Beth Lundell Garver

Name: Roy and Liane Burns, their baby Walt, and dog Zee Location: Bluff Park — Birmingham, Alabama Size: 2,600 square feet Years lived in: 2 — owned When graphic designers Roy and Liane Burns set out to buy their first house, they sought modern, affordable, and sustainable living. After an unavailing search, they met co-founders Matthew Finley (of Matthew & Mikel’s DIY Water+Works Remodel) and Will Brothers from the design-build practice Green Bottle Workshop.

Name: Author Mary Roach & Graphic Designer/Illustrator Ed RachlesLocation: Glenview — Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 7 — owned Mary Roach’s best-selling books, like Stiff and Packing for Mars, invite readers to unusual places such as morgues, labs, and outer space. In her books, Mary reveals the science (and humor) behind dead bodies, sex, and errr…other funky stuff.

Name: Matthew, Mikel and Peri the dogLocation: Vestavia — Birmingham, AlabamaSize: 2,300 square feetYears lived in: 8 months — owned To Mikel’s relief, this wasn’t the first time Matthew had decided to take on a sizeable DIY project.

Name: Greg, Brian and their dog Mr. BiggsLocation: Mission District — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 1,100 square feetYears lived in: 5 — owned Furthering the line of luxury and comfort, Greg and Brian provide choice accommodations for everyone in their home, not just themselves.