VISION AND NEEDS: Homeowner sought a ‘retreat’ outside of NY that would have water views and offer options for entertaining groups of friends in the house and by pool. Being a car enthusiast, it was important to have a multi-car-garage. MCHUGH SOLUTION: The client sought McHugh because of our recognizable modern designs in the area. We were up for the challenge to design a home with a narrow lot located in a flood zone where views of the Toms River were secured from multiple rooms; while providing privacy on either side of the house. The elevated foundation offered incredible views from the roof. Each guest room opened up to a beautiful balcony. Flower beds, beautiful natural stone quarried from West Virginia and cedar siding, warmed the modern aesthetic, as you ascend to the front porch.

© Ascendant Imaging
Inspiration for a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, beige floor and double-sink bathroom remodel in Charlotte with furniture-like cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Organicrete® concrete floating stairway ascending to the upper floor with Ironclad® metal railing. Detail shot of the metal and concrete.
Large minimalist concrete floating open and metal railing staircase photo in Salt Lake City

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

© Ascendant Imaging
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Charlotte with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

© Ascendant Imaging
Small transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar photo in Charlotte with quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, white countertops, no sink, shaker cabinets and white cabinets

From the Moment you step under the Taut Green Awning from Central Park West... you begin to feel the Tingling Calm you are about to behold. As you ascend in the elevator to the Tree Top Floor and enter the Enclave, you know you have arrived, not at a residence, but an experience. A place that is as Bright and White as the Sun Shining outside the Bank of Windows, yet Tempered by the Green Lush Expanse of all Central Park Laid before your Wandering eyes. As you turn to Drink in the Apartment, your Eyes are delighted with the Twinkle of Crystal, the Sheen of Marbles, The Roughness of Carved Granite, all played against Cozy Silk and Wool Carpets, Sofas and Chairs that soak you in, the Art and Treasures in glints of Patina-ed Golds and Silver from the Past, The Present and the Future to come, all gift boxed in a setting that harks back to the Golden Age of Pre-War New York but Splashed with Modern Flourishes in design that remind you, you are Here and Now. In this Trance you can hear the Sounds of Clinking Glasses celebrating a Birthday Celebration, The Laughter of Friends preparing to leave for an Opening Night at the Theater, the soft hush of a night cap toast as you savor in the city lights below before you dream some more, only to wake to the smells of Omelette's and French Toast waiting on White Porcelain with Crisp Linen Napkins all set beside the Mountain of the Sunday New York Times in the Shadow of a Blue Hydrangea arrangement. The Day and The City awaits you, but you cocoon yourself in the envelope you are savoring, You reach for the Times, or the New Yorker, and curl in, with Cole Porter or Leonard Bernstein wafting through the aerie of peace, as you gaze out the window... Central Park fills with Leaves, People, Rain, or even a Gentle Snow. This is Central Park West. This is: An Experience. Not a Residence.

© Ascendant Imaging
Small transitional 3/4 blue tile and ceramic tile single-sink, porcelain tile and white floor bathroom photo in Charlotte with white cabinets, white walls, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, shaker cabinets, an undermount sink, a built-in vanity and a two-piece toilet

As you ascend up the staircase, you will see the wall-mounted stainless steel handrail transition into a post when you arrive onto the second floor.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist wooden straight open and glass railing staircase design in Tampa

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

A prelude to your private oasis, the staircase leading to the master bedroom makes a lasting impression. The sleek metal design paired with modern hardwood flooring creates a captivating contrast, exuding a contemporary elegance. White walls bathe the space in light, fostering a sense of openness and inviting guests to ascend to a haven of tranquility.

© Ascendant Imaging
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Charlotte

These impressive double curved staircases create a grand entrance worthy of this exquisite custom home. Black-painted oak treads and handrail, which match the upstairs hardwood flooring, are paired with crisp white risers, establishing a bold foundation for the design, while a custom wrought-iron balustrade brings Old World craftsmanship to the space. Rounded bullnose starting steps on each staircase provide an elegant invitation to ascend, softening the grand scale with graceful curves. Rising symmetrically on either side of the foyer, these staircases transform the entrance into an architectural statement that sets the tone for the entire residence. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

© Ascendant Imaging
Large screened-in back porch idea in Charlotte with decking and a roof extension

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

© Ascendant Imaging
Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern master medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wallpaper bedroom design in Charlotte with white walls, a wood fireplace surround and a ribbon fireplace

These impressive double curved staircases create a grand entrance worthy of this exquisite custom home. Black-painted oak treads and handrail, which match the upstairs hardwood flooring, are paired with crisp white risers, establishing a bold foundation for the design, while a custom wrought-iron balustrade brings Old World craftsmanship to the space. Rounded bullnose starting steps on each staircase provide an elegant invitation to ascend, softening the grand scale with graceful curves. Rising symmetrically on either side of the foyer, these staircases transform the entrance into an architectural statement that sets the tone for the entire residence. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

When the Owners approached Goggans Architecture about renovation of a 90’s era oceanfront house, it was clear there would be a lot more to the renovation than mere updates and remedying deferred maintenance. One of the most significant issues was how to integrate an outdoor pool given the pool had to be within the building envelope, and the house was already abutting the setback on its ocean side. A second significant challenge was how to provide a roof top deck over a pitched roof house with an attic, that was functional and attractive. Finally, creating better access from the parking area to the kitchen was a priority. Goggans Architecture addressed the placement of a pool by creating a walled courtyard at the front, or landward side, of the house. The pool was placed on one side of the entry walkway, while its composition was balanced by a parterre garden on the other side of the walkway. The roof top deck was resolved by adding a new staircase and passageway through former attic space. By using a motorized roof hatch, the Owners could ascend to the roof deck which perched just below the roof ridge, hidden from view from the street. Relocating an underneath stair from one side of the house to a point that was closer to the kitchen resolved the access issue. These strategic moves created other opportunities, such as expansion of the master bathroom to a portion of the front porch, while allowing an exterior stair from the bath directly to the pool. Other enhancements included placement of a large folding door in the Great room, renovation and expansion of the kitchen and exterior decks, reorganization, and replacement of the fenestration, updating all baths and interior and exterior finishes. The extensive renovation reflects the holistic approach of Goggans Architecture, marrying landscape architecture, architecture, and interiors.

© Ascendant Imaging
Inspiration for a transitional kids' room remodel in Charlotte