Small House Renovation Design Specialist in Farmington Hills, MI | Turnwood Design Group LC
Transform your older home into a timeless classic
without destroying its charm.
Turnwood Design Group LC is a small historic home renovation design specialist serving Farmington Hills, MI, and the surrounding Metro Detroit suburbs. We help homeowners of 1930–1970 houses plan timeless, proportionally correct, charm-safe renovations through architectural design, elevation redesign, additions, and whole-home masterplans.
Gain clarity before construction starts
See the transformation in advanced 3D
Protect your home’s future charm
I get that older homes do not need a generic update.
They need the right architectural strategy.
A lot of houses built between the 1930s and 1970s have real charm, but they often need a careful design diagnosis before suffering from a random update. Get a change that feels off. Where the proportions are not working. Surviving under a roofline that feels unsettled. just existing with a façade that lacks a focal point. Or living in a layout that may no longer support how the family lives.
Too often, homeowners start
talking to contractors
sketching additions
collecting inspiration
before anyone has carefully studied the house's architectural logic.
That is where expensive mistakes actually begin.
You know the house could be better, but you are not sure where to begin.
You want more space, but you do not want the addition to look tacked on.
You want a renovation that feels timeless, not trendy.
You do not want to spend serious money and still end up with a house that feels disjointed.
The real risk is not renovation itself. The real risk is renovating without understanding what the house was always capable of becoming.
This is where Turnwood Design Group comes in.
Turnwood Design Group is a Farmington Hills–based residential design practice focused on helping owners of older homes modernize for today while protecting the proportions, charm, and long-term value that make those houses special.
Rather than pushing (like others) a one-size-fits-all remodel, Turnwood begins by studying your existing house: its structure, layout, rooflines, window rhythm, focal points, and original design logic. Then we shape the renovation strategy around those realities.
This work is guided by the Charm-Safe Renovation Method™, an approach that blends classical architecture, detailed 3D as-builts, and practical construction insight so your renovation looks timeless instead of trendy and works for how you actually live.
Nate Turner is a design-focused visionary based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, specializing in residential architecture, traditional home design, additions, and renovations. His work is rooted in historic architectural tradition, where clarity, proportion, and visual harmony shape how a home feels.
Good renovations start long before construction drawings.
Before major commitments are made, Turnwood helps homeowners identify the architectural and structural realities of the house so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. That early analysis helps avoid expensive design mistakes, preserve architectural character, and make the investment pay off for decades.
This is why most clients begin with the Home Revival Blueprint. It is a working session designed to evaluate the true possibilities of the home before construction drawings or major design decisions begin.
What you get from working with Turnwood
1. A house that feels complete
Well-placed windows, balanced rooflines, and thoughtful relationships between spaces create a home that feels calm, intentional, and unified.
2. Confidence before you spend heavily
The process helps you understand your home’s hidden potential and evaluate the most impactful ways to improve it before you commit to bigger renovation decisions.
3. A clearer path from idea to execution
Through on-site consultation, pre-as-built documentation, design options, and visualization, you are not left guessing what the finished house may become. You can actually see it.
Design services for older homes that need thoughtful change, not generic remodeling
Interior Renovation Planning
Small-home layout improvements
Kitchen + bath feasibility
Primary suite conversions
Basement finishing plans
Pre-design structural analysis
As-Built Drawings & 3D Scanning
LiDAR measurements
Accurate drawings for builders
Renovation feasibility analysis
Contractor-ready documentation
Exterior & Curb Appeal Design
Front elevation redesigns
Porch and entry upgrades
Roofline adjustments
Window proportioning & placements
Garage, breezeway, and mudroom expansions
Additions & Expansions
Second-story or shed-dormer additions
Rear additions for kitchens & family rooms
Sunrooms & enclosed porches
Attached or detached garage additions
Each service is designed around one goal:
helping you renovate with confidence while preserving the character that makes your home special.
Love the design process by being part of it
Know and understand the steps to successful renovation in advance
End uncertain outcomes for your home renovation project
Reduce frustration by being informed about construction techniques
Be confident by seeing the process unfold in full 3D
Homeowners do not just get drawings. They get vision.
Frank Judge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have done 3 projects with Nate and all would receive a 5-star review. We have done a home addition project, custom deck/porch, and a full custom home design. Each of these projects required different expertise and input from us to make sure the project met our needs. As we have ultimately been our own general contractor for all of these projects, Nate also has given us coaching along the way to make sure we do not make mistakes once we started the build phase.
Nate will support any level of preparation for a project. If you are looking for ideas, because you don’t have any, Nate can support providing ideas from scratch. If you already have the start of a project, but want to merge some new ideas or thoughts because you are stuck in your design or planning, Nate can support the merging of your style and ideas with his experience. If you just want a very specific design and don’t want hassle of someone trying to “call your baby ugly” Nate can provide subtle guidance and ideas as to improvements to consider.
In our first project, we had a very particular home style in which we needed an addition to match architectural elements as well as existing structure of the home. Nate was able to give us from scratch ideas that met our needs and we consistently get compliments from our neighbors that the house looks like it has been planned for that addition since it was first built. Our second project was the addition of a second story porch, which we ultimately did not complete due to a choice to look to eventually build a custom home. Our current project with Nate is a full custom home build. We started with sketches and details from what we wanted and went through various iterations of design. Through the project, Nate has been able to add some of his style on top of our particulars for the house. In the times we do get stuck on items (either between spouse and myself or just in design elements) Nate helps by taking the reins and providing insight and experience so we can continue to move forward.
If you want the experience of planning and designing a project to be enjoyable and not stressful, I would highly suggest Nate and schedule your first consultation meeting. If you are looking to kick-start a project, his insight and ideas might challenge your thinking and enable some additional discussions that might finally turn your dreams into reality. You will not be disappointed with the outcome of your project and you will be able to trust that the work has been done properly and is complete.
Mary Libbing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“You have helped us to see our vision and have provided a wonderful design experience.”
Kyle Berrens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nate did an awesome job helping us plan out our renovations! He took the time to ask very detailed questions and really understand what we were looking for. We got the initial design back in a short amount of time and it was spot on with our vision. He pays attention to the finer details and knows how to take your ideas and elevate them as well. Would definitely recommend!
Katherine L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nate has been a pleasure to work with! Took our visions and turned them into reality. Easy to work with and has a great creative touch. Could not be happier.
Terry Booth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We throughly enjoyed working with Nate on the addition to our 1956 bungalow in Plymouth. Nate had some great ideas and was very flexible. We doubled our kitchen and added a large island. We gutted the bathroom, added a large shower and extended our family room.with a beautiful stacked stone fireplace. We replaced our deck with a covered patio which we absolutely love. Nate helped us realize our forever house.
Bryn Gerich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nate has done a wonderful job helping us work through our plans and ideas for a large home remodel. He is an incredibly patient person! He thinks of ways to fix issues that we didn't even know could be fixed. His mastery of architectural technology has allowed us to really "see" what we are doing and what is possible. He has the great ability to generate a multitude of ideas and possibilities for a client to choose from. We have really appreciated his kindness and help.
Kaelyn Switala ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My husband and I worked with Nate to design our home in downtown Plymouth. New to the process, he guided us in all of the right directions to create our dream home. Nate has an impeccable eye for detail and it truly shows in all aspects of our home. The technology he used to create our home made the process seamless and brought our vision to life with high quality 3D images and video. If you are looking for an architect who takes great pride in their work, you’ve come to the right place! We couldn’t be happier! Thank you, Nate!
Jeff Burch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My wife and I are currently planning a remodel of our existing home. We had many reservations in hiring an architect to bring our dreams for the project to life. After several weeks and sessions working with Nate, we can say he has exceeded our expectations in every way. As we progress with our design, Nate has demonstrated his knowledge of design, attention to detail, and ability to provide a home design that both captures our aesthetic vision and provides all of the function we need as a busy family. Nate asks the questions we may not know to ask and has a proven ability to apply practical solutions. He is also at the forefront of technology - we were surprised to see in as much detail what our home will look and feel like inside and out. Working with Nate has truly been a collaboration that has been exciting and enjoyable. Nate is someone you can trust with your dreams - he is sure to create a home that is timeless and beautiful.
Here is your simple path to a smarter renovation:
Step 1:
Start with the Online Home Revival Blueprint
$897 only $475
Discover the Potential Hidden in Your Home
This 45min to one-hour consultation includes a detailed evaluation of the existing experience of your home and its design potential. Together, we’ll identify the most impactful ways to elevate your house using classical architectural principles.
What’s Included:
You’ll get a professional project analysis to uncover your property’s hidden potential and create a clear vision for a stunning transformation rooted in classical architecture.
You’ll gain clarity and confidence in your renovation decisions, knowing your home’s beauty and charm will finally shine through.
Plus, receive a free House Style Analysis to help you see how we could implement timeless architectural styles like Colonial, Tudor, or Georgian styles into your home.
What You’ll Receive:
A comprehensive post-meeting report outlining your home’s hidden potential.
Step 2:
Study the house and develop the strategy with the IN-PERSON Classical House Consultation
$1289 now for $847
Your Architectural Strategy for Success
Building on the insights from Step 1, this session dives deep into creating a cohesive classical design strategy tailored to your style and home. Perfect for homeowners ready to refine their vision and confidently move toward the renovation process.
What’s Included:
You get a personalized architectural design program that blends historical elegance with modern functionality, tailored to your home’s unique character.
You feel empowered with a detailed, step-by-step design sequence that brings your dream home to life while preserving its charm and history.
Plus, we will perform a detailed Home Survey and Lidar Scan that captures the 3D geometry of your house so that we have an accurate set of as-built documents (Which can be purchased separately)
What You’ll Receive:
A detailed design program outlining the scope of your project.
Preliminary insights into potential improvements.
A clear direction for your project
Step 3:
See the future home before construction
Timeless Design, Professionally Realized
Turn your vision into reality with a fully developed, architecturally precise design for your home. We provide everything you need to execute a stunning renovation seamlessly.
What’s Included:
Receive a complete set of architectural designs, construction documents, and premium visualizations to flawlessly execute your renovation.
Experience the pride of living in a home that feels timeless, cohesive, and uniquely yours—designed to elevate your lifestyle and investment.
Plus, access an extended 6-month visualization link, so you can revisit your 3D model and share it with contractors, family, or friends for feedback.
What You’ll Receive:
A formal proposal outlining the full scope of the project.
Clear payment structures and deliverables for the design process.
Multiple pricing options to customize the project to your needs.
Exterior & Curb Appeal Design
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Interior Renovation Planning
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Historically Consistent Additions & Expansions
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As-Built Drawings & 3D Modeling
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Exterior & Curb Appeal Design 〰️ Interior Renovation Planning 〰️ Historically Consistent Additions & Expansions 〰️ As-Built Drawings & 3D Modeling 〰️
You need the Home Revival Blueprint™
A Historically Inspired Plan for Your Midcentury Home
This 1:1 renovation planning session gives you clarity before you spend a dollar on contractors or drawings. During your personal online Blueprint session
This is NOT a design trend session. We confirm what’s structurally and architecturally possible
This is NOT a “contractor walk-through.” we’ll identify upgrades that increase value without ruining charm
This is NOT a Pinterest mood board. We’ll help you avoid $30K–$50K mistakes caused by bad design decisions
This is a deep architectural analysis of your home’s original historical DNA — its proportions, classical lines, mid-century massing, and stylistic logic — blended with modern livability.
Reveal your home’s true historical potential
Identify timeless architectural cues hidden in the home
Map out which updates enhance vs. destroy value
Show which classical elements pair naturally with midcentury massing
Outline a renovation plan that feels believable for the house
Protect charm while upgrading livability
Recommend changes rooted in historical precedent, not trends
Why 1930–1960 Homes Require a Different Approach
Most architects, designers, and general contractors treat older homes like blank slates. We don’t.
Our goal is simple:
Take you from “Is this a good idea?” to “This is the home it was always meant to be.”
Small historic houses have:
Hidden load-bearing walls
Low rooflines and tight attic spaces
Window rhythms that shape curb appeal
Proportions that break under open-concept layouts
Exterior details that must stay balanced to protect value
These homes can be transformed beautifully—
They just need a different kind of design thinking.
Why Choose Turnwood Design Group LC?
Homeowners work with Turnwood Design Group because:
We specialize exclusively in 1930–1960 small homes
Our designs protect your home’s charm, value, and proportions
We help you avoid contractor-driven mistakes
We focus on smart planning, not expensive guesses
You get clarity before construction begins
We’re independent designers, not trying to sell you demolition
We provide drawings, analysis, and guidance you can use with any contractor
We help you renovate your home the right way, without regrets, surprises, or generic updates.
Questions homeowners often have before they start
Is this only for large luxury homes?
No. Turnwood is specifically positioned around small homes and older homes, especially those built between the 1930s and 1970s.
What is the best first step?
The site consistently presents the Home Revival Blueprint as the starting point for homeowners who are unsure where to begin.
Can I see ideas before committing to construction?
Yes. Visualization is a core part of the process, including 3D renderings, sketches, and design guidance before construction begins.
Do you help with additions and layout changes?
Yes. The listed services include second-story additions, rear additions, garage additions, layout improvements, kitchen feasibility, and more.
Do you offer documentation for builders and contractors?
Yes. The site lists builder-ready drawings, existing conditions plans, and documented design deliverables for execution.
What is the goal of the work?
Not to make the house trendy, but to help it become what it was always capable of being.
Your home deserves more than a generic renovation.
If you own a 1930–1970 home and want to preserve its charm while improving how it looks, feels, and functions, start with the Home Revival Blueprint. It is the clearest way to understand your house before committing to major design or construction decisions.
The Essential Guide to my process.
