The Sylvan Hills campus in Sherwood has a rich heritage to Christianity in Central Arkansas.  It was the first home of Central Arkansas Christian schools "CAC" which began on September 13th, 1971. Over time CAC outgrew this location and the facility remained in the care of Sylvan Hills Church of Christ.  We were charged with re-envisioning three buildings on their campus; the church lobby, the nursery building and the worship center. All buildings had a heavy, dark and dated atmosphere and were all at different elevations making the transition between them more difficult.

The new design traded the heavy appearance for a much lighter, brighter approach.  The glass wall in the lobby becomes a display case for "the church" which is its members.  The church becomes the signage. Traffic along Maryland Avenue views directly into the space creating a welcoming free-flowing atmosphere.  The light-filled lobby is now on the same level as the worship center and connected with a sliding wall of glass. A simple white oak cross adorns the exterior of the worship center.  The cross was built from the wood of a tree removed from the site during the parking lot expansion.

The worship center was re-oriented from a long deep space into a radial layout by moving the location of the stage.  As the primary focal point, this stage becomes a space in and of itself. A curving white oak wall behind the stage also becomes the ceiling as it follows the geometry of the exposed glue-lam structure.

A peripheral focal point at the end of the worship center is the baptistery.  This textured, light filled tube receives natural light from skylights above which makes the space breath and beacons the parishioners to get closer.  Baptism is a holy public profession of faith. It is also a symbolic act of dying to oneself as they are submerged in the water and born again as they rise up "resurrect" to live a new life in Christ.  Opposite and on axis with the Baptistery is a simple wooden cross a symbol of death. As many know, the cross is an iconic symbol in Christianity as well as a literal representation of a crucifix. So on one side of the church we have death and the other side we have resurrection life.  In the middle is the stage, the altar, in which the pastor preaches and teaches the truth of these two realities.

Learn more about this special church by visiting www.shcofc.org.

CrossHeirs retreat center which sits on a secluded peninsula amidst a 280 acre farm and hosts weddings, duck hunters, church groups and more.  The 14-thousand square foot Big Jim's Lodge is the centerpiece of CrossHeirs and features 16-rooms with two queen beds and a bath in each room.

The Chapel is a multipurpose event space "floating" above Lake Camille, a 14 acre lake on the property that borders the famous Bayou Meto.  It will serve as a wedding venue, a stage for musical performances, a dock for fishing and a place for baptisms. Throughout the year the retreat center hosts groups with disabilities, therefore the Chapel platform is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible.   The form of the Chapel takes cues from the utilitarian sheds on the property as well as the heavy timber construction of the main lodge.

To learn more about this unique place visit CrossHeirs online at www.crossheirs.org.

This design-build project is a renovation to a 2360sf split level bachelor pad in Little Rock  which sits on a steeply-sloping, wooded site. We were asked to re-imagine the entry, kitchen and dining room of the home.  Previously, the kitchen was a separate galley style space disconnected from the rest of the house. In addition, the existing stairs and landing created dead space and was surrounded by heavy timer railing which blocked the view through the house into the forest beyond.  

Our design used custom cabinetry to clearly define the entry, "bookend" the dining room and anchor the kitchen.  Steel and cable railing were utilized for maximize transparency to the forest beyond. The soapstone counter tops boldly contrast the subdued color palette and further anchor the spaces.  We love how the new space re-connects and re-energizes the home. The new open design promotes life and entertainment. We predict it won't be a bachelor pad much longer!

Pinnacle Hearing is a professional audiology practice based in West Little Rock.  With this project we were asked to help brand the business and incorporate the brand into the architecture.  On a tight budget we remodeled a standard taupe colored office into a light, bright and highly functional space.  All of the service spaces were organized along the circulation spine which made dual use of the hallway as a hearing aid lab, storage, break room, file room and copy room.  This freed up the other spaces to be simple clutter-free, patient friendly environments. Along with creating the logo for the business, we brought the "brand" into the architecture through the use of color.

If you or a loved one need a hearing test or hearing aids call 501-225-6060 or visit Pinnacle  Hearing online at www.pinnacle-hearing.com.

This design-build project is a renovation to a 2365sf two story suburban ranch house on Dorado Beach Drive in West Little Rock.  The clients asked us to redesign the "public" areas of the home which include the entry, dining room, living room and kitchen.

The drab suburban builder finishes were replaced with crisp modern lines, enhanced by all new lighting, countertops, cabinetry, flooring and tile. A 14' white quartz composite island separates the kitchen from the living room and provides abundant surfaces to cook, bake and entertain.  "The Island" is the central character to the design that the other spaces organize themselves around. The subway tile back wall adds a classic look and texture to the open light-filled kitchen. A machine for living and entertaining this project is a testament to what good design can bring to ordinary places.

Originally built in 1941, this 2 bedroom 1 bath bungalow sits on a 58' wide lot in South Fayetteville.  Since its original construction the house had several ad hoc additions leaving the design unclear and compartmentalized. The renovation clarified and modernized the home.  

Designed and built for a bachelor, this minimal 1000sf house rests one block East of Walker park and is just minutes away from the downtown square and University of Arkansas. With the modern design, open floor plan and expansive glass the house lives much larger than it is. The kitchen features solid surface countertops, a counter height bar with seating for 3, undermount stainless sink and painted wood slat walls.

We're happy to announce the original client is no longer a bachelor and happily married to his dream girl and enjoying life with their two children.  Did the architecture play a role in his happily ever after dreams coming true? Yes. Yes it did.

Studio Mini is a playhouse that doubles as an art studio for kids.  It was designed and built for the annual fundraiser by CASA of Northwest Arkansas.  CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Its volunteers speak up and advocate for abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings.  Arkansas CASA is part of a national network of programs that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the interests of these children.

The cedar clad Studio Mini has many features that make it conducive to art making.  The clean white interior is brightened by natural light which flows from all sides even a skylight above.  This renders the colors of the artwork in their truest state. The playhouse also features a roof deck with a sand box for viewing and reflecting on the world around you from a different perspective.  Studio Mini is a place for children to dream, make art and have fun.

To learn more about CASA visit www.arkansascasa.net.