Architects and designers of new homes work hard to produce attractive floor plans that will grow from intricate blueprints to beautiful homes. A lot of hard work and dedication precedes the drawing and design stages, and there are some talented individuals who have been working in the industry for a long time and are extremely good at what they do.

One such individual is Stan Lee, Design Manager for Mapeland Homes Ltd.

A graduate of SAIT’s Architectural Technologies program, Stan says ever since he was a kid he had an interest in drafting. After he graduated from the program, Stan went to work for seven years with a contract design company. “Back then we designed about 20 to 30 per cent of the houses that were being sold by the local builders,” says Stan. “Nowadays most builders have an in-house design team, but back then things were different.” About 14 years ago that company shut down, and Stan has been with Mapeland Homes ever since.

“Mapeland was one of that company’s original builders so I’ve actually been working with them for about 16 years now,” says Stan. “Now I look after all the design work here at Mapeland.” Stan has also been involved in the CRHBA Student Design Housing competition for the last 17 years, a project aimed at helping to bring new talent to the industry.

Stan has probably designed more homes than he can count, but one his most recent floor plans is dubbed the Mount Royal V. This 2,863-square-foot home is not only spacious, but the main floor also has a fabulous open-concept design. “The entrance foyer has a full two-storey theme, with a view of the loft above,” says Stan. “At the back of the house I incorporated the kitchen, dining room and nook into one big area and it’s open to the great room as well. The rear of the home is quite phenomenal.”

He adds that he designed the home this way to take advantage of its location backing on to the Bow River, and this floor plan offers a great view. Also among the home’s unique features is not only is the foyer open to above, but there is also a spacious area Stan’s labelled the Music Room, nestled behind the staircase and offering loads of light from the windows at the front of the home. As well, the entrance from the garage includes a coatroom and laundry area paired with a walk-through pantry that makes carrying groceries to the kitchen a snap.

The upper level is no less impressive than the lower level, with a curved loft area overlooking the main foyer which also offers a view of the decorative niches and the corner plant ledge across from it. There is a full bathroom nestled between the two secondary bedrooms, but the master bedroom and its ensuite are nothing short of enviable. The spa-like ensuite includes a corner soaker tub, separate shower and his-and-hers vanities. Perhaps most unique about this design, however, is a separation of the bedroom and ensuite via an area that includes a large walk-in closet on one side, and an additional closet and linen cupboard as well, making for no shortage of closet space.

Stan says that when it comes to creating homes, it is usually the size and shape of the lot which shapes the design. “The tricky part nowadays is that the lots are so narrow,” he explains. “This lot, however, is a big lot which is a luxury these days.”

The Mount Royal V is now a show home, so those interested in seeing what Stan has designed can get a first-hand look at all bells and whistles the home design offers. Located at 67 West Pointe Manor in Cochrane, the Mount Royal V is worth the drive.