At 42° North, design begins with listening. Every home, office, or gathering place we create is shaped by the people who use it. Our goal is timeless design that reflects your life—not just passing trends.
Spaces shaped by the way you live, work, and gather
Behind the Name
Our name comes from the 42nd Parallel, which runs through Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. On every set of drawings, we mark your doorstep with its exact coordinates—a subtle reminder of where home begins.
That feeling when you cross a threshold and instantly know you belong? That’s what inspires us. We design spaces that carry that same sense of comfort, connection, and relief.
Our Process
01. Connect
We start by getting to know you. Over coffee, a walk-through, or a virtual call, we talk about how you live and work, the little details that matter, and the vision you’re dreaming toward.
02. Your Lifestyle Vision
Through a guided questionnaire, we learn what makes your routines and priorities unique. These insights form the foundation for every design decision.
03. Your House Tour
If you’re comfortable, we’ll visit your current space. Seeing how you live, work, and gather reveals insights conversation alone can’t. What works, what doesn’t, what you love, and what you avoid—it all informs a better design.
04. Pen to Paper
With a complete picture of your lifestyle, we begin design. From natural light to flow between rooms, from material textures to exterior presence, every detail is considered. 3D models help you see and feel your space long before it’s built.
05. Your Construction Partner
We stay engaged throughout construction—visiting the site, coordinating with builders, and recommending trusted partners for interiors, landscaping, and more. We don’t disappear when drawings are done; we’re with you until your space is complete.
Our Process
Connect
We start by getting to know you. Over coffee, a walk-through, or a virtual call, we talk about how you live and work, the little details that matter, and the vision you’re dreaming toward.
01
Your Lifestyle Vision
Through a guided questionnaire, we learn what makes your routines and priorities unique. These insights form the foundation for every design decision.
02
Your House Tour
If you’re comfortable, we’ll visit your current space. Seeing how you live, work, and gather reveals insights conversation alone can’t. What works, what doesn’t, what you love, and what you avoid—it all informs a better design.
03
Pen to Paper
With a complete picture of your lifestyle, we begin design. From natural light to flow between rooms, from material textures to exterior presence, every detail is considered. 3D models help you see and feel your space long before it’s built.
04
Your Construction Partner
We stay engaged throughout construction—visiting the site, coordinating with builders, and recommending trusted partners for interiors, landscaping, and more. We don’t disappear when drawings are done; we’re with you until your space is complete.
Grand ARDA – Custom Homes ARDA – Custom Homes ARDA – Working Drawings ARDA – Accessible Living ARDA – Custom Homes ARDA – Custom Homes ARDA – Custom Homes
Although the goal of 42° North has always been to design beautiful homes, our firm has been shaped in surprising ways over the years. We still offer uniquely experience-centered service, but the professionalism and the level of care we bring to our clients is tangible and has evolved into deep and lasting friendships.
Your life. Your home.
As part of our standard practice, I spend at least four hours with a prospective client before I even put pen to paper. We make every effort to meet with you in your existing home as this offers us a deep dive into how you live: what works and doesn’t work, and what you seek. What I didn’t anticipate is that this in-depth, detailed evaluation becomes a bonding experience which naturally evolves into friendships as we learn so much about our clients.
My ears are more gifted than my hands
Designers are trained to draw, but I’m not here to impress you with my sketches. The best outcome occurs when I listen to what you are telling me you want. I have also learned that good design cannot be forced. I would rather a design solution take the required time to fluidly evolve, than rush to complete something that isn’t fully thought out.
Nicole La Haie
Director Of Sales | Marketing
Bio
Nicole plays an integral role at 42° North with her skillset that dovetails neatly to orchestrate open communications on all aspects of a project for an exceptional client experience.
She brings a lifetime of expertise to this position. Despite having two brothers, it was Nicole – the tomboy in a tutu – who picked up a hammer and worked beside her father in the building trade. For more than two decades, she gained even greater perspective working in customer service supporting the building and home design industries.
Nicole supports 42° North’s unique client-centered design approach. By being the main source of information and task management from start to finish, our architectural designers will be able to focus on the scale and level of detail that is their reputation.
Roberto Gonzalez
Architectural Technical Designer
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University Masters of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University
Joined 42° North
2019
Bailey Ferencz-Ward
Architectural Designer
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University Masters of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University
Joined 42° North
2024
Jakeb Jackson
Architectural Designer
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University Pending Masters of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University
Joined 42° North
2025
Joey Niester
Architectural Designer
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Kent State University Pending Masters of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University
Joined 42° North
2025
Axel Mar-Pulido
Architectural Draftsmen
Education
Pending Bachelor of Architecture, University of Michigan