If you have taken a look at new homes in the last couple of years, you will have probably come across some truly exceptional homes. The thing about these outstanding homes is that they are designed by truly exceptional architects and designers, and you rarely know anything about these dedicated individuals. These people work hard to ensure that the houses on the market are more than just buildings; they’re homes with personality and a unique style.

One such person is James Peek-Philpott, Architectural Technologist with Rembrandt Master Home Builder. In 2004, James designed a home for Dueck Brothers Home Builders, and his house won the award for Best Home in the 1,501 to1,800 square feet category. When asked how he arrived at such a prestigious award, James has quite a history. “I graduated from The Architectural Technologies Program at SAIT in 1992. In the past 14 years I have had the opportunity to work with many of the Calgary home builders and have learned many different methods of home construction,” says James. “Currently I am operating as Peek-Designs and have been drawing/estimating with Rembrandt Master Homes since 2003. Over the past five years I have refined my scope of work to include estimation as well as custom design.” James says that he does still do some private work occasionally; about eight to ten custom renovations a year within the inner city. He says that he doesn’t have time for much more than that however, as Rembrandt keeps him pretty busy. James says that one of his favourite designs is a home called the Tuscan Sun. Located in Air Ranch, Okotoks, this amazing bungalow is nothing like your average bungalow.

James says that the one thing that is unique about this bungalow is that it has been raised nine risers to the entrance (four feet) which is six risers higher than a regular bungalow. This means that from the outside the home looks like a tall bungalow, and from the inside it is a beautiful home with two fully functional levels. As you enter the front foyer, you will notice that it has been dropped down so that you can see both the main and the lower level at the same time. James says that with three-foot windows, and a door leading from the lower family room to a private patio, this level hardly feels like a basement. This private patio is below ground level and includes a luxurious hot-tub and stairs leading up to the backyard.

The entire floor plan is quite amazing, but one feature that James is particularly proud of is the Master Ensuite. “The Master Ensuite was designed as a retreat or in-home spa. We created a space called the Rain Room that includes benches, steam and body sprays, ceiling showers and even speakers.” says James. With relaxing music enveloping you while you soak up the luxury of this room, who would want to leave? James mentions that the Rain Room also includes a large soaker tub, but he says this was out of necessity more than anything, because these days more people spend time in the shower than in the bath. Either way, this ensuite design is truly phenomenal.

James is quick to mention that his strengths with Rembrandt are in putting the house together. “At Rembrandt, there’s a whole team that designs how a home should look, and my strength lies in making people’s ideas and napkin drawings into something tangible,” says James. “I have experience in all aspects of home construction and know how the pieces flow and work together. My philosophy is the home should be functional, efficient and cost effective to meet the individual needs of our clients."   NL