Part One: Existing Conditions, Vision & Design Plans
When longtime clients called and said their dream lake house had finally hit the market, we knew this project would be special. Designed by Roger Kraft, this architectural masterpiece had been admired for years. Although our clients had recently remodeled what they thought would be their forever home (you can revisit that project here), this opportunity felt different. It felt meant to be.
In this four-part series, we’re taking you behind the scenes:
- Part One (This blog post): The existing home, the design vision, and the plans/renderings
- Part Two: A high-level look at the construction phase
- Part Three: The incredible kitchen reveal
- Part Four: The full-home reveal
If you’d like a sneak peek, head to Instagram and view our saved highlight titled Contemporary Complete. Now, let’s start at the beginning.
When Architecture Calls You Home
These clients value great design. As architects, they’ve always appreciated clean lines, thoughtful materials, and strong architectural integrity. Their personal style leans contemporary and sleek. They prefer a more minimalistic approach to their personal spaces, yet they aren’t afraid of color when it's done well.
For years, they admired this lakefront home from afar. So, when it finally came on the market, they knew it was a sign. Timing wasn’t exactly perfect—they had recently completed a major remodel of their now previous lake home. They envisioned that home being their forever However, some houses speak to you. This one did.
Instead of ignoring the pull, they embraced it. And then they called us.
The Legacy Behind the Walls
To understand our approach, it's helpful to first understand the original architect.
Roger Kraft designed this home over six years, pouring into it the artistic depth and architectural knowledge that defined his career. He studied art and architectural history intensely. He drew inspiration from Renaissance painters, Palladio, Scarpa, Louis Kahn—even Bob Dylan. That range shaped his work and gave it timeless presence.
He studied at the University of Kansas, worked with Ted Seligson, and found deep inspiration inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In 1980, he launched his own design practice. Over time, nationally recognized figures like Kenneth Frampton and Jack Lenor Larsen celebrated his work.
And this home reflects that legacy.
White porcelain-fired brick and privacy glass brick define the exterior. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the lake views.
Inside, the craftsmanship continues:
- Ash hardwood floors bordered in black onyx
- Hidden pear wood built-ins with magnetic touch closures
- Kansas sandstone with fossils wrapping the waterfall island
- A sculptural white and Carrara marble fireplace
- Channel-detailed sheetrock finishes
- A steel staircase with exotic wood treads
- A rooftop deck with panoramic views
- A greenhouse/artist studio on the lower level
Every detail tells a story.
What Wasn’t Working
Although the architecture felt timeless, the function needed refinement.
At one point, portions of the home served as office space for a small team. As a result, extensive built-ins and highly specific storage solutions filled several areas. While beautifully crafted, these elements limited flexibility for modern family life.
Built-in desk and shelves
More built-in shelves
Another built-in storage unit in the upstairs bedroom
Additionally, some rooms felt over-programmed. The layout worked for its original intention—but not for how this family lives today.
Upstairs bedroom other built-ins and desk area
Built-ins and mirror in upstairs bedroom
So rather than overhaul the home, we edited it.
First, we removed built-ins to open up space. We opened up the kitchen to create better flow between the living room and eating area. Then, we reimagined certain zones to support daily family rhythms. Throughout the process, we protected original materials and architectural moments.
Our guiding principle remained clear: evolve the home without erasing its soul.
The Design Vision: Quiet Confidence
From the beginning, we defined the vibe as quiet confidence.
We didn’t compete with the architecture. Instead, we supported it.
Because we completed the remodel before the clients moved in, we worked in multiple zones at once. This approach kept momentum strong and minimized disruption.
At a high level, we focused on:
- Simplifying and refining built-in areas
- Improving flow between key spaces
- Enhancing function for modern family living
- Preserving signature architectural details
- Introducing subtle warmth and intentional color
Every rendering reflected intention. Every plan respected proportion. And every decision asked the same question: Would Roger approve?
The Team That Brought It to Life
Projects like this need collaboration and clarity.
Kelly Summers led the project and served as the primary point of contact. Meanwhile, Lindsay Brungardt supported the design selection phase, helping refine materials and finishes.
The architecture team developed the plans and renderings that guided the transformation. From there, Project Director Andy Gower oversaw construction at a high level, while Project Manager Brandon Brewington managed the day-to-day execution on site.
Together, the team balanced precision with progress. As a result, the home evolved seamlessly.
Why This Project Matters
This remodel goes beyond aesthetics.
It represents stewardship. It reflects respect for architectural legacy. And it proves that great design can adapt without losing integrity.
When architects purchase a home designed by an architect they admire, the responsibility feels personal. We didn’t take that lightly.
Instead, we honored the past while making space for a new chapter.
What’s Next
Now that you’ve seen the existing home and the vision behind the plans, we’re ready to move forward.
In Part Two, we’ll walk through construction at a high level—what we removed, what we preserved, and how we protected the original craftsmanship.
Then in Part Three, we’ll reveal the kitchen transformation. It’s bold, intentional, and completely worthy of its own feature.
Finally, Part Four will showcase the full-home reveal and the finished spaces in their entirety.
Until then, follow along and stay tuned. And if you can’t wait, catch a preview in our Instagram highlight Contemporary Complete.
This lakefront masterpiece deserves to be experienced in layers, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.
If you're feeling moved to remodel your home, contact us and let's create a space you truly love to live in.
Looking for more home design inspiration? Check out our galleries here.