Ordinance and Code Compliance

The owners of a narrow, steeply sloped lot on Lake James in Indiana approached us with the goal of replacing their existing cottage with a new lake home—while avoiding the uncertainty of the variance process. This created a unique design challenge: delivering a functional, comfortable vacation home that fully complies with Steuben County zoning requirements. The owners envisioned a four‑bedroom home with 3½ baths and an open kitchen, dining, and great room layout. They also requested a well‑sized recreation space on the lower level, with plumbing provided for a future wet bar. Lynn successfully designed a home that incorporates all of these elements, including a generously sized covered deck and ample unfinished storage space on the lower level. Remarkably, the entire design fits within a footprint less than 21 feet at its widest point. As is common along northern Indiana lakefronts, soil conditions require the foundation to be supported by [...]

After spending several memorable vacations at the Sylvan Lake property, the family found the experience so enjoyable that they began considering a permanent move. That enthusiasm ultimately led to the recent purchase of the home with the intention of making it their full-time residence. Although the house worked well as a getaway, it lacked the space and amenities needed for everyday living. Wanting a home that better suited their lifestyle, the owners consulted with Lynn to explore options for expansion and remodeling. After evaluating the site, the family determined that the existing modular structure would be sold and removed as Lynn had suggested. This decision opened the door to significant improvements, including raising the lower-level walk-out ceilings from 8 feet to 9 feet and giving Lynn full freedom to redesign the main level to meet the owners’ goals. The planned expansion includes an oversized two car garage, a dedicated laundry [...]

The owners of a lot on Big Turkey Lake approached Lynn to design a home that would maximize the property’s extensive shoreline views. Working within Steuben County’s required setback guidelines, Lynn created a plan that met every aspect of the owners’ vision. The resulting home is a thoughtfully planned two story, three bedroom residence with two and one half baths. The primary suite is located on the main level and features a spacious, luxurious bathroom complete with a custom shower and soaking tub. The walk in closet connects directly to the bath and provides convenient access to the laundry room—an increasingly popular layout—while still offering a separate entry point for the rest of the home. The great room, dining area, and kitchen form a large, cohesive space ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A scullery positioned just off the kitchen adds valuable storage and additional countertop workspace. A powder room [...]

More than twenty years ago, we built a home for the owners of a vineyard near Clear Lake. Since then, they have envisioned adding a barndominium to the property—one that could serve both as functional space for vineyard operations and as comfortable lodging for visiting family and friends. To bring this idea to life, they once again partnered with architect T.K. Ladd, who originally designed their Clear Lake residence. Her new plan provides an efficient, well‑organized layout featuring two bedrooms, one and one‑half baths, a compact full kitchen, and a welcoming family room. A conveniently located stackable washer and dryer will sit just off the kitchen. The three‑bay garage offers generous storage capacity for equipment and supplies, while a covered porch creates a shaded retreat for breaks during long days working in the vineyard. The living quarters will be heated with a high‑efficiency furnace and cooled by a 16 SEER [...]

The owners of one of the most remarkable properties on Snow Lake approached us to explore the possibility of removing their existing cottage and constructing a new home. They partnered with Mike Christofferson, a well‑known local architect, to design a residence that not only meets their needs but also complements the beauty of the site. The finished home will be a 2,773‑square‑foot, two‑story lake house built on a piling‑supported crawl‑space foundation. The conditioned and insulated crawl space will feature a non‑structural concrete floor, creating an ideal area for storage. An unfinished walk‑in attic on the second floor will provide additional storage capacity. The floor plan includes five bedrooms, along with a flexible room that can serve as an office or a sixth bedroom. The owner’s suite is located on the main level, along with an open kitchen, dining, and family room layout. A laundry room and powder room complete the [...]