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Paul DeGroot

Architect and Fine Homebuilding subscriber since 1986, Paul DeGroot hails from Austin, Texas, where his practice is dedicated to custom residential design. Paul is a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. He golfs, paints, and does woodworking in his spare time. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he learned the ropes in Houston before starting his own business a decade ago. For the past nine years, Paul has been remodeling the home he shares with his wife, Stephanie. (Rumor has it the project is almost done.) Luckily for us, Paul still has time to write.

Kitchen Design 101

Answering 7 questions helps this architect create a great kitchen floor plan and choose the right materials and fixtures.
Kitchen Questions: Designing the Hardest-Working Room in the House

Seven things to consider when planning a kitchen’s function and flow
Modern Bath Design: The Best in Best Practices

From curbless showers to vessel sinks, it’s important to get the details right.
Balustrades

If you can solve the geometry, spacing, and proportions of the balustrade along the rise and run of the stair, then the design for a level balustrade is a piece of cake.
Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

Drawing Board: lessons in residential design.
Decks That Stand Up to Wildfire

Three methods for building fire-resistant decks.
Why Can't Architects and Builders Get Along?

Following an old prejudice, many builders think architects are snooty and impractical, while many architects think builders are stubborn and unimaginative. In this article, architect Paul DeGroot and builder David…
Energy-Saving Lightbulbs

Incandescent bulbs are changing quickly to keep up with more-efficient, longer-lasting competitors
Make a Prefab Fireplace Look Like it Belongs

Factory-made fireplaces are energy efficient and easy to install, but architect Paul DeGroot says that they are frequently installed with nothing to connect them to the style of the house…
Design the Perfect Pantry

Hard-working kitchen storage takes less space than you think.