We’re Rich and Karen, an Architect and a Special Education Teacher. We’ve lived downtown, and we’ve lived in the ‘burbs. We’ve remodeled a couple of houses, and put a couple of kids through college.
We created The Modest Mansion because we love (and love sharing!) houses that we find inspiring.
Rich and I met in during my senior year in college when he (Architecture Student and part time “Mr. Fix-It”) came to my apartment to repair my broken stove.
Looking back, I think that turned out to be our first “home project”. Little did I know at the time that it would lead to a wonderful love…of one another (and houses of all kinds).
After we graduated, Rich in Architecture and me in Education, we got married, started our careers, and began our life together in an historic part of Columbus called German Village. We rented several places those first few years—always looking for an interesting place to call home. We spent our free time going to Open Houses on Sundays, Home Shows, and Garden Tours in the hopes of seeking out new ideas and cool places.
When we were finally able to buy our first house in the Village it was so exciting! We didn’t mind all the work and time that we knew were going to put into renovating an older home…it was ours! We finally had the chance to put our personalities into making a house our first Modest Mansion.
Since those early years and first house, our love of searching out unique homes and ideas has continued to grow. We visit many cities and towns across the country still looking to find places that catch our eye and touch our hearts. While Rich appreciates good architecture, style, form, and elements, I am drawn to color, warmth, and the little things. (A perfect marriage.)
We hope to share with you our love of unpretentious homes. And offer you a little inspiration for your own Modest Mansion.
Enjoy!
