University of Colorado

Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Design

University of Michigan - Master of Architecture

Registered Architect in Michigan, Montana, Utah and Wisconsin

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With more than thirty years of wide-ranging and award-winning design experience, Mark has made innovative modern architecture a quintessential part of the northern Michigan landscape. From lakeside cottages to public waterfront spaces, his designs embody his personal philosophy that structures should be attuned towards the passions that make them necessary. Based in Harbor Springs with ongoing projects across the country, Mark brings his extensive experience with activity-oriented design to every step of the process, from programming and budgeting to approvals and construction oversight. 

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Northern Michigan University

Bachelor of Fine Arts -  Environmental Design

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Steven began his professional design career in Mark's office more than twenty years ago, and returns to help lead Bluebird Day's Design Studio. Before coming back, he spent fifteen years focused exclusively on residential design-build and brings both practical experience as well as a high standard for quality design work to each of his projects. He has a passion for integrating sustainable practices and building techniques seamlessly into his work through sensible application and careful specification, depending on client needs and desires. Steven believes in doing whatever it takes to build our clients dreams and brings thoughtful, practical solutions to each projects.

Why did we choose the name Bluebird Day? A bluebird day is something special. During the dead of winter in Michigan, after weeks of cloud cover, a storm will come through and blanket the area in fresh snow, clearing the air on its way out. The end result is blue sky and sunshine above a beautiful, fresh landscape.  

 

A classic bluebird day. 

 

There is a certain excitement in looking out the window or stepping outside knowing that the day will be cherished and enjoyed. Can architecture make you feel this way too? Yes--  we think that’s exactly what architecture should do. Architecture should evoke energy and joy, should help shepherd you, excited, into a beautiful day. Whether you are going outside to explore, staying in to relax, or heading to work, we believe the architecture around you should be a notable part of your sensory experience. 

 

Our favorite projects require unique and thoughtful approaches to building design and assembly—after all, architecture shouldn’t be boring. That might mean using shipping containers to build commercial kitchens and bathrooms off-site to expedite construction during a short building season (like our mid-mountain restaurants). It might mean using a quonset hut building to lower cost and build time for a modern guest cottage, or creating multifamily housing projects using modular designs for a more controlled assembly. We use passive solar design and local materials whenever possible. Future design goals include the use of mass timber, straw bale structural insulation panels, 3D-printed concrete, earth bermed and underground construction methods, and net-zero community development. 

 

Why Bluebird Day Architecture? 

 

We believe in bringing progressive ideas and creative approaches to every project. We believe that architecture can and should be timeless and intuitive, inspiring and logical. We believe that good design improves lives and can be passed on from one generation to another. Let’s create spaces that are responsive to the user, site, and environment, where families, employees, and community members can feel sunshine in the middle of winter.

 

Let’s make every day a Bluebird Day.