23 If the long-time builders you work with are request you start a company and design homes on a full-time basis, chances are your services stand out in the competitive world of residential design. This was the case with John Cranmer, who established Perspectives Home Designs LLC more than eight years ago, driven by this demand and his far-reaching experiences in this space. Today, John continues to uphold this reputation, giving plans his full attention and adhering to the latest codes, all whilst adhering to deadlines. Following this recognition, we caught up with John for more. Even those clients who live outside of Traverse City are kept in the loop at all times, with John communicating via phone and over the internet to ensure they never miss an update. He commented: “I explain my side of the design and why I do things the way I do.” However, despite ensuring he has ample time to explain everything in detail, listening is the foundation of John’s approach to clients, something he prides himself as being extremely good at given he has experience with his mother, four older sisters, wife, and three daughters! Of course, consulting with the homeowner is just the beginning of the process, and Perspectives also works with contractors and builders across the process, remaining attentive to both their needs and those of their suppliers. Following a similarly encompassing method, John provides all of the information everyone in this next stage of the process will need, with these preliminary plans offering just enough information so that a rough budget can be implemented and an approximate timeframe set out well ahead of time. Similarly, the third and final stage of the process involves the code officials, and working closely with numerous offices and municipalities across Michigan – as well as the likes of architectural committees, zoning boards, and historical departments – Perspectives is able to build homes fully compliant with all local regulations. John will even work directly with the code office if required, or otherwise make requested design revisions quickly. “I will go and finalise the plan to satisfy the code office, suppliers, and the builder.” As for what this comprehensive, codecompliant method looks like in action, John shared with us an exciting project the company worked on recently: a residential art studio. The client initially believed a standalone structure would be the best course of action, but the spot they had chosen had some major drawbacks, as the structure needed its own electrics and plumbing and did not take advantage of the views. This is why John instead advised an extension of their existing home, solving these challenges in the process. Discussing the logistics of this project, John told us: “The part I admire the most about this project is the seamless transition from the existing home to the addition. It looks as if it were built with the home originally.” In fact, this is a ‘calling card’ of sorts for John, who has a unique talent for being able to extend the vision of the first architect. One of many skills John has honed over the course of his career, the experience he draws on most is actually from his time as a framer and trim carpenter, which has also gained him favour with builders. The deep sense of understanding behind these complete home design services is something else that makes Perspectives unique, seen through John looking to introduce online plans into the company’s portfolio, a decision driven by him often being hired to redraw plans from online, out-of-town architects, as they are rarely comply with regulations such as the 2015 Michigan Residential Code. Through this initiative, John will further position Perspectives favourably, as well as solidifying the unique strengths of its design services. Having excelled in this particular line of work ever since he began drafting homes as a second job in 1996 – then sat a table and equipped with just a pencil and a ruler – John’s evolution into a fully digital designer with 3D capabilities may reflect how the world has changed in the last 30 years, but more than this, it demonstrates a man committed to quality and compliance across a client’s every build – even in this evolving landscape. Named as offering the Best Residential Home Design Service 2026 – Michigan and recognised with our BUILD Client Service Excellence Award 2026, Perspectives Home Designs excels in every avenue of home design, from a seamless extension like in the art studio mentioned above or an expansive property with lakeside views designed from scratch. And, as its glowing testimonials show, we are not the only ones saying it… “Working with John was a fantastic experience”, wrote a local client from Traverse City. He was recommended to me by a local architect, and brings so much experience to the table. The entire process was collaborative and pleasant, and going in to the office with my dog to dream and design was such a treat. I will absolutely be recommending Perspectives Home Designs!” Many more recommendations follow suit, underpinning everything we have celebrated the company for within this programme. For more on this work, approach, or the visionary behind Michigan’s complete home design services, simply visit the web address below. Contact: John Cranmer Company: Perspectives Home Designs Web Address: perspectiveshomedesigns.com Simply put, Perspectives Home Designs is set apart in this field through its simplification of the entire design process, with John dividing it into three focus areas: homeowner, contractor, and inspector. This is the foundation of an encompassing approach built on extensive experience in residential construction and engineered systems, with the more than 45 years John has under his belt in the world of construction being complemented by leading design software – resulting in the crafting of bespoke, high-quality designs at every turn. Moving through these areas, Perspectives’ focus on the homeowner is grounded in the recognition that building a home should – first and foremost – be exciting. John wants the homeowners he collaborates with to enjoy the process, but he knows that the information thrown at them can sometimes be overwhelming. By taking them through the planning stages one step at a time and at their own pace, John makes sure they are focused on the areas where they are needed: looks, layout, function, and any product or design specifics. A step-by-step approach such as this not only promotes engagement, it also sees most (if not all) of the revisions made without charge, as John does everything else before settling the payment at the end, giving clients peace of mind. He explained: “I make gratuitous revisions in an effort to fine-tune operation and appearance. I don’t like my client to have worries about design costs during this stage, I like them to concentrate solely on function and design. To aid in this, I also educate them so they can make informed decisions.” Yet, this barely scratches the surface of Perspectives’ commitment to its clients, as whilst most property designers will just send the plans over email, the company renders every house with detailed 3D views using its aforementioned software. Then, by inviting clients down to its offices to view it on their in-house monitors, they are invited to join an elite group usually populated only by designers, builders, and code officials. The unrivalled look at their home this offers puts the power in the hands of the client in a way few designers can.
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