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The parallels in Atlanta in the 1970s have defined their phenomenally successful collaboration ever since. Though unknown to each other, they both studied architecture at Southern Technical Institute at the same time and both worked for builders during school. In the 1980s, they honed their skills working in construction-related energy initiatives as well as for local architects and builders. In 1985, their paths finally converged. Mike was a designer for a national homebuilder, while Jim was designing custom homes for an Atlanta architect. Given the parallel paths their lives had taken up until then, it was hardly surprising when they realized their shared passion for something bigger: redefining the “American home.” When Mike launched the firm in 1993, he invited Jim to join him as partner.
With no pre-designed plans or a solid record, the firm’s early days were both exciting and daunting. In every design meeting with builders, they would take careful notes, and then go off to transform what they had learned into practical yet compelling residential “products.” Armed with their new creations, they would go to work convincing those same builders and developers that their designs would outsell the competition. They did.
Knowing that good residential design is the most important component of the building process, they soon saw their designs succeed in the Atlanta market. Their mastery of the design process is at the heart of their comfort level across all house styles. Offering both custom home designs and pre-designed home plans, their portfolio ranges from rustic mountain vacation homes to getaway beach cottages to luxury manor estates.
Building someone’s own special “castle” is an intensely personal journey, and the company has a profound respect for the process. The firm’s consultants meet with each client and delve deeply into their lifestyle, needs, dreams, and desires. Ideas from these brainstorming sessions evolve into home designs that are livable and functional.
They then apply these and other design innovations to traditional house design – constantly seeking new ways to move Classicism in fresh and original directions. Their designs pay homage to traditional elements and rely heavily on historical precedence. They masterfully blend these classic elements into new floor plans that feature open flow and plenty of natural light.
By conservative estimate, three or more families move into a new Garrell Associates home design every day – across the country and beyond. Nearly a decade and a half of designing has yielded a portfolio of over 3000 home plans. To date, this prolific output has garnered the firm more than 200 professional awards, with numerous Street of Dreams® honors in 1999, 2001, 2005, and 2006. One rustic yet elegant design for a show home in Big Canoe, Georgia featured truss work made from 200 year-old virgin pine logs reclaimed from a river bottom, and a kitchen with oiled, natural slate countertops. In 2006, this “Tranquility” show home earned the firm the prestigious “Best in American Living Award” (BALA) from Professional Builder magazine. While the considerable industry recognition has been enormously gratifying for the firm, both Mike and Jim agree that their true reward comes from knowing that thousands of people enjoy an unparalleled quality of life with their families living in the homes they have created.
The firm cares about each client and becomes a faithful steward of their dreams, keeping loyal clients coming back. That caring extends to their community as well. Over the years, the firm has donated design work for structures owned by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Wildlife Federation, the Paul Anderson Youth Home and HomeAid Atlanta. For the latter’s 2006 annual benefit, Project Playhouse, the firm generously designed two showcase playhouses modeled after the original Fayette County Courthouse and the St. Simons Lighthouse. This public event raised much-needed funds for Atlanta’s homeless. Jim and Mike firmly believe in protecting the environment and the future of our children. The firm is always happy to donate to these worthy causes.
Starting initially in the metro Atlanta area, the firm continues to expand nationally. For Mike Garrell and Jim Klippel, it is all about continuing to innovate and grow. Every day is another opportunity to create ever better, more distinctive, and more livable designs – designs that make a home a joy and a treasure. Above all, what truly drives this constantly evolving partnership is yet another thing that these two innovators have in common – a deeply shared belief that “great design inspires the spirit and nurtures the soul.” Thousands of Garrell Associates clients would agree.
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