About Us
Urban Dwell's mission is simple.
We are a forward-thinking organization selflessly committed to the actualization
of eco-friendly components and spacial synergy resulting in sublime dwelling solutions
for the avid Modernist.
Tracy
It’s Tracy’s fault that we’re all here— renovating houses, building modern homes,
and infusing Atlanta with innovative design and green practices. She had the vision
years ago and that vision only continues to spread like wildfire—in her mind’s eye,
on our project plans, and in our local neighborhoods. A New Jersey native, she began
her career with AT&T in Accounting/Finance prior to landing in Atlanta’s banking
industry just two years before the city would be forever transformed by the 1996
Olympics. Eventually, Tracy would merge into Telecom and on to the start-up arena
of the enthusiastic Technology world as a Corporate Asset Manager.
Growing up just outside of Manhattan, she was exposed to modern architecture through
visits to the city with her family from an early age. To this day, Tracy is still
unable to dodge the image of the furniture designer’s loft in SOHO she visited as
a young teen. Enchanted by a transparent Lucite bridge that spanned the public living
space and into the private second level living quarters, she was enveloped by the
look and feel of how modernism translates through a space, lending both form and
function to its complexion.
The eons spent in Corporate America fell short in providing all of trappings she
needed for personal reward and realized her skills and passions could be easily
transferred into a more creative, tangible effort. Charmed by the quaint elegance
of Southern architecture since her arrival, this thrill-seeker, humanitarian, wine
connoisseur, and art collector renovated her first Craftsman Bungalow in 1998. Unable
to shake the thrill of design, Tracy set plans in motion to develop her own company
and provide Atlanta with something unique. With the approving nod and support from
those dear, she escaped in 2005 with some dreams and some tools to create Urban
Dwell Development. On her next vacation, Tracy plans to swim with a great white
shark as she studies for her pilot’s license on roller blades.
“The creative adult is the child who has survived.”
-- Ursula K. Le Guin
Tracy Mitchell
Principal
Gala
When asked to draft a few notes for her bio, Gala opened by immediately disclosing
the fact that she doesn’t snore. Beyond that, our gal from Dublin (Georgia, that
is—don’t let the accent fool you) mentioned running the NYC Marathon, surfing in
Coast Rica, and snowboarding in Sun Valley. Fortunately for us, she did garner a
BBA in Business with an Accounting Major from Georgia State University, sometime
before she ran an import business focusing on wares from local Peruvian/Andean artists.
Out of college, our budding tax specialist worked for many moons in local CPA firms
that include Frazier & Deeter, Miller Ray Healey & Houser, and Ernst & Young. Later
shifting gears, she found herself in the private sector with Cox Communications,
spearheading the Accounting for national joint ventures between Cox and AT&T. Excited
about further entrepreneurial goals, Gala departed to open the Atlanta branch of
Intaglia Home Collection, a national, privately-owned furniture company.
The housing boom after the turn of the century led Gala down another career path
in residential and commercial lending, where she spent several years becoming familiar
with both local and national builders and developers in the process. So it was a
pretty seamless and full-circle transition when we asked if she would count the
beans, assuring that none of us snore either. For our own entertainment, we make
her use an abacus on Thursdays.
Gala Rogers
Finance/Accounting
Reid
I think we’re all dying to meet Reid’s mother. A true Southern gentleman from Newnan,
GA, this well-dressed, though often clay-covered fellow removes his shoes (and hat,
if applicable) when entering a home, keeps an exceptional project schedule, and
sends amazing Thank You notes. Reid began framing houses during his summers when
he was 15 and realized not only his talents, but his passion for buildings and construction.
Reid holds a degree from The University of Georgia in Housing and Consumer Economics,
along with the NAHB’s Residential Construction Superintendent designation as administered
by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association. Reid’s impressive venture list
ranges from finishing homes anywhere between 1,600 to 19,000 square feet in a variety
of Metro areas. Reid has particular interests in sustainable development, green
building, both modern and traditional architecture, as well as the principles of
New Urbanism.
When not on a job site or supply store, Reid can no sooner be found enjoying a football
game or playing guitar. A gifted musician with pipes for Blues and Rock, this self-proclaimed
romantic can haul five-gallon buckets in each hand, a bag of concrete on his head,
and still maintain a gracious phone conversation with a client. How’s that for hands-on
and hands-free?
" Luck is the residue of design."
-- Branch Rickey
Reid Stripling
Superintendant
Michael
Be careful, at first blush, one might mistake Michael for an earthly Adonis. This
California-born Stanford grad has a mind for business and has channeled all of his
mortal strengths into a successful and aggressive real estate portfolio. Michael
followed his family roots back to Georgia just before 2000 when he fulfilled the
role with the State of Georgia as Facilities Manager. Always independent, ever an
entrepreneur, this over-achiever soon discovered that his hefty collection of rental
properties yielded greater reward than his day job.
Michael’s passion for property and investments soon transpired into founding Georgia
Foreclosure as well as his position as EVP with Platinum Realty. He’s renovated
over 100 homes in the past nine years and discovered Urban Dwell to be a perfect
match for his philosophy on renewable resources, understanding the earth is ever-evolving
and we must seek replenishment with innovation.
When not further sculpting muscles that probably aren’t even named in Anatomy class,
Michael can be found spanning the globe to places near and far, maintaining a mind
open to progress and change, absorbing the culture and influence of other nations.
With all of his lofty endeavors, he’s not modest in telling you his ultimate achievement
is the personal happiness that surrounds him. We think it’s just us.
“Live and Let Live”
Michael Bang
Principal
|
About Us
Founded in 2005, Urban Dwell began as a residential renovation organization created
with a solid vision in mind. A vision capturing the desire to deliver a distinct
product based on the true principles of Modernism and eco-responsible building alternatives
for new and existing homes in Atlanta. Persistently educating ourselves on new materials,
procedures, and technique, we’re constantly reminded to remain informed and ahead
of the ever-changing industry. With each goal we accomplish, we strive for new ones
to achieve in our evolution of building and design.
After several large-scale successful renovations for both clients and properties
within the Urban Dwell inventory, we took a much-calculated venture into the construction
of new homes in October 2007. This highly-anticipated direction in our growth cycle
began movement into one of our paramount, long-term objectives to finesse a fluid
partnership between green resources and uncompromising execution of functionally
exquisite spaces.
Urban Dwell understands the environmental and geographical need for salvaging traditional
design, as well as the emerging appreciation for diverse architectural influence
in the city. With a unique vision to impart throughout the metropolitan area’s traditional
Craftsman bungalows and American Foursquares, our team acutely focuses on thoughtful
architectural programming, inventive technology, and integrated design to ensure
aesthetically pleasing and highly functional results.
We Care
Urban Dwell Development makes every effort to consciously consider the environment
in which we work, as well as the environment in which we live. And giving back to
our community is just another way we try to leave things a little better than we
found them. Recently partnering with “Chris’ Kids,” a non-profit organization that
has provided housing for children who have suffered abuse, neglect, and rejection
since 1981, the marriage between our work and theirs comes naturally. The various
programs continue to help more than 850 children and families every year, readjusting
into society through school, therapy, and a safe home setting. Most recently, Urban
Dwell sponsored and attended the 2008 “Seasons of Love” benefit.
With upcoming plans to establish a construction industry mentoring series with “Chris’
Kids,” Urban Dwell is also scheduled to begin afternoon reading programs with the
children of “Sheltering Arms.” Regarded for our continued sponsorship of “The Toy
Party” (www.forthekid.org) and HRC Dinners over the last few years, several members
of our team hold positions on the Board of these charities.
With a launch party in the works to unveil our new modern home on Hosea L. Williams
Drive this Spring, “Chris’ Kids” will be the primary benefactor of all proceeds
and donations from our attendees at the event. Urban Dwell also volunteers with
“Hosea Williams Feeds the Homeless” on holidays and will continue to seek out and
support groups that tirelessly work to better our local and global communities.
When I was preparing to put my home on the market I knew I would need to take care
of a lot of touch-ups, so I called Urban Dwell. The initial job of small tasks went
so well that by the end of the job I had them doing everything from replacing bath
fixtures, building out a deck to painting the entire house. The work was done quickly,
expertly and best of all, reasonably priced. I was very pleased. Jon and Tracy were
always available, responsive and professional. I would not hesitate to use them
again.
Lawton Shaw
Urban Dwell offered clever and attractive design recommendations on the recent full
replacements of two bathrooms in my house. The finished product was a stunning and
functional design using quality materials and solid construction. I’m quite pleased
with the result.
Jim A., Atlanta.
Working with Tracy and the Urban Dwell team was fantastic. We had a number of needs
when we purchased our 1920's era home including replacing and repainting siding,
reinforcing the foundation, trimming trees, improving drainage, and electrical repair.
I would not hesitate to use Urban Dwell for major projects, as they were quick,
reliable, on budget, and on time.
Joe Koufman
|