AURORA, Colo. (June 2007) – Inspired by the design principles of Sarah Susanka, author of the best selling Not So Big House series, the 2007 Parade of Homes builders integrated Susanka’s “real life” architectural and design values to create five extraordinary homes.

Built by some of the region’s finest custom builders, landscape architects and interior designers, the Parade homes focus on intimate spaces, personalized details with functionality and timeless beauty as well as state-of-the-art energy-efficient technology.

According to Susanka, people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces and building better, not bigger. In her series of Not So Big books, Susanka proposes clear guidelines that include designing for specific lifestyles and using energy-efficient construction.

From taking the indoors out, to unexpected use of space, to "built green" products and environmental features that are without equal, to cozy getaways, the Parade builders have implemented Susanka’s principles to create a Parade with one-of-a kind character.

"Born of Sarah’s insightful design guidelines, this year’s Parade homes will challenge attendees to rethink how living spaces are used and appreciated," said Susan Peterson, vice president and general manager of Southshore. "Our Parade beautifully intertwines thoughtful design and our waterside location to create an exceptional tour."

Since her first book, The Not So Big House, launched in 1998, Sarah Susanka’s Not So Big titles have sold more than 1 million copies. Other books in the series include: Creating the Not So Big House, Home by Design, Not So Big Solutions for Your Home, Inside the Not So Big House, and Outside the Not So Big House.

A cultural visionary and public speaker, Susanka is currently on tour for promoting her latest book, The Not So Big Life: making room for what really matters, published by Random House in May this year. For more information about Sarah Susanka and her Not So Big titles, visit her Website at www.notsobig.com.