When you talk with Brian Kauffman, one of the Principals who form Modern Smart Homes, one thing becomes immediately clear: this team doesn’t simply design homes—they design experiences. At Modern Smart Homes, the ethos in every project begins with a question bigger than architecture itself: How can a home create calm, connection, and a sense of belonging?
Modern Smart Homes is made up of a collaborative team including Brian Kauffman (Havn Architecture), Brian Giovinazzi (Evergreen Homes, builder), Scott and Jill Richardson (Richardson Design, interior design), Ricky Benos and Dave Maddux (both of Arcus Group, architecture). Together, they are known for creating striking, contemporary residences, but what makes their work unforgettable is something deeper. The designers understand the emotional power of space. The approach centers on biophilic design, the practice of connecting people with nature through light, materials, and thoughtful spatial flow. For their clients, this means living in homes where the outdoors isn't just viewed but felt. Where sunlight animates interior spaces, and the line between inside and outside dissolves into seamless, intentional living.
The Modern Smart Homes Team model incorporates early collaboration between architects, builders, interior designers, and landscape designers to ensure the vision is fully integrated from concept to completion. This collaborative process is key. With roughly 80% of homes built by the builder in the team, Evergreen Homes, Modern Smart Homes provides clients with a fluid, unified design-to-build experience—one where no detail is left behind, and no idea gets lost in translation.
Today, the team is actively working on several standout projects across Northeast Ohio, including homes in Brecksville, Gordon Square, and other neighborhoods that embrace contemporary architecture. Each project features unique design elements—expansive outdoor living areas, soaring window walls, organic materials, and spaces meticulously crafted to reduce daily stress while elevating everyday life.
Behind the scenes, Brian is strengthening the business systems that support his creative work. As Modern Smart Homes grows—with more active builds, evolving project phases, new payment details after an office move, and ongoing invoicing needs—clear, consistent processes have become essential. BudgetEase has partnered with him to streamline invoicing, create a dependable master template, and build stronger administrative controls so his back office runs as smoothly as his design workflow. The result: more clarity, more efficiency, and more time for Brian to focus on what he does best, designing modern homes that feel alive.
With magazine features on the horizon, growing visibility, and an expanding portfolio, Modern Smart Homes is entering an exciting chapter, continuing to shape modern architecture in Ohio through homes that connect people to nature. We’re proud to support Brian and Modern Smart Homes—and even more proud to spotlight the extraordinary work they bring to life.
