When homeowners begin thinking about a significant renovation, the questions are often the same: How does the process unfold? How do you turn inspiration into a finished space without losing control of budget, timeline, or vision?

This NARI award-winning primary suite renovation offers a clear picture of what it feels like to move through a true design-build experience—from the first conversation to the final reveal.

This project marked the final stage of a three-phase transformation of our clients’ home. Having already partnered with us on earlier renovations, they were ready to reimagine their primary bedroom as a private retreat. Their vision centered on creating a spa-like bathroom inspired by a luxury hotel they loved—one that offered two private, generous spaces within a single, cohesive design. They wanted the feeling of openness and grandeur, while maintaining personal space and thoughtful organization.

During the design phase, we explored how to translate that inspiration into architecture that worked within their home. The result was a U-shaped primary bath with a dramatic central tub room flanked by two nearly identical private bathrooms. Adjacent space was repurposed to create separate his and hers dressing rooms, designed specifically around how each homeowner lived day to day. By completing the architectural and construction planning before any demolition began, every structural, lighting, and finish decision was carefully coordinated.

The bedroom remains in the same space, but the existing bathroom and closet become his/hers closets while the three-part bath is housed in the new addition.

Engineering the vision required as much creativity as the design itself. To construct the new addition, the home’s exterior brick had to be removed and temporarily supported while new framing was installed. Sequencing and structural planning were critical to ensure the home remained sound throughout construction. This level of foresight is one of the advantages of working with a unified design-build team—design decisions and structural realities are addressed together, not separately.

At the heart of the suite is the stunning tub room. The homeowners envisioned a large crystal chandelier suspended above a freestanding tub. To accommodate its scale, we designed a ten-foot ceiling. However, tall ceilings in a compact space can create an uncomfortable, tunnel-like feeling. To prevent that “elevator shaft” effect, we subtly angled the upper two feet of wall space, softening the vertical lines and creating a more intimate architectural envelope.

The tub room’s ledger stone accent wall presented another technical challenge. The stone varied in depth; to prevent it from appearing applied or bulky, we recessed the drywall behind it — ensuring the wall felt architectural rather than decorative. Calacatta marble was selected for both floors and walls throughout the bath, creating unifying, clean lines across the entire suite. Radiant electric floor heating was installed beneath the marble, ensuring the luxurious surface felt as comfortable as it looked.

Natural light played an equally important role in achieving the homeowners’ vision. Skylights were incorporated into the new roof structure, but their placement required extraordinary precision. Each skylight was centered perfectly over its corresponding sink during framing, bringing balanced daylight into both individual bathrooms. The light reflects softly off frosted glass cabinetry, marble surfaces, and glass shower enclosures, creating a bright yet serene atmosphere.

Beyond the bathing spaces, the dressing rooms were designed with equal intention. In her closet, European frameless recessed-panel Shaker cabinetry in white provides a clean, tailored aesthetic. Clear glass cabinet doors allow for easy organization while keeping items dust-free, and a conveniently integrated washer and dryer adds everyday practicality to the luxury experience. His closet features custom red oak cabinetry with mostly open shelving, laid out symmetrically on either side of a window. The design simplifies wardrobe organization, accommodating everything from casual clothing to formal attire while maintaining visual balance.

What makes this project especially meaningful is not only the finished result, but the journey to get there. Throughout the renovation, the homeowners worked with one integrated team guiding design, budgeting, engineering, and construction. Potential structural challenges were solved before they became problems. Finish selections were evaluated in context with lighting and architecture. Every detail—from ceiling angles to stone depth to skylight placement—was coordinated long before installation.

The completed primary suite is both dramatic and deeply personal: dual spa-inspired bathrooms, a chandelier-lit tub room, radiant-heated marble floors, and two highly customized dressing spaces. The project was ultimately recognized as a 2020 NARI Residential Addition Winner over $250K, honoring the craftsmanship and collaboration behind it. View the finished primary suite on our Three Phase Renovation project page.

For homeowners considering a major renovation, this case study demonstrates what a thoughtful design-build process can achieve. A complex project does not have to feel overwhelming when vision, planning, and execution are unified from the very beginning. Instead, it becomes a guided transformation—one that turns inspiration into architecture, and architecture into everyday luxury.