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42° North - Architecture + Design
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Ryan La Haie lives by the idea that if you love what you do, you'll
never work a day in your life. It's with that passion that he began 42°
North - Architecture + Design, a Michigan-based boutique architecture
firm that allows Ryan to practice what he was born to do: design. His
grandmother saw a spark early in his childhood and encouraged him
to use drawing as an outlet for creativity. Obviously, his grandmother's
intuition was correct, as Ryan has spent two decades at some of the
most prominent firms in southern Michigan, and eventually became
the principal and lead designer at his own firm.
Ryan believes that there is much to be learned from studying the
history of architecture and the styles of the past. Carrying that
knowledge with him, he and his team utilize today's technology to its
fullest extent. Every home is 3D modeled before breaking ground—
this means they can offer the client exterior fly-around videos in
addition to interior walk-through videos. The 42 North process is
distinct and begins with Ryan spending a day with the homeowners,
touring their current house. Clients also complete an in-depth
questionnaire that helps convey individual traits and details of their
everyday life. Personality and lifestyle become the greatest influencer
of the home's design, in addition to the land and surrounding
environment. The process continues with planning, schematic design,
and design development. Ryan and his team remain engaged the
entire time—until the homeowners have their new keys in hand.
