Client: Private Residence In London Brief: To supply & install carpet to stairs as runner
Example of a mid-sized transitional carpeted floating metal railing staircase design in London with carpeted risers

This cottage style family home within a private estate was transformed through a full house renovation, reworking the internal layout and extending the property to create a more contemporary, spacious and practical home for modern family life. The project involved switching the downstairs layout from east to west, allowing the main living spaces to work more naturally with the light, views and flow of the house. A substantial upstairs extension was also added, giving the family the additional space they needed while carefully balancing the original character of the home with a more modern architectural approach. Designed for a large family with children ranging from very young to teenagers, the interiors needed to feel elegant and high-end, while still being robust, comfortable and welcoming. The scheme brought together luxury finishes, bespoke detailing and carefully considered layouts to create a home that feels both refined and liveable. A key part of the brief was to incorporate the client’s much loved antique pieces into the new design. These items added history, personality and a sense of permanence, helping the contemporary glass structure and extended areas feel connected to the story of the house. The result is a sophisticated family home that blends character, artisan craftsmanship, contemporary architecture and timeless interior design, a luxurious but practical home created for family life.

A new build property with large bifold doors in the open plan kitchen diner. The client brief was to add some softness and personality to the space. Chainless roller blinds in a quirky patterned fabric acheived this brilliantly.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install white carpet to stairs
Elegant carpeted curved staircase photo in London with carpeted risers

Client: Private Residence In Central London Brief: To supply & install carpet to stairs
Example of a staircase design in London

inspired by the client's brief for a mediterranean look with retro touches, this is our proposal for the second floor of a beautiful seafront townhouse. while keeping a more classical feel in the lower floors of the house, we have worked on a contemporary look on the first floor, mirroring the fact that this is a newly built floor.

Our brief in this design was to create an elegant modern dining room in an upmarket home. The space is used for formal dining and entertaining guests. We used a neutral colour palette consisting of rich caramel browns, gold, grey, black and white. The overall feel of the space is comfortable, but distinguished.

Midwest college town Champaign, Illinois, is not exactly known for cutting edge residential architecture so when this custom contemporary was built in 1996 it was the talk of the town. Designed by architect G.T. Hardwick, it was commissioned by a local successful business owner who was retiring and desiring a slice of solitude amongst the trees. It's changed hands a couple of times since and was most recently purchased by a University of Illinois design school faculty member in 2018. The home was in dire need of updating and so the new owner turned to Jennifer Ott Design with the brief to completely update the kitchen and dining areas, creating a contemporary yet fun and welcoming vibe.

Willis aThe client’s brief was for a low cost, high quality office/studio space to allow them to manage a digital business easily from home. The studio was also required to function as a storage space for the maintenance of the garden. The design was quick and easy to build whilst costing less than the prefabricated alternatives. The fully heated and insulated studio is connected to internet and other essential services. Willis and Powe’s knowledge of the planning process allowed for the quickest possible outcome at the minimum cost.nd Powe

50/50s House is a love letter to the 1950’s. Our clients, Gina and David have a love for books and found objects and wanted to display their collections with pride. The brief also called for a home that would afford them and their teenagers the ability to occupy different spaces without feeling disconnected. Bold lines and playful geometry work in tandem with the charm of the existing house to create a beautiful healthy home that is as endearing as it is enduring.

The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.

JDBG is wrapping up work on an expansive 2-story sunroom addition that also included modifications to the existing home’s interior and significant exterior improvements as well. The original project brief was to provide a conditioned 4-season sunroom addition where the homeowners could relax and enjoy their wooded views. As we delved deeper into our client’s overall objectives, it became clear that this would be no ordinary sunroom addition. The resulting 16’x25’ sunroom is a showstopper with 10’ high ceilings and wall to wall windows offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. As we recommend with most addition projects, the process started with our Preliminary Design Study to determine project goals, design concepts, project feasibility and associated budget estimates. During this process, our design team worked to ensure that both interior and exterior were fully integrated. We conducted in-depth programming to identify key goals and needs which would inform the design and performed a field survey and zoning analysis to identify any constraints that could impact the plans. The next step was to develop conceptual designs that addressed the program requirements. Using a combination of 3-D massing, interior/exterior renderings, precedent imaging and space planning, the design concept was revised and refined. At the end of the study we had an approved schematic design and comprehensive budget estimates for the 2-story addition and were ready to move into design development, construction documentation, trade coordination, and final pricing. A complex project such as this involves architectural and interior design, structural and civil engineering, landscape design and environmental considerations. Multiple trades and subs are engaged during construction, from HVAC to electrical and plumbing, framers, carpenters and masons, roofers and painters just to name a few. JDBG was there every step of the way to ensure quality construction. Other notable features of the renovation included expanding the home’s existing dining room, incorporating a custom ‘dish room,’ and providing fully conditioned storage and his & her workrooms on the lower level. A new front portico will visually connect the old and new structures and a brand new roof, shutters and paint will further transform the exterior. Thoughtful planning was also given to the landscape, including a back deck, stone patio and walkways, plantings and exterior lighting. Stay tuned for more photos as this sunroom addition nears completion.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

The new Kinloch lodge stands proud, high on the hillside at the world class Jack Nicklaus Golf Resort. No doubt it is one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations, and possibly the most luxurious - Designed by multi-award winning Patterson Architects, with interior design by renowed lodge and hotel designer Virginia Fisher. The design brief was to create a uber-modern version of a Scottish castle to tie in with the Scottish heritage of the Kinloch name. Forte Flooring were selected to create the rough sawn Oak panelling (black and white), which was used on the walls ceilings to give a very-castle like feel. Set alongside lush velvet, fox fur, brass, copper, slate and wool the lodge perfectly achieves an air of modern royalty.

Vistafolia is the easiest, most practical and attractive solution to creating stunning environments with a natural looking green wall. Our seamless foliage panels create the look of a lush, vibrant and energizing green wall that instantly refreshes featureless spaces. We provided the perfect cladding solution to dress up the length of this entry ramp, softening the brick pillars and concrete walls with elegant, welcoming greenery as the landscape designer specified for the privacy screening brief. The various textures and shadings of the foliage provide a pleasing visual experience and uplift, enhancing the customer journey through the space.

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install white carpet to stairs as a runner
Staircase - transitional carpeted curved staircase idea in London with carpeted risers

The brief for this house was for a Hampton style beach resort type design...designed by Burleigh Beach Designs and constructed by Listonia Landscaping. Photos by Listonia Landscaping

Built on a dune overlooking Lake Michigan, this residence appears to emerge from the landscape. The project brief called for an artful house that promotes wellness and outdoor living. Rugged beauty and four-season adventure drew the owners to the area but presented challenges, including wildfire risk. The site needed a durable shelter that responsibly integrates with the environment. Clad in sand-colored stucco, the house will intentionally be obscured by grasses and junipers over time. Outdoor spaces are layered to match the undulating topography. A steel superstructure enables an ultra-thin roof with overhangs for passive solar design that withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads. A crushed-granite courtyard offers refuge on windy days. This space is enclosed by operable Cor-Ten panels that rotate open to reveal dune views or close for a cloistered experience. The courtyard is further defined by a deconstructed roof with an aperture that frames sky views. Expansive glazing and porcelain flooring unites interior and exterior, evoking a sense of inhabiting an infinity house. A screen porch, concealed by louvers, is a contemporary interpretation of a time-honored lake house vernacular. ​Layers of light and an edited palette of materials unify the interior and evoke a laid-back feeling of beach towns. On both levels, bronze glass walls artfully define rooms while preserving views.