JBrastdesigners has been a Southeast Michigan-based practice, established in 1997. We have always believed: "your home is your castle; built for shelter, and comfort". All while striving to provide vernacular architecture, and to make sure the design will fit within its environmental surroundings. Home designs are based on one's imagination / concept / idea. Also, we always believed the most important spaces in a home are (but not limited to): the master bathroom / kitchen, while still providing the appropriate proportions of all adjacent spaces. The goal is to provide you with a design that you will be happy with, and admire every day, as well as being a gathering place for friends & family, and for other generations to follow. The business serves all the counties of Southeast, MI (Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, & surrounding areas).
Our Philosophy:
Our design philosophy centers on creating spaces that are naturally welcoming, comfortable, and stylish. We strive to deliver creative architectural designs that flow seamlessly to meet your needs. As we begin translating your vision into a 3D representation, we carefully consider what each inch of space will signify. We believe in addressing as many potential issues as possible on paper before construction begins, minimizing unforeseen challenges and ensuring a smoother build process. For example, if cost is a key consideration, we incorporate that into our design approach. This might include small but significant details, or source reduction sustainable ideas, such as avoiding a finished room dimension of 12'-2" versus 11'-11", in order to reduce material waste and optimize efficiency. We adopt a builder’s mentality, envisioning how various elements—such as masonry dimensions, labor requirements, and more will interact in the real world. This proactive approach helps minimize potential issues or challenges that contractors might face during construction. Having worn a nail apron and worked directly on job sites, we bring hands-on experience to our designs. Unlike some designers, who may lack practical construction experience, we understand the intricacies of things like laying roof trusses or hammering a nail.
How the process works:
We begin the design process for every project by understanding each client's desires, needs, and goals. Building strong working relationships with both owners and builders is central to our approach, as both are essential to the success of the project. We are committed to guiding you through every stage of design and construction, should you require it. Trust, mutual respect, and open communication are the foundation of productive, meaningful, and long-lasting partnerships. Every project and client is important to us, and we are here to support and inform you, answering any questions that arise to ensure your expectations are clearly understood and met.
The Team:
John Brast
NCARB | CSI CDT | LEED AP (BD+C, Homes)
Since the age of 10, John has always known he wanted to design homes and eventually become an architect. His first project was building a miniature replica of his family home, crafted from custom sticks. Growing up with a father who was a contractor, John gained hands-on experience and valuable insight into the trade. Through this practical training, he learned the critical importance of detailed drawings, load points, and legible plans. For over 28 years, John has worked on house plans in Michigan and other states, including Florida and Arizona, expanding his expertise across diverse regions. Throughout his tenure at various firms, he contributed to a wide range of residential projects, spanning from smaller developments to multi-million-dollar homes. However, due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to showcase names or images of these projects.
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