About
Captivating Beauty from Utilitarian Designs
Northerly, a small full-service architectural firm, specializes in residential design tailored to the distinctive landscape and lifestyle of Northern Michigan. Situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Leelanau and Grand Traverse area, our focus is on designing contemporary homes that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics.
Schedule Appointment
Set up an introductory call to review your upcoming project
“We’re inspired by the simplicity of vernacular architecture paired with the performative solutions of modern materials and construction.”
Services
Innovative Craft
Northerly focuses on the design of new construction single family homes in the Leelanau and Grand Traverse region. We walk through the conventional architecture process yet leverage latest and the latest technology to ensure expediency without scarifying quality.
We use a technology stack rooted in collaboration, speed, and high fidelity visualization. Given the transient nature of our area, we optimize for working with clients in remote environments. Our pairing of immersive 3D modeling and white boarding unlocks collaboration across geographies.
-
Meet with the client to understand their needs, preferences, and budget.
Determine the scope of the project, including the type of residential building (single-family home, apartment building, etc.) and any specific requirements.
-
Site planning assess characteristics, such as topography, orientation, views, and surrounding environment.
Consider zoning regulations, building codes, and any restrictions that may affect the design.
Review of unique site requirements such as those related to soils and erosion, land use, land division, EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), or others.
-
Develop initial design concepts based on client input and site analysis.
Collaborative exploration of styles, layouts, and spatial arrangements.
-
Act as the authorized agent on behalf of our clients for maneuvering and completing permitting processes
Create required documentation for site and building-related permits such as ELGE/Wetland, Land Use, Land Division, Soils Erosion & Sediment Control, Road Commission, Design Review, Building Permit, and more
-
Refine the chosen concept into a preliminary design.
Develop floor plans, elevations, and basic building sections to illustrate the proposed design.
Consider materials, building systems, and sustainability principles.
-
Further develop the approved schematic design, incorporating detailed specifications and dimensions.
Coordinate with structural engineers, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) consultants, and other specialists as needed.
Refine the interior layout, finishes, fixtures and create 2D/3D/Virtual Reality visualizations of the home
-
Prepare detailed drawings and specifications necessary for obtaining permits and for construction.
Create and layout plans, elevations, sections, and interior views, with coordinated material and fixture schedules.
Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
-
Provide ongoing support during the construction phase.
Review shop drawings and submittals from the contractor.
Conduct site visits to monitor progress and ensure compliance with the design.
About Us
Keenan has over 20 years in the design and construction industry. He grew up tinkering in his father Paul May's woodworking shop in Glen Arbor, Michigan, where exposure to the craftsmanship of local architects fueled his passion for home design. Early jobs in construction and architecture further grounded his experience in craft. His academic excellence at the University of Michigan led to awards and distinguished undergraduate and graduate degrees. Prior and adjacent to founding Northerly in 2018, he honed his skills with Stephen Sutro in San Francisco and LMN in Seattle. During his 30s, Keenan coFounded an architectural technology company, CoWorkr, which was later acquired by R-Zero.
