Benjamin Sundermeier Space Planning + Design

Hello everyone, This is Mark Sundermeier, Ben's brother. I think the word is getting out and there are things that need to be said so that people can make plans. I am so sorry to those of you who will be reading this for the first time, but I need to tell you that Ben passed away in his sleep the night before last. It was very unexpected and we are all struggling to come to terms with this. It happened quickly and I don't think that Ben suffered. The medical examiner has tol...d us that Ben had severe, and apparently undiagnosed, heart disease. Ben has so many good friends; many of you have heard already, and I hope using his Facebook page this way will give you the opportunity to say what is in your hearts. I can tell that some already know and I appreciate what you have said on this page. Ben chose his friends carefully and well, and if you are a friend of his it was because he wanted you in his life. He lived deliberately, and did things for a reason, always. If the thing he did was to let you into his circle, well then, that was something special and you are special to us because of that, even if we haven't yet met. Ben was 48 years old, the youngest son of Mike and Grace Sundermeier, who reside in Omaha; the fifth youngest child of seven, the uncle of eighteen beloved nieces and nephews, and four grand-nieces and nephews (also beloved), whom he visited often. He had, in fact, just returned from a family visit to Omaha the night he passed away. There will be a wake at 7 PM this Friday at John A. Gentleman Mortuary, in Omaha, and the funeral will be held at St. Pius X, also in Omaha, on Saturday at 11 AM. On Saturday, August 25th, a memorial will be held in Kansas City, although details on that are still being worked out. There is a lot to say about Ben, his generosity, the beauty that he created, the thoughtful way he lived his life, and his spiritual journey and his physical journeys. We hope we can have that conversation in person with you either in Omaha or Kansas City, when we come together to mourn his passing and celebrate his life. Mark Sundermeier Kansas City August 7, 2012

Christy and I are back from High Point furniture market. Like any market there are winners, and the rest. This season there seemed to be fewer than ever design leaders, and more companies copying and producing knock offs over seas. Our fiends at Bevara Design House, Central Station, Thayer Coggin, BoBo Intriguing Objects, Barbara Cosgrove Lamps, and Lee Industries continue to push hard to create a product with an emphasis on originality and quality. I came away from the market feeling it is more important than ever to refine on our own point of view. The world looks a little flat when too many follow, and not enough lead.

Gas lines, burners installed, ready to go.

Delivery and installation to the job site by Haggard Hauling and Rigging

Great old rusted iron propane tank end from my friend Ben Tarbe's salvage yard.

This is a favorite from a project completed last year. Chairs covered in hides from Brazil, antique Chinese root sculpture, and Japanese lantern fashioned into a floor lamp. I love the nature of all these elements.

Great picture from Benjamin Sundermeier Space Planning+Design. Had to do a double-take ... at first glance, this image didn't look like laminate. (7708-58 Flax Gauze laminate with a Karran Sinks undermount sink) Thank you for sharing with us, Benjamin!

Master Bathroom renovation featuring 918-SP Neutral White Formica Brand Laminate in a Sculpted finish. (Photo provided by Benjamin Sundermeier Space Planning + Design)

New photos on the web site. www.spaceplanninganddesign.com