This homeowner loved her home and location, but it needed updating and a more efficient use of the condensed space she had for her kitchen. We were creative in opening the kitchen and a small eat-in area to create a more open kitchen for multiple cooks to work together. We created a coffee station/serving area with floating shelves, and in order to preserve the existing windows, we stepped a base cabinet down to maintain adequate counter prep space. With custom cabinetry reminiscent of the era of this home and a glass tile back splash she loved, we were able to give her the kitchen of her dreams in a home she already loved. We attended a holiday cookie party at her home upon completion, and were able to experience firsthand, multiple cooks in the kitchen and hear the oohs and ahhs from family and friends about the amazing transformation of her spaces.

This homeowner loved her home and location, but it needed updating and a more efficient use of the condensed space she had for her kitchen. We were creative in opening the kitchen and a small eat-in area to create a more open kitchen for multiple cooks to work together. We created a coffee station/serving area with floating shelves, and in order to preserve the existing windows, we stepped a base cabinet down to maintain adequate counter prep space. With custom cabinetry reminiscent of the era of this home and a glass tile back splash she loved, we were able to give her the kitchen of her dreams in a home she already loved. We attended a holiday cookie party at her home upon completion, and were able to experience firsthand, multiple cooks in the kitchen and hear the oohs and ahhs from family and friends about the amazing transformation of her spaces.

-Energy Star certified -Built Green Platinum -EnerGuide 78GJ/year -Green roof -Tramway from the top of the lot to the waterfront -48″ Drain water heat recovery -95% AFUE Gas Boiler -Venmar X24 HRV 75% Efficiency -Low flow plumbing fixtures -Integrated home automation system -Average 80% recycled construction waste This project has three components, which is all built differently. The main house is a waterfront property at the bottom of a steep cliff. All machine and materials are delivered by barge. Concrete is pumped from the top of the cliff down to the bottom with a 400ft line into a boom pump which was delivered by barge. Due to the challenging access to the site, most of the structural backfill is actually Styrofoam (EPS) backfill. The garage is built from the top of the cliff, with a 27ft tall foundation wall. We needed to excavate to solid bedrock in order to adequately anchor the foundation into the hillside. This tall foundation wall are 10″ thick with a double grid of rebar to retain approximately 350 cu yards of fill. Styrofoam backfill was also used. A funicular (tramway) is also being built on this project, which required it’s own building permit. Image by Ema Peter Photography

Complete Master bathroom makeover with seamless drainage, and not even the need for a sower enclosure! This bathroom needed a complete make over. It had a large time worn bathtub that was not being used and was taking up a lot of space. There was a need for a larger shower space and having other bathtubs in the house; the decision to eliminate the bathtub was a starting point for the remodeling of this luxurious comfort bathroom. The vanity was custom designed and wood crafted with a walnut impermeable imported veneer. The drawers have subdivisions for custom jewelry and small items to be adequately stored. The plumbing area under the sink is disguised as drawers, but it is in reality an interior open space freely accessible in case of pipe maintenance. It can still accommodate extra towels. The plumbing that goes under the sink was the main reason to avoid a second basin. No matter how you work around it; plumbing always take precious storage space away or may have to be exposed, which was not a desirable solution for this job. The wall covered in mother pearl mosaic was brought out to shelter the mirror cabinets which are deep and provides with lots of good storage. Also provided and indirect led lighting and interesting design.

Is it possible to have a space for entertaining, relaxing, hot-tubbing and growing food? A space where dogs can play and kids can have water balloon fights, all within a low-maintenance and low-water framework on an averaged-sized Soquel lot? These clients wanted it to be possible and I believed that it was. This garden embodies all of the above with areas for growing veggies and fruit, a trampoline for kids and a playable low-water grass alternative that never needs mowing! The variety of bright flowers provide year-round color and lots of food for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. On the southwest side of the home, a large arbor and vine create an inviting shady spot to dine alfresco on warm evenings. Another arbor covers the hot tub that has adequate privacy due to a flowering vine that hangs generously down. In the front of the home, tall plants provide a nook for the stamped concrete patio that is not visible from the street. A perfect spot for morning coffee while watching the hummingbirds.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

Designing and renovating a master suite in an attic can be a wonderful way to create a private and secluded space away from teenagers. Here are some ideas to consider: 1. Space planning: Evaluate the attic space to determine the best layout for your master suite. Consider the placement of the bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet, and any additional areas you may want, such as a sitting area or office space. 2.Insulation and ventilation: Ensure that the attic is properly insulated to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Additionally, consider adding windows or skylights for natural light and ventilation. 3.Bedroom design: Create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom. Choose a neutral color palette to promote a sense of calmness. Consider installing blackout curtains or blinds to block out light when desired. Adequate storage, such as built-in shelves or closets, can help keep the space organized and clutter-free.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

Sam Gray Photography, Morehouse MacDonald & Associates, Inc. Architects, Shepard Butler Landscape Architect, Bierly-Drake Associates
Example of a large arts and crafts brown two-story wood gable roof design in Burlington

This one-of-a-kind kitchen was a fairly extensive remodel. Originally a tiny and cramped kitchen, we worked with the homeowners to design a space that is much larger and more functional. The new design shows off the contemporary style of the homeowners and meets their needs for both day-to-day living and entertaining. Before the remodel, the kitchen was connected to the dining room by a narrow door opening. This constriction was exacerbated by the presence of the wall oven at that same opening. On the other side of the kitchen, a family room wasn’t visually well connected to the kitchen, and there was wasted floor space between the two rooms. Overall the kitchen felt severely cramped, lacked adequate storage and was poorly connected to the adjacent spaces. Our new design made the kitchen far more functional for cooking, and better related it to the dining and family rooms. We enlarged the work area by expanding into the formerly wasted space, consolidated cooking and cleanup functions into roomy work areas, and installed all new custom cabinets. On the family room side of the kitchen, a work counter allows for sitting and in-kitchen dining. A separate desk area completes the layout of the kitchen space. The result is a central hub of the home that functions very well for cooking needs, but also pulls adjacent rooms together to form a cohesive whole. Plenty of storage, fresh low maintenance finishes and bright lighting make the remodel a welcome update to this family’s home!

This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a workshop, atelier or as an extension of the retail. Upstairs, a spacious loft-like apartment is spread over 2 floors. The mainfloor includes a decadent chef’s kitchen finished in Corian, with a large eat-at island. The combined living & dining rooms connect with a large south-facing terrace with exceptional natural light and neighbourhood views. Upstairs, the master bathroom features abundant built-in closets, together with a generous ensuite bathroom. A second open space is presently used as a studio, but is easily converted to a closed 2nd bedroom. Parking is provided at the rear of the building, and the rooftop functions as a green roof. The finest materials have been used in this very special building, from anodized aluminium windows paired with black manganese brick, to high quality appliances and dual furnaces to provide adequate heating and fire separation between the retail and residential units. Photo by Tom Arban

Set in the charming neighborhood of Wedgwood, this Cape Cod-style home needed a major update to satisfy our client's lifestyle needs. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all separated, making it hard for our clients to carry out day-to-day life with small kids or adequately entertain. Our client also loved to cook for her family, so having a large open concept kitchen where she could cook, keep tabs on the kids, and entertain simultaneously was very important. To accommodate those needs, we bumped out the back and side of the house and eliminated all the walls in the home's communal areas. Adding on to the back of the house also created space in the basement where they could add a separate entrance and mudroom. We wanted to make sure to blend the character of this home with the client's love for color, modern flare, and updated finishes. So we decided to keep the original fireplace and give it a fresh look with tile, add new hardwood in a lighter stain to match the existing and bring in pops of color through the kitchen cabinets and furnishings. New windows, siding, and a fresh coat of paint were added to give this home the curbside appeal it deserved. In the second phase of this remodel, we transformed the basement bathroom and storage room into a primary suite. With the addition of baby number three, our clients wanted to create a retreat they could call their own. Bringing in soft, muted tones made their bedroom feel calm and collected, a relaxing place to land after a busy day. With our client’s love of patterned tile, we decided to go a little bolder in the bathroom with the flooring and vanity wall. Adding the marble in the shower and on the countertop helped balance the bold tile choices and keep both spaces feeling cohesive.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

Having recently become empty nesters, our clients requested a home that would adequately meet their needs while also accommodating visiting children, extended family and friends. As avid entertainers, we knew the kitchen, dining room and living space were important to them and, thus, integral to the overall success of the design and build. For the dining room, we sized it accordingly to easily fit a dining table built for a dozen people. As wine enthusiasts, the wine room that housed 1,230 bottles of their favorite vintages was a welcome addition. Its location adjacent to the kitchen and great room offered guests and homeowners alike quick access whether for an after-dinner cocktail or added flavor while cooking. Outside, the sparkling pool and covered patio with ceiling fans combatted the Texas sun and heat while the eye-catching 8-foot-long fire pit and sizable hot tub would come in hand in cooler weather.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

This homeowner loved her home and location, but it needed updating and a more efficient use of the condensed space she had for her kitchen. We were creative in opening the kitchen and a small eat-in area to create a more open kitchen for multiple cooks to work together. We created a coffee station/serving area with floating shelves, and in order to preserve the existing windows, we stepped a base cabinet down to maintain adequate counter prep space. With custom cabinetry reminiscent of the era of this home and a glass tile back splash she loved, we were able to give her the kitchen of her dreams in a home she already loved. We attended a holiday cookie party at her home upon completion, and were able to experience firsthand, multiple cooks in the kitchen and hear the oohs and ahhs from family and friends about the amazing transformation of her spaces.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!