Upward Architecture recently completed this West Seattle home renovation located in between Fauntleroy Park and the Puget Sound. Exterior changes were made through the redesign and expansion of the entry, powder room, and kitchen pantry. The kitchen was fully renovated, removing walls to create a more contemporary unified space, adding windows to allow light to filter through the room, and replacing all cabinets throughout. Upstairs, 3 dormers were added, re-designing the exterior facade, as well as allocating more space throughout the owner’s suite. One of the new dormers became a built-in shower, allowing the en-suite bathroom to feel brighter and more expansive; and other became a cozy office nook.

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding. Stacey Zarin Goldberg Photography

How Planning Leads to Successful Construction Construction projects, whether small residential jobs or large commercial builds, require more than just skilled labor and high-quality materials. The foundation of a successful project lies in effective planning. Proper planning ensures efficiency, minimizes risks, and keeps the project within budget and on schedule. Here’s how thorough planning leads to successful construction: 1. Clear Project Scope and Objectives Defining the project scope early on helps prevent scope creep and miscommunication. Establishing clear goals, deliverables, and timelines ensures that everyone involved understands the expectations. This prevents delays and unnecessary changes during construction. 2. Accurate Budgeting and Cost Control A well-planned project includes a detailed cost estimation. This accounts for labor, materials, permits, and unexpected contingencies. Without proper budgeting, costs can spiral out of control, leading to financial strain and potential project failure. 3. Efficient Resource Management Proper planning helps allocate resources effectively, including manpower, equipment, and materials. Scheduling workers and ordering materials at the right time avoids delays caused by shortages or logistical issues. 4. Risk Identification and Mitigation Every construction project comes with risks—weather delays, supply chain issues, safety hazards, or regulatory compliance concerns. Planning ahead allows for risk assessment and the implementation of strategies to mitigate potential problems before they occur. 5. Compliance with Regulations and Permits Failing to secure the necessary permits or adhere to building codes can halt a project indefinitely. Planning ensures that all legal requirements are met in advance, avoiding costly fines and legal complications. 6. Seamless Communication and Coordination A structured plan includes clear communication protocols between contractors, architects, engineers, and clients. When everyone is on the same page, mistakes are reduced, and the workflow remains smooth. 7. Improved Project Scheduling A construction schedule outlines each phase of the project, from site preparation to finishing touches. A well-planned schedule helps keep tasks on track, prevents unnecessary delays, and ensures timely project completion. 8. Higher Quality Workmanship Planning allows for a structured approach to quality control. By setting benchmarks, conducting inspections, and using the right materials, projects meet industry standards and client expectations. 9. Better Client Satisfaction When a project is completed on time, within budget, and meets quality expectations, client satisfaction increases. A satisfied client is more likely to recommend your services and return for future projects. Conclusion In construction, planning isn’t just a step—it’s the backbone of success. From budgeting and resource management to compliance and scheduling, thorough planning prevents costly errors, improves efficiency, and ensures a high-quality outcome. Whether you're working on a small driveway installation or a large-scale commercial project, investing time in planning will always pay off in the long run. Do you need expert concrete construction services that prioritize planning and quality? Contact us today!

StreetSide Developments created a plan that they described as an exercise in brilliant space allocation. At 819 sq. ft. the home offers a bright and airy space with 9 ft. ceilings and truly expansive windows in both the main living space and bedrooms. Additionally, the building includes an incredible rooftop terrace which offers panoramic views of Edmonton's cityscape to the south and the prairie to the north!

Turned a plain contractor grade bathroom with the 4x4 white ceramic tile into a luxurious, relaxing retreat. The space was reconfigured by removing a big drop in tub and replacing it by a modern stand alone one. Made the long water closet shorter and allocated the extra space to transform the shower.

BEFORE: The space allocated for the table in this end was just not adequate: Photo: Warren Smith, CMKBD, CAPS
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, ceramic backsplash, white appliances and an island

One of the best ways to add a warm serenity around a pool area is installing a high quality decking structure. Not only aesthetically pleasing but highly functional as well. Thermo Treated Ash decking 120 x 21mm with Rubio Monocoat: Hybrid - Greylook Benefits: 1. Stable geometry. 2. Biological stability. 3. Insects, bugs, larvae won't appear in the wood. 4. No visible surface fixings 5. Reduces timber damage and decay 6. Faster installation 7. Installation over existing timber, sheet floor, battens and concrete 8. No popping Nails for kids to cut their feet on 9. No hammering popping nails to re fix 10. Thermo-treating wood burns, but the positive result consists that the Thermo-treating wood allocates carbonic monoxide less; beneficial to the environment. 11. Finished planks, can stay for a long time in cold shops without heating, wait a long time of departure on the construction site awaiting installation 12. Low thermal conductivity of Thermo-treating wood. 13. "Green" product, environmental friendliness. Photographer: Ettiene Smit

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding.

A functional but simple laundry room with a contemporary design. The shelving and bench were custom made to fit into the space. Photos by: @realtogs

Project: Nishantha’S House ? Project Type: Renovation Project Located: Kundasale, Kandy, Sri Lanka Client: Mr. Nishantha Ekanayake Area: 179.89 m² Budget Allocation: 18 Million Year: 2022 Architects: The Royal Kandyan Design & Engineering - PVT LTD. Quantity Surveyor: The Royal Kandyan Design & Engineering - PVT LTD. Builder: The Royal Kandyan Design & Engineering - PVT LTD. Photographs: MAD Factory Successful completion of a renovation project is a critical challenge. Because it is a process within the past, present and future. Also planning, lifestyle, technology, space as well as values should be managed very sensitively in this process. We have done a number of renovation projects over the past few years and rather than just completing the project, we have also been engaged in research on those projects. Accordingly, in a renovation project, we are developing the ability to correspond with these sensitive aspects. We provide all construction and engineering related services including planning, design, renovation and building construction in Kandy, Colombo and all around Sri Lanka. Learn more about our latest projects from, www.royalkandyan.com https://instagram.com/srilankaarchitect https://royalkandyan.com/construction-company-in-sri-lanka https://youtu.be/3Ni-4DTCpHQ P: (77) 719 8825 / (81) 207 3825 E: info@royalkandyan.com ©️ The Royal Kandyan Design & Engineering (PVT) LTD

New build on 80 acres that give Modern Farmhouse a redefined look . The darker palette with matching trim sets the obvious mood without beating the farmhouse design look into the ground. To fit this large family who gathers for more than just holidays, a 16 person table and double island design allocates plenty space for loved ones of all ages to enjoy

Dishwasher drawers are integrated to be concealed and inconspicuous. The kitchen is located in the back of the house, and is un-traditional, in that there are no wall cabinets and space is allocated for antiques and art.

Montecito Landscape is a boutique company specializing in landscape design and installation in Montecito. For this project, what began as a solution to the California drought, resulted in paths of decomposed granite allowing views of the client’s collection of Modern sculpture and colorful pottery. Despite the abundance of plants in the garden and our custom fountain conversion the property easily stays within the water allocation making it a beautiful, drought tolerant design. Gladding McBean and French Anduze pottery accentuate the garden design.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

Master bedroom renovation! This beautiful renovation result came from a dedicated team that worked together to create a unified and zen result. The bathroom used to be the walk in closet which is still inside the bathroom space. Oak doors mixed with black hardware give a little coastal feel to this contemporary and classic design. We added a fire place in gas and a built-in for storage and to dress up the very high ceiling. Arched high windows created a nice opportunity for window dressings of curtains and blinds. The two areas are divided by a slight step in the floor, for bedroom and sitting area. An area rug is allocated for each area.

Photo by Jody Dole John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

This is an example of a landscaping in Portland.

Master bedroom renovation! This beautiful renovation result came from a dedicated team that worked together to create a unified and zen result. The bathroom used to be the walk in closet which is still inside the bathroom space. Oak doors mixed with black hardware give a little coastal feel to this contemporary and classic design. We added a fire place in gas and a built-in for storage and to dress up the very high ceiling. Arched high windows created a nice opportunity for window dressings of curtains and blinds. The two areas are divided by a slight step in the floor, for bedroom and sitting area. An area rug is allocated for each area.

New build on 80 acres that give Modern Farmhouse a redefined look . The darker palette with matching trim sets the obvious mood without beating the farmhouse design look into the ground. To fit this large family who gathers for more than just holidays, a 16 person table and double island design allocates plenty space for loved ones of all ages to enjoy