Reaching for the STARS:
Distinctive Remodeling earns 3 STAR awards for a project with interior designer Tim Schelfe
[Photo: Tim Schelfe, also wins first place in the American Society of Interior Designers
Carolinas Chapter award in the multi-unit residence category, for the Paramount
project.]
In July of last year, Tim Schelfe, previous owner and principal the interior design
firm Schelfe and Associates, Inc., was about to embark on the project of the year,
maybe even the decade. It was a complete penthouse remodel at the prestigious
Paramount Condominiums in downtown Raleigh. It consisted of 3,000 square feet,
four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and an almost limitless budget. Schelfe, a member of the
American Society of Interior Designers and a certified interior designer, who himself
went through a rigorous interviewing process to be awarded the project, needed a
contractor to carry his designs and vision to completion. Eddie Casanave, of
Distinctive Remodeling, LLC, was chosen to make Schelfe’s vision a reality. What he
ultimately did was to help create an award-winning one.
Experience – a differentiator
Distinctive Remodeling was among four other contractors that Schelfe put forth to
the client for consideration. The four contractors submitted extensive proposals
demonstrating an understanding of needs, style, budget and schedule for the
Paramount project. Schelfe, now director of interior design at JDavis Architects, had
worked with Distinctive Remodeling in the past and felt very positive about their
level of quality and communication. “Eddie did a deep dive into the proposal and
showed us how he would reach the ultimate goal,” said Schelfe.
Premier property
The Paramount is a premier 10-story condominium community located in Raleigh's
Glenwood South, an area recognized as one of the city's most dynamic centers. The
Paramount's residential condominiums provide unique amenities for those that
crave expansive views of the city's skyline.
Extreme attention to detail and diligence was required to maintain the complexity of
the design chosen by Schelfe. The space was renovated from an outdated traditional
style to fit the client’s contemporary style. For example, the kitchen, a very dark and
drab space, containing conventional cherry cabinets and tile floors, was transformed
into a simple yet ecologically appealing space. Of the elements chosen, the designer
opted for items like quartz countertops, a Walker Zanger porcelain backsplash, and
ecologically-friendly ten foot tall vertical grain bamboo cabinets.
Innovation
Being a commercial property, the Paramount required innovative solutions, and
Distinctive Remodeling came prepared. Since the building is ten stories, it seemed
implausible to Casanave to carry demolitioned materials, equipment and raw
materials up and down the elevator; the same elevator fellow tenants would be
using to enter or exit their homes. So, Casanave, being the only contractor to enlist
the idea, arranged for a crane to transport these materials three times over the
course of the project.
In addition, commercial permits were required for the various engineering and
architectural components, including changing the location of one of the sprinkler
heads. Again, demonstrating the experience only a 26-year veteran in the
remodeling business can, Distinctive Remodeling came through. This level of
attention and detail is not exclusive to clients with means; it’s what Distinctive
Remodeling brings to all projects.
Award-winning outcome
Distinctive Remodeling, a member of the Remodelers Council of Wake County
submitted the project for the STAR Awards. The STAR Awards (Showcasing Triangle
Achievements in Remodeling) is a program designed to recognize local remodelers,
has been in existence since 1995. Distinctive Remodeling submitted the Paramount
project for three different awards, and won all three, including best kitchen over
$80,000, best room renovation between $50-75,000 and Gold for best light
commercial overall. See all award winners.
Distinctive Remodeling wasn't the only one submitting the project for awards,
Schelfe did too. On October 10th Schelfe won first place in the American Society of
Interior Designers Carolinas Chapter award in the multi-unit residence category.
About JDavis Architects, PLLC
JDavis Architects is an organization of architects, landscape architects and interior
designers committed to partnering with their clients to create vibrant, livable
communities with architecture of lasting value. The firm is led by Jeffrey T. Davis, AIA,
and Larry Zucchino, ASLA, recognized leaders in the architecture and planning
professions in North Carolina. In August of 2012, Schelfe and Associates, known for
high-end residential and commercial projects throughout the mid-Atlantic and
southeast, merged with JDavis. JDavis' work, particularly in community design, mixed
use, urban infill, resort planning and residential architecture has won numerous
national and regional awards for design excellence. Their projects have been featured
in such publications as Southern Living, Coastal Living, Fine Homebuilding, Better
Homes and Gardens and Architecture Magazine. For more information please visit
www.jdavisarchitects.com.
Contact Tim Schelfe, ASID, IIDA, CID, CAPS at tims@jdavisarchitects.com to learn
more.