Lots of functional counter space! It's easy to make a kitchen pretty. It's a lot harder to design a kitchen that actually makes cooking easier. Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful kitchen—but more importantly, it is a functional kitchen. The appliance choices and the space-planning were carefully considered to maximize the ease of preparing a meal—whether it's tuna sandwiches for three or tapas for eighteen. Every detail—from sink location to cabinet inserts was analyzed from an ergonomic and cooking-oriented point of view. Photo by Lane Barden

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

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A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

The Landscape Designer Job Description Though landscape designer jobs and landscape architect jobs are often tossed around as meaning the same thing, there are a few differences. The landscape designer job description includes: Using creativity and the beauty of nature to create a harmonious, aesthetically pleasing and functional area. Areas may include personal lawns, parks, highways, walkways, and more. Planning the finished product, tying in new features with current ones, by sketching it to scale. These drawings will be very detailed, down to the window and door placement on the buildings. Performing site analyses that include the assessment of current plants, soil conditions, lighting, the view, and architecture style of the house. The ability to communicate well both with clients and other types of workers (contractors, supervisors, etc) on the landscaping team. Researching topics such as plants and their ability to survive in an area, guidelines and codes. Make public presentations when necessary to discuss the project, complete with charts, sketches, and so forth. Reviewing plans, proposed changes, and any other necessary documents. Oversees progression of the project to ensure that it is going as planned. Keeping records, including everything from correspondence to reports.

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The client wanted a deck to be connected to the rest of the yard and transition to the upper deck 10ft of grade to the patio on grade. The centrally located circular kitchen area services both the patio and the upper deck and gives lots of options whether it’s just the family or a party for 50. Minimizing rails and stairs during the transition from the upper deck to the lower deck on grade was critical to the clients. Adding the kitchen to the project without obstructing the view out the rear patio doors was also an important request from the client. The WOLF PVC Black Walnut accents and fascia really sets off the Driftwood field. Dutch Quality weathered ledge stone was used in the kitchen with a granite counter. Custom welded aluminum rails and EP Henry Bristol pavers are also featured. The built in flower beds extend the feel of the patio area and allow for plantings to be added. This project turned an unusable back yard and disconnected elevated deck into cohesive multi-level living space.

Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. 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.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

View from the Northwest. This home is built with high performance walls and roofs, resulting in a very well insulated and tightly sealed home. We implemented a combined heating approach of passive solar and radiant hydronic floor heating, which we call “Sun Smart Radiant Heating.” This system sensibly captures the sun’s energy on sunny days and has two added benefits. The radiant system distributes the sun’s heat uniformly throughout the home and also produces heat during long stretches of cloudy days or extreme cold. This dual heating method is not only incredibly energy efficient, it relieves any worries homeowners may have about living in a home that is heated with passive solar alone. During the warmer months, the Quinn Creek Home is designed to benefit from passive cooling, a free home air-conditioning strategy. Also, carefully designed roof overhangs and awnings prevent unwanted solar heat gain in the summer. The windows used for both passive solar heating and passive cooling, provide beautiful views and connect the inhabits to the ephemeral qualities of the outdoors. The experience of living in a passive solar home changes from day to day, season to season. The windows also provide ample natural day lighting, even on cloudy days, which significantly reduces electric lighting costs and reduces the occurrence of falls and depression within the home. The surrounding mountain and hillside slopes of the Quinn Creek Home were carefully analyzed and integrated into the design and roof pitches. Even though this photo is in color, winter light conditions often create a black-and-white-like effect. The darker and lighter colored metal siding and roofing colors were purposefully chosen to help the home blend with the environment during the changing seasons. Greenovision Home Design

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First Amongst Equals, Victoria BC The boldly uplifting modernistic elegance of this stunningly designed and superbly constructed architectural masterpiece harmonizes serenely with its surroundings. Natural woodland textures create an exceptionally impressive organic setting. Inspired architect Franc D'Ambrosio incorporated classically dramatic mid-century design elements into a work of art for contemporary living. Quality constructed to unparalleled specifications, this award-winning home offers the much-coveted privacy of a peaceful retreat together with luxurious amenities and an outstanding architectural interpretation, only minutes from downtown Victoria. Significantly exceeds B.C building code, particular seismic integrity because of the steel frame.2015 VIBE top award View 3D Tour and full details here: http://www.ianheath-marilynball.com/moreinfo_homes_new.php?property=361 Ian Heath and Marilyn Ball (250) 655-SOLD(7653)

Kitchen - modern kitchen idea in San Francisco