magic? Visit our contact page to get in touch! 

Organizations BPC® Supports: Dem-Con

At Blue Pencil Collective®, we are incredibly intentional about architecture and interior design.

Good design is about so much more than a space. It impacts your life every day. And environmentally conscious design can actually make the world a better place!

Let’s think about this. Do you generally feel better when the things in your life are in harmony or chaos? Unless you are a total chaos-seeker, odds are that you feel better when aspects of your life are in harmony. Environmentally conscious design can impact you the same way. We strongly believe that life is best lived when you are in harmony with your environment. That is why we create our designs with the life of our clients – and the planet – in mind. And we choose partners that have that same mission and approach. 

One organization we proudly support in our business is Dem-Con. Dem-Con is a 3rd generation waste and recycling management company that’s made it its mission to continually find alternate uses for everyday waste. More specifically, Dem-Con specializes in recycling construction and demolition waste from various commercial and residential projects throughout the state of Minnesota. Its mission is to “provide solutions across all our businesses that are economically viable, sustainable, and technically sound by prioritizing people, acting with honesty and integrity, and having an unwavering commitment to our customers.” They truly care about the environment and making an impact. 

Dem-Con offers a large array of services from single-stream recycling MRF to metal processing. As one of the only RCI (Recycling Certification Institute) certified recycling facilities in the Midwest, Dem-Con operates a 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility including a designated construction and demolition recycling building and an on-site educational program, Green Grades. In fact, they have over 30 years of experience handling construction and demolition materials. Their processes center on promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability. Dem-Con’s Green Grades program aims to educate the community on the importance of recycling and environmentally responsible waste management. 

In April 2022, Dem-Con posted a 74% recycling rate. And their 12-month average also hovers around that 72% mark. That is extremely impressive! According to RTS, “the municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling rate in the US remains as low as 35%.”  Dem-Con uses a mechanized sorting system to sort items into 6 different material categories. Making up the bulk of the items? Alternative daily covers (ADC) at 32% and wood at 22%. And Dem-Con is a Certified Recycling Facility, which means all of its recycling numbers are real, accurate, and reliable. They are LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. They even provide LEED credits to haulers who utilize their facility. 

So what are our favorite things about Dem-Con? 

• There is a landfill on site which is the opposite of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. This is unique to Dem-Con! We haven’t seen this in any other D&C recycling centers we have toured. 

• Green grades programs are impressive! They travel to schools to educate children and families on recycling and its importance. Dem Con is truly passionate about our future generations and making a change. 

• Company values aligned closely with ours at BPC®. This alignment makes it a no-brainer to support them. When we visited Dem-Con to see their facility in person, the entire atmosphere was warm and inviting. You can quickly tell their business is not about the money but instead about making a true difference. 

• Dem-Con is researching and trying new ways to re-use materials, not just recycle. For example, repurposing drywall into fertilizer for the local farmers. 

These are just a few of our favorite aspects of Dem-Con. With this partnership, Blue Pencil Collective® uses Dem-Con dumpsters as the proprietary waste management company for all of our projects. We are grateful to support and partner with a local MN organization on our architecture and interior design projects. 

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES:

BPC road trip edition

Two Days, Two States, Invaluable Moments:
VOLUME ONE: Okoboji + Sioux Falls

Day One:

11:00am: DEPART WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN

The adventure begins! Regan meets Kasey at her home, and the duo sets off on a three-and-a-half-hour drive south to Okoboji, Iowa. With seven years of business partnership under their belts, they’ve settled into their road trip routine: Kasey takes the wheel, and Regan dives into remote work and virtual construction meetings. Their rental car becomes a mobile office as small talk is replaced by the hum of productivity.

1:30pm: Arrive in Okoboji, IA

Okoboji isn’t just another dot on the map for Kasey and Regan; it’s where BPC’s first project came to life seven years ago. Despite their history here, they’ve never had much time to soak in the local charm. On this trip, they finally explored Arnolds Park, finding the hype well-deserved—in this picturesque area, there’s something for everyone

2:00PM: NETWORK

Their first face-to-face meeting of the day is with Derek Lee of Lee Custom Homes, a local contractor, to learn more about each other and explore opportunities for collaboration. The company’s growth ambitions resonate deeply with BPC’s own, and Kasey and Regan leave the meeting optimistic about a promising partnership in the future.

3:30PM: CONSTRUCTION SITE VISIT

Next, they visit Spinner, one of BPC’s full home interior and exterior renovation projects currently under construction on West Lake, meeting with Jason Rossow of Rossow Construction, who is not only the project GC but also a trusted partner and dear friend. They have worked on several projects together since the inception of BPC. Like all their previous collaborations, the craftsmanship and quality of this lake home are breathtaking!

4:30PM: QUALITY TIME

A quick stop at West O Beer offers a chance to unwind and catch up with Jason before heading to their hotel to check in and freshen up.

6:30pm: A HEARTFELT DINNER

Kasey and Regan head to the waterfront to meet their very first client at Maxwell’s — a tradition that means the world to them as they are the ones who entrusted BPC to design their 11,000 square-foot new-construction home, end-to-end. Memories and stories fill the night with warm and fuzzy nostalgia, and leave BPC feeling immense gratitude and honor to have worked with such incredible people.

Following an impromptu photoshoot together before their BPC “family” heads off into the sunset on their boat, the ladies wandered around and explored, ending a soul-fulfilling day with drinks at a pier-side bar. Sitting side by side with the locals, Kasey and Regan basked in the warm glow of camaraderie (and perhaps a bit of the local brew).

They vow to come back soon and stay awhile longer!

Day Two:

8:00AM: NOTEWORTHY MENTIONS

It’s the beginning of another busy day in the life! First stop, Oakwood Inn: a stunning bed and breakfast surrounded by nature, adorned with intricate architectural charm inside and out. Kasey and Regan pick up a gift certificate for their client to use as a retreat while their home is under construction, allowing them a chance to take in the Okoboji summer, if only for a couple of nights!

9:00AM: DEPART OKOBOJI, IA

Headed west to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to visit the construction site of project: Crystal Blue Persuasion, another full exterior and interior home renovation and addition, Regan is back to work, in and out of virtual meetings, and—shocker—Kasey is driving! Are you noticing a theme here?

11:00AM: ARRIVE IN SIOUX FALLS, SD

Regan meets with the contractor and subcontractors, addressing questions and collaborating on construction issues, and walking the site to review quality and alignment with the design intent and construction documents. Despite the homeowner’s invitations to relax with a glass of wine and watch the rain, Regan remains focused on the task at hand. Meanwhile, Kasey sets up her mobile office to tackle her work.

As the day’s work wraps up, Kasey and Regan finally join the homeowners around the dinner table and connect over a glass of wine—grateful for each and every moment with them.

4:00pm: A SOUL-FULFILLING EVENING

They could have sat there all night talking and laughing, but a phone call sparked an impromptu visit to show Regan and Kasey the client’s son’s new house. The tour was filled with ideas and creative advice from the duo, who are never shy to “help.”

Following the visit, they head off for dinner at The Gruff Plates + Pours with the project’s general contractor, Derek Thompson of Carpentry by Design, his wife, and the clients for a celebratory close.

6:00PM: HOMEWARD BOUND

With full bellies and hearts, Kasey and Regan embark on the journey back to Minnesota. This time, exhaustion keeps Regan from working. And—you guessed it—Kasey is driving.

They call their kiddos to say goodnight and spend the rest of the drive reflecting on the accomplishments, connections made, and deep gratitude and respect for each and every one of the people who have believed in them.

Just before midnight, they arrive home and go to bed inspired and excited for the next client, next project, and more life-long relationships that create the days of our lives!

Follow us for more on “These are the days of our lives”!

@bluepencilcollective

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES:

Summer days in design + connection

A Week with BPC

VOLUME TWO: FROM CASTLES TO construction sites

Day One:

An Evening at the Pillsbury Castle

When attending such a exquisite affair, our first thoughts linger towards attire: How do we style ourselves for such a classy event? How do we intertwine our brand to make a statement? This is, after all, an industry occasion of the finest. We, like most, are not only here to take in the wonders of the architectural design, we are also here to meet, engage, and forge lasting connections. Opting for a Bridgerton vibe with a twist fit for a castle, we set out in our metallic gowns and crowns to make our appearance.

The evening began with a dinner hosted by everyone’s beloved Thibaut representative and dearest friend, Michelle Mlinar, at P.S. Steak. Michelle’s company, along with that of the talented designers from Sustainable 9, Liz Welsh and Brittany Blunt, made for a fulfilling conversation over amazing food and drinks. Dressed to impress, we couldn’t resist a photo op in the posh eatery – as designers, we are always inspired by our environments!

Our souls and bellies full, we head for the Pillsbury Castle, where we are greeted by an iconic red carpet leading us to the expansive entrance. It felt as though we were actually in an episode of Bridgerton! The majestic two-and-a-half story, English Gothic Tudor-style castle stood before us, bustling with energy as people entered into the creative world of the MN A+D community, eager to view the 43 rooms thoughtfully designed by different agencies. Each room, defined by a unique personality yet still connected to the castle’s rich history, created a cohesive and breathtaking experience as we moved through the 10,600 SF. We were positively inspired as we absorbed the sheer amount of talent, rich architectural details, character, and scale within the historic mansion.

Assuming we had experienced the castle in full, we began our exit, but the night held a surprise. As we wandered into the lower level, our curiosity opened a mysterious door, leading us into “another world” where our senses were immediately ignited. Leaving behind the quiet inspiration of admirers, we found ourselves within an electrifying social event fit for a queen! Fun beats, tasty treats, and camaraderie filled the elegantly lit outdoor venue. We couldn’t help but join the rhythm of the night, dancing the night away until our Uber in shining armor arrived, whisking us back to reality.

Day Two:

Part I: Construction Site Visit

As the nostalgia of Bridgerton falls behind us, reality patiently awaits. Jumping back into our CEO/Boss roles, we take on the new day at our very own dreamy projects. Granny Chic is one of four full home renovations currently under construction. BPC, with the contractor, Bill Robey of Robey Construction, visit the site regularly to review site conditions and problem-solve with the team of sub-contractors.

Granny Chic is full of meticulous details that elevate the rich history and architecture of this historic home. Collaborating with the build crew is one of our favorite parts of what we do, not to mention one of the most crucial points of a design-build process. It’s when all the pre-planning and designing are put to the test of reality, and visions come to life!

Part II: PARTNER MEETING

Another invigorating site visit behind us, we head to the office for our weekly partner meeting. It’s an 8-9 hour information-packed day that involves all the key team players! Business operations, marketing, project forecasts, financials, and current projects are reviewed and coordinated. Albeit exhausting, the time and deep focus are worth it in order to prepare for another week of success!

Day Three:

Part I: DIVIDE + CONQUER!

While Regan sets up at a local coffee shop for the morning, Kasey heads to the office to jump on the first of many virtual meetings. First up, a 30-minute discovery call with a potential new client. We dive deep from the start, getting up close and personal in a candid, open conversation filled with a curiosity to understand not only the project logistics, but more importantly, each other — we’ll all know right away if we were meant for each other! This short meeting is just the beginning of what is most often years of project work together. It’s important we set the foundation for a strong relationship from day one!

After a fun conversation and couple MN goodbyes, we jump into another meeting with our incredibly talented brand team, Free Afternoon. It’s time to chat details for our upcoming project photoshoots. One thing about photoshoots — they may look effortless, but they take months of planning, coordinating, and preparation with various players. And let’s not even get into the details of the actual shoot; that’s a story for another day!

It’s 10:00am and we are feeling productive and energized! Regan heads back to the Granny Chic job site for an impromptu meeting with the Bill and the millworker. There are time-sensitive questions to be answered and trim work to be installed. Every detail is reviewed as quick mockups are created for discussion amongst experts, each inspiring the other to come up with the best possible solution for the design.

While Regan is at the job site “chit chatting,” Keilyn (BPC’s marketing + PR director) and Kasey head out for a coffee date with Sarah Ramsay of J. Hilburn to talk shop and explore collaboration opportunities. Can fashion and architecture intertwine to elevate a brand? We shall see and so shall you!

Part II: NARI GOLF EVENT

Although we wouldn’t call ourselves Tiger Woods, we do enjoy hitting up the course from time to time. Make it an industry event hosted by NARI, and there is no stopping us from showcasing our skills on the green. With our partners in crime and host with the most, Jon Coty of Dwell44 and genuinely hilarious golf trainer, Nathan Carlson of Highmark Builders, we were sure to create a little “chaos.” These events are the perfect opportunity to build personal and business relationships, and there’s always room for fun — something we fully embrace (we’ve earned it!). 18 holes later with several new contacts in our Rolodex and a few more laugh lines, we crawl into our beds, already halfway asleep!

Day Four:

Part I: ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Re-charged, Regan heads to another one of our projects currently under construction, “A” Typical Cabin, in Comstock, WI. With a long drive ahead and the project manager, Emily of D.T. Carlson at the wheel, Regan, in true road trip form, pulls out her computer and begins working from the road taking full advantage of every minute! The GC, Dan of D.T. Carlson is busy directing the concrete crew as the foundation and footings are poured. Things are moving along smoothly in this first stage of the build. So far, so good…

The site is complicated — narrow and steep. DTC and BPC review the drainage plan and verify site conditions. Next up: framing!

Emily and Regan head back to the office, but not before a quick stop to pick up Regan’s daughter from her summer program. The life of a mompreneur!

PART II: MEANWHILE, AT HEADQUARTERS

While Regan is off gallivanting again, BPC’s headquarters is all business! Kasey and the BPC team focus on operations, marketing, and most importantly, projects, including a new breathtaking residential development soon to be announced. 😊

Day Five:

FUELING CREATIVITY AND BFFS

The day kicks off at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea in Minneapolis to meet with the CSO and regional sales team from Cambria Surfaces to discuss big things ahead! We share, we learn, and we chat about our thoughts, history, and future plans over an “abnormal” amount of laughter; creating opportunities, ideas, authentic partnerships and a mutual drive to support each other. Co-building business is so infectious!

After such an exhilarating conversation, we’re pumped to head back to the office and focus on providing the best possible designs and services to our existing clients. We have a small window of focus time, and we need every minute before our next adventure.

And another adventure is just where we are headed…with a state of exhaustion ahead of us, why not squeeze one more in?! We do what we do for soooo many reasons! And this particular evening was a true testament to the most important one — bringing families together!

A perfect night hosted by a past client-turned-BFF, at the home they so trustingly let us create a few years prior. Project Hygge House is just that: a home filled with love, laughter, and purpose. We turned off the daily rush to be with people we care about and relaxed with some of the most humble, giving, and authentic people. Not only did they host us and our kids, but they also welcomed our newest team member, Christy, to join.

Side note on Christy: You might wonder how we found, after years of searching, the absolute perfect fit for our team. It was this particular client, Leah Pitzenberger, CEO of A People Revolution, and her business partner, Heather Orth, who took on the challenge of recruiting our Architect / Unicorn, exceeding all expectations. They are absolutely brilliant women!!!

WOW! What a week…and new experiences are happening like sands through the hour glass….

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