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Michele Lerner

Michele Lerner is an award-winning real estate journalist in the Washington, D.C., area.

Photo: Michael Duerinckx Architecture Photography
The paseo meanders through The Havenly build-to-rent community.

The Appeal of a Build-to-Rent Community With Character

Designed for those who are renters by choice, The Havenly neighborhood of single-family homes succeeds in delivering a sense of belonging for residents
Oct. 10, 2024
Photo: Uneek Image
Design for a lanai in Florida that offers multiple outdoor living opportunities

9 Standout Design Details

Even the smallest design element or space within a larger context can elevate a project from really good to memorable. Ranging from full rooms and front entry makeovers to garden...
June 12, 2024
Photo: Nick Neuberger
The Burch Creek Home, Awarded Home Of The Year In The 2023 Best In American Living Awards, Blends Modernism With Japanese Influences

2023 BALA Winners: The Best of the Best

​  From stylish custom homes to a mixed-use infill project in Music City, these four award-winning projects from the 2023 Best in American Living Awards​ (BALA) exemplify...
April 18, 2024
Photo: Darris Lee Harris Photography
The Peabody School adaptive reuse project in Chicago converted the Elizabeth Peabody School, built in 1894, into 23 apartments and salvaged materials from the school to add character and preserve elements of the building's history. | Photo:

4 Inspiring Adaptive Reuse Projects With Real Impact

From former schools to warehouses, these adaptive reuse projects—winners in the 2023 Best in American Living Awards—succeed in creating new housing and revitalizing their neighborhoods...
Feb. 18, 2024
House That Blues Built Green Stretch Code Mass Cummings Albert Christina

Going Green in The House That Blues Built

Energy efficiency and sustainability have been part of good building practices long before they became part of building codes. In Massachusetts, municipalities including Williamstown...
April 27, 2022
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Supply Chain Blues

You’re not the only one singing the blues about delays in construction and remodeling projects. Albert and Christina Cummings have owned the land for their Berkshire Mountains...
March 31, 2022
House That Blues Built

Introducing The House That Blues Built

Fourth-generation custom homebuilder Albert Cummings knows a lot about two things: building a high-performance home and performing the blues. Cummings splits his time between ...
March 30, 2022