Yes?and for under $200 a square foot Anyone who commissions a custom home expects a lot. But the Walker family, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, asked for no less than a dwelling that would transform their lives.

The front door on Kathi and Tim Walker?s home is painted Cayenne by Sherwin Williams for a spicy accent. Tim says this is something of a hallmark for architect Marlon Blackwell.

The clan includes Tim, Kathi, and their kids, Emily and Grace. Previously, they resided in a newer, traditional home described by Kathi as ?nice, but not us,? and she likens occupying it to wearing someone else?s clothes.
?We wanted a house where we could really live, something that was more than shelter. We were looking for a home where we could go to escape, but also engage with the world around us,? says Tim. ?We didn?t want a sheetrock box. Instead, we wanted a place where we could celebrate small moments?like the play of light and shadow.? The family had grand ideas, but as a graphic design firm owner (Tim) and a bookkeeper (Kathi), they didn?t have an infinite budget. What they did have is the desire, the will, and a friendship with Marlon and Meryati (Ati) Blackwell, principals of the award-winning Marlon Blackwell Architects.
The Blackwells are known for their modern?and stunning?commercial architecture. But their portfolio also includes residential projects, such as their own home, which was built for $185 per square foot. As importantly, the firm is committed...