I found Michael Klement while reading a library book at my summer cottage in New York. The book was “The Not So Big House” by Sarah Susanka. His featured house was in Ann Arbor and the address of his firm, Architectural Resource, at that time was on Jewett Street. It was destiny: I had a small house; I wanted quality over quantity; I wanted green architecture, energy efficiency and ADA accessibility for my old age – and my last name was Jewett.

Knowing nothing about architects or the business of remodeling, I walked in off the street just wondering if it was possible to get a “plan” for the future. I not only got the “plan,” having chosen one of three the firm developed through its clarification process; I got the whole thing within my available funds. That is because Michael was so encouraging and willing to blend elements of good design and green building with my desire to conserve. My project became known as R4 for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink. From Michael’s list of vetted contractors, my husband and I chose a small company willing to be flexible; my son and I were able to do some of the work; we were able to use tradespeople of our choice – and as Michael refers clients only to excellent professionals, whether it’s for a concrete counter or an energy audit, the results are superlative. Michael’s design experience opened up our house; his knowledge of materials and energy made it efficient; his acquaintanceship with community artisans and craftsperson along with his own discriminating taste contributed to a final product immensely satisfying to my husband and myself.