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Murphy & Co. Design: Contact
Murphy & Co. Design
2 Division Street, Suite 203
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
Telephone (763) 682-9294
Facsimile (763) 682-9296
Murphy & Co. Design: About
Vision Statement: To create a dream home of exemplary design and quality with the utmost client delight. \n\nMurphy & Co. Design is a residential design firm specializing in distinctive homes, ranging in size from small lake cottages to large estate residences. We also engage in spirited renovation projects, from minor interior remodels or additions to major whole house transformations and expansions. Murphy & Co. brings a highly refined sense of design to all of our projects, resulting in a residence that distinguishes itself from the ordinary. We are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in design and craftsmanship, while having a passion for details and fine materials.
Being recognized for our strong technical skills, we develop artistic hand-drawn conceptual drawings combined with sophisticated CAD documents to ensure that every detail is well thought out and guesswork is eliminated. We also employ three dimensional software and computer imaging work to assist in visualization.\n\nWe pride ourselves on the ability to listen to our clients and understand their aesthetic aspirations and functional needs. Our principle of close communication with our clients and contractors ensures a residence that is a highly evolved culmination of creative thinking and artisan level craftsmanship. This approach results in a process that warrants us to work close with our clients during the entire phases of design and construction, leaving no detail left unnoticed. In addition, we strive to create a personal relationship with each client which begins with our enthusiastic and friendly team, and ends with a lasting and enjoyable experience.
Murphy & Co. Design: Services
Zoning review and municipality meetings Site planning and design Site grading design Conceptual building design Colored renderings 3D computer visualization Construction Documentation Interior architectural component design Electrical design and schematic drawings Construction specifications Energy calculations Bidding assistance Contractor selection Collaboration with outside sources Construction observation
Murphy & Co. Design: Process
Murphy & Co. Process
Conceptual Design
The first phase of the design process is the conceptual design phase. This phase explores the overall concept of the project, focusing on the "big picture". Brainstorming sessions of design requirements, spatial relationships, and basic functions are tested. Multiple options may be presented for design consideration, reinforcing the decision to continue onto the next phase.
Murphy & Co. Process
Schematic Design
The schematic design phase involves starting initial design drawings based on the approved conceptual schemes. Rough draft floor plans, exterior elevations, and a conceptual site plan are developed with considerations made to budget, design requirements, and initial material selections. Zoning guidelines can start to be evaluated at this phase for early design compliance.
Murphy & Co. Process
Design Development
Design development focuses on an overall refinement of the design scheme, including detailed floor plans, exterior elevations, and the site plan drawn to scale. Square footage calculations are completed, while colored renderings and 3D modeling can be prepared if requested. Drawings can be delivered to the contractor for preliminary pricing estimates.
Murphy & Co. Process
Construction Documentation
The construction documentation phase includes developing the very detailed documents used to construct the building. Drawings and specifications are prepared, including all items to complete the "shell" of the building, interior architectural elements, and schematic electrical plans. Detailed cost estimates can be prepared by the contractor to assist in starting the construction phase.
Murphy & Co. Process
Construction
This is the phase where the concepts become a reality. Murphy & Co. represents the client's interests during the construction phase. We can assist you with contractor selection, on-site inspections, building component shop drawing reviews, and final interior and exterior material selections.
Work Portfolio: New Construction
Harrington Road Residence
{ Wayzata, Minnesota }
Inspired by classic Normandy style architecture, this residence on an infill lot in Wayzata blends seamlessly into its historic neighborhood. Hand-hewn white oak beams, heavy iron strapped plank doors, and capistrano heart pine floors add a French farmhouse quality to this home. The owners' desire for a residence that feels as if it's been on the site for a century was achieved with low roof massing, intimate interior spaces, and period details.
Schmidt Lake Stone Lodge
{ Buffalo Township, Minnesota }
Situated on an idyllic point of Schmidt Lake, this lodge style house takes advantage of its position by locating main living spaces on different view corridors of the lake. The owners' love of outdoors is reflected by the "refined rustic" elements, including a combination of stone, brick and iron-pegged timbers. Hand-carved wood elements include a lower Bar with the lake bottom, house location, and neighboring roads carved into the curved five inch thick cedar top.
Mill Creek Ridge Farmhouse
{ Chatham Township, Minnesota }
The owners' love for Minnesota's farmhouse vernacular is evident throughout this meandering rambler, including exposed timber barn rafters, quarter-pane windows, and farmhouse inspired cabinetry. The large country kitchen plays host to gourmet meals, while the theater is the gathering spot for sports events and movies. A barn with basketball court and game loft, along with a full exterior baseball diamond, is part of the property's master plan.
French Country Style Residence
{ Silver Creek, Minnesota }
An elevated peninsula on this eighty acre property was the starting point for this French Country Estate. Set amidst dense hardwoods, natural wetlands, and a private lake, this residence takes full advantages of its surroundings. A palette of rich millwork, plaster, and stone creates an understated elegance throughout the home, while the lower level sport court provides a multi-use recreational space for the kids during all seasons.
Schmidt Lake Timber Lodge
{ Buffalo Township, Minnesota }
Nestled on the fringe of a forest and Schmidt lake, this residence incorporates exposed gusseted timber-framed trusses and masonry columns. Indiana limestone, tumbled brick, and wood pegged half-timbers comprise the exterior, while the desire for a casual interior is achieved with hand-scraped hickory floors, cedar timbers and alder millwork.
Pulaski Craftsman Lake Cottage
{ Buffalo, Minnesota }
This cottage combines the look of a lakeside cabin, coupled with the simple detailing of a craftsman style lodge. The property is narrow and deep, with a beautiful westerly facing view of the lake. The site was once home to a cabin owned by the family's grandparents, constructed in the 1940s. Cedar and timbers form the casual, rustic feel of the exterior. Fir, birch, and maple compliment the bungalow inspired colors of the interiors.
Pulaski Craftsman Carriage House
{ Buffalo, Minnesota }
As a companion building to the main cottage, this carriage house includes a billiards room, media room, bar, arcade zones, and a main level motor shop complete with automotive lifts. An art wall flanking the stairs is a favorite spot for the kids to display new masterpieces. Used to host anything from birthday parties to pizza & movie nights, this building is enjoyed by the entire family.
Work Portfolio: Renovations
Work Portfolio: In Progress
Chippewa River Normandy
{ Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin }
Inspired by an eclectic blend of French architecture, including French Normandy & French Provincial, this stately residence will be sited high above the Chippewa River on a densely wooded site. A stone exterior balcony will offer incredible panoramic river valley views, while the interior will enjoy historic detailing with modern day conveniences for an active family. Juliet balconies, a stone stair turret, and corbelled entablatures are among the exterior features.
The Gatehouse
{ Deephaven, Minnesota }
Once the site of a early 1900's camp, this landmark Lake Minnetonka estate included many small outbuildings for its summertime visitors. This particular building, located near the entrance to the site, will receive an interior & exterior renovation with a design that reflects the English Country Cottage heritage as seen in the regions of Yorkshire and Sussex. Small & humble at 860 square feet, this cottage will be modified to share a larger open interior space, while still allowing separate rooms for privacy.
Bay Lake Cabin
{ Deerwood, Minnesota }
Nestled into a beautiful west facing lot, this cozy cabin on Bay Lake lives large for a footprint of only 1260 square feet. The owner's desire for an efficient house with no wasted space resulted in intimate areas differentiated by seating alcoves, suspended log collar ties, a built-in banquette dining area, and a large central fireplace. Designed in the alpine chalet style, the exterior features deep overhangs with tapered log ends, and a log & tree supported deck to relax after a day of playing on the lake.
Villa Concetto
{ Your Site }
Envision yourself in this new concept villa designed for your site. From its warm inviting spaces to its abundance of natural light, this home sets a new standard in Minnesota living. Featured spaces include an Entry Loggia, Inglenook, Porch with eating nook and fireplace, and Rear Terrace with outdoor cooking fireplace. Careful attention was placed in creating a home that is a blend of European & Spanish Colonial Revival influences of the early 20th century. Please call for details & options.
Bohn's Point Mediterranean
{ Orono, Minnesota }
This graceful, time-tempered home was inspired by the rustic Mediterranean architecture of early 1900s Southern California dwellings, as well as the Spanish region of Andalusia. Situated on an elevated ridge of Bohn's Point on Lake Minnetonka, stunning views can be seen from the hand-forged juliet balconies, dining loggia, and upper-level covered terrace with hand-carved stone columns. Rich interior textures reflects the owners' love of Mediterranean, Moroccan and Italian houses.
Medina Shingle Style
{ Medina, Minnesota }
Inspired by classic East coast shingle style architecture, this family home is situated on the former site of a 19th century farmstead. Simple and understated, the weathered cedar shingle exterior recalls the seaside houses seen on Martha's Vineyard. Elegant enameled millwork and long leaf heart pine flooring contribute to the casual feel of the interior spaces.
Tonka Bay Peninsula Residence
{ Tonka Bay, Minnesota }
Located on a peninsula between Echo Bay and Lafayette Bay on Lake Minnetonka, the owners of this property desired to remove their existing lake house and construct a new residence to capture the multiple views offered by their unique site. Murphy & Co. developed a layout that would not only increase the view, but also work within the tight setback and imperious surface requirements. The result is a timeless design based on the English half-timber style, with most every room capturing lake views.
Upper Peninsula Cottage
{ Portage Charter Township, Michigan }
Surrounded by beautiful towering pines, this Adirondack inspired home in the U.P. is reminiscent of early 1900s camps as seen on the shores of Saranac and Upper St. Regis lakes in upstate New York. A study in maximizing the most of a small footprint, this home boasts five upper level bedrooms, including an open catwalk centered over a great dining hall. Large tree trunks form the front porch columns, while lodgepole pine logs compose the structural columns, ridge beam, and collar ties of the interior.
Highcroft Residence
{ Wayzata, Minnesota }
Situated on a serene two-acre site, this family home is a mix of northern European architecture and refined rustic domestic influences. Creating a timeless design to accommodate the enjoyment of a contemporary lifestyle was a strong goal. The heart of the home is a combined dining, hearth, kitchen, and porch area. An enclosed bridge with a windowed cupola connects the husband's rustic "world" - a building with a private study and shop, including reclaimed barn siding and a rusted steel roof.
Laguna Beach Villa
{ Laguna Beach, California }
With stunning Pacific Ocean views, the owners of this Laguna Beach property realized the hidden potential of this house on the hill. With a penchant for detail, the owners began the process with an extensive interior renovation, followed with an exterior renovation based on an Italian villa aesthetic. Living spaces facing the ocean were increased with the addition of a roof terrace, covered balconies, and an entrance loggia.
Northome Residence
{ Deephaven, Minnesota }
Designed as a classic interpretation of a traditional English country cottage, this home for a young family embodies a modern day interior layout for casual, comfortable everyday living. Taking stock of the owners' exquisite collection of architectural antiques and furnishings, a plan evolved to make prominent use of these historic treasures. Exterior features include reclaimed platteville limestone walls, recessed plaster windows, and a timber entry arch.
Marysville Four-Square
{ Marysville Township, Minnesota }
Perched on a highly elevated ridge overlooking the tranquil rolling countryside of Marysville Township, this classically designed foursquare was to appear as though its been added onto over the years to accommodate a growing household. The home's activity is centered on its massive stone fireplace, which is open to the country kitchen, dining room, and upper loft. A large porch with a pass-through to the kitchen is the ideal place to enjoy lazy summer days.
White Oaks Renovation
{ Edina, Minnesota }
As a secondary project to the White Oaks lower level renovation (see Renovations section), this project was a redesign of half the main level. The kitchen, which includes a French carved stone range hood and French pewter counter, was redesigned to increase functionality and form. The pantry and rear entry were enlarged, while the once three season porch was made year-round with new windows, in floor heat, and a carved limestone fireplace.
Locust Hills Residence
{ Wayzata, Minnesota }
Located in the distinguished Locust Hills community on Gray's Bay, this home is designed as a blend of early 1900s Lake Minnetonka and classic European lodges. Developed as a virtual speculation home for a prominent builder, this home is currently for sale and can be custom tailored to your desire. This ideal cul-de-sac location includes views facing the lagoon, boardwalk, and the stone arch bridge.
Alpine Style Lake Lodge
{ Buffalo, Minnesota }
From its battered stone walls to its broad sheltering overhangs, this combination garage and guest house is the first phase in a family's lakeside retreat. The main level features a two-car deep garage complete with service lift to showcase the owners' collection of classic and current vehicles, while the upper level carries on the automotive theme in a contemporary setting. As the main house is constructed, this structure will serve as living quarters until its connection to the main residence.
Albertville Body Shop
{ Albertville, Minnesota }
With a steady increase of business over the years, the owners of this auto body shop on main street Albertville have acquired neighboring buildings and constructed additions to keep up with the demanding workloads. A design scheme was implemented to create a single cohesive look reminiscent of a 1930s service garage, complete with hand-made wood and iron service doors, double hung wood windows, gooseneck light fixtures, and antique paint manufacturers signs.
Lake Pulaski Prairie Style
{ Buffalo, Minnesota }
This modern interpretation of prairie style architecture will be nestled into a beautiful hillside site on the north shore of Lake Pulaski. Broad six feet overhangs, minimalist detailing, and a steel framed cantilevered deck all enforce the contemporary presence of the structure.
Lake Marion Renovation
{ Deephaven, Minnesota }
With a soon to be increasing family size, the owners of this home on Lake Marion requested a new children's bedroom, garage expansion, a playroom and study above the garage, and a design scheme to finish their lower level. In addition, an east coast inspired exterior renovation was part of the wish list. Second floor spaces were designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure, and to take advantage of the serene lake views.
Cottagewood Residence
{ Deephaven, Minnesota }
Located in the historic Cottagewood neighborhood on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this one and a half story lake house embodies many amenities to enjoy the property's spectacular westerly facing views and gradual slope to the sandy shore. Features include a kitchen which opens to a covered terrace and exterior fireplace, a roof deck outside the master suite, and a dining hall which opens to an intimate stone courtyard.