Team Effort: Building a Barrier-Free Lifestyle on Geneva National

When creative teams collaborate, an extraordinary momentum evolves almost naturally—a dynamic energy impossible to duplicate. Some of our most successful and memorable projects start with a blend of top-notch teamwork. So, when we set out to design this bespoke second home in Lake Geneva for clients who would eventually retire here, we knew they were in good hands.

With the homeowners on board, we were honored to join a tried and trusted dream team with Doomis Custom Builders and Addis Architecture, a talented group we’ve collaborated with on many other projects. We’ve proven to be a great fit, and we always meet the challenge. Our secret? None of us need to be the ‘star of the show,’ and we work together to develop solutions. Even unforeseen construction and remodeling issues can be efficiently resolved when everyone puts their egos aside and brainstorms as a team.

Prepared and ready with specific goals in mind, our clients, Deanna and Terry Griffin from Inverness, IL, wanted to design a comfortable, casual-luxe home that also offered the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) needs of their family. We wanted to create a spacious, open flow for extended family and social gatherings while ensuring a cozy vibe when it was just the two of them. Our team envisioned a dwelling that would live well for many years using timeless, natural materials like stonework detailing, custom millwork, and durable yet lustrous wood flooring—finishes that develop well-worn patinas and just get better over time.

 

THE VISION

Nestled within the award-winning golf community of Geneva National, the property offers a serene balance of scenic living and recreation set amidst the rolling Wisconsin countryside.

“This was a true collaboration from the start,” says homeowner Terry Griffin. “We selected Mike Doomis at Doomis Custom Builders based on recommendations from several people in the Lake Geneva area as well as some previous experience on a much smaller project. Mike introduced us to architect Jacob Addis, with whom he had worked before. Both Mike and Jacob had also previously worked with Kelly and her team at Interior Enhancement Group and immediately recommended them as a great fit. Together, we all hit the ground running. Kelly’s team immediately worked to become familiar with our style. Their talents are not limited to interior design—they understand so much about building materials and processes, and their input was integral from the beginning stages of the project.”

The location, site conditions/orientation, and the list of client must-haves were all driving factors of function for this property. Most clients have an essential wish list, to which thoughtful design offers the ultimate solutions to enhance their day-to-day lifestyle.

“As architects, designers, and builders, we are all faced with the same challenge of blending our clients’ program requirements into a functional home while also looping in aesthetics and style,” says Jacob Addis, AIA, of Addis Architecture. “For our design process, we experimented with a variety of architectural styles, textures, and materials and took small pieces from a few favorites to create our own blend that directly reflects the elegance and character of our client.”

Mike Doomis focused heavily on grading and accessibility inside and out. He also coordinated with Addis Architecture, a civil engineer, and ILT Vignocchi Landscape Architects & Contractors. “We are big advocates of bringing in all team members early in the process of the design stage for their input and expertise,” he says. “Working with all these team members in the past helps with the smooth transition from design concept to build. Not just a weekend home but a full-time residence, it was important for the home to be ADA accessible and accommodate large-scale family entertaining.”

GRAND OPENING

The entrance to the Griffin’s home is spectacular—the glass front doors are a fav! The dwelling sits on a high lot and exudes just enough charisma to say I am special without saying notice me, notice me. Jacob designed an exceptional entryway, capturing the feel of the bucolic setting spot-on.

“We love how the mix of glass and wood on the front door says come on in,” notes homeowner Deanna Griffin. “It makes a beautiful focal point for the front of our home. We also enjoy our extra-wide plank wood flooring—it is warm, natural, and imparts a sense of calm. The trees and surrounding terrain are also exceptionally tranquil—we wanted to see as much of that as possible inside. Jacob did a remarkable job strategically placing windows so we could do just that. And finally, we wanted an interior design that didn’t take itself too seriously. We want people to walk in the door, smile, and kick back, and I think Kelly accomplished that to perfection!”

As the interior designer of this home, we also are involved in the exterior selections. The beautiful stonework, expansive windows, the paint choice we made for the siding, and the black exterior lighting all meld together fluidly, delivering a stunning result. Of course, the furnishings side has always been one of my best-loved aspects, as it was with Deanna. She wanted the unexpected where it made sense, which allowed us to add the curvy, organic lines of the accent chair in their great room—a family favorite that looks fabulous sitting next to the stone fireplace.

OPEN FLOW

“Some key elements that were on the table at the first design meeting was an outdoor patio area for entertaining a large family,” says Jacob. “We studied the home’s solar orientation to ensure shade and comfortability while also considering views of the property. Another driving factor was ADA compliance throughout the home’s interior and exterior. We had to ensure that grade changes, thresholds, and walkways could maintain a flush approach for occupant comfort and functionality.”

The builder’s use of Buildertrend software was another key feature that helped the project run smoothly. The whole team was able to receive and discuss updated photos, change orders, and other issues on a timely basis. Mike spearheaded weekly Zoom calls for progress updates and to hammer out any details that came up during the week. “These calls were essential to the project’s success,” he says. “Interior Enhancement Group’s design team and the homeowners collaborated throughout the build process. All members contributed and fed off the energy of others, always respecting everyone’s feedback and expertise to make improvements to the final design.”

“We’re so happy with our accessibility modifications,” says Deanna. “The level entries into the house, the wide hallways, and open kitchen spaces make maneuverability easier for everyone. We love the layout of the kitchen, the two-story great room, and the bespoke design the team put forth to tie those two rooms together. They function perfectly for entertaining and family time, and the ceiling beams in the foyer, kitchen, and great room harmoniously blend the rooms.”

KITCHEN DYNAMICS

I will never forget the day Deanna told the builder and me she was ‘pulling the trigger’ and approving the amazing pantry door we had been discussing, designing, sourcing, and analyzing for months! It was a great design detail—I hope her husband, Terry, agrees it was a good splurge. Of course, the wood flooring, cabinetry finishes, and countertops are all part of my favs.

There are so many memorable moments from this project. Deanna was fun to be with—she is artistic and has a great sense of what she likes. She is also decisive, and as a couple, they both make decisions well together, and this project never lagged. I would say the day we found the quartzite for her kitchen counters was exciting—we knew we had found the ONE!

EFFORTLESS DINING

“If you could dream it, Kelly could source it,” adds Deanna. “The pantry door, the range hood, and the dining room’s charming mesh cabinet doors all come to mind. For a process that can be unnerving at times, building a home is also completely fascinating. The industry itself is bursting with innovation and creative solutions. Trips with Kelly to pick out tile, flooring, lighting, countertops, and furniture are definitely on my list of favorite memories. Every showroom we visited was like being a kid in a candy shop!”

The dining room’s clever built-in storage and window seat takes advantage of every square inch in the space, and a linear chandelier overhead complements the rectangular table. Curvy upholstered chairs and a sinuous candelabra above the dining table create a satisfying counterbalance to the clean-lined aesthetic.

“We love all our decorative tile,” says Deanna, “especially the fun stuff in the laundry room!” 

The backside of the fireplace is exposed to the open stairwell. Our original plan was to have a stone fireplace on all four sides, but it became problematic with the staircase design. So, the team worked together to come up with this solution—to clad the back of the fireplace with a millwork accent. Deanna was a big fan of adding millwork embellishments wherever we could, and this brought a bit more of the details she loved to her home. An elevator to the upstairs and extra-wide hallways makes everyday living a breeze.

SPA ELEGANCE

“We truly love the first-floor primary bedroom and bath,” says Deanna. “It’s so nice to be closer to the nerve center of the house—our kitchen. We were also privileged to work with Catherine Heir of Dea Design Group on a previous project, and we wanted to bring her talents on board. She is very familiar with our accessibility needs, so we received a ‘double bonus’ of Catherine’s kitchen and bath design expertise coupled with Kelly’s extensive knowledge about cabinet finishes, visually dynamic design elements, and space planning for optimal room flow. The result delivers a seamless series of unique spaces, complementing one other.”

Modern luxury reigns supreme in this peaceful primary bathroom, where a generous walk-in shower, a soaking tub, and lustrous finishes dazzle beneath windows opening to the blue sky.

AL FRESCO BLISS

Centered around an outdoor fireplace, the patio and pergola offer an enchanting spot to watch the sunrise in the morning with a cup of coffee—or a crackling fire on a chilly evening wrapped in a blanket.

“As a family that experiences mobility challenges, the house needed to be as barrier-free and accessible as possible,” says Deanna. “This can be tough, especially from an architectural and building perspective, but our whole team rose to the occasion beautifully. It is completely fascinating to watch the progress of the build itself. When you are working with experienced and organized people, the process just magically unfolds in front of you. That’s not to say there aren’t bumps here and there, but nothing a bunch of people putting their heads together can’t solve—while laughing a little along the way!”

“Working with Mike and Kelly is always a pleasure for me as an architect,” says Jacob. “They are both tried and true professionals—in my book, some of the best in the industry. Mike’s detail-orientated building process is second to none, and Kelly’s keen eye for quality finishes is top-notch while also addressing the function, charm, and coziness of each space. Anytime I can work with them, I know it will be a step above excellence and client expectations. And behind every standout project is a great client—it makes the project fun and memorable.”