My project entailed transforming a dark, space-consuming stairway encased within walls, into an open floating stairway. The old staircase completely separated the living area from the kitchen-dining rooms, prohibiting any conversation between those areas. I wanted to create a space that would allow the entire first floor to function as one open room for entertaining. After interviewing a few contractors, I hired Jimmy Dollman (Dollman Construction). From the first meeting, Jimmy separated himself from the others. He asked relevant questions to ensure that he understood exactly what I wanted from the renovation. After several conversations and review of an idea book, Jimmy completed design drawings and then thoroughly explained each part of the renovation process. Certain design elements required thinking outside the box so that building code requirements were met, while still creating the look and “feel” I wanted.