So many of our client's deal with excessive run off from other neighboring and surrounding properties . The end results of our pain staking effort, in an attempt to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to the backyard. The results speak for themselves and it look's beautiful.

VISION AND NEEDS: Our client came to us with a vision for their dream house for their growing family with three young children. This was their second attempt at getting the right design. The first time around, after working with an out-of-state online architect, they could not achieve the level of quality they wanted. McHugh delivered a home with higher quality design. MCHUGH SOLUTION: The Shingle/Dutch Colonial Design was our client's dream home style. Their priorities were to have a home office for both parents. Ample living space for kids and friends, along with outdoor space and a pool. Double sink bathroom for the kids and a master bedroom with bath for the parents. Despite being close a flood zone, clients could have a fully finished basement with 9ft ceilings and a full attic. Because of the higher water table, the first floor was considerably above grade. To soften the ascent of the front walkway, we designed planters around the stairs, leading up to the porch.

At the end of 2012, Danberry came across what was then a rundown home in the Casco Point neighborhood of Orono, in desperate need of some design help. A failed attempt by the previous owner to remodel it as an investment had left it abandoned for years. But when the Danberry’s got a glimpse of this diamond in the rough, they knew it had potential. The project included a completely remodeled kitchen, bathroom, basement and living room.

Hardie Plank siding conceals the stair and landing framing from view.
Large trendy backyard metal railing deck photo in Philadelphia

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

These lovely homeowners, in their late 60s and seasoned by life and travel, wanted a home that truly worked for their lifestyle. Their wish list was simple: comfort, functionality, and a space that felt welcoming for guests. When Small Annoyances Become Big Dealbreakers The main floor was no longer working. The kitchen was cramped, the wall between it and the dining room disrupted the flow, and two unused bedrooms wasted valuable space. Even the powder room was tucked away at the back. Upstairs, one shared bathroom, basement laundry, and a primary bedroom that overheated in the afternoon made daily life frustrating. Facing Renovation Worries The homeowners were excited but cautious. A previous renovation attempt with another company had fallen through, so trust was key. They also wanted to make sure their vision was achievable without stretching the budget. The Transformation Relocating the stairs completely opened up the main floor. The kitchen, dining, and living areas now flow together beautifully, creating a bright, open, and welcoming space. Smart Details for Everyday Living The new kitchen features a large island, ample storage, and a raised dishwasher at standing height for easy loading and unloading. We also moved the powder room to the front and added a coffee and bar station near the dining area, perfect for morning routines or entertaining guests. Comfort and Flow Upstairs Upstairs, the primary bedroom was moved to the cooler side of the house and now connects to a spacious walk-in closet and new ensuite. Compact laundry machines were installed upstairs, and the former primary bedroom was converted into a private guest suite with its own en-suite and walk-in closet. Finishes That Feel Like Home Beautiful, low-maintenance materials complete the space: custom cabinetry, leather-finish quartz countertops, engineered hardwood on the main floor, and refinished hardwood upstairs. Porcelain tiles, a new gas fireplace, and oak stairs tie everything together. The Final Takeaway Life at home has completely transformed. Cooking, entertaining, and everyday living are now effortless and enjoyable. Every space flows, every detail feels intentional, and the home finally fits their lifestyle. Ready to Love Your Home Again? If your house no longer suits your lifestyle, we can help. Let’s explore how a thoughtful renovation can make your home work for you. Contact us today to get started.

The Ossido line stems from a wager against time, in an attempt to crystallise a material at a specific point in its life and have it stay that way forever. Specifically, it entails the reproduction of a oxidation process on slabs of copper and metal, which generates a very strong and rich colour, yet which inevitably disappears as the oxidation process progresses.

Kim Jeffery Photographer www.kimjeffery.com
Inspiration for a large transitional master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Toronto with blue walls

This couple had recently retired from Toronto to the country, and their new home was an attempt to combine their modern tastes with their new rustic environment. Building their house on a scale for two put the stairwell in the living room, and it was important that the railing both match and accentuate the clean, rustic aesthetic. We settled on panels of winter branches, framed by wooden posts and rails. Light and welcoming organic shapes.

The Ossido line stems from a wager against time, in an attempt to crystallise a material at a specific point in its life and have it stay that way forever. Specifically, it entails the reproduction of a oxidation process on slabs of copper and metal, which generates a very strong and rich colour, yet which inevitably disappears as the oxidation process progresses.

A Young couple appartment in Trakai became black and white loft. The greatest attention we paid to functional multipurpose spaces and architectural context. After new apartment planning was made, second level and roof windows were built. We attempted to create a cozy, artistic and romantic atmosphere including industrial design accents. It was left a lot of free space for clients future needs and self realization. Photos: www.andstep.com

VISION AND NEEDS: Our client came to us with a vision for their dream house for their growing family with three young children. This was their second attempt at getting the right design. The first time around, after working with an out-of-state online architect, they could not achieve the level of quality they wanted. McHugh delivered a home with higher quality design. MCHUGH SOLUTION: The Shingle/Dutch Colonial Design was our client's dream home style. Their priorities were to have a home office for both parents. Ample living space for kids and friends, along with outdoor space and a pool. Double sink bathroom for the kids and a master bedroom with bath for the parents. Despite being close a flood zone, clients could have a fully finished basement with 9ft ceilings and a full attic. Because of the higher water table, the first floor was considerably above grade. To soften the ascent of the front walkway, we designed planters around the stairs, leading up to the porch.

Wainscoting box detail
Inspiration for a small timeless carpeted straight staircase remodel in Boston with painted risers

The Brooke Residence ‘Addi- tion by Subtraction’ remodeling project was recognized with numerous regional and national awards and was selected for Fine Homebuilding’s Annual Issue on Houses. This 1920’s Craftsman Bungalow had been poorly modified in the 70’s in an attempt to address poor energy performance with a scabbed on solarium. The design solution removed the solarium and completely reimagined the floor plan: The kitchen was relocated to the rear; the stairway was relocated to enhance function, and a better connection to the family room was created.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

YOUNG ARCHITECTS STUDIO COMPETITION: Award of Excellence PROJECT: BATHS at the Billboard PARTICIPANTS: Jozef Petrak, Assoc. AIA; Brian Pagnotta; Patrick Russell; Ben Quint-Glick; Breanna Praechter FIRM/SCHOOL: Renaissance 3 Architects DESCRIPTION: Nestled into the hillside, the Baths at the Billboard uses reclaimed water to create a restorative experience with an unrivaled view. Once a symbol of corporate advertisement, the Bayer Billboard will be revitalized as a valuable recreational amenity that promotes ecological awareness and responsibility for the city of Pittsburgh. JURY COMMENTS: This entry made a serious attempt at addressing the site. It retains the structure and a vestige of its original use without privileging that function. The jury expressed concern about creating a swimming venue on a steep slope but it could envision it becoming “The Hanging Water Gardens of Pittsburgh” – a unique first-day attraction for the city.

Clean simple lines and the confluence of the old & new. This family apartment is an attempt at creating a home that's reflective of a stated palette, modern nuances & punctuated with a classic character. A residence that is upbeat yet firmly in sync with its roots !

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The commission for this 4,300-square-foot residence came with significant challenges for the architects – a house had once existed on the lot but had burned down and the attempt to replace the house had stalled, leading to an abatement order and a lapse of permits. Our first challenge was to revive the lapsed construction permit by proposing to “modify” the existing structure. The practical effect this had was to fix the footprint of the new home to the existing structure’s plan outline. Having thereby inherited the large, dense block of the original house, the new strategy became one of substituting selective areas of indoor space for outdoor courtyard. This strategy of trading indoor space for outdoor courtyard allowed an erosion of the formerly monolithic structure into a series of distinct volumetric elements, and further suggested that the architectural pieces could cohere as a “village.” The main level is further eroded by large, glazed planes, merging indoor with outdoor, and virtually stretching the landscape across interior space. Moving the detached garage from the rear yard to beneath the new living space allowed for a 75-meter lap pool and a shaded olive garden. The gardens include built-in seating, extensive use of ornamental grasses and Zen-like interior courtyards. A material palette of fossilized stone, bonderized-galvanized metal, and natural Douglas fir allows for the warmth desired by the wife, while providing the modernity required by the husband. Programmatically, her music room borrows from the calm and protected olive court in the rear, while his office becomes a pavilion set in the landscape, which both addresses the street and acts as a sheltering monument for the terraced entry garden.

It was in 2012 when Mike Spreckelmeier first met Roy and Patti. They had been despondent after meeting with multiple contractors in an attempt to start their kitchen remodel. The contractors lacked follow through, came tardy to meetings and even failed to show up at others. Determined to leave nothing to chance in the pursuit of their dream, Roy and Patti followed up on a recommendation after overhearing a conversation that was taking place while they were standing in a gallingly long line waiting to cast a vote on Election Day. With a solid recommendation to pursue, Roy and Patti contacted Progressive Design Build. The rest is history. Mike showed up on time. For a small retainer, he provided preliminary sketches, ideas for maximizing space and storage, and solutions for a sunken family room that created a safety hazard and a problem with traffic flow. More importantly, he designed the project to the homeowners’ budget. Progressive Design Build shot some different elevations and designed a plan to raise the floor, allowing all finished floors to be on the same level. Upon completion, the kitchen was stunning. Features included LED backlit fire glass shelving, white recessed panel cabinets, a subway tile backsplash, Granite countertop, integrated refrigerator, undermount sink, and more. The living room was designed with complimentary finishes and included a natural stone fireplace wall with open cabinets flanked on both sides. The 12’ fireplace was made with a floor-to-ceiling white pebble finish. This Bonita Bay project completed on time and on budget—allowing this fabulous family a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories for many years to come.