We are designing a rustic mountain chapel for a family in conjunction with the design of their custom mountain home. Tucked in a quiet corner of their property in the woods, it will be a place for them to escape the usual distractions and pray quietly, either alone or in a small group.

One of the primary challenges of winter construction in the mountains is timing and scheduling. If you build in the mountains, limiting the amount of time of winter construction is a common goal. While it is not the ideal situation, building construction can still be done outside in the winter, even in areas with freezing temperatures and lots of snow.

Remodeling and improving existing homes has taken on a new importance as the practice of superficial makeovers and "flipping" homes has all but disappeared for the time being. We have received many more inquiries on remodels and additions lately. People are choosing to remodel for a number of reasons:

Construction prices are at historic lows, as described by Tom Russell of Hendricks Architecture.....due to subcontractor, material, and fuel price reductions their 2009 price for the exact same house was an amazing 33% lower than it was in 2007.

The origins of mountain architecture in America came from the earliest non native peoples who chose to venture into the untamed mountainous areas of the country. The structures they built were a direct response to the environment they were in.

We are currently in the schematic design phase for a small beach house in Mexico. This home will be located on the Pacific coast between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, about 30 miles SE of Zihuatanejo in the Mexican state of Guerrero.

one of my local favorite places to visit is Priest Lake, a large alpine lake in the northern panhandle of Idaho. Known as the "crown jewel" of Idaho, Priest Lake is located roughly 75 minutes northwest of Sandpoint, and about 90 minutes northeast of Spokane, Washington.

Architects add value to your home that far exceeds their costs. Function, aesthetics, quality, livability and resale value are just some of the benefits.

This mountain lodge residence in Coeur d'Alene is the subject of a feature article in the January 2009 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine. This Idaho mountain home is a great example of the nature themed mountain style designs of Hendricks Architecture and a showpiece for the design talent of Jane Scott Interiors.