The homeowners had owned this 2,800sf apartment for many years but had never undertaken renovations as they lived in Washington D.C. The goal was to functionally update and renovate the spacious Classic 8 landmark apartment while preserving its pre-war character. With south and east exposures at 10 windows facing Central Park and downtown from a high floor, the apartment was light-filled and afforded significant views from the living room, dining room and library as well as two of the bedrooms. The goal was to create an urban oasis in the aerie-like apartment with light and views in a way that seamlessly integrated traditional methods, modern materials, lighting and technology.

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage. Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials. In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms. A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival. The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power. Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove. A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

When this Chester Springs family came to Craftsworth Construction, they had a vision: transform an unfinished basement into a true extension of their home — a space where they could entertain, relax, host game nights, and still have room for the kids. What we delivered exceeded every expectation. This full basement finish spans multiple defined zones, each with its own purpose and personality, yet all flowing seamlessly together in an open-concept layout. Every detail was intentional. Every material was selected for both beauty and durability. The result is one of the most complete and well-executed basement transformations we've built in Chester County. The Wet Bar & Kitchenette The centerpiece of the entertainment side of the basement is a fully custom wet bar and kitchenette that rivals an upstairs kitchen in both form and function. Dark charcoal shaker cabinets with brushed brass pulls line the walls, framing a dramatic white quartzite stone backsplash that runs full height. Live-edge floating shelves add warmth and texture against the stone. A stainless undermount sink sits beneath a matte black and gold pull-down faucet, and the countertops throughout are a gorgeous veined quartz. Appliances include a full-size stainless French door refrigerator, dishwasher, wine cooler, and a microwave drawer built into the island. A large waterfall island with seating for four anchors the space and separates the working kitchen from the entertainment area. A dramatic hand-hewn wood beam runs overhead, tying the rustic and modern elements together. The Dry Bar & TV Bar On the opposite side of the open space sits a sleek dry bar with a butcher block top and dark charcoal base, perfectly positioned in front of the media wall. Four swivel bar stools with wood backs face the TV, creating a natural watch-the-game setup that's as functional as it is good-looking. This bar serves as the connector between the lounge and the game room, keeping the flow of the space intuitive and social. The Media Lounge The living area features a custom slatted wood accent wall with a large wall-mounted TV, in-wall speakers, and a soundbar — all framed by the warm natural tone of the slat panels against the deep charcoal accent wall. Brass wall sconces flank the TV wall, and a large sectional with a round wood coffee table creates a cozy, cinema-quality hangout space. A black sliding barn door with frosted glass panels leads to the fitness room, adding an industrial-modern touch while keeping the space flexible. The Game Room Dedicated to fun, the game room features a full-size pool table, dart board cabinet, cue rack, and wall-to-wall sports memorabilia including a framed Eagles jersey. A corner L-shaped floating wood shelf wraps the back wall, perfect for drinks and gear during a game. The deep charcoal paint and recessed lighting keep the vibe right. The Bathroom The basement bathroom is a full showstopper. A dark wood vanity with quartz countertop and brass pulls sits beneath a gold-framed rectangular mirror flanked by brass sconces. The frameless glass walk-in shower is tiled floor to ceiling in vertical white subway tile with a built-in niche and a brass thermostatic valve. A vertical shiplap accent wall behind the toilet adds a designer touch that elevates the entire room. The Fitness Room Accessed through the barn door from the lounge, the fitness room is clean and bright with its own wall-mounted TV, recessed lighting, and egress window. It's private enough to feel like a dedicated gym but connected enough to stay part of the home. The Kids' Playroom No detail was overlooked — even the space beneath the stairs was converted into a functional kids' playroom with built-in shelving, a Lego table, and a chalkboard easel. A smart use of square footage that the whole family can enjoy. The Pantry A pair of oversized custom barn-style double doors in matte black open to reveal a full walk-in pantry with white built-in shelving. Closed, the doors look like a bold design feature. Open, they reveal serious organized storage.

The DSA Residential Team designed this 4,000 SF Coastal Contemporary Spec Home. The two-story home was designed with an open concept for the living areas, maximizing the waterfront views and incorporating as much natural light as possible. The home was designed with a circular drive entrance and concrete block / turf courtyard, affording access to the home's two garages. DSA worked within the community's HOA guidelines to accomplish the look and feel the client wanted to achieve for the home. The team provided architectural renderings for the spec home to help with marketing efforts and to help future buyers envision the final product.

TJC Architect: This TJC Architect designed beach home makes the most of an odd shaped, corner lot. This three story structure with traditional detailing boasts a Great Room, a Guest suite and an attached garage on the first floor. Take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor where every bedroom has it's own private balcony. The third floor loft has access to the roof top deck, where you have ocean views even though the beach is several blocks away. A pool in the back yard completes the package.

The DSA Residential Team designed this 4,000 SF Coastal Contemporary Spec Home. The two-story home was designed with an open concept for the living areas, maximizing the waterfront views and incorporating as much natural light as possible. The home was designed with a circular drive entrance and concrete block / turf courtyard, affording access to the home's two garages. DSA worked within the community's HOA guidelines to accomplish the look and feel the client wanted to achieve for the home. The team provided architectural renderings for the spec home to help with marketing efforts and to help future buyers envision the final product.

This Project included bringing an 18 year old pond back to life. We began this project by dismantling the existing pond and removing all rocks, gravel, liner and catching the fish and frogs and stored them in a safe aeration tank during the construction of the new pond. We ran into a ton of cement blocks from the existing pond which were a nightmare to remove, but none the less we prevailed. After everything was removed we shaped up the the soil for the new pond installation. A fabric underlayment is first installed beneath the liner to protect it. A new 45 mil fish safe epdm liner was installed on top and we then began to rock in the pond using larger rocks so that kids can enter safely and access for pond plant maintenance. Shelves were installed at different elevations for aquatic plants. The skimmer installation makes for easier pond maintenance and to keep the pond pump free from pond debris. An overflow was plumbed from the skimmer to the downspout to allow the pond to take on rain water and dewater more cleanly. A biofalls filtration unit was installed on the top pond to filter the system and is also the upper waterfall area that aims towards the dining room window for viewing from inside the home and upper patio area. What an amazing transformation.

Rare to market! Picture perfect 2 bedroom, 2 bath with garage parking and balcony at the Gate, an award winning steel and concrete, elevator building on sought after corner of uptown Bloomfield Street. Timeless galley kitchen with classic white cabinetry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and wine refrigeration. Separate dining room features unique gray exposed brick pass through to kitchen and access to private balcony. Master suite features large walk-in closet with tailored built-ins, freshly refinished hardwood floors, in home washer/dryer and central heat and air. Across from NYC bus, gym and uptown Farmer’s Market. Just blocks from ferry, shopping, dining and nightlife.

Designed with a nod to the Modern Movement of architectural styles, The Newcastle's exterior elements include horizontal Nichiha vintage wood cedar planks offset by Modera tailored and stacked ledgestone and a welcoming path of deep gray slate pavers. The horizontal grid lines in the home's 10' black iron double doors are mimicked throughout the home and add a classic modern feel to the windows, sliding glass doors, and an all-glass, temperature-controlled wine room. The Newcastle's great room is open to the chef's kitchen that features two separate quartzite islands, one with a beveled waterfall edge that's perfect for either casual dining or entertaining. Just off the kitchen, the wine room with a backlit blue-agate accent wall leads you into the home's bonus room, complete with a beverage refrigerator, humidor, and access to a private courtyard. The great room overlooks the spacious outdoor living areas which feature your own putting green, fire pit, pool and plenty of space for lounging, cooking and dining. The master suite has a volume ceiling, oversized windows overlooking the pool and lake with a private entrance to the rear lanai. The master bath features a recessed tub, a glass-enclosed shower that is centered within the room and surrounded by walls of glass, two separate vanities, water closets, and elegant courtyards, and of course spectacular closets. Additional living spaces inside this 4,806 SF home include a separate Casita, two additional en-suite guest rooms, study, walk-in pantry, laundry room, and 4-car split garage.

Built in wood storage adjacent to the fireplace provides easy access to wood without blocking views.

This Mission Hills kitchen was completely gutted and the back wall of the house was pushed out to expand the dining area. There had been a back pantry and butler's area, however this particular layout did not suit the clients needs and they preferred to have this space accessible from the main kitchen. We added in the coffer ceiling details, built in a smaller walk in pantry and built out walls to make architectural elements in the kitchen such as around the range and the refrigeration wall. The chopping block at the end of the main island is created with Walnut and is frequently used as a cutting board. The tall glass cabinet acts as a dish pantry and all of the clients dishware is immediately visible and in one location. Matt Kocourek

This older couple have been residing in their one level custom home since the early 80’s. The Master bathroom old design was dysfunctional, steps in bathroom were dangerous for their age, the deck mounted tub took too much floor space, vanity space was limited. Swing doors were cutting accessibility for them. The wanted to open up the space and bring this old dragged of bathroom into a new era of design and functionality. Planned a double sided fireplace in front of the tub area, taking out all multi-level shower and tub area, enlarged the shower stall and moved the new free standing tub directly under the wall of glass blocks, We have taken advantage of tall cathedral ceiling and added new ceiling and recess lights to brighten this space. The toilet area was enclosed with a frost glass pocket and made more room for larger vanity and counter space, given them lots of storage, small closets were taken out and replaced with larger linen cabinetry. We have relocated the toilet to open up large portion of back wall, now home for his vanity space. The shower was moved to the corner, taking some space form adjacent closet. Customer framed mirror, sconce lighting has taken over the left side of pantry, will large scale tile (and heated floor) this master bathroom transformation has given them a whole new life. Carefully selected stain on cabinetry complimenting the stone top and porcelain floor and wall tiles were all a big part of this transformation. The custom closet system has given them a much-needed space for their clothing and all their seasonal clothes. Now more than ever life in their master suite is pleasurable and relaxing.

This spacious 2-story home features a welcoming front porch and 2-car side entry garage with mudroom. A dramatic 2-story ceiling in the Foyer creates a grand impression upon entering the home. The Foyer is flanked by the Study to the left and the Living Room to the right. Off of the Living Room is the Formal Dining Room adorned by chair rail with elegant block detail. The Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and convenient island opens to the sunny Breakfast Area with sliding glass door access to backyard patio. The spacious Family Room features a cozy gas fireplace and triple windows providing plenty of natural light. The second floor boast all 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a laundry room. The Owner’s Suite with truncated ceiling features an expansive closet and private bathroom with 5’ shower and double bowl vanity with cultured marble top.

This older couple have been residing in their one level custom home since the early 80’s. The Master bathroom old design was dysfunctional, steps in bathroom were dangerous for their age, the deck mounted tub took too much floor space, vanity space was limited. Swing doors were cutting accessibility for them. The wanted to open up the space and bring this old dragged of bathroom into a new era of design and functionality. Planned a double sided fireplace in front of the tub area, taking out all multi-level shower and tub area, enlarged the shower stall and moved the new free standing tub directly under the wall of glass blocks, We have taken advantage of tall cathedral ceiling and added new ceiling and recess lights to brighten this space. The toilet area was enclosed with a frost glass pocket and made more room for larger vanity and counter space, given them lots of storage, small closets were taken out and replaced with larger linen cabinetry. We have relocated the toilet to open up large portion of back wall, now home for his vanity space. The shower was moved to the corner, taking some space form adjacent closet. Customer framed mirror, sconce lighting has taken over the left side of pantry, will large scale tile (and heated floor) this master bathroom transformation has given them a whole new life. Carefully selected stain on cabinetry complimenting the stone top and porcelain floor and wall tiles were all a big part of this transformation. The custom closet system has given them a much-needed space for their clothing and all their seasonal clothes. Now more than ever life in their master suite is pleasurable and relaxing.

CJ South
Example of a trendy living room design in Detroit

This kitchen was in desperate need of a makeover. (see the original space at the end) There was a truly odd peninsula that blocked the cook from access to the refrigerator behind it. The span was only 33" which made working in the area almost impossible. The peninsula was also the weekly dining area, but did not function well. This makeovers is truly one of my favoirites as it shows what good design can do for a space!

The size of this proposed accessory building was limited to 800 sq. ft., but using mechanical car lifts, we were able to fulfill his program by stacking his cars two high. In that the property also lacked a large amount of usable landscaped outdoor space, I suggested that we landscape the backup area and the access to where the cars would be stored. Working with Andrea Swanson of Thomas Bock and Associates in Walnut Creek, CA, we developed a plan that did just that. The lawn that you see in the photos is installed over turf blocks providing the structural support needed for backup and the driveway to the structure. Photo: Indivar Sivanathan

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage. Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials. In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms. A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival. The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power. Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove. A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

This narrow and steep staircase is the perfect addition to this North Vancouver residence. The clients now have full access down a previously unusable side of the house. The addition of plants along the edge help soften the transition between hardscape and softscape.