2025 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards
Architecture XS – Honor Award

Awards

Wheeler Kerns 

Architect

Erin Konrath

Photographer

2024

BUILT IN

Sawyer, Michigan

Livable and lived in from day one. That was our goal for this gorgeous Lake Michigan retreat. We talk about old homes often here at KMI — but we relish the opportunities of designing a new build. Nothing precious, no historic constraints, no should-we guilt. But it’s also a space with a story to tell, still full of blank pages. 

A Lakeside Retreat Comes Alive

Livable and lived in from day one. That was our goal for this gorgeous Lake Michigan retreat. We talk about old homes often here at KMI — but we relish the opportunities of designing a new build. Nothing precious, no historic constraints, no second guessing what should stay. But it’s also a space with a story to tell, still full of blank pages.

Open living and dining room with a wood plank ceiling, abstract art, and lake views through tall windows

Every room was designed around the lake house rhythms. Think easy movement between indoors and out, durable materials that can handle wet feet and extra weekend guests. 

Living room with a black wood stove, iron coffee table, and floor-to-ceiling corner windows
Black wood stove with stacked firewood against a concrete wall under a wood ceiling
Living room with a long daybed and iron coffee table facing windows over the lake

The living spaces feel generous but never formal, inviting everyone to settle in and stay a while. A cozy, neutral outdoor fabric was used for longer-lasting indoor upholstery and materials were selected with an eye towards beauty and practicality.

Our clients desired a balance of their goal of minimalism with a need for color. We imagined a palette drawn from the water and landscape just beyond the windows, with the clients’ art collection to provide inspiration throughout.

Dining area with a black table and chairs, sculptural vases, and an orange abstract painting
Sitting area with a white sofa, two lounge chairs, and a patterned blue rug

A navy dining table shines, inviting everyone to stay awhile and ask for seconds.

Gallery wall of portraits above a wood console with a driftwood sculpture
Dining room with black chairs, floating wood shelves, and cone pendant lights

Copper stools patina over time to provide an unexpected harmony with the warm wood throughout. 

Kitchen with light wood cabinetry, green tile backsplash, and copper bar stools

Bedrooms showcase a favorite color for each family member, while the primary ties into the natural surroundings seamlessly. 

Bedroom with deep teal walls, a wood-framed window, and a woven side chair
View into a bedroom with a wood ceiling, green walls, and a wood platform bed
Bunk room with built-in white bunk beds against a terracotta accent wall

And, a moment for the bunk room! 

Cheerful, functional and serving serious camp vibes with built-in charging niches, hidden stair storage and thoughtful ways to ensure everyone gets their own space. It’s ready for cousins and lots of late-night card games, some wrestling but never arguing over who gets an outlet.

Deck dining table with a view of the lake through the trees

Extensive patios provide space for relaxing and connecting. It’s everything you want in a new home with the soul built right in.

Treetop view of the lake from the deck
Outdoor sofa with striped pillows on a deck surrounded by fall trees

“We decided to work with Kathryn because we were overwhelmed. We knew we didn’t have the time and suspected that, despite what we like to think of ourselves, we did not have the vision. Working with Kathryn was stress-free, comfortable and dare I say — even fun! She listened and heard us. Then she’d show us things we didn’t even know we wanted, but seemed just right for the project and somehow also just like us. I could not recommend her more!”

FROM THE CLIENT

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