Live in ART!
Welcome to your new home...
I will design and create an astonishing Sculpture House for you.
Please see the gallery below.
Live in a Work of Art – A Luxury Sculpture Home
Your home should be more than just a structure—it should be a masterpiece. Imagine living inside a one-of-a-kind sculpture home that blends architectural innovation, fine art, and luxury design.
We begin with custom design concepts, ensuring your vision is brought to life in a home that is truly inspiring, spectacular, and architecturally breathtaking. Every sculptural element will be carefully planned to seamlessly integrate with functionality, aesthetics, and structural integrity.
A Masterfully Built Architectural Icon
I work with world-class general contractors, structural engineers, and elite fabricators to ensure your sculpture home is built with precision, durability, and superior craftsmanship. The exterior sculptural form will be a testament to artistic vision and engineering excellence, while a renowned interior designer will curate a space that reflects luxury, comfort, and individuality.
A Home Unlike Any Other
Let’s create an architectural masterpiece that commands attention and redefines luxury living.
Call today to begin your journey toward a sculptural home that will leave the world in awe. I'll answer the phone and look forward to speaking to you.
Best regards,
Michael Herold – Artist, Designer, Metal Sculptor
Below the gallery, you’ll find detailed information about the building process and requirements.
Sculptural ADUs – Art You Can Live In
Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer a powerful opportunity to enhance your property’s value, expand living space, or generate income—all without purchasing new land. In many areas, including California, you’re allowed to add a secondary residence to your existing lot.
Why settle for ordinary when you can commission a sculptural ADU that is as functional as it is breathtaking?
Whether you're envisioning a guest house, income property, or private retreat, I design and build sculptural ADUs that are site-specific, architecturally striking, and crafted to the highest standards.
Each state and municipality has unique ADU regulations. Here are a few resources to get started:
Let’s talk about how we can transform your lot into something extraordinary. Reach out to begin designing your own sculptural auxiliary residence.
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Luxury Sculpture Residence Construction Sequence Guide
Designing and constructing a sculptural home is an inspiring—and highly detailed—journey. Below, I’ve included a broad overview of the construction process to demonstrate what’s involved in bringing a work of livable art to life.
This list may seem extensive, and that’s the point. You don’t need to know every detail—but I do.
My team and I collaborate with seasoned architects, structural engineers, and world-class builders who specialize in delivering complex, custom projects with precision, creativity, and excellence. From permits and foundations to final finishes and landscaping, every phase is professionally managed with your comfort and vision in mind.
Another more detailed list:
Luxury Sculpture House Construction Sequence Guide
This guide outlines the sequence of tasks for building a luxury sculpture house tailored for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), incorporating bespoke sculptural elements and high-end features. Tasks with the same "Do" number can be performed simultaneously, while tasks with lower "Do" numbers must be completed first. Ignore tasks not applicable to your project. Tasks specific to luxury, sculptural, and UHNWI requirements are marked with an asterisk (*).
Pre-Construction Planning
1. ( ) Select lot
2. ( ) Conduct perk test if septic tank is required
3. ( ) Obtain written guarantee that sewer is stubbed out to lot if on sewer
4. ( ) Conduct lifestyle analysis with UHNWI client to identify preferences (e.g., wellness rooms, art galleries, entertainment spaces)
5. ( ) Engage luxury architect and interior designer for bespoke design collaboration
6. ( ) Consult with sculptural fabricators (e.g., Juno Works, A. Zahner Co.) to develop preliminary sculpture concepts
7. ( ) Design sculptural elements (e.g., monumental metal sculptures, kinetic installations) and create maquettes for client approval
8. ( ) Conduct narrative design workshop with client and fabricators to develop sculpture themes (e.g., personal values, corporate identity, community significance)
9. ( ) Prototype interactive or tech-enhanced sculptures (e.g., LED-integrated, kinetic, or sound-responsive) with fabricator collaboration
10. ( ) Develop VR/AR previews of sculptural and architectural designs for client visualization and approval
11. ( ) Conduct community engagement sessions for public-facing sculptural elements to incorporate local input and enhance project impact
12. ( ) Select plans and specifications
13. ( ) Develop plot plan
14. ( ) Secure permits for unique architectural or sculptural features, including variances for oversized designs
15. ( ) Conduct compliance review with local and international building codes for architectural and sculptural elements
16. ( ) Plan for sustainability features (e.g., solar panels, native landscaping, energy-efficient systems)
17. ( ) Develop advanced security and privacy plan (e.g., gated access, surveillance systems, private roads)
18. ( ) Estimate costs
19. ( ) Secure mortgage commitment
20. ( ) Obtain construction loan
21. ( ) Purchase building permit
22. ( ) Pay electrical deposit
23. ( ) Pay water tap fee and deposit
24. ( ) Pay gas deposit if gas is to be used
25. ( ) Order long-lead items: windows, doors, brick, roofing, steel, floor and roof trusses (verify with suppliers for additional items)
26. ( ) Purchase builder's risk insurance
27. ( ) Locate lot stakes; conduct survey if any doubts
28. ( ) Deliver batter board material to site
29. ( ) Locate sewer stub-out or septic system location for positive drainage
Site Preparation
30. ( ) Set temporary electrical power pole
31. ( ) Order temporary water service
32. ( ) Prepare site: locate house and excavate
33. ( ) Assess site for sculptural integration (e.g., load-bearing capacity, optimal placement for visual impact)
34. ( ) Plan for private access roads or landscaping to enhance exclusivity and privacy
35. ( ) Set batter boards
36. ( ) Order temporary electrical power
Foundation (Select One Option)
Monolithic Slab Option (House and Garage)
37. ( ) Deliver form material for monolithic footings, slabs, porches, and heating unit(s) to site
38. ( ) Excavate as necessary for footing, slab, porches, and heating unit
39. ( ) Reinforce foundation for sculptural elements (e.g., additional concrete/steel supports for heavy sculptures)
40. ( ) Integrate mounting systems for sculptures (e.g., embedded anchors for kinetic art)
41. ( ) Set concrete forms
42. ( ) Back-fill and pack under slab area as required
43. ( ) Set reinforcing steel for footings
44. ( ) Apply 4" of gravel/limestone in house and garage slab areas
45. ( ) Complete slab plumbing rough-in
46. ( ) Install utility and air conditioning pipes, ducts, and wiring under footing and slab areas
47. ( ) Apply termite treatment
48. ( ) Conduct spot survey if required by mortgage company or if any doubts (else, after decks and all concrete are completed)
49. ( ) Lay polyethylene and wire mesh in house and garage slab areas
50. ( ) Inspect footing, house/slab, and garage/slab preparation
51. ( ) Pour footing (house slab, garage slab, porches, and heating unit pad(s) concrete)
52. ( ) Proceed to "Continue"
Raised Slab Option (Footing with Foundation, House Slab, and Garage Slab)
53. ( ) Deliver form material for footings, slabs, porches, and heating unit(s) to site
54. ( ) Excavate as required
55. ( ) Dig footings
56. ( ) Reinforce foundation for sculptural elements (e.g., additional concrete/steel supports for heavy sculptures)
57. ( ) Integrate mounting systems for sculptures (e.g., embedded anchors for kinetic art)
58. ( ) Set concrete forms
59. ( ) Set reinforcing steel for footings
60. ( ) Conduct footing inspection
61. ( ) Apply termite treatment
62. ( ) Conduct spot survey if required by mortgage company or if any doubts (else, after decks and all concrete are completed)
63. ( ) Deliver concrete blocks, sand, and mortar mix to site
64. ( ) Lay foundation concrete blocks
65. ( ) Back-fill and pack under slab areas if required
66. ( ) Set additional concrete forms if needed
67. ( ) Apply 4" of gravel/limestone in house and garage slab areas
68. ( ) Complete slab plumbing rough-in
69. ( ) Install utility and air conditioning pipes, ducts, wiring, and perimeter insulation under slab areas
70. ( ) Lay polyethylene and wire mesh in house and garage slab areas
71. ( ) Inspect house slab and garage slab preparation
72. ( ) Pour house, garage, porches, and heating unit(s) concrete
73. ( ) Proceed to "Continue"
Crawl Space Option (House Crawl Space with Garage Slab)
74. ( ) Dig footings for house, garage, and interior girder support posts
75. ( ) Set forms for footings
76. ( ) Set reinforcing steel for footings
77. ( ) Reinforce foundation for sculptural elements (e.g., additional concrete/steel supports for heavy sculptures)
78. ( ) Integrate mounting systems for sculptures (e.g., embedded anchors for kinetic art)
79. ( ) Conduct footing inspection
80. ( ) Apply termite treatment
81. ( ) Conduct spot survey if required by mortgage company or if any doubts (else, after decks and all concrete are completed)
82. ( ) Pour footing concrete
83. ( ) Deliver concrete blocks, sand, mortar mix, anchor bolts, and foundation vents to site
84. ( ) Lay foundation concrete blocks
85. ( ) Set forms for garage, porches, and heating unit(s)
86. ( ) Apply 4" of gravel/limestone in garage slab area
87. ( ) Lay polyethylene and wire mesh in garage slab area
88. ( ) Pour garage, porches, and heating unit(s) concrete
89. ( ) Deliver framing materials through sub-floor to site
90. ( ) Install termite seals, sills, girders, floor joists and/or trusses, bands, bridging, blocking, and sub-flooring
91. ( ) Proceed to "Continue"
Continue: Framing and Exterior
92. ( ) Deliver framing materials to site
93. ( ) Deliver one-piece fiberglass bath units to site
94. ( ) Deliver pre-fab fireplace materials to site
95. ( ) Erect framing structure
96. ( ) Install structural supports for sculptural features (e.g., reinforced beams for suspended sculptures)
97. ( ) Incorporate high-end exterior materials (e.g., imported stone, custom metal cladding) for luxury aesthetic
98. ( ) Integrate smart home infrastructure (e.g., wiring for automation, security, lighting systems)
99. ( ) Install advanced smart home security systems (e.g., biometric access, AI-driven surveillance)
100. ( ) Install pre-fab fireplace
101. ( ) Complete plumbing: top-out slab or rough-in crawl space
102. ( ) Run gas line to house if gas is to be used
103. ( ) Deck roof and apply roof paper
104. ( ) Apply exterior sheathing
105. ( ) Install sculptural elements on exterior (e.g., monumental sculptures, architectural art pieces) with fabricator oversight
106. ( ) Inspect plumbing
107. ( ) Complete heat and air ducting rough-in
108. ( ) Back-fill utility ditches and foundation (optional now or later)
109. ( ) Install sheet metal: valleys, vents on roof, dryer vent
110. ( ) Install cornice
111. ( ) Install windows and exterior doors
112. ( ) Complete pressure plumbing rough-in
113. ( ) Apply roofing
114. ( ) Paint cornice
115. ( ) Paint windows and exterior doors
116. ( ) Complete central vacuum rough-in
117. ( ) Install gutters
118. ( ) Install floor particle-board
119. ( ) Install window and exterior door hardware
Interior and Exterior Finishing
120. ( ) Set forms for additional concrete (before next concrete pour)
121. ( ) Complete electrical rough-in
123. ( ) Complete telephone rough-in
124. ( ) Complete TV lead or cable rough-in
125. ( ) Complete thermostat wiring
126. ( ) Complete intercom rough-in
127. ( ) Conduct framing inspection
128. ( ) Measure for cabinets, vanities, and marble tops
129. ( ) Install insulation batts and spray foam in walls, floor, and ceiling where required
130. ( ) Apply exterior siding
131. ( ) Deliver brick, sand, and mortar mix to site
132. ( ) Build conventional fireplace and apply flashing
133. ( ) Hang sheetrock and spray ceiling
134. ( ) Lay brick
135. ( ) Dig well if required
136. ( ) Install septic system if required
137. ( ) Build decks and exterior stairs
138. ( ) Blow in attic insulation
139. ( ) Tie-in water or well and sewer or septic system
140. ( ) Tie-in gas if gas is to be used
141. ( ) Install downspouts
142. ( ) Install shutters
143. ( ) Install luxury amenities (e.g., home theater, infinity pool, wine cellar, meditation room)
144. ( ) Design and implement acoustic treatments for entertainment spaces (e.g., home theater, music room)
145. ( ) Incorporate wellness features (e.g., infrared sauna, biophilic design elements, air purification systems)
146. ( ) Install interior sculptural features (e.g., custom metalwork, integrated art installations) with artist/fabricator collaboration
147. ( ) Design and install custom lighting for sculptural elements to enhance visual impact (e.g., accent lights, programmable LEDs)
148. ( ) Curate art collection for display in dedicated gallery spaces or throughout the home
149. ( ) Integrate sculptures into client’s art collection management system for cataloging, insurance, and display planning
150. ( ) Apply high-end interior finishes (e.g., hand-crafted woodwork, bespoke tiles, refrigerated make-up drawers)
151. ( ) Design and install custom furniture to complement architectural and sculptural elements
152. ( ) Install cabinets, vanities, and marble tops
153. ( ) Install access doors to crawl space, attic, and plumbing
154. ( ) Install disappearing stairs
155. ( ) Complete stairways: treads, risers, and rails
156. ( ) Install interior paneling
157. ( ) Install interior doors
158. ( ) Install garage door(s)
159. ( ) Complete heat and air rough-in
160. ( ) Inspect plumbing, water, and sewer tie-ins
161. ( ) Stain or paint cabinets if required
162. ( ) Install ceramic tile floors and walls
163. ( ) Install garage paneling
164. ( ) Set heat and air unit(s)
165. ( ) Install trim molding and shelves
166. ( ) Paint exterior ductwork if required
167. ( ) Complete all painting
168. ( ) Hang wallpaper
169. ( ) Install appliances
170. ( ) Complete plumbing final: install water heater(s), dishwasher, disposal, and all fixtures except commodes
171. ( ) Install bath floor covering if not ceramic and done earlier
172. ( ) Deliver hardware for baths, interior doors, closet rods, and door stops to site
173. ( ) Install special floors: wood, vinyl, and ceramic
174. ( ) Install bath hardware
175. ( ) Install interior door hardware
176. ( ) Install closet rods
177. ( ) Complete heating and air conditioning final installation
178. ( ) Install medicine cabinets and/or mirrors
179. ( ) Deliver lighting fixtures and bulbs to site
180. ( ) Complete electrical final: install lighting fixtures and switch plates
181. ( ) Set commodes
182. ( ) Conduct client walkthroughs for sculptural and luxury features to ensure alignment with vision
183. ( ) Perform quality assurance checks on luxury finishes and sculptural installations to ensure flawless execution
184. ( ) Obtain permanent electrical power
185. ( ) Install carpeting
186. ( ) Complete all concrete
187. ( ) Landscape
188. ( ) Collaborate with landscape architects to design sculptural gardens and outdoor art spaces
189. ( ) Clean up house and lot
190. ( ) Set splash blocks
Post-Construction
191. ( ) Develop maintenance plan for sculptural elements (e.g., cleaning, repairs, kinetic mechanism servicing)
192. ( ) Set up concierge home management system for UHNWI client needs (e.g., staff coordination, security monitoring)
193. ( ) Document sculptural house for portfolio (e.g., professional photography, video walkthroughs) to showcase design work
194. ( ) Create certificates of authenticity for sculptures, documenting design process, materials, and fabricator contributions
195. ( ) Develop warranty and support plan for sculptures, smart home systems, and luxury amenities
ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME,
Michael Herold - Sculptor
This is More Than a Home. It’s Your Legacy in Art.
Thank you for exploring what goes into creating a sculptural residence of this caliber. The details may be complex, but the goal is simple: to create a home that is unforgettable.
A space that is both lived in and looked at.
When you're ready to take the next step toward a residence that reflects your singular vision and stature, I’m here.
One conversation is all it takes to begin something extraordinary.
