Contemporary Michigan: Iconic Houses at the Epicenter of Modernism

Where can outstanding examples of Modern houses in America--spanning from the nation’s earliest exposure to Modern architecture up to the present day--be found? In Chicago, New York and Los Angeles? Residents of Detroit, and indeed the entire state of Michigan, have been living with some of the finest work by such Modern masters as Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Eliel Saarinen since the dawn of the 20th century. Peter Forguson, a landscape designer and owner of Tyler’s Turf, a landscape business serving homeowners in metropolitan Detroit, has pursued his passion for Modern architecture by documenting the many superb examples of residential Modernism where he lives and works. He featured a generous sampling of them in his book, DETROIT MODERN: 1935-1985, published in 2022.

Happily, connoisseurs of Modern residential design will be delighted to discover Forguson has many more masterpieces to share in CONTEMPORARY MICHIGAN: Iconic Houses at the Epicenter of Modernism. In addition to iconic projects by Frank Lloyd Wright, Forguson’s new book presents impressive examples of work by such historic and contemporary architects as George Brewbaker, William Kessler, Robert Metcalf, Donald Paul Young, Irving Tobocman, Carl Luckenbach, Karen Swanson and Young & Young. In breathtaking color photography, readers are invited to explore homes hugging the shore, perched on hillsides, secluded in forests, or just perfectly sited in majestic suburban communities. Some 50 homes have opened their doors to Forguson in this handsome presentation, designed by Marla Meltzer, who also served as graphic designer of DETROIT MODERN. CONTEMPORARY MICHIGAN is a book to treasure for pure inspiration, innovative ideas and the joy of modern living.