Why the Architectural Design Process Matters Before You Commit

architect reviewing plans

A successful home doesn’t start with square footage or finishes—it starts with intention. In this January reflection, Mark Eric Benner – Architects explores why the best residential designs begin with how you want to live, not just how you want your home to look, and why early clarity leads to calmer, more confident outcomes.

Designing Your Home Around How You Want to Live in 2026

Plan to design

A successful home doesn’t start with square footage or finishes—it starts with intention. In this January reflection, Mark Eric Benner – Architects explores why the best residential designs begin with how you want to live, not just how you want your home to look, and why early clarity leads to calmer, more confident outcomes.

Designing Second Homes That Become Family Legacies

Designing Second Homes That Become Family Legacies

Summer is the season of escape — long weekends at the lake, mountain hikes, and gathering with family and friends. But a well-designed second home offers more than a seasonal retreat — it becomes a foundation for memories, celebrations, and legacy. At Mark Eric Benner – Architects, we specialize in crafting vacation homes that balance […]

Freedom to Design: Outdoor Living Spaces That Rival the Indoors

Mountain home Independence Day fireworks

As summer unfolds, many of us crave time outdoors — connecting with nature, family, and friends. At Mark Eric Benner – Architects, we believe that the best homes blur the line between indoors and out, offering thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that feel as inviting and functional as the interiors. Why Outdoor Living Deserves Architectural Attention […]

Lodge-Style Living: A Family Retreat Rooted in Nature

Rear yard viewed from dining pavilion

Designed for mountain living, a custom-designed family retreat redefines how outdoor living can feel—warm, grounded, and effortlessly connected to nature. At MEBA, we believe architecture should amplify how we live, gather, and grow. This home is a perfect example of those values in action. Bringing the Lodge Home Drawing inspiration from traditional lodges and rustic […]

MEBA Design News Vol 12

MEBA Design News Vol 12 Living the Lake Geneva Club Life

Living The Lake Geneva Club Life Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Geneva in the Village of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, the Fontana Club Family Home symbolizes familial elegance. Positioned at the idyllic southwest corner of Lake Geneva, this residence is inspired by the rich “Club” traditions heritage, making it the heart of a private […]

Transform your home: Should You Remodel, Add On, or Build New in 2025?

transform your home

As life changes, so do our needs for the spaces we call home. At Mark Eric Benner – Architects, we specialize in creating thoughtful, innovative designs that fit your lifestyle while addressing critical factors like energy efficiency and sustainability. But deciding whether to remodel, add on, or build new can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s challenging […]

10 Perfect Design Ideas for 2024 Home Entertaining

Creating a home designed for entertaining goes beyond making your guests feel comfortable; it’s about crafting a space that allows you to host with ease and enjoyment. Whether welcoming friends for a cozy dinner or hosting a holiday gathering for a crowd, thoughtful design features can make all the difference. Here are ten ideas to […]

Designing for Wellness: How Residential Architecture Can Improve Your Well-Being

Improve your well-being

Our Homes Play a Role in Our Family’s Wellness In today’s fast-paced world, our homes are more than just places to live—they are sanctuaries for inspiration, rest, healing, restoration, and well-being. At Mark Eric Benner Architects, we believe that thoughtful architectural design has the power to impact your physical and mental health profoundly. Architecture is […]

The Power of 2024 Design Partnerships: 6 Strategies of Collaborating for Success

Collaborating for success design strategy meeting

In the world of architecture, success is rarely a solo endeavor. Behind every beautifully designed home or commercial space is a team of talented professionals, each with unique expertise. This collaborative approach, where architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and specialty designers work together, is the key to delivering exceptional architectural outcomes. It is all too […]

How to Prepare for a 2024 Residential Architectural Design Project

prepare for a 2024 residential architecture

Embarking on a residential architectural design project is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Whether planning a new home or a significant renovation, understanding the architectural design process is crucial for a successful outcome. In this guide, we’ll explore the seven phases of architectural design, how to prepare for the process, the five stages of the […]

Building Hope with Residential Architecture in Just 3 Hours: The ASP 2024 Project

Building Hope in 2024 with Residential Architecture At Mark Eric Benner – Architects (MEBA), we believe in the power of community and design’s transformative impact. We are excited to share our involvement in a truly inspiring project: the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) 2024 build event in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. In collaboration with The […]

Creating Spa-Like Retreats: Residential Architecture 2024 Trends in Bathroom Design

2024 Trends in Bathroom Design The bathroom has evolved from purely functional to a personal sanctuary in our fast-paced world. Modern bathroom design is all about creating a spa-like retreat where homeowners can relax, rejuvenate, and escape the stresses of daily life. Whether planning a complete renovation or just updating your current bathroom, these trends […]

The Heart of the Home: 2024 Modern Kitchen Design Trends in Residential Architecture

2024 Modern Kitchen Design Trends

The Heart of the Home: 2024 Modern Kitchen Design Trends in Residential Architecture In the ever-evolving world of residential architecture, the kitchen remains the heart of the home. It’s not just a place for cooking; it’s a space for gathering, entertaining, and making memories. Modern kitchen design trends for 2024 are about enhancing functionality while […]

Top 5 Residential Architecture Design Trends for 2024: What’s In and What’s Out

Top 5 Residential Architecture Design Trends for 2024

As we navigate through the second half of 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the trends shaping residential architecture and interior design this year. From embracing sustainability to integrating advanced technology, 2024 is all about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and environmentally conscious. Here are the top five […]

Hello 2024 Summer and Welcome Fall

Hello 2024 Summer and Welcome Fall

Hello 2024 Summer and Welcome Fall As we bask in the warmth of August and enjoy the vibrant buzz of cicadas, we at Mark Eric Benner – Architect (MEBA) want to take a moment to reflect on the summer season and look ahead to the beautiful changes that fall brings. This is the perfect time […]

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