Posts in Designs and Homes
Sophisticated Living SOPHI Awards 2024

The “Oscars” of the architectural, building, and interior design industries took place on November 6th, and what a night it was. As they say in movie parlance, “That’s a Wrap!” The dazzling event crystallized at the posh and historic 21c Museum hotel, and was the result of months of scrupulous planning to showcase the best and brightest stars of St. Louis. First, on the street, cars lined up for the valet, attendees then climbed the colorful “Fallen Fruit” staircase up to the 21c museum areas. Servers passed delicious hors d’oeuvres. Guests supped craft cocktails, top-shelf bourbons, fine wines, and all manner of libations while mingling with the tony crowd. A tingle was in the air as the time was approaching to find out who would walk away with a coveted SOPHI. Wait no more… Read on to see who won and the work that earned their trophies.

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The Art and Science of Building: Seeing the World Differently

Bob Clark has built one of the country’s largest construction firms, Clayco. Here, he reflects on his journey from start-up to top builder, evolving from his earliest company motto, "Construction Success" to the current one, "The Art and Science of Building."
Through the years, renowned photographer Matt McFarland has captured the essence of Clark's vision. Read and see more about how their partnership continues to make an indelible industry imprint for all to see now and into the future.

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Oh, Zillow

Chris Stratmann and Clif LaPlante resided in the Central West End. After years in a 6,000-square foot historic home on Westminster Place, they had downsized to a condo. And then they started browsing online, and, well — Oh, Zillow. They found a home on a 1-acre lot not far from the city, and with a little imagination they have transformed the 1928 house the original owners would recognize from the front drive. But that’s all. Read on to find out how the online home search engine Zillow changed their lives.

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The Glass House

Homeowners of a Frontenac home wanted a house that was clean, contemporary, fresh, and flooded with light with an open concept, a modern yet warm home. Kelly Johnson of Kelly Johnson Design, created a team with Nick and Kelly Kenter, president-ceo of the construction company Sitelines, to make that vision a reality. The result is, in a word, stunning. See for yourself here.

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The Diderot Effect

A decade ago when this homeowner strolled through the front door of this century home in Parkview Place, she was moonstruck. “It was love at first sight,” she recalls. While the home captured her heart, the décor did not. While the previous owners took great care of the 1923 home, it hadn’t been updated since the 1980’s. So, the homeowners sought out interior designers and landed on Channing Krichevsky and Maria Hogrefe of C&M Interiors. Read on to learn of the transformation.

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Artistry in Engineering

In September, the eyes of the interior design world collectively cast its discerning gaze on Paris for the Maison&Objet show and Paris Design Week. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at how Parisian designers and artisans Franck Genser and Bina Baitel employ a transdisciplinary approach to bring elegant and exciting interiors to life.

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Old Meets New

It took a St. Louis family five years to find just the right property for their second home. But once they did, they immediately knew it was right for them. When they found their spot, they knew it was perfect at first sight: 170 acres of rolling hills, high vistas in the Augusta-Defiance area.

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Home Again

Inheriting your parents’ house as an adult comes with its own set of unique challenges – especially for those who decide to turn their childhood home into one for the next generation. Chief among them: How do you honor your own memories (as well as those of your parents) of living there with the need to create a home of your own, one that’s right for your family?

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My Magical Cottage in the Woods

When you design high-end kitchens and baths for a living, it’s hard to pick your five or even 10 favorite projects. And that’s how it was with Jenny Rausch from Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath. I might as well have asked her to choose her favorite child. Instead, she offered, “My favorite thing I have ever designed is our family’s cottage in the woods.” After I looked at photos and heard the story of the cottage, it was easy to see and understand why.

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