A mountain "treehouse" and a renovated, historic grocery store in an urban neighborhood are among the designs selected for this year's Home of the Month series. Today begins the fifth year of the series, which demonstrates how thoughtful design can make homes more functional, energy-efficient and inspiring. The series is a collaboration between The News & Observer and the N.C. State University College of Design's Home Environments Design Initiative.

Last fall architects from across the state submitted examples of their residential work, and a panel reviewed the submissions anonymously. Two celebrated residential architects and fellows of the American Institute of Architects provided their expertise to the selection process. Mark McInturff and Robert Gurney both practice in the Washington, D.C., area and their firms are known for custom home designs. S. Claire Conroy, editorial director of Residential Architect, Custom Home, and Custom Home Outdoors magazines, offered the observations of an architectural writer.

Over the coming months, the series will highlight nine well-designed North Carolina homes. The panel complimented the variety and sophistication of the submissions and strived to create a series that demonstrates how quality design, regardless of style, can enrich our lives. There is something for everyone, like a sleek modern home for a Triangle architect and a design that incorporates innovative energy and water conservation strategies for the coastal plain.

Marvin Malecha, past president of the American Institute of Architects and dean of the N.C. State College of Design, says: "We are pleased to participate in this important project, educating the public as we do our students about the value of design. We are grateful for the participation of architects and the support of several sections of the American Institute of Architects of North Carolina."

Readers will notice a format change in the series this year: greater emphasis on photographs of the houses. Faculty, alumni and graduate students of the N.C. State School of Architecture will continue to provide background and commentary on the designs. Look for the articles on the last Saturday of the month.