Where collaboration and craft converge, a luminous contemporary home near San Francisco emerges. This new residence is the result of a deeply collaborative design process between client, architect, interior designer, and builder – a team unified by a shared commitment to craft and precision. Set on a site carefully selected for its ideal solar orientation, the home’s layout balances humility and elegance: a single-story street presence conceals a more private two-story wing that opens to garden views. The design evolved through thoughtful iterations, each element studied and refined, from the sculptural plaster stair handcrafted on site to the interplay between light, material, and landscape. Long white Roman bricks and custom stucco ground the home in its Northern California setting, while Venetian plaster and oak inlays create a tactile, luminous interior that shifts with the seasons. Designed to support both intimate family life and larger public gatherings, the home reflects a thoughtful approach to luxury residential architecture in the San Francisco Bay Area: site-responsive, craft-driven, and built to endure.

s an expert general contractor, our approach to renovating the kitchen and two bathrooms, including the master bath, is centered on a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetics, and quality craftsmanship. Kitchen Renovation: We begin by collaborating closely with the homeowner to understand their vision, needs, and budget for the kitchen renovation. Our team carefully assesses the existing layout, identifying opportunities to optimize space and improve flow. We execute a meticulous demolition process, removing old cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and appliances. With a focus on modernizing the kitchen, we install high-quality materials such as custom cabinetry, granite or quartz countertops, and durable hardwood or tile flooring. State-of-the-art appliances are integrated seamlessly into the design, ensuring both functionality and style. We pay attention to details such as lighting fixtures, backsplashes, and hardware to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Bathroom Renovations: For the two bathrooms and the master bath, we prioritize creating spa-like retreats that offer both comfort and luxury. Each bathroom renovation begins with a comprehensive assessment of the existing layout and plumbing. We collaborate closely with the homeowner to select fixtures, finishes, and materials that align with their preferences and lifestyle. Our skilled craftsmen install new tile flooring, shower surrounds, and vanities, paying careful attention to precision and detail. In the master bath, we may incorporate additional features such as a spacious walk-in shower, a freestanding soaking tub, or custom-built cabinetry for enhanced storage. We ensure that each bathroom renovation is completed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, delivering spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and durable. Throughout the entire renovation process, our team prioritizes clear communication, attention to detail, and respect for the homeowner's property. We strive to exceed expectations at every step, delivering stunning kitchen and bathroom renovations that enhance the overall value and enjoyment of the home.

A waterfront new build, in collaboration with Pat Stone. This is a custom new build on a secluded waterfront lot near Camden, Maine, overlooking the ocean. It was designed for and with Pat Stone, an interior designer I've collaborated with on many projects. When Pat decided to build her own house, she hired me to draw it, and we worked together on both the exterior and the interior the same way we have on other clients' homes. That kind of trust between architect and designer is rare, and it shows up in the result. The site is sloped and wooded, opening to a long ocean view. The house is two volumes connected by a breezeway: the main house and a detached garage. The vocabulary is contemporary modern with traditional New England barn bones. Gabled roofs, a tall stone chimney, vertical board-and-batten siding, standing seam metal roof. Stone foundation walls anchor the lower level into the slope and give the building its name. The view side opens almost entirely to glass. Interior detailing throughout is Pat's. The early design was done in pencil. The colored-pencil studies and the measured elevation both show the same approach: figure out proportions and rhythm by hand before committing them to drawing software. For a custom build like this, on a difficult site, with a client whose own work is in design, that early hand work is where the real decisions get made. It's the project I'm proudest of in Maine. When a designer trusts you to draw the house she'll live in, you take the responsibility seriously, and the work tends to come out better for it.

Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photo by Jody Dole This new mixed-use building located in a quaint village has made a name for itself. It features a third floor apartment, second floor office space, and first floor retail. The design of the building's exterior bridges the gap between new and old. The cedar shingle gable roof form and double hung window style blend with the traditional New England context of neighboring buildings. The vertical grooved siding and a sliding 'barn' door hint at an agrarian vernacular. The sliding door features sixteen sparking panels of 'glass quilts' designed by glass artist, Alan Davidson of Guilford, CT. Angular roof forms, support brackets, and trim along with the black paint color provide a modern edge. The building and the new first floor art gallery have generated much interest and excitement for the town. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

We approached this new build as a seamless, full-service collaboration between architecture and interiors. Every decision—structural, spatial, and aesthetic—was shaped with intention, not to mention collaboration, since our contractor was also our client. Our contractor said, “make the rooflines simple and direct the water away.” His wife said, “I like color.” Check, and check. The bold exterior lines of the home both contrast with and recede into the woods around it, and the interiors are layered with cheerful hues, custom details, and playful patterns. Each room carries its own moment of cheer, while the overall palette ties together into a cohesive, uplifting whole, not unlike its namesake rainbow.

Rahim Villa Town: Crafting Modern Sanctuaries for Family Living. Discover Rahim Villa Town, a thoughtfully conceived residential project designed to elevate contemporary family lifestyles through intelligent space utilization and meticulous planning. Key Features Modern Residential Design: A 10 Marla project specifically engineered for the demands and comforts of modern family life. Efficient Space Utilization: Every square foot is optimized for functionality and flow, ensuring practical and comfortable living. Quality Construction: Whether completed or actively under construction, the project maintains a steadfast commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and materials. Benefits & Value Experience a home perfectly tailored for comfort, functionality, and the evolving needs of your family. Enjoy a sense of spaciousness and intelligent layout that enhances daily living and entertaining. Invest in a property built with precision and a forward-thinking approach to modern residential standards. Unique Selling Points Integrated Design Approach: Benefiting from a collaborative synergy across architectural, structural, and interior design principles for a cohesive outcome. Future-Ready Living: Designed with an emphasis on efficiency and sustainability, promising long-term value and reduced operational costs. Transparent Project Status: Clear communication and progress updates, providing peace of mind whether you're viewing a completed home or tracking construction. Envision your family thriving in a home where modern design meets practical #CommercialRealEstate #RetailSpaces #BusinessHub #ModernArchitecture #PropertyDevelopment #InvestmentOpportunity #HighRiseProject #FutureOfBusiness

Historic homes are a hidden gem, and when this client approached me about remodeling her family home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas I knew we had a diamond in the rough. Under many layers of vinyl tile and plywood, the kitchen floors revealed pristine hardwoods waiting to be brought to life. An inefficient vintage kitchen had begun to break down and cramp the client's style and productivity. Mullioned windows obstructed the client's view and hindered her from connecting with nature. The detail elements such as soft arches transitioning from room to room were lost in a sea of white. This beloved home had become something it wasn't meant to be. Our goal was to help it welcome friends and family with open arms and provide a casual atmosphere in which to love, laugh and relax. We needed to transform it all; floors, walls, kitchen and bedrooms. We left no stone unturned until we had the perfect collaboration of traditional family heirlooms mixed in with a modern palette. New brown stained floors, grey European style cabinets, white quartz counters, textured backsplash tile, mullion free vinyl windows and an open floorplan modernized this kitchen while staying true to its natural roots. Neutral gray walls collaborate with dark accents in the arches to define their detail. Reupholstering the furniture in patterned fabrics updated each room to span the spectrum of traditional to modern. The curated collection of family antiques finished in new hues and newly acquired pieces create a space unique to and adored by this client. Photos by Zack Lewis of Showcase Photographers

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

Situated on Oak Park's Kenilworth Avene, this historic EE Roberts home housed a servant's kitchen and back billiard's room. The home's new stewards, a young family with 4 children, needed a larger kitchen with great-room with views to the yard and new mudroom arrival space. We restructured the back of the home with an open floor plan connecting and expanding the exisitng kitchen and billiard room into one space. This plan required careful design and engineering to remove a 3 story fireplace that once divided the spaces (see animation). On the exterior a mudroom addition to the home's north side was designed to complement the original historic home form and detail. On the interior our approach material utilized the warm tones of oak, beamed ceilings, repurposed brass light fixtures and leaded glass windows to create a warm and inviting space for a family nestled within a historic home that is true to its past. Elements was well fitted for this complex historic renovation which utilized our precise design approach, close collaboration with the builder, experience working with villages in historic settings.

We approached this new build as a seamless, full-service collaboration between architecture and interiors. Every decision—structural, spatial, and aesthetic—was shaped with intention, not to mention collaboration, since our contractor was also our client. Our contractor said, “make the rooflines simple and direct the water away.” His wife said, “I like color.” Check, and check. The bold exterior lines of the home both contrast with and recede into the woods around it, and the interiors are layered with cheerful hues, custom details, and playful patterns. Each room carries its own moment of cheer, while the overall palette ties together into a cohesive, uplifting whole, not unlike its namesake rainbow.

We approached this new build as a seamless, full-service collaboration between architecture and interiors. Every decision—structural, spatial, and aesthetic—was shaped with intention, not to mention collaboration, since our contractor was also our client. Our contractor said, “make the rooflines simple and direct the water away.” His wife said, “I like color.” Check, and check. The bold exterior lines of the home both contrast with and recede into the woods around it, and the interiors are layered with cheerful hues, custom details, and playful patterns. Each room carries its own moment of cheer, while the overall palette ties together into a cohesive, uplifting whole, not unlike its namesake rainbow.

Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

s an expert general contractor, our approach to renovating the kitchen and two bathrooms, including the master bath, is centered on a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetics, and quality craftsmanship. Kitchen Renovation: We begin by collaborating closely with the homeowner to understand their vision, needs, and budget for the kitchen renovation. Our team carefully assesses the existing layout, identifying opportunities to optimize space and improve flow. We execute a meticulous demolition process, removing old cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and appliances. With a focus on modernizing the kitchen, we install high-quality materials such as custom cabinetry, granite or quartz countertops, and durable hardwood or tile flooring. State-of-the-art appliances are integrated seamlessly into the design, ensuring both functionality and style. We pay attention to details such as lighting fixtures, backsplashes, and hardware to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Bathroom Renovations: For the two bathrooms and the master bath, we prioritize creating spa-like retreats that offer both comfort and luxury. Each bathroom renovation begins with a comprehensive assessment of the existing layout and plumbing. We collaborate closely with the homeowner to select fixtures, finishes, and materials that align with their preferences and lifestyle. Our skilled craftsmen install new tile flooring, shower surrounds, and vanities, paying careful attention to precision and detail. In the master bath, we may incorporate additional features such as a spacious walk-in shower, a freestanding soaking tub, or custom-built cabinetry for enhanced storage. We ensure that each bathroom renovation is completed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, delivering spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and durable. Throughout the entire renovation process, our team prioritizes clear communication, attention to detail, and respect for the homeowner's property. We strive to exceed expectations at every step, delivering stunning kitchen and bathroom renovations that enhance the overall value and enjoyment of the home.

This unique project, in the heart of London Fields' creative sector, involved adjacent live-work units owned individually by a furniture maker and a group of video makers. Although experts in their respective fields, neither had experience with multi-unit development. The project presented several challenges and concerns from our clients, which we addressed with creative solutions, expertise, flexibility and collaboration. The pair of property owners had become accidental developers by virtue of opportunity. We guided them through a complex process by helping them plan effectively, overcoming several obstacles, and ultimately leading them towards a successful outcome. Our client's primary challenge was maximising the development potential. The two properties are part of a terrace of four. The other two owners had already added an extra storey. The new volume established a precedent for a volume the planners wanted to complete. Maximising the development potential would require carefully considering the limitations of the established volume to ensure a design that would captivate the target market of young and creative professionals. To overcome these challenges, we took a comprehensive approach that integrated functional and aesthetic considerations. We first focused on reimagining the interior layout, utilising our expertise to optimise space and create a seamless flow within the units. This involved carefully addressing the planning limitations at the front, resulting in a stepped profile, which had initially posed limits to potential uses.

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

We approached this new build as a seamless, full-service collaboration between architecture and interiors. Every decision—structural, spatial, and aesthetic—was shaped with intention, not to mention collaboration, since our contractor was also our client. Our contractor said, “make the rooflines simple and direct the water away.” His wife said, “I like color.” Check, and check. The bold exterior lines of the home both contrast with and recede into the woods around it, and the interiors are layered with cheerful hues, custom details, and playful patterns. Each room carries its own moment of cheer, while the overall palette ties together into a cohesive, uplifting whole, not unlike its namesake rainbow.