Architecture In These Times

Well it has been quite some time since I posted on here--I apologize for that! The economy has taken a toll on us all and unfortunately on architecture and design as well. While we all still want to be surrounded with really nice things, they still cost the same but with lower budgets comes the hard part of getting quality without sacrificing too much.

I do feel a new surge is coming and am confident things are on the mend. My goal is to be sensitive to these issues without sacrificing the important details!

Holistic Design

Modern design isn't just furniture from Design Within Rach. It is a holistic approach to space, especially when today's modern family prefers more open space, a better relationship to the outside, better light and circulation.

Often I am hired to redesign a kitchen or a bathroom--but the problem isn't just that space. It far too often is the relationship of this space to the neighboring rooms, the lack of storage or circulation and the inability to look at the whole space holistically can really limit design and improvement in the end.

I encourage most people to invest in this process. While you may not be able to afford to do that "dream project" (at least not all at the same time) you can plan for the future or at least never ask "what if".

Modern Shed

We designed a custom shed for a client with a very limited amount of space. Simple, off the shelf materials can keep your costs low.

Bathroom Remodel

I recently visited finished master bath remodel I designed and am very impressed. The key to modern designs is in the details--and they furthermore need to be carried through when being built so having a contractor who recognizes this is very important.
The counter is a limestone top and we found a wonderful porcelain tile that really looks a lot like concrete. We cut it down on the walls to make a unique module.
The design concept was to open up the space more (there was a huge soaking tub that really made the room feel small) and create a "spa" like setting through the use of layout and materials such as warm woods and warm hues.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this squirrel running along our railing. Even without the wood cap they didn't hesitate to climb right up and run along it to our roof. And who said steel isn't a natural material!?

Design is in the Details

People ask me what makes great design. Not only is it the larger picture but each detail that seamlessly makes this big design work--like a supporting cast to an very impressive main attraction. Design is in the details, the materials, the craftsmanship and yes even down to the fraction of an inch.

Kitchen Design

Kitchens are expensive...this much is true. However, there are creative ways to approach a space to make it have the designer look without the major cash. This is my own personal kitchen which we remodeled creatively using IKEA cabinets. We made our own concrete counters and tiled the only wall in this open space with marble subway tile.