When homeowners start imagining their “forever home,” one of the first—and most important—questions is whether to build new or transform what they already have. Both paths can result in a stunning, highly personalized residence. The right choice depends less on trends and more on how you live, what you value, and what your property allows.…
When Bev and Dave began considering their next chapter as empty nesters, they knew they wanted a home that combined modern simplicity with warm livability. After evaluating whether to renovate their previous Georgian home, they instead chose to build new—pursuing an open, contemporary ranch that would feel connected to nature and remain adaptable for years…
If you’re building a luxury home (or remodeling a special space), adding a wine cellar or dedicated wine-display area isn’t just about storage—it’s about creating a distinctive, functional, and entertaining element that reflects your lifestyle and design vision. At Orren Pickell Building Group, we believe your wine space should look incredible, store efficiently, and deliver…
When most people think about building a custom home, they picture stunning kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and beautifully crafted living spaces. But for many families, “family” also includes four-legged members — and they deserve thoughtful design, too. At Orren Pickell Building Group, we believe your home should support the way you live — and that includes…
When you think about building a luxury home, your mind probably jumps to architectural details, fine finishes, and beautiful materials. But today, what truly defines a high-performance home goes far beyond what you see—it’s also about what you hear, how you experience comfort and convenience, and how seamlessly technology integrates into your lifestyle. That’s where…
Aging in place — being able to live independently in your own home as you get older, rather than needing to move to an assisted living facility or retirement community — is a topic getting a lot of attention in the home-building industry. And at Orren Pickell, it’s something we explore with our luxury home-building…
So you’ve decided to remodel a room (or several rooms) in your home, and you’re researching and interviewing firms to help make your vision a reality. Congratulations! But if you’re like most homeowners, you may feel somewhat confused as the estimates start to arrive. Because every remodeling company has its own process for developing estimates,…
There was nothing wrong with the condo. However, built in 2007, its standard, low-quality finishes were showing their age and layout didn’t make a lot of sense. Enter the Pickell team, with an ability to see the tremendous impact a few minor shifts and brand new finishes could make. This soft loft conversion in Chicago’s…
Want to build on your own lot in Chicago or the North Shore? Congratulations! It’s an exciting time for you and your family. But if you’re land shopping before you choose your builder, you may be making an expensive mistake. All lots are not created equal, and the location, features and regulations that apply to…
It’s no secret that when you live in the city, in a luxury high-rise or an historic brownstone, working within the existing footprint of your unit can be challenging since you don’t have the luxury of building up or adding a room like you do in a single-family home. But that doesn’t mean you don’t…