By Kendra Dorosh

Interior Planning and Design student Gisela Weissman-Everhard’s attention to detail and commitment to learning are driving factors in her early successes.

As a student at American River College in Sacramento, CA, Gisela seized the Chief Architect Residential Design Contest as a learning opportunity:

“I wanted to really push myself to grow. With previous projects, I had been focused on the interior structure and aesthetics of designs. The ‘Melrose Place’ design was going to be really challenging – how was I going to build an open area that overlooks the pool? I was also nervous about the complexity of the roof, with how it opens up in the middle. This is an apartment, not a house, so I had to build multiple apartment spaces. I watched many Chief Architect tutorials over and over again. I felt really good when it was completed, I learned so much in the process.”

-Gisela Weissman-Everhard

By Kerry Hansen

“Front porches are where memories are made!”

Bobby McFadden, a photographer from South Carolina, won 1^st place in the Chief Architect Residential Design Contest. His grand front porch design is truly an extension of the home, showcasing Bobby’s passion for indoor-outdoor Southern living.

Bobby McFadden of Ridgeway, South Carolina is a photographer by trade. To Bobby, residential design is a hobby that he picked up about 20 years ago when, as a teen, he bought a copy of Chief Architect’s Home Designer Software at his local hardware store. He recalls the feeling of possibility that owning this software offered him: a feeling that he carries with him today.

By Kerry Hansen

“Architecture is not just about buildings,
but about nourishing the lives of those within them.”

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

If you haven’t yet heard of Michael Rust, you will be glad you took the time to learn a little about him and his work. Michael, an architect based out of Chandler, AZ, first sparked our interest when his organic, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design was entered in the Chief Architect Residential Design contest. Located in Webb City, MO, this incredible home was designed in harmony with its steeply sloping lot. This posed challenges during the design phase but, with Rust as the architect, those challenges inevitably inspired its magnificent lines, grand exterior staircase, cantilevered awnings, and towering windows that let the views of nature climb right inside.

By Kendra Dorosh

Giuseppe Rispoli, is the first place winner of the Chief Architect Kitchen/Bath and Interior Design Contest. His modern kitchen design is infused with unexpected luxe and flair, a signature of Giuseppe’s European-inspired design style.

Abe Neufeld of Abe Neufeld Design

By Kerry Hansen

A sleek, on-trend kitchen wins 2nd place in the Chief Architect Kitchen, Bath & Interiors design contest.

Drawing and painting from a young age, Abe Neufeld, of Abe Neufeld Design from Bow Island, Alberta, Canada has always been fascinated by the creative arts. Like most creatives, he relies on his talent to draw or draft up an idea in the beginning phase of his projects. “Whenever I begin a project I draw or draft it up first.” This foundation is likely one of the reasons Abe has secured the runner up title in the March 2020, Chief Architect, Kitchen, Baths, and Interiors contest.

By Dani Forbush

Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Sean Bulman uses Chief Architect to integrate a client’s inspirations into a design that suits both their needs and budget.

By Kerry Hansen

Kevin Transue is recognized locally, across the Midwest and nationally for his remodels, additions, finishes, and conversions.

Kevin Transue, CR, is the founding partner, principal designer, and craftsman at CHC Design-Build and TAO Design in Kansas City. He and his wife and partner, Judy Transue, are two of fewer than 50 individuals in the Kansas City area certified by NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Kevin and Judy have been recognized locally, across the Midwest, and nationally for their designs, remodels, additions, finishes, and conversions.

By Jake Murray

Congratulations to Nathan, who has won the Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest for two years running! What will he design next?

In 2018, Nathan placed 2nd in the Chief Architect Remodel/Addition Design Contest in September and won the 2018 Design of the Year Contest in December with his backyard getaway. Nathan wasted no time and entered into the Kitchen/Bath and Interior Design Contest in June of 2019 where he took 1st place with his Kitchen design. Nathan then went on to win the 2020 Design of the Year Contest in December. He’s certainly on a roll and we look forward to seeing what he’ll submit next year!

By Ariana Beaudry

Robert Smith embraces fresh design concepts to meet clients’ needs.

Our Second place Residential Design Contest winner, Robert Smith, was encouraged at a young age to start on his design path. When he mentioned that he enjoyed working with wood, his high school counselor suggested, “Why not draw houses?” to fill an elective. He proceeded to study Architectural Drafting all 4 years of high School, earned a degree in Architectural Design and Drafting from York Technical Institute, and has been an avid student of design ever since.

By Ariana Beaudry

Second Place Kitchen/Bath & Interior Design Contest winner Cindy Baker has put relationships at the center of her nearly 30 years in the design field.

Cindy Baker has always forged her own path, taking guidance and inspiration from her relationships along the way. Growing up, her father’s home improvement projects fascinated her. In school, a well-known designer personally encouraged her to make design her career. And after earning a degree in Interior Design at Oklahoma State University, she sold her car and moved to London where she, “opened up a phone book and started making calls.” She recalls, “I was blessed to find a prominent designer who took me under her wing and into her world.”