--- title: "Propel Studio Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/propel-studio-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939975959 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939975959.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Propel Studio Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2f43a4d101c8a211_4162-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "422 NE 79th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97213, United States" latitude: 45.5373 longitude: -122.5987 phone: 1000000 website: http://www.propelstudio.com rating: 5 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 153 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Propel Studio Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Propel Studio Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/propel-studio-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939975959) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Bend, Tigard, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Lents, Cedar Mill, Oak Grove, Oatfield, Gladstone, Oak Hills, Damascus, Cedar Hills, West Haven-Sylvan, Hood River, Jennings Lodge, Garden Home-Whitford, West Slope, Sunnyside, Clackamas, Raleigh Hills, West Haven, King City, Wood Village, Metzger, Durham, Boring, Maywood Park, Fairview, Rivergrove, Johnson City, Camas, Felida, Five Corners, Hazel Dell, Lake Shore, Marylhurst, Mill Plain, Minnehaha, Orchards, Oregon, Seattle, Vancouver, Walnut Grove, Washington - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves As designers we listen closely to you and work together to deliver inspiring spaces that respond specifically to your lifestyle, the context of your property, and what makes you and your family feel at home. We understand that each client is unique and has specific wants and needs for their home and deserves a design that responds to their lifestyle. We bring years of experience as we work with you to find the right solution to your design challenge. We begin the design process by listening and learning from our clients - understanding your goals, your budget, your lifestyle - and then working together to develop a list of required spaces for the new residence. This client centered approach has lead to great success with custom home projects to date, leading to great architecture that responds to context, addresses sustainability, and satisfies the client's needs. Our Custom Home design specialties include: > Modern and Contemporary Styles > Luxury Amenities > Inspiring Interiors > Strong Connection between the Architecture and Surrounding Landscape > High Performance Sustainable Design Strategies > Designing for Aging-in-place, ADA Accessibility, and Barrier Free Design > Healthy Indoor Environments As we embark on a journey of discovery with our clients, we challenge preconceived ideas, and offer a range of concepts for the new house. Together we discuss these options and iterate as we mold the design to respond to your taste and how you envision living in the new home. This process includes many discussions as we get to know you and craft a project that is architecturally inspiring, blending beauty and function. It is also important to note that although we are proudly based in Portland, Oregon we have undertaken projects across the United States and abroad. If you are looking for a new primary residence, a wonderful vacation property, or second home to retire in, we would love to work with you. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Attic Conversion - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Construction Drawings - Contemporary Design - Custom Home - Custom Home Design - Custom Residential Design - Luxury Home Design - Modern Design - Modern Residential ### Areas Served - Portland - Gresham - Beaverton - Bend - Tigard - Aloha - Lake Oswego - Tualatin - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Lents - Cedar Mill - Oak Grove - Oatfield - Gladstone - Oak Hills - Damascus - Cedar Hills - West Haven-Sylvan - Hood River - Jennings Lodge - Garden Home-Whitford - West Slope - Sunnyside - Clackamas - Raleigh Hills - West Haven - King City - Wood Village - Metzger - Durham - Boring - Maywood Park - Fairview - Rivergrove - Johnson City - Camas - Felida - Five Corners - Hazel Dell - Lake Shore - Marylhurst - Mill Plain - Minnehaha - Orchards - Oregon - Seattle - Vancouver - Walnut Grove - Washington ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 10 million We work on a wide range of residential design including New Construction Homes, Whole House Remodels, Residential Additions, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and Multi-family developments. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Propel Studio Architecture | | Address | 422 NE 79th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97213, United States | | Phone | 1000000 | | Website | http://www.propelstudio.com | | License Number | Oregon 1129AF Washington 11823 | | Followers on Houzz | 153 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/PropelDesignStudio - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/PropelStudio - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/3216085?trk=vsrp\_companies\_res\_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A390280441 - Blog — http://www.propelstudio.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Propel Studio Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/propel-studio-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939975959) - **Website:** http://www.propelstudio.com - **Phone:** 1000000 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2020 Portland Modern Homes Tour - 2019 Portland Modern Homes Tour - 2019 Build Small Live Large ADU Tour - 2017 Build Small Live Large ADU Tour - Oregon Emerging Small Business \#8828 - LEED AP - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 22 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Mark Tesauro, March 2020** > We are so glad that we worked with Propel Studios through the design and construction process of our new home. They were ever-helpful as we worked together through final land-use and permitting processes, and worked well with iBuildPdx to ensure the design meshed with practical construction considerations. Despite a daunting list of design constraints due to the rural, forestland property codes, Propel created an incredible place to live that is just as comfortably "at home" in its environment as our family is in the house. **★★★★★ — Nathan Ingraffea, March 2020** > The Propel team is a great group to work with. They listen and react very well to clients needs. Our addition was complex and needed a lot of hands on detailing and design work - basically everything that would go into a new house but added to the top of and off the side of an existing house. Very cool! We love it and can't imagine the house without it now. **★★★★★ — Tony Jordan, Dec. 2019** > Propel Studio Architecture worked with us to design a detached ADU and workshop in our backyard. The process was great, Tuan was amazing to work with on the initial visioning and plans. His process in the early stages of the project was helpful and fun. He is a good listener and could successfully incorporate our thoughts into the design. > > Sam was our guide in the technical stage of the project, getting plans and permits approved, filling out the details on design elements and helping us find a contractor. She has an excellent attention to detail and it shows in the clean lines and special touches in the living space. > > I enjoyed the collaborative process with Propel Studio Architecture and I’m very happy with the result! **Comment from Propel Studio Architecture:** > Thank you Jordan & Davida. We really enjoyed working with you. It is a privilege for us to have you as our clients for this project. Happy New Year 2020! **★★★★★ — Shoshana Newman, July 2019** > Nick and Sam were so great to work with, Nick's entire crew was so patient and invested in my project. They have a strong creative force, with lots of very cool ideas, but at the same time helped to steer me away from my impractical ideas! They are very knowledgable about sustainable and energy efficient designs and they have taught me a lot in this area by integrating a lot of these important elements into my building! They worked hard to create the plans that aligned perfectly with my vision and my needs and I am so grateful to all of them. Beautiful work and truly wonderful people! Thank you so much for your hard work I am forever grateful! **Comment from Propel Studio Architecture:** > Thanks Sho! > We loved working with you to develop a creative Japanese inspired ADU! **★★★★★ — Joanne Robinson, June 2019** > If you are considering using an architectural firm to formulate a design while incorporating your ideas, the people of Propel Studio are by far your best investment. Not only are they full of fresh ideas but they really take the time to listen to yours. All the employees are professional while still being authentically friendly. A joy to work with. > I explained my taste for sleek, modern and minimalist and that is exactly what I got, a truly beautiful dwelling and yet somehow within my budget. > Picking Propel Studio Architects was the best decision I made. **★★★★★ — kiel johnson, June 2019** > We hired Propel to help us design an ADU in our backyard and couldn't be happier. Very professional team who cares about doing a good job and creating great projects. Would and have recommended to anyone looking for an architecture firm. **★★★★★ — HU-910802041, June 2019** > Propel Architecture designed my Mothers ADU with thoughtful, open minded, kind, and authentic professionalism. Our experience working with them was a pleasure. **★★★★★ — Hannah Gray, Nov. 2018** > The small team of architects at Propel Studio helped me design a sustainable and energy efficient home. They did a fantastic job on the innovative and creative design. **★★★★★ — Kristin Slavin, Oct. 2018** > This team of incredible designers works with their clients to really understand the wants and needs of each individual, and responds to those needs through the architecture. They are the masters of the ADU and Custom Home! **★★★★★ — eavanpatten, June 2016** > Getting an appointment to discuss our kitchen remodel was simple and sooner than original expectation. Sam Sudy asked good questions and listened carefully to our concerns. She was prepared and followed up with all details. Because of her careful considerations, permitting was painless. We highly recommend Propel Studio for quality thoughtfulness and good design. > Eilien Van Patten - Portland OR **Comment from Propel Studio Architecture:** > Thanks Eilien! We enjoyed working with the two of you. You both have contributed great ideas to this project and our discussions together have helped the design process. We can't wait to see your new open kitchen and dining space. **★★★★★ — lleyvapdx, March 2016** > Nick Mira and his colleague Lucas are creative professional designers. I contacted them for a proposal to design a new house. I was impressed with their communications skills, their design proposal, their website, and the buildings I visited that they designed. > I ended up hiring a different designer for personal/family reasons, but Propel would have been my choice otherwise. **★★★★★ — stoutert, Dec. 2015** > Lucas Gray and Nick Mira with Propel Studios designed and prepared the necessary permit set for an 800 sf accessory dwelling unit on our property in SE Portland. We completed the the ADU in November 2015, and are now calling it the Big Tiny house. We built to house to generate extra income from a short-term rental and to have a place for family and friends to use when they visit from out of town. > > Lucas and Nick worked with us to conceive this 2 bedroom, one bath house so that it fit the lot perfectly. The Big Tiny, as we now call it, faces south and has an open courtyard. Lucas and Nick are very familiar with the City codes and were able to work creatively to incorporate our design ideas while meeting the code requirements. This was especially important to us because the existing house was not terribly inspiring but Lucas and Nick knew how to negotiate the code and incorporate as many windows into the design as we wanted. They also managed to gain approval for a single-pitch roof. > > The other great part about working with these architects is that they see the project through to completion, and they have relationships with contractors and artisan builders which we used on the project. As part of their contract, they agreed to be available during the build for the agreed-upon fee. This gave us price certainty and when we or one of our contractors had questions, they were responsive and helped us resolve any issues we faced during the build. > > Lucas and Nick care about Portland. They care about design. They do solid work and I would recommend them without hesitation for your project. If you want to come check out the house they designed, it is just west of the corner of 34th and Stephens in SE Portland. **Comment from Propel Studio Architecture:** > Thanks Ralph! It was great collaborating with you on this project. We are very proud of the results. No project is successful without a great team and great clients! ## Selected projects - [The Sheltered Nook House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-sheltered-nook-house-pj-vj~5166685) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 16 - Description: Tucked into a hillside in the west hills outside Portland, Oregon, this house blends interior and exterior living. With a beautiful, hilltop site, our design approach was to take advantage of the natural surroundings and views over the landscape, while keeping the architecture from dominating the site. We semi-submerged the main floor of the house while carving outdoor living areas into the hillside. This protected courtyard extends out from the interior living spaces to provide year-round acces… - [Manzanita Beach House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manzanita-beach-house-remodel-pj-vj~6743530) - Location: Nehalem, OR - Photos: 16 - Description: A dated beach house in Manzanita, Oregon receives a whole-house remodel to expand interior space & comfort with a refreshed, modern look. Capitalizing on its beautiful site overlooking Manzanita Beach, our design approach was to brighten up the dated, dark interior and open up the spaces to take advantage of the views and natural surroundings. A previous outdated rustic stone fireplace and dark stained trim was replaced with smooth plaster and white trim throughout. A new exterior door connects… - [Modern Poolhouse Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-poolhouse-addition-pj-vj~5167068) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 7 - Description: The existing home welcomes a contemporary addition with floor-to-ceiling sliders allowing the interior to be flooded with natural light and open to the outdoors while providing a covered outdoor kitchen on the ground level. The client wanted a contemporary addition that added work space off the garage, a large family room, and a covered outdoor kitchen for entertaining. To address the various program elements we floated a large box over the existing garage. The box extends out towards the backya… - [The Wedge ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-wedge-adu-pj-vj~3767047) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 15 - Description: Winner of the 2019 Oregon Home Structure and Style Award for Whole House Under 3000 SF, The Wedge takes advantage of the south-facing site to create a form that maximizes the benefits of natural daylight and passive heating. The primary design goal was to create a compact and efficient home that has a strong connection to the outdoors. We accomplished this by incorporating a large south-facing overhang that protects three large doors that completely open the "great room" to an outdoor patio and… - [The Namaste ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-namaste-adu-pj-vj~5221949) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 10 - Description: Responding to the client's wish for a minimalist dark ADU, we created a black stained wood box, with contrasting carve-outs clad in warm natural wood. This client challenged us to develop a design that was simple, modern, and black. To respond to this request we are cladding the simple form in black stained cedar siding, with natural cedar where the volume is carved out. She wanted a place to age in, so we developed a single level barrier-free design. The goal was to keep the ADU very compact an… - [Design Process \| Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-process-custom-home-pj-vj~6717037) - Location: Sandy, OR - Photos: 25 - Description: Nestled in a beautiful prairie site, our design approach was to take advantage of the natural surroundings and views, while keeping the architecture from dominating the landscape. This 3 bed, 3.5 bath home has a single level layout oriented around expansive views to the south. A glass link connects the home to an additional ADU which offers separate & independent living for additional family. Large windows and sliding glass doors reinforce the connection to nature, while the bright, open great r… - [The Overhang ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-overhang-adu-pj-vj~5881129) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 27 - Description: The dark blueish ADU on the second level, overhangs a 2-car garage and workshop clad in warm natural cedar. The goal with this project was to add a rentable apartment, and place that over a 2-car garage and workshop for the family living in the main house. To create a bright open feel in the ADU, we vaulted the interior ceilings, and incorporated large corner windows in each room. We also cantilevered the ADU out over the garage below, to give some extra living space while abiding by the require… - [The Stilts ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-stilts-adu-pj-vj~5371139) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: Floating the ADU provides covered outdoor patio space and a storage/workshop area on the ground floor while creating better views and abundant natural light to flood the living spaces above. This project tried to make the most of a tight backyard, by providing a nice efficient, compact ADU while also giving covered outdoor space. Out solution was to raise the ADU on stilts, opening up the ground level to a storage/workshop room and covered patio. This also allowed the living space to have great… - [Tibbetts Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tibbetts-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~5327560) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: Emphasizing the indoor-outdoor connections, this modern addition to a traditional Portland home, has floor to ceiling glass windows and doors that open the interior rooms to the backyard oasis. A couple in SE Portland was looking to transform their home into a wonderful modern place to live, while preserving the existing house. They also requested carving out an internal ADU as part of the project, to give them some rental income to offset the cost of the addition and help cover their mortgage p… - [Northwest Modern ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northwest-modern-adu-pj-vj~730696) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: This northwest modern ADU puts a contemporary twist on a traditional craftsman bungalow aesthetic, utilizing natural wood and highlighting the structure. The inherent beauty of natural wood and material connections drove the design for this Accessory Dwelling Unit. The corners of the small dwelling has been carved away creating a covered entry and back patio. We balanced buish gray siding with the natural warmth of vertical cedar planks. We further accentuated the wood by manipulating the depth… - [The Yamhill ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-yamhill-adu-pj-vj~5327535) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 27 - Description: This accessory structure is unique in that the ADU is located on the second level while the ground level is reserved as a home office and bonus space for the family living in the main house. The ADU is targeted as a place for guests to stay and the parents to move into when their children move off to college. The upstairs unit was designed as an open, flexible space, with a large sliding door that opens to the balcony, and a warm and cozy bed nook, wrapped in walnut wood panels. As with all of o… - [The Screen \| Sustainable ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-screen-sustainable-adu-pj-vj~2452566) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 10 - Description: Sustainability meets custom design with this accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Portland’s Eliot Conservation District This new construction, 2 bedroom accessory dwelling unit is located in Portland’s Eliot Neighborhood and follows the design requirements of Eliot Conservation District. The porch trellis element was designed to shade the heat of the west afternoon sun while also providing a unique outdoor space for our clients to enjoy. Sustainable design decisions were fundamental to our decision… - [The Farmhouse ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-farmhouse-adu-pj-vj~5165773) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 11 - Description: A farmhouse design with a modern twist This new construction, 2 bedroom accessory dwelling unit is located in Portland’s Woodstock Neighborhood. The ADU is attached to an existing traditional farmhouse via a covered breezeway. The design represents the traditional regional farm vernacular including cedar siding, shingle roofing, and shed forms. Passive solar design principles are incorporated to obtain maximum winter heat gain and summer cooling. A deep soffit overhangs the facade, shading the w… - [The Hill House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-hill-house-pj-vj~5754386) - Location: Lake Oswego, OR - Photos: 5 - [The Suncatcher ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-suncatcher-adu-pj-vj~5222748) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 5 - Description: Internally nicknamed “The Suncatcher,” we took advantage of the south facing site to create a form that maximizes the benefits of the sun for both daylight and passive heating. The form of the building became long and thin, allowing the sunlight to stream all the way through to the back of the building. A simple shed roof was optimally angled to shade the windows during the heat of the summer while allowing sun to penetrate the facade in the winter. The exposed concrete floor provides thermal ma… - [Stephens ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stephens-adu-pj-vj~1450929) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 25 - Description: This modern residence in SE Portland creates an open living environment that makes the space live much larger than its modest size. With the tight constraints of the site, our design challenge was to create a home that feels spacious and performs well as the climate changes. To accomplish these goals we created a great room, with large south facing sliding glass doors that open to a garden patio. This outside living room makes the interior feel larger. The large overhangs of the roof shade the g… - [Tibbetts ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tibbetts-adu-pj-vj~5847322) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 24 - [The Bay ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-bay-adu-pj-vj~7325440) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This ADU design was recently completed in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. We optimized the placement and form of the ADU to maintain the existing garage and usable backyard space between the main house and new ADU. Carefully placed windows add 360 degree light to the interiors and connect the indoor and outdoor spaces to expand the living experience beyond the walls of the ADU. The lofted ceilings add to the open feel and after several visitors have experienced the space we’re told it feels… - [The Poolside ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-poolside-adu-pj-vj~7431243) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: This modest 500sf single level ADU is complemented by a lush landscape, a lavish pool, and jacuzzi, designed with total privacy in mind. The goal with this project was to add a small ADU in the spacious backyard for short-term guests. This ADU is complemented by a lush landscape, a lavish pool, and jacuzzi, designed with total privacy in mind. To create a bright open feel in the ADU, we vaulted the interior ceilings, and incorporated large windows facing toward the outdoor fireplace, offer great… - [Mullet House Renovation & ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mullet-house-renovation-and-adu-pj-vj~5845371) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 [See all 47 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/propel-studio-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939975959) ## Ideabooks - [Creative Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126096990/list/creative-exteriors) — 17 ideas - [Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16271945/list/landscapes) — 6 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64177723/list/kitchens) — 7 ideas - [Great Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64177574/list/great-room) — 6 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46847957/list/bathrooms) — 9 ideas - [Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16271949/list/exterior) — 11 ideas - [Roof Types](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46003052/list/roof-types) — 2 ideas - [Modern Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45875147/list/modern-lighting) — 3 ideas - [\#FOASmallSpaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45647486/list/foasmallspaces) — 21 ideas - [Apartment Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32079791/list/apartment-project) — 2 ideas - [Green Roofs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34966284/list/green-roofs) — 9 ideas - [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17942005/list/furniture) — 3 ideas - [Interior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16271957/list/interior) — 2 ideas [See all 13 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/propelstudioarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: Square footage?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, What are the dimensions of this ADU? Thank you. A: This ADU (excluding the roof overhangs) measures 16'-2 1/2" x 32'-8 1/2" to the exterior corners. That is about 530 sf. Thanks for your interest in this one! https://www.propelstudio.com/ **Q: House shutters look odd..?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello I am building my house and my shutters were put on. I feel like they look odd..? They are bent back..? Are they supposed to look like that? A: The third photograph makes it look like the shutter is warped. Is that true? If so, that is probably NOT what they are supposed to look like. **Q: What is the smallest size that you can make a bedroom?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are building a new home and are reviewing plans. We are building a 6 bedroom home - a master, 4 kids rooms upstairs and an au pair room in the basement. We have parents that live far away and would love to have a guest room, but do not have the budget for a dedicated guest room. We have thought about using a pull out sofa in our office or in a finished room in the basement (no windows). As we were reviewing plans and measurements last night we saw that many of our upstairs bedrooms are on the larger side and we also have a nook at the top of the stairs. We were debating if we can make the larger of the two kids' bedrooms a little smaller and enclose the nook for a small bedroom. It would be around 8' x 11'. Is that big enough for a guest room (with a full or queen bed)? We likely would also put a bookcase in there and an armoire. A: Like I mentioned above, you should consult your architect/designer. It doesn't feel right to ask for general advice on a web forum when you have a designer under contract working on your project. I know they wouldn't appreciate it. We hate it when a client doesn't trust our design expertise and instead starts asking other designers for advice, undermining our work. Try talking to them about your options. If you don't have an architect then you probably should hire one. There are a lot of elements in that plan that I personally don't think work very well or aren't efficient uses of space. I'd be happy to sketch out some options if that interests you and you think it would help you make decisions. **Q: Countertop Help** *(in Design Dilemma)* Looking for a granite/quartz alternative to Calacatta Marble. Nearly faitned when I found out the cost was over $200 a sq ft. What I wanted was this: What I could afford though is closer to $ 90 a square foot. My kitchen is white, and I want to keep the counter tops white and bright as well. Looking for something that comes as close to the marble above as possible. White with some grey veining. Can someone please help? Pics of my kitchen: There will also be a 7 foot kitchen bar. A: There are already lots of great comments and advice above. I would also say Quartz is your best bet. We just did a Quartz counter in a kitchen remodel and it looks great. We went with a darker gray quartz - almost looks like concrete - to contrast with bright white cabinets. **Q: kitchen paint color** *(in Design Dilemma)* Does anyone have any advice on what color I should paint my kitchen. I have been seriously choosing the wrong colors. If u can see it was previously a puke green but I have since primed it and started on this new orangey color which I have decided looks like baby sh\*\* after they ate carrots or something. This is not the direction I want to go..again. I am going for a modern/contemporary look as much as possible. Nothing traditional. Any help is appreciated! A: If you want a modern look I'd suggest painting the whole space white and rely on color coming from the floor, plants, art etc. If you want something more contemporary try a light cool gray that would compliment the white cabinets and contrast with the warm floor color. **Q: Small Bathroom Remodel** *(in Before & After)* First remodel of twenty year old bathroom. These photos show the old wallpaper and toilet. A: Oh, no mistake. I was just seeing if you had any questions. I'm sure it will turn out great! Keep posting images as you make progress! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*