We are honored to be recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Modernism in America, Award of Excellence from Docomomo for our Pickers' Quarters project in Northport. This award is the only national program that celebrates the people and projects working to preserve, restore and rehabilitate modern heritage sensitively and productively.

Carter Oosterhouse transforms a 1860s barn on his property outside of Traverse City, Michigan into a four season living space for his family.

“What makes Farm Club so special is that it takes an arguably bougie concept—farm-to-table—and makes it accessible, low-key, and familial. The space was designed by local architects Designsmiths, who made sure every detail takes you outdoors, with big windows that look onto the yard and farm. The building’s unfinished cedar siding will age with time, like the rest of us.”

“Farm Club, we like to say that primarily, first and foremost, it's a farm. And the way that we've chosen to sell all of our produce is via our restaurant, a bakery, a marketplace and a brewery.”

“Farm Club is our most recognizable commercial project to date and one we are particularly proud of. We began with the concept of a traditional agricultural building, and elevated it through a carefully sited building, crafted plan, material palette and details. Refined lines and minimal trim work to create a warm, comfortable place that is both contemporary and timeless.”

“From the woods of Leelanau, an artist residency called Tusen Takk provides the launch point for a unique conversation between world-renowned architect Peter Bohlin, and the minds behind Northern Michigan-based Designsmiths.”

12-part podcast series that explores the stories of creative entrepreneurs who have made Traverse City their home bringing exciting new ideas, interests, inspirations, and innovations.

“In the case of our loft, that person would be Peter from Designsmiths. We fell in love with the possibility of the space, came to Peter with our hopes and dreams (design images, material preferences, etc.) and from there, the relationship grew organically.”