In this complete rebuild of a mid-century modern home, the design flows from an analysis of the varied site conditions already present and reinforces key relationships to the site while establishing new ones. From a relocated street level entry, a careful sequence follows the slope and curates the vertical movement through the home from earthbound experience to the open sky and panoramic views. Each level takes on a different purpose - first, establishing new ties to the street, then anchoring family spaces to the south-facing garden, turning inwardly focused at the sleeping level, and ultimately dissolving at the top level living spaces and roof deck to reveal panoramic connections to the city and bay. Image by Joe Fletcher.

Perched on Lake George in the Adirondacks, this sophisticated outdoor kitchen masterfully blends into its natural surroundings while maximizing functionality for entertaining. The thoughtful U-shaped design ensures that everyone—whether cooking, prepping, or socializing—shares in the magnificent lake views that inspired the space. The aesthetic harmony is achieved through carefully selected materials: rustic blue outdoor-rated NatureKast cabinetry echoes the lake's hues, while timber frame beams and outdoor-rated white quartz countertops create a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Deep drawers and roll-out cabinetry provide abundant storage while maintaining the space's elegant profile. The layout is a study in purposeful zoning: one area dedicated to prep work, another to cooking—featuring a grill, smoker, warming drawer, and space for a portable pizza oven, all serviced by a ceiling-mounted hood. The opposite side houses a two-drawer refrigerator, under-counter refrigerator, wet sink, and waste management. Connecting seamlessly to the indoor kitchen through pass-through windows with adjacent counter space and storage, this outdoor entertainment hub transforms lakeside cooking into an immersive experience. Every element has been carefully considered to create a space that's both functional for serious cooking and perfect for casual gatherings, all while celebrating its stunning Adirondack setting

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

“I learned to let workers walk around to gape at the ornate details during their first visit before trying to engage them with any business.” This 1904 home was built by partners of the Pantages Theaters. Oak floors with marquetry borders, ornate plaster ceilings, beveled glass windows, molded trim, and carved figureheads create an elegant home. Unfortunately a multiyear leak had ruined a corner of the dining room, so specialists were found to match the original decorative plaster and basket weave inlaid flooring. Workers painstakingly set 10,000 finish nails into the flooring. “We want to retrofit to Passivhaus standards.” We undertook a thorough sealing of the old walls and attic, insulated the basement with polyiso, and blew piles of cellulose in the attic. Windows on the second floor and basement were replaced with triple glazed units, while the elegant first floor windows were refurbished and fitted with interior storms. Barred from removing the interior plaster or exterior stucco, we insulated the first floor walls from above. Analysis of dollars per BTU saved guided our decision to not remove the stucco to outsulate with mineral wool. In the end, we cut heat losses by 84% from an EUI of 121 to just 19, and received Built Green 4-Star certification. “We’d like to view Mt. Rainier from the master bedroom.” The entire second floor was demolished back to the studs, except for the elegant central stair hall. The floor plan was completely rearranged to fit three bedrooms plus a study under the existing roof. New waste plumbing pipes were threaded down through the house in two directions to serve the new family bathroom, split into a bathing chamber and a toilet chamber. “We love to cook and entertain dinner guests.” The old servant kitchen, tucked away in the back with its own separate stair, was replaced by a new mud room and bathroom. The old 3 foot door from dining to kitchen was widened to an 8 foot archway, carefully replicating the door casing so it appears to be original. The new kitchen has views to the back yard garden, soapstone countertops, custom cherry cabinets, a glass tile splash, energy- and water-efficient appliances, and even a filtered water stub out for the espresso maker. “I really want 4 more inches of head room in the basement.” We demolished the old slab, excavated without undermining the shallow footings, installed new gravel, insulation, vapor retarder and concrete slab. The northeast basement corner was thermally isolated to become a root cellar which will store food produced by the entire yard’s conversion to permaculture. The basement now houses the guest bed and bath, family room, laundry, and mechanical room. “We expected lead paint, but I’ve never seen asbestos in plaster before.” The hazmat crew did all necessary plaster demo. Trim and doors were carefully removed, labeled, and stored for reinstallation. Lead RRP and construction IAQ procedures were vigorously followed. When the new HRV and flexible ventilation tubing arrived on site, we set up a clean room where all HVAC materials were stored and cut prior to installation to assure pristine air quality. “We don’t want to draw our fresh air from down near the ground.” The old laundry chute, our only existing vertical chase, had been promised three times over for plumbing, wiring, and ducts. So we routed the new fresh air duct from the basement HRV up through the old furnace chimney to the sky, a symbol of clean green replacing dirty fossil fuel.

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

This project is part of a whole house remodel that embraced accessible design and the premise of living-in-place. The objectives for the primary suite closets were to accommodate an extensive woman’s wardrobe including 40+ pairs of shoes while leaving adequate space for the husband’s more modest wardrobe. Further, all items needed to be accessible. The original closet was eliminated by the relocation of the staircase to the second-floor master suite. A careful analysis of the homeowners’ needs and desires optimized the organization and storage options to include a variety of closet rod widths and heights, roll-out shoe racks, roll-out soft drawers, and shelving. The content of the closets is illuminated by tubular skylights with integral light kits in the hall, over the door LED fixtures in each closet and lighted LED lower closet rods. The closet design achieved the homeowners objective to house their wardrobes and even had room left over for bed linens. Remodeled in 2020.

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

This project is part of a whole house remodel that embraced accessible design and the premise of living-in-place. The objectives for the primary suite closets were to accommodate an extensive woman’s wardrobe including 40+ pairs of shoes while leaving adequate space for the husband’s more modest wardrobe. Further, all items needed to be accessible. The original closet was eliminated by the relocation of the staircase to the second-floor master suite. A careful analysis of the homeowners’ needs and desires optimized the organization and storage options to include a variety of closet rod widths and heights, roll-out shoe racks, roll-out soft drawers, and shelving. The content of the closets is illuminated by tubular skylights with integral light kits in the hall, over the door LED fixtures in each closet and lighted LED lower closet rods. The closet design achieved the homeowners objective to house their wardrobes and even had room left over for bed linens.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.