In 1995-99, Brit Andresen designed this nature embracing home in North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. Its main purpose was to do just that, craft a space that would magnify the environment surrounding it. Andresen again, uses her signature of dark wooden beams and shutters throughout the house. This two-story home has a metal roof which illuminates the sounds of natural occurrences, such as rain and wind. It also has wide open rooms with tall windows and timber beams to add a modern perspective with a rustic twist.

1993-95 Brit Andresen dedicated her time to designing this Ocean view Farmhouse in Mount Nee, Queensland, Australia. This one story farmhouse closely resembles many of her designs. Very symmetrical structures, wooden beams, lots of wooden shutters, open space, abundance of windows for light and views. This house is placed at the top of the hill facing a downward slope. The backside of the Farmhouse is constructed with wind bracing panels and few windows with most of the view to been embraced from the alternate side.

In 1997, Brit Andresen designed this magnificent space for a family home in Highgate Hill, Queensland, Australia. While looking through the photos of this place, I was mesmerized. The thick greenery surrounding it was intended for shadows, interesting rays of light, and to add a sense of seclusion. It is a modern take on a cabin in the jungle with symmetrical structures, tall wooden beams, wide open spaces and an abundance of windows. It is a simplistic home that appears safe and as though it is one with nature. Every room is walled with both wood and glass to illuminate the tall ceilings in every room.

The Australian native, Brit Andresen, is an impressive scholar and architect. This photo shows one of my favorite designs of Andresen’s. The unique stilt standing Lookout House in North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia, over looks both Moreton Island and the Cylinder Beach. She re-vamped an older piece of architecture from the 1950s and added this pristine lookout house as an attachment. Made from wood with a few glass shutters and various levels for specific captivating views. This Lookout House differs from the cherry colored wood of the rest of the house. This separate piece offers both serene privacy, outdoor space, and an interesting perspective of views.

This is the well known Reunion Tower located in Dallas, Texas. The first time I encountered this tower, close-up, was for my ninth birthday. My parents treated me to a birthday party on the top floor. Since then I drive past this tower an am fascinated by the architecture of it. There are no other buildings like it in America and it is so well done. It has always reminded me of a magic wand growing up. It is the most unique aspect of the Dallas skyline and it is sure a privilege to be able to look at it and look out of it.

This historical building was built in 1890 as a family home and then about 100 years later, turned into a cozy cottage-like inn. When I visit my mom in Maine, we always stay one night in Bar Harbor, where the houses are incredible. Most of them were built back in the late 1800’s and have a distint barn-like style. This specific inn made an impact on me because of house adorable I thought it was. The way the house wraps around the porch and upper balcony. I felt like I was swept back into time as I walked in.

This stunning Tulsa art museum has been an absolute favorite building of mine over the past five or so years. My nana took my mom and I here a few times for a day of fun and beauty. The first time I visited this museum was in 2014 after The Great Gatsby movie came out. The massive houses and garden spaces in that movie astonished me. So when I visited the Philbook Museum I was in awe at how much it reminded me of mansions from the 20’s. Turns out, it was in fact, the home of a wealthy oil pioneer back in the 20’s before it was later turned into a museum.

This beautiful red building was once the Dallas County Courthouse built back in the late 1800’s. It has since then been turned into a museum for those interested in learning about the history of Dallas. I grew up about 8 minutes away from the Old Red Museum and as a little girl, I called it the big red castle. My dad used to work downtown so, we often drove by this enchanting piece of architecture. I grew up proclaiming to my parents that I would someday get married in the big red castle then proceed to live in it someday afterword’s. Obviously that dream of mine will never come true considering it is a historical building. Looking at photos of the Old Red Museum now, I think I was so attracted to it because of its dark red stones, castle like features, the windows, and the clock tower. I have always been fascinated with historical building because they trigger my imagination as I wonder what went on in the buildings before they became historical monuments.