An Interview with Jody Zimmer

Jody Zimmer is our intern from Medford, OR. He recently completed his Associates in Architectural Technology at Brigham Young University in Idaho. This fall he is transferring to Portland State University in Portland, Oregon to finish his undergrad degree in architecture. We sat down with Jody to have a final interview with him and see how his experience was at Michael R. McLeod Architects.


Q: This is your last day at Michael R. McLeod Architect. How have you liked working in an architecture office?

A: This has been my first internship and first real world experience in the profession. I have really enjoyed seeing the inner workings of a real architectural office. Before this experience I only knew the life of a student working in a college architecture studio. I have learned a lot, and I know it will benefit me greatly as I finish up my undergrad degree.

Q: Your leaving us here on the East Coast to go back to the Pacific Northwest to finish your undergrad degree in architecture. Has your experience helped your interest in the profession?

A: It really has. I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed with this profession. But after participating in this internship I feel a lot more confident about being a part of the architecture community. I will admit it's still overwhelming but I think that's just one of the characteristics in the field of architecture.

Q: How has your time here measured up to your expectations?

A: I've been fortunate to have a longer internship than most students. I actually started my internship towards the end of January and was able to work through the summer, which means I've been able to work here for the past six months. Most student internships only last three months. So really this experience has exceeded my expectations. I've learned a lot in the past six months; I couldn't ask for anything more.

Q: What did you like most about working here?

A: I loved the work environment. I felt comfortable here the first day I started. The staff here at the office is so nice and willing to help you with any questions you might have. And you couldn't ask for a better boss. I respect Mike McLeod so much. He's a hard worker, a good friend, and a great example to me.

Q: What was your favorite part about spending most of 2010 in North Carolina?

A: The weather! I was already swimming in the ocean by early April while my family was still getting snow back in Oregon and Idaho. I know I have been known to say that I enjoy the humidity here, but I recently changed my mind since the AC went out in my car. There is nothing worse than a broken AC in the south.

Q: You did a lot of things while you were here. What are some of your most memorable or favorite things you did?

A: A lot of my friends and family back home think that all I do is play back here. And for the most part they're right. I've done so much while I've been back here, but if I had to pick my top three I woulds say: visiting Washington DC for the first time, touring the Biltmore Estate, and Skydiving! A good mix of architecture and little bit of thrill!

Jody standing in front of the White House in
Washington DC

Jody standing in front of the Biltmore Estate in
Asheville, North Carolina

Jody skydiving from 13,500 feet in

Raeford, North Carolina

Q: Is there anything you didn't get to do while you were here?

A: There is so much to see and do here. I have to keep telling myself that it would be impossible to do everything. I'm ok with that; it gives me a reason to keep coming back. I wanted to see the sea turtles hatch out on Topsail Island, but I'm leaving a few weeks before they start to hatch. And I still haven't seen the Outer Banks. But like I said, it just gives me a reason to come back.

Q: Its a long drive across the country. Will you be making any stops and what will you see or do? Are you excited about anything in particular.

A: My route seems to change every couple of days. Originally I had planned to take a few weeks and see as much as I could on the way home, but since the AC in my car is out of commission I decided to save that route for another time. At this point my plans are to stop in Chicago and stay with one of my brothers and spend some time wandering around downtown. Next stop is Lincoln, Nebraska. I don't anticipate too much excitement there. I'm just planning on getting some rest before meeting up with more family in Idaho. I have to admit, I'm mostly excited for the end of the trip when I get out of the car and realize I won't have to make that trip again for awhile!

Q: Is there anything you will miss about North Carolina or the east coast?

A: Everything! Except for maybe the bugs. There is so much history and great architecture back here. Oh, and the beach! How could I forget about the beach? I have become quite the seasoned beach-bum. But I think mostly I will miss this job and those I worked with. I consider everyone in this office great friends.


Q: Are you excited to go home?

A: I'm excited to see family, especially my niece and nephews. I miss them a lot. We have a really close family and we like to spend as much time together as possible. Hopefully the kids will still remember their Uncle Jody.

Jody (far right) with his parents, three brothers,
and their wives

Jody and one of his nephews

Portland, Oregon skyline

I'm also excited to start a new adventure. I've never lived in a major metropolitan area before. Portland State University is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. It's going to be exciting, and I'll admit, maybe even a little scary. But I can handle scary, I'm a skydiver, remember?

Q: Will you be back to visit anytime soon?

A: I'm always thinking of ways to get back here. Give me an excuse to visit and I'll be back. But maybe next time I'll just fly. It really is a LONG drive!

Top 5 Outdoor Kitchens

Since it is summer, and a great time to be entertaining outside we decided it might be nice if we gave our top 5 picks of our favorite outdoor kitchens. These types of spaces have become increasingly popular within the last few years and we couldn't help but drool over these outdoor kitchens pictured below. Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Outdoor Kitchen #1

Dinner and a Movie View

Forget the movie, you won't want to leave after dinner if you have a view like this! We found this outdoor kitchen at http://www.vikingrange.com/. The kitchen is meant for the most extreme grilling enthusiast. It features a commercial quality gas grill with 41" cook top and rotisserie system. It also includes a 30" charcoal cart with side burners. And if that isn't enough, there is also a gas range with warming drawer. Did I mention the ice machine, refrigerator, refreshment center with a sink and built in cooler to hold all your drinks? After all that eating you'll love being able to sit back and relax and enjoy the view of the Montana mountains in the back ground. Now that's an outdoor kitchen!

Outdoor Kitchen #2

Rustic Charm

We found our #2 outdoor kitchen from an article written by This Old House. We like the idea of a kitchen matching seamlessly into your outdoor environment which was achieved through this kitchen's use of stone and concrete. The kitchen is positioned between the house and the pool witch makes it a central location and great spot to entertain. The owner achieved a rustic look by applying an acid-stain to the concrete patio and kitchen island. They also used painted plank cabinets to conceal all their plumbing lines as well as hide their storage. You might think you're in an old village somewhere in Europe when in reality your in the comforts of you're own backyard.

Outdoor Kitchen #3

Family Fun

Take the pizza deliveryman off of speed dial and enjoy a homemade pizza in your own outdoor wood fired pizza oven. The focal point of this outdoor kitchen is the 8 1/2-by-6 foot pizza oven. But equally impressive is the 53-inch stainless steel gas grill with rotisserie, smoker box, and storage. All the counter tops are built from poured concrete and stained in a rich terra-cotta. Overhead a pergola stands to create shade without blocking breezes. There is even built in halogen track lighting in case you have one of those late night pizza cravings.

Outdoor Kitchen #4

Woodsy Retreat

Our #4 kitchen came from LogHome.com and is perfect for anyone who spends their summers at those cherished cozy log homes. This kitchen stays true to the log cabin feel with all wood accents but mixes a little bit of modern design through its use of stainless steel cabinets and grill. The charm of this outdoor kitchen continues with its three tier chandelier centered over a large table that can seat up to eight of your closest friends and family. Adjacent to the dining area is a seating area with over sized outdoor furniture so you can snuggle up with your loved one on those chilly nights in the mountain or by the lake.

Outdoor Kitchen #5

Tuscan Lite

In most outdoor kitchens the grill is the main focal point of the kitchen, but in this outdoor space the main feature is the table. It's a 15-by 5 1/5-foot slab of Wyoming sandstone that weighs 4,500 pounds. The dining area is enclosed by a trellis that has fabric panels which slide from one side to the other to provide shade during a hot sunny day. Outdoor lighting is used through the space: task lighting under the chimney, strip lighting in a metal rail behind the banquette, and more strip lighting in the trellis over the table. The result is just a glow, very soft, which gives the appearance of dining by candlelight.

Which on the 5 is your favorite outdoor kitchen? Or maybe you have a favorite we didn't feature. If so, send us a link. We would love to see it!

Coming Soon - The Grand Island Cottage

Here's a little sneak-peek of what will be appearing soon on the Southern Cottages House Plans website. It's called the Grand Island Cottage and we'll have more information available on our website soon. So keep checking in with us to get the latest cottage designs!

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Don't forget to check out our most recent addition to the Southern Cottage House Plans website - The Grand Gazebo Cottage!

Grand Gazebo Cottage

The Grand Gazebo Cottage is a contemporary adaptation of a grand southern mansion. The wrap-around porch is ideal for hot southern climates. The gazebo elements provide opportunity for entertaining and capturing that special view or sunset. The observation loft is the crowning glory of this exuberant structure enabling a spectacular view.

Intern's Visit to Ashville, NC

Last month our Intern, Jody Zimmer, headed up to the mountains of North Carolina looking for another adventure. What he found was America's Largest Home, The Biltmore Estate. Here are a few pictures and some interesting facts about George Vanderbilt's home in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is over 175,000 square feet, making it America's largest home.

Pond Reflection of Biltmore Estate

Several Hollywood movies have been shot at the Biltmore Estate, including Richie Rich and Forrest Gump.

Biltmore Estate Interior Garden*

There are 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 34 bedrooms, an indoor pool, bowling alley and more at the Biltmore Estate.

The Banquet Hall*

During a 2007 poll, Biltmore Estate was chosen as the 8th favorite structure in the United States.

George Vanderbilt's Bedroom*

The Biltmore Estate draws in one million tourists each year.

Biltmore Estate Walled Gardens

* Pictures of the inside of The Biltmore Estate are not allowed. The interior picture you see above are take from The Biltmore Estates travel website.

View our Floor Plans and Elevations!

We have lots of floor plans and elevations available for you to view at our Southern Cottages House Plans website. Once your on the site simply click on any picture or cottages name and you can view its elevation or floor plan. You can also view it in reversed layout. If you have any questions regarding any of our plans, please feel free to contact us. We update our site often, so save us to your favorites and check us out regularly!

Plantation Cottage

Lookout Cottage

Porches Cottage

Nags Head Cottage