Video Library: Design Build Construction Project Highlights

Know what it takes to install all the kitchen counters, a dining room buffet and a 680 pound slab of Brazilian quartzite down a flight of stairs? Lots of planning, a Tennessee strongarm and an amazing partner like Tithof Tile and Marble.

Know what it takes to install all the kitchen counters, a dining room buffet and a 680 pound slab of Brazilian quartzite down a flight of stairs? Lots of planning, a Tennessee strongarm and an amazing partner like Tithof Tile and Marble.

Last day on the job to do all the final checks before handing the keys over to the homeowners of this design and build custom home in Glenview, Illinois.

Making things concrete at a new home design and build in Evanston! Adding gravel beneath the basement floor before we pour the concrete and encapsulating the drain tile with gravel so water flows into it.

The soothing smoothing of concrete. Laying the foundations of an amazing new home we are designing and building in Evanston.

We educate homeowners on the healthiest building choices. We’ll help you understand geothermal energy, solar panels, green roofs, local sourcing and reclaimed materials.

Opportunities to raise your eco-consciousness can be as close as your own backyard. Scott Simpson Design + Build created the first village-approved rain garden in Northbrook, IL, which uses vegetation, soils and other elements to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create a healthier environment.

Uncover the unexpected with us in a 2-part video series detailing deconstruction of a 1920s Winnetka home – a kinder-to-the-environment choice with a donation write-off to boot!

Deconstruction of this 1923 home in Kenilworth allows the owners to donate high-quality and hard-to-find building materials – such as 14-foot wood flooring, slate roof tiles, solid joists, double-hung windows, unique bricks and mahogany doors – to charity, so they can be repurposed. Deconstructing a home piece-by-piece (instead of just bulldozing it) is a labor of love, but very green and renewable behavior.

Deconstruction of this 1923 home in Kenilworth finishes with a machine demolition of the foundation. Masonry, concrete block and steel are carefully sorted and sent to different recycling plants. Through this green and renewable effort the owners have been able to donate and recycle 98% of the old home.

A pre move-in tour with SSDB Owner Tom Kenny of a 10,000 square foot luxury home in Northbrook, IL including – the formal living room with carved stone mantel, high-gloss painted wet bar, curved window family room, dramatic 30-foot foyer, stunning bedrooms and baths, arched hallway, custom stairs, precious stone makeup vanity and enormous mudroom.

Work begins with the lower level and 18-foot deep sub-basement sport court dig for a new 10,000 square foot luxury home.

The keying in of the footings of an eventual 18-foot deep finished basement with an indoor sport court.

Careful installation of a 9-foot chandelier in the dramatic 2-story foyer.

A pre move-in tour with SSDB Owner Tom Kenny inside the first floor – including the dramatic foyer and chandelier, kitchen, hall and dining room.

A look at the beautiful tile, floating vanities and custom storage of a few of the home’s guest bathrooms.

A pre move-in tour of the completely custom 3-room hobby wing for an extensive baseball card collection.

A comfy, outfitted kids’ study and video game room on the first level.

A tour of the kitchen featuring a custom Venetian plaster range hood, coffee station, chrome panel refrigerator and two islands of appliances.

A stunning living room that includes a carved stone mantelpiece from Mexico, brass light fixtures and a custom millwork ceiling design.

A separate mudroom for the family’s teenagers includes a refrigerator, water filler, sink, washer/dryer, metal mesh cabinet screens, storage and multiple shoe and supply rooms.

A custom wallpaper headboard area, curved windows, fireplace and built-in shelves beautifully frame the primary bedroom.

A dressing area with semi-precious stone makeup vanity, a primary bathroom with a view, a large curved shower, custom tile and a large primary closet are tucked into a private space beyond the primary bedroom.

Engineering of a custom range hood for the kitchen that looks like solid stone due to a combination of MDF, plywood, drywall, curved framing, trim and a custom plaster painting technique.

A large folding track door allows the porch – with fireplace – to open up to the breakfast room and kitchen.

18-foot high walls frame a sub-basement, indoor sport court with an overlook balcony and viewing area.

18-foot high walls frame a sub-basement, indoor sport court with an overlook balcony and viewing area.

Before and afters and construction progress of the stone exterior, indoor sport court, arched hallway, 30-foot domed foyer, bedrooms, family room and back stairs.

Before and afters and construction progress of the lower level entertaining area, the three-room hobby wing, bedroom, primary bath and primary closet.

An overview of the Scott Simpson Design + Build process of creating a concrete foundation for a new construction home – cement conveyor, remote control conveyor belt, concrete forms, agitation, form recycling and more!

An overview of the Scott Simpson Design + Build process of creating a basement concrete floor for a new construction custom home – the make-up of concrete, how a screed machine and hand finishing while on kneeboards make it smooth as it sets.

A behind-the-build look at how new construction framing is created for a custom home – air compressor nail guns, raising a framed wall, managing a lumber shortage, interior light management through high ceilings that allow for large windows and doors.

A behind-the-build look at the client experience during custom home construction – touring the framed first floor, working with lenders, anticipating the effect of finishes, seeing architectural plans come to life.

Enjoy a look at how we cut and manually install 400-pound reclaimed barn beams into a custom design-build home. Even one of our architects gets a taste of the “build” side of design and build!

Timelapse of a custom home build in Northbrook shows how a contemporary wood beam family and kitchen area come together over time. Architecture-led design and build brings beautiful spaces to life!

SSDB architect Nicole Egan Ducar hosts a tour of this modern new construction home in Northfield, Illinois – starting with the inspirations for the overall design direction.

A walk through the first floor of this modern new construction including the expansive screened-in porch with full kitchen and barbeque, sitting area, billiard room and living room.

This modern kitchen boasts a beautiful view to the breakfast room and yard and features an integral sink, behind-sink drain, custom cabinetry and extra large refrigerator and freezer.

Very clean and modern primary bathroom with stone accent walls, vanity lighting integrated into the mirror, ample under-sink storage, a private toilet room and a one-touch switch to turn off the whole room.

This study has a gorgeous mural that was mounted with a custom tile frame created by our Master Carpenter. Low voltage features includes automatic Lutron shades.

Stunning wood panels made by our Master Carpenter make for a one-of-a-kind wall covering in the first floor formal powder room.

The entry features beautiful TruStile doors that set the tone for high entryways throughout the home.

Ample storage includes a special jewelry drawer and design details like leather wrapping on the handles and a stunning light fixture.

Working with computer imaging software we were able to create a beautifully curved stair, framing a cascading light fixture from Italy.

A beautiful built-in provides a desk and storage, lovely wallpaper and a magnetic paint that matches add to the whimsy of the lighting fixtures.

A private lower-level home spa includes a cozy seating area, modern bathroom and shower as well as a lovely sauna.

The primary bedroom has large glass windows overlooking the beautiful backyard, custom upholstered headboard that utilizes the entire wall and a private seating area.

Ever seen a beautiful mechanical room? This one is! And it includes a private entrance from outside to allow service people a separate access.

This lower-level space hosts an in-home projection theater, the home spa, a TV conversation area and wet bar with dining table.

Uncover the unexpected with us in a 2-part video series detailing deconstruction of a 1920s Winnetka home – a kinder-to-the-environment design-build choice with a donation write-off to boot! Part 1!

The characteristics of traditional craftsman style are evident throughout the home, with a bit of whimsy and eco-friendly ingenuity made available by the custom design-build process.

The arts & crafts style home was designed with special features and amenities that will allow the homeowners to gracefully age in place in this inviting and very green home.

What is that stuff? Why, it’s Benjamin Obdyke Slicker Rainscreen, which is helping us to manage water on a new design-build custom home, alongside a few other water management elements that are keeping the build green.

Design and construction of an indoor resistance swim spa at a new home build in Winnetka that will allow the homeowner to exercise at home while aging in place.

An endless pool with custom Ipe wood deck surround in the sunroom allows for exercising at home – and has become a magnet for the grandchildren as well!

Our architects were able to work with these exceptional homeowners to recreate the comfortable feel of the original house that used to sit on the property, while making it new, airtight and as eco-friendly as possible.

In the kitchen, a modern oven with side-swing doors allows safer access to hot food and a coffee bar larder keeps the coffee maker, microwave and toaster neatly tucked away. Electric appliances include an induction cooktop that is safely cool to the touch right after use.

A first floor primary suite is accessed through an extra-wide hallway and the primary bath has a zero threshold shower with oversized door – to keeping everything accessible and easily accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

Inspired by the original house staircase this cherry staircase is a beautiful example of an arts & crafts style home in this custom residential design-build.

The landscaping incorporates native plants and a rain garden swale to optimize stormwater management on the property – and for the community – while promoting pollinator-friendly habitats.

Where a passion for birds and a whimsical powder room meet in a Winnetka Craftsman design and build project.

From salvaging original pieces during the deconstruction to recreating sentimental features and comfortable spaces that will allow for aging in place.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with these conscientious homeowners to remain steadfast in our commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation – while providing a wonderful home in which to age in place.

5,600 square foot new build showcases custom elliptical openings, a tray ceiling for art in the dining room and a full masonry fireplace.

SSDB Project Manager TJ Floyd walks you through the second floor – primary bedroom, primary bathroom and bonus room.

The stairs during rough framing are temporary but ready for floating columns and a curved radius stringer and railing.

Specialty rooms surround the main entertaining area in the basement – including a hockey room, studio and custom bunk room.

Carpentry of the front porch rafters, some “forever home” features like a first floor bedroom with a roll-in shower and a library with salvaged pocket doors.

A blend of stone, stucco, reclaimed wood and copper are creating a beautiful exterior for this design build.

A beautiful island is surrounded by custom cabinetry and an adjacent breakfast area is filled with natural light from overhead skylights.

The arches will get pre-built casings from the factory custom measured for each space. The vintage doors are in!

Handmade tiles from Morocco bring a special design element to the primary shower walls.

Heated floor mats and custom tile add to the coziness of the primary bathroom.

The first-floor powder room has a fun hidden element – a disguised storage area for toilet paper.

Large baseboards allow for installation of outlets to be disguised within the baseboard themselves.

Inspired by some of our other projects – the client asked for a lower level room to become a custom bunk room. No problem!

A full rise of windows across all levels drench the stairs in sunlight.

RedGard adds waterproofing to the DuRock of the guest bathroom shower.

Installation of a 19th-century ceiling panel from India is done very carefully – hosted by our Master Carpenter Mike Olson.

Full custom cabinetry line the walls of a peaceful, calming library space sealed off by salvaged pocket doors.

Intentional care with all the details lead to beautiful vanities in the primary bathroom.

This bedroom is patched and sanded and ready for paint. A dark primer is used for darker paint colors to make coverage easier.

Copper glints all the way around the gutters and downspouts of the house.

Masons have added custom surrounds to the back patio for housing a full outdoor kitchen and BBQ area.

The carpenters have updated the bunk room with paneling and the framing of the ladder/shelf and closet of the lower level bunk room.

Drywall and cabinetry show off the beautiful kitchen design with custom counter edges and stains.

Custom casings are installed for each archway and the curves of the front and back doors.

Foundational work and concrete forms being perfected for a new construction luxury home in Northbrook.

Anticipating an all-day event for this concrete pour utilizing around 30 concrete trucks and 240 yards of concrete.

Bi-fold doors that open wide to the outdoors are a very popular feature we are putting in many of our new homes.

Can’t forget the dog when designing a luxury home for the whole family!

Full waterworks and custom tile work will make this master shower a wonderful retreat.

The tallest garage we’ve ever built gives new meaning to “high ceilings.”

Take a tour of the deconstruction of an incredible Lake Shore Drive condominium. Architect Amy Berka shares the step-by-step thinking behind a total redesign of a 1920s Chicago co-op and some of the challenges of remodeling in a city high-rise on Lake Michigan.

In this update we look at running plumbing and conduit in an older building; widening openings to join living spaces, let in the light and lake views, plan for mirroring existing trim; accommodating recessed lights in a ceiling filled with concrete beams; plan for a demolished stone fireplace; and adding a brand new powder room.

We look at making a primary bath and bedroom more proportionate; the beauty of copper piping; peeling back layers of flooring; finding a way to put in new windows; creating a hidden door in an elevator vestibule; creating symmetry through arches and the joy of using architecture to continue existing design details through to a seamless renovation.

We think through adding in beams to define a large living room, the uncovering of a hidden window and tile and cabinetry installation over electric heat mats.

Looking at timeless and classic (but not too traditional) white marble bath tile and the importance of grout color choice – details that might seem inconsequential – but to us, provides an opportunity to elevate our craft.

We look at custom-milled woodwork, patching together existing and new wood flooring and floor stain options that start to tie everything together. We hope you enjoy watching the architectural design take shape bit by bit as much as we do.

Rough finishes stage for the amazing new kitchen with cabinets fabricated to fit the space, making it through the maze of the high rise, working around a chase and bringing optimal function and design to the center of the home – featuring custom mirrored glass inserts and tool drawers.

In this update we look at the statement-making primary bath tile and anticipate the final finishes phase of this renovation.

A reveal of the full transformation of the kitchen and living spaces to maximize views of Lake Michigan and add family and entertaining space. Unique design punches and finishes bring new life to a 1920s Chicago home – from deconstruction to final finishes.

Raising the roof as we raise the roof on our custom home build in Kenilworth. You can really appreciate all the architecture work and building detail that goes into rough framing and roofing a custom home with this construction timelapse.

The Scott Simpson Design + Build process combines our expert architects, homebuilders, long-standing subcontractors, suppliers, craftspeople and a project management team with extraordinary clients to deliver on the vision for a custom built home. From plans on paper to a fire in the fireplace, we love watching a before and after construction timelapse when it all comes together as beautifully as it did for this home on the North Shore in Glenview.

Well underway on our custom home build in Kenilworth. You can really appreciate all the architecture work and building detail that goes into rough framing a custom home with this construction timelapse.

From architect rendering to finished room, a look at the beauty of design and build in a modern pool house in Wilmette, Illinois.

Timelapse of a custom home build in Northbrook shows how a contemporary wood beam family and kitchen area come together over time. Architecture-led design and build brings beautiful spaces to life!

A great way to get to know us is through our design-build clients! After 30+ years of designing and building custom homes on Chicago’s North Shore for so many families, we are truly grateful for their kind words and lasting friendships.

Take a tour of a Wilmette design-build new construction custom home in a contemporary shingle style featuring a long front porch, outdoor entertaining areas, a sunroom, sports-centric lower level and beautiful transom windows throughout.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with these conscientious homeowners to remain steadfast in our commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation – while providing a wonderful home in which to age in place.

Architectural reconfiguration of an outdated North Shore Spanish Colonial home in Winnetka to take full advantage of a beautiful and expansive view of Lake Michigan and infuse nature into the home organically.

A fun look at our first amazing 25 years – when the addition of a team of in-house architectes compelled us to change our name change from Scott Simpson Builders to Scott Simpson Design Build.

A poem about the work we love.

We were able to share on-site tricks-of-the-trade with a group of alumni from Revolution Workshop – a non-profit social enterprise (co-founded by SSDB) that provides free pre-apprenticeship programs in construction and woodworking. Trainees had the opportunity to ask questions and watch on-the-job trim carpentry, including the mechanics of hanging a door, cabinet installation and how it all comes together with the other trades in a custom remodel in Evanston. Adding field visits to learning at the workshop makes for talented and inspired graduates.