Case Study: Reimagining a Retirement Home Through Thoughtful 3D Design

A client recently purchased a home intended to serve as their long-term retirement residence. The property sat on approximately 15 acres, offering privacy and potential, but very little usable view from the existing home. Built in the 1960s, the house reflected an outdated layout that did not align with modern living expectations or the client’s lifestyle goals.

The home’s interior featured a closed-off floor plan, undersized bathrooms, and limited closet space—common challenges with homes from this era. Additionally, the property’s expansive acreage was not visually or functionally connected to the living spaces, limiting enjoyment of the land. The client needed a clear understanding of what changes were possible before committing to a major renovation.

Mitch Birky Designs created a detailed 3D model of the existing home and used it as the foundation for exploring design solutions. Through the modeling process, we evaluated wall removals, reconfigured room layouts, and expanded key living areas to better suit modern living and long-term comfort.To improve the connection between the home and the surrounding property, the design also incorporated the addition of a sunroom at the rear of the home, strategically positioned to capture improved views of the acreage. Photorealistic renderings allowed the client to see how these changes would transform both the interior flow and the relationship between the home and the landscape.

The 3D design process provided:

• Clear visualization of an updated, more open floor plan  
• Improved bathroom and closet layouts tailored to retirement living  
• A sunroom addition that enhanced views and daily enjoyment of the property  
• Confidence in the feasibility and value of the renovation  

The ability to see the home’s potential before construction allowed the client to make informed decisions and move forward with clarity.

The design process played a key role in the project’s success. The realtor was able to confidently guide the client toward a home that could be transformed into their ideal retirement residence, and the contractor secured the construction and remodeling work with a clearly defined vision in place. Most importantly, the client gained a realistic, compelling picture of what their future home could become—before any walls were removed.

This project demonstrates how 3D modeling and renderings can uncover hidden potential in older homes. By bridging the gap between existing conditions and future possibilities, the design process creates confidence, aligns teams, and turns uncertainty into opportunity.