Miller House, Atlanta, Georgia, 2006-2007
Mark Stevens Builder, Atlanta, Georgia
Kim Zimmerman Interiors, Atlanta, Georgia
The Miller house takes its inspiration from coastal New England shake style homes of the early 20th century. Its asymmetrical massing, porches, and tower element all reflect the resort architecture of an earlier time. Other elements of style include the wide double sash windows with panes of glass on the top sash and a single pane on the bottom, or a diamond pane pattern on an accent window. Because of the charm of the style, it has endured as an American favorite and has been reinterpreted over and over again through the years.
For this house, Baker chose a Tennessee fieldstone cut in a random ashlar pattern to bring warmth to the base of the house. The house’s cedar shake is stained a weathered gray color and this in turn is accented with a soft white trim color. An authentic cedar shingle roof continues the textural element and compliments the house with its aged soft silver gray color. The complete effect is one of substance but also of inviting hospitality which is exactly what the Miller family wished to achieve.
The interiors are a perfect blending of fresh modern elements which play off the rich architecture of the rooms. With modern art pieces carefully selected for important walls, the interiors have a bright and cheerful effect. Wide plank heart-of-pine floors add warmth and character and give an informality to the spaces.
While the house seems to have a traditional floor plan, it in fact incorporates features not found on a house of the earlier eras. These include a large master suite on first floor, a kitchen and breakfast and family room areas all open to one another, as well as multiple car garages. Adding to the charm of the house is the porte-cochere with its broad elliptical arch which connects one of the garages to the house.
For this active family with their three children, the home has become a comfortable center of family life. The second-floor craft room under the cupola is a favorite space for the children to work on art projects while the lower level with its game room and home theater is designed with children in mind.
William T. Baker
William T. Baker is the Founder and Principal of William T. Baker & Associates, Atlanta, Georgia, one of the foremost residential design firms in the United States today. Mr. Baker has achieved an international reputation for his luxury residences that represent the highest standards of craftsmanship and materials.
With more than 35 years of experience working with C-suite executives from Fortune 500 firms, celebrities, and top professionals from a number of fields, Mr. Baker has received numerous awards for his work including the prestigious Arthur Ross Award for Architecture in New York City and the Urban Design Commission Award for Excellence in Atlanta.
William T. Baker enjoys a reputation for the impeccable design of private residences, commercial projects, and historic renovations. His work spans the American continent, Asia, and the Caribbean and has been featured extensively in print and broadcast media around the world. He writes and lectures on a variety of subjects including architectural design, theory, and the history of architecture.
His other published works include New Classicists, an international best seller, Architectural Excellence in a Diverse World Culture, analyzing the timeless principles of architectural aesthetics, and the series Great American Homes Volumes 1,2,and 3.
William T. Baker holds professional memberships in the Institute of Classical Architecture (ICA) and the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU).
He has served on the board of a number of community organizations focused on affordable housing initiatives and low-income challenges and holds memberships in several historical societies.
