Robert Heilman:

2010 marks Bob’s tenth year at Airoom.  Bob holds both a Bachelors and Master of Architecture from the Univ. of Il – Champaign – Urbana and became a Licensed Architect in 1993. He is also a Certified Green Builder.

Before joining Airoom, Bob held positions in project development for companies such as White Hen Pantry, Hertz, Gateway, Hallmark, etc. leading new store and facility project creation, but residential work has always been his passion. 

“I feel that over the last ten years I have excelled at understanding client’s needs/wants and translating those wishes into functionally beautiful projects!  I especially like kitchen and family room design as these spaces truly are the heart of the home!”

Some projects that Bob particularly enjoyed developing are:

Bob’s wife, Sheila and two daughters, Kelsey and Erin have resided in Oak Park for the last 20 years.  They love the community and are now in the midst of their third home renovation project!  You can say it’s a hobby that the whole family can enjoy!  When time allows you can find Bob and his family in northern Wisconsin sitting on a dock watching the loons and eagles. 

Yes, this is the kitchen of this Arizona home.

This week, instead of the typical picture gallery we normally feature, we thought we’d bring a narrated video of a breathtaking estate in Arizona. Certainly, this home probably runs into the tens of millions of dollars, but curious homeowners looking to make their home remodel or addition a bit extra special might take come away from watching this with a few ideas to discuss with their architect or home designer.

Unfortunately, we can’t embed this video into our blog, so we’re providing this link to it on YouTube. Sit back and enjoy the next six minutes of luxury and innovation.

If you’ve been wondering how you can transform your home into an inspiring living area please feel free to submit your questions. We’d be happy to answer them as well as provide you with monthly design tips and special offers.

Sustainable home designs are more common than ever. Since Earth Day is this week we decided to highlight a “Green Home.”  The home we picked this week is an environmentally-friendly beach house in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. On first look it’s obvious that this is more than just a beach house. Its sustainable features make this contemporary cottage-style house all the more appealing. Located in Truro, on a plot overlooking Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown.

The builder states, “The Energy Star Certified home features a geothermal wall, zero carbon footprint, and a photovoltaic system which allows electricity produced and not consumed, to be pushed back to the grid.” The roof sports a solar electric panels that provide energy and keeps a battery charged to ensure basic home functions with out the use of a gas-powered generator in the event of a blackout.

Heating and cooling the house is provided by the geothermal system coupled with a radiant heating system. Along with using energy efficient appliances and water heaters the builder ensured that all spaces are illuminated using energy efficient fixtures. The house also minimizes its use on fossil fuels by using propane only for cooking.

The interior – furnished with renewable bamboo furniture and featuring expansive walls of windows for natural lighting throughout – is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the environment.

To take the next step in turning your house to a “green home” make an appointment to meet with one of our designers.

Whistler Cay Residence - British Columbia, Canada

In Chicago, we hope that winter is nearly winding down, but we know that’s not always the case. To bid adieu to winter we’d like to share with you a beautiful 5,000 sq ft. Whistler ski lodge in British Columbia, Canada.

With a contemporary look on the outside incorporating materials such as timber, stone and natural cedar siding, the Whistler Cay Residence respectfully asserts its presence on the street but applies these materials in a modern language with clean and simple gestures.

The grand living spaces feature expansive glass windows that open up to views of Whistler, Blackcomb and surrounding mountains. The stunning interior, which is both modern and simple at the same time, promotes open space with a stylish kitchen and great room including a lovely fireplace.

Looking to make your home as spectacular as this one or to incorporate in to your remodel? Ask one of our design consultants how!

Conceived as the place where the arid Peruvian desert meets the Pacific Ocean, this beach house located at Punta Misterio, 72 miles south of Lima, was created by Longhi Architects.

Sand garden roofs act as the extension of the desert; lap and recreation pools connect the ocean with the house; while a glass box hangs from the structure symbolizing architecture between sand and water. It is an intervention where the integration of architecture and landscape was a crucial concern.

Project Type: Residential
Location: Punta Misterio, Peru
Project year: 2006-2008
Constructed Area: 5704 sq ft.

(Courtesy of The Architectural Review)

Looking to make your home as spectacular as this one or to incorporate in to your remodel? Ask one of our design consultants how!