Meet Brian Barkwell.

My memory says 23 years, I started collaborating with Valerie as an architect with another firm, and then after working together for a few years we eventually became business partners.

I grew up in East Grand Rapids, so yes, I've always lived in Michigan. Except when I went to college in Montana for five years. Montana was wonderful. I was intrigued by the romance of the West. First, I went to junior college in Michigan for two years and lived at home, and was planning on going to the University of Michigan. But the West was calling. I was into snow-skiing and loved the mountains. I took a trip to Montana the summer before college and changed my mind last minute.

I did not always want to be an architect. I didn't always have a direction, as I watched friends leave and decide the path they wanted. I have always liked to draw and was interested in art. I took drafting classes in high school and enjoyed it. What I wanted was to be a cartoonist. My Grandfather was instrumental in my decision though, he supported me and said I could be a cartoonist, but ultimately I needed a professional degree. He was very persuasive, and I admired and respected him a lot. I never thought I would be an architect in my wildest dreams because that's what my Grandfather was, and he was a genius; how could I do that too?

In general, it's essential to be aware and in tune with life around you, not just the physical world but the people around you. The world around me inspires me. I am always trying to keep my head in the moment and not daydream too much.

I've always been interested in sports, skiing, windsurfing, sailing, love the beach, and live on the beach in the summer.

I met my wife Sharon when we were kids. We actually were neighbors on the Lake, and I was their paperboy. So I have known her almost all of my life while our families were good friends. Her father taught me how to sail. We were just friends and acquaintances until college, and then after college, we started dating. We have been married 35 years, and we have two lovely daughters. Abby lives in Brooklyn with her husband Justin. My youngest Margie lives in San Diego, California. We enjoy visiting them both as often as often.

Simple - “be kind."

For me, there are multiple correct answers to any design problem. I think it's important we're not tied up in the dogma of design. We're not wearing handcuffs about design. Frankly, I like all good design, whether it's traditional or contemporary. Houses are very personal to the client; we're recognizing their vision and trying to create it.

It would be hanging out with my family at the beach—family cookouts and bonfires at night and watching the sunset together.

We love Bistro Bella Vita. And in the summer, we love grabbing a Fricano's pizza near the beach. I love a good cocktail from a speakeasy and strive to experience a local where we know the servers and workers.