ABOUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNER: MICHELLE POLLAK Michelle Pollak, president and founder of La Petite Maison, is known for her award-winning childrens designs. She has been profiled in prominent magazines, newspapers and on television shows worldwide. Her television appearances include ABC’s 20/20, The Learning Channel, Discovery Network, The Travel Channel, and VH-1, as well as news programs and European television shows. An acclaimed interior designer and color expert, Michelle works throughout the country, as well as internationally. Her products have been featured in FAO Schwarz and Neiman Marcus catalogues. Michelle believes “good taste should begin early” and that a well-designed environment is essential in supporting children’s creativity, emotional well-being, and physical health. One of Michelle’s passions is color and the impact it has on a space. Her interest began while she was still in grade school and was assigned her first science project. With help from her father, a physicist, she made a color wheel which explained the science behind the colors we see. Recently, the French-based paint company, Eco-Deco, asked Michelle to create their children’s color palette, “The Lollipop Tree Nursery Collection.”

ASK THE DESIGNER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where do you build? We work throughout the country and internationally as well. Do I need to put these houses together? How do they arrive? These are not kits. The houses are built directly on each client’s property, providing a finished playhouse with nothing to “put together”. We are one of the only playhouse companies to build throughout the country, as well as internationally. The playhouses can also be shipped whole, if you prefer. Dog houses are either built on the client’s property (if it’s very large) or shipped whole. How big are the playhouses? Because they’re custom made, the playhouses vary in size. Some include only one room, whereas others have 2 or 3 rooms or several stories. We can build the playhouses to conform to local building codes or covenants. Each playhouse comfortably accommodates adults, once they duck through the door. This also helps ensure your child won’t outgrow the house too quickly. What are the most requested features and amenities? Most playhouse clients usually request lighting, electrical outlets and play kitchens. Some other popular options include running water, and multiple rooms (such as libraries or media rooms, storage areas, and sunrooms), and interior design. Popular requests for the dog houses include indoor/outdoor lighting, air conditioning for warmer climates, and special flooring to help keep pooches cool in the summer. What is the average cost of a playhouse or dog house? Because the houses vary in size and architectural detail, prices range widely. Most of our playhouses average between $15,000 and $50,000. Some start at about $9,000 and others run upwards of $75,000. The dog houses also vary in price, with most averaging between $6,000 and $10,000. Some designs start around $4,000 while others can top $25,000 or more. How big are the dog houses? Each house is designed around your dog’s needs and your space requirements. Some houses are large enough to accommodate people, while others are tiny and cozy for toy breeds. What is the time frame? Each playhouse and doghouse is custom designed, handcrafted, and individually signed. The entire process, from design to finished house, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the style, size, and location. We try very hard to accommodate our clients time frames, and are usually able to do so. We regret that we cannot fulfill every request, as we build limited quantities each year. We offer a wait list when necessary, and always fulfill requests in the order in which we receive them. What other services do you offer? ~ Interior design and/or consultation ~ Color selection ~ Accessories, kitchen furnishings, and artwork ~ Exterior accessories, such as custom arbors, swings, gates, mailboxes, etc. ~ Floor plans/design sketches ~ Playhouse plans ~ Custom playhouse components to go with the plans (such as windows, doors, window boxes, etc.) ~ Remodeling (yes, we remodel and update playhouses!) What is the difference between a La Petite Maison playhouse and other playhouses? ~We specialize in truly custom houses. ~ We don’t mass produce, and nothing is built on an assembly line or in a factory. ~ We offer exclusive extras, including the option of specialized interior design services. ~ We usually build directly on your property to ensure a better finished product. ~ We also offer a shipping option, if you prefer. ~ We work with high profile clients and are sensitive to privacy and security needs.