A one-of-a-kind remodeling project, undertaken by Roswell-based Handcrafted Homes, Inc. for an Atlanta homeowner, continues to win awards and accolades from the national remodeling community.  The latest recognition for the transformation of an under-utilized garage into a beautiful and functional carving studio has come from Houzz, the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Houzz, the leading online platform for home renovation and design, has honored Judy Mozen, president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc., in the 2019 “Best of Design” category for the carving studio project.  Mozen was chosen as a winner by the more than 40 million monthly unique users who make up the Houzz community from among more than 2.1 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, according to Houzz.  The “Best of Design” awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. 

The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association recently awarded Handcrafted Homes, Inc. a Gold OBIE Award in the category of “Specialty Room” for the carving studio’s design and construction.  The OBIEs are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievement in the new home building industry.  Named after the obelisk shape of the award, the OBIEs are considered a premier award in the greater Atlanta home building industry.

The carving studio was also honored recently by Qualified Remodeler magazine.  The national publication named the project a Gold Master Design Award winner in the category of Residential Specialty.  The Master Design Awards showcase creative solutions in the construction of extraordinary projects.  The magazine receives hundreds of entries from across the U.S. from which to judge.

The idea to create a carving studio came about while Handcrafted Homes, Inc. was undertaking a whole-home renovation for an Atlanta client.  The homeowner carved wood as a hobby, and had created a space to enjoy the pursuit in the basement.  Recognizing that the single-car garage in the older home was too small for its intended use, Judy Mozen, president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc., suggested transforming the garage into a dramatic, light-filled, functional carving studio.

“Handcrafted Homes, Inc. has been in business for over 40 years, but this is the first carving studio we’ve ever designed and built,” said Mozen.  “The homeowner is thrilled with the end result -- a unique and beautiful space -- but it was quite a challenge for my team and me to design and create it.  First of all, we had to work within the footprint of the original garage, which was only 10 feet, six inches wide.  The client wanted the design to reflect his love of wood, but also provide him with ample storage, specific HVAC capabilities, plumbing and various work stations.”

The new space now contains its own HVAC system, tankless water heater and fine particulate air filter to take care of airborne sawdust.  Light and security are provided by carriage doors with windows.  Functional additions include a sink, workbench, spot lighting and custom cabinets where the homeowner can store his hand tools.  One of the more innovative features is a custom-designed, remote-control insect screen that can be used when the carriage doors are open.  The upper portion is insect netting to let in the air and light, but not the bugs.  The bottom portion is opaque, so the homeowner can partially lower the screen with the carriage doors closed to block the windows and provide privacy.  When not in use, the screen retracts into a pocket above the doorway.  Decorative touches include the bookmatched hickory cabinets, Bubinga plank style countertop and Western Red Cedar soffits and beams, which are both structural and decorative, reflecting the homeowner’s love of various wood types, colors and finishes.