Full renovation of the shared 2nd level bathroom in an historic home comprises dual sinks, a spacious textured glass shower cabinet and loads of storage.

Beautiful custom home built between the maritime forest and the ocean, located on Sullivan's Island. The exterior is comprised of Old Carolina Brick, NuCedar shake shingles, lap siding, louvered ground floor walls, white oak exterior doors and terracotta chimney pots. Exquisite landscaping with porcelain paver hardscapes, finish out this unique property.

I consider this one of my “marquee” projects because there were no budgetary limitations to my vision. I said that I design like Mother Nature would if she were a landscape designer in the Lowcountry…I also design as if I lived at the property myself. If I lived at this property, this is the exact yard I would have, minus the driveway. (I would have used a driveway material/color that better harmonized with the landscaping…but they wanted this light-colored concrete, and the customer is always right.) In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, the homeowners can save their breaths because I used native plants that are best suited for the property…the yard hardly needs any maintenance at all, regardless of the season. Like most of the properties I design, this one is comprised of nothing but plants that Mother Nature “made” especially for the Lowcountry. (I use native, low-maintenance plants nearly exclusively in all of my projects.) The house is modern, but the same landscape design would look great surrounding an old Lowcountry “country house”, with a darker driveway of course. As you’ll see in the last photo I showcase on this page (from a self-serve car wash of all places), my designs can harmonize basically any man-made structure with the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Lowcountry, regardless of how alien that structure is to the native environment.

This backyard is comprised of three different levels: a wooden deck with a freestanding pergola structure for a solar shade, a concrete patio for entertaining, and a gravel space with a central firepit for more intimate gatherings. Tying the spaces together is a centrally-located bubbling water feature. This project is located in Longmont, Colorado.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Extraordinary 28-foot wide Queen Anne mansion perched on historic Hudson Street, one of Hoboken’s most coveted blocks. Custom built in 1901, this home has been respectfully restored to showcase the original features and thoughtfully renovated to include an elevator servicing all four levels of this exceptional 6,600+ square foot, 7+ bedroom, 5½ bathroom home. Anchored on a 40×100 foot lot with a timeless façade and storybook stone turret, 925 Hudson Street’s appeal is further enhanced by beautifully scaled rooms, balanced with intimate spaces thus transforming this house into a true family home. The parlor level takes careful consideration to function and flow beginning at the dramatic foyer, flanked by an original fireplace mantle and pocket doors. The drawing room opens to a formal dining room, elevator and powder room. At the rear of the home, the great room provides a flexible, family friendly space with dining nook and an open kitchen with access to the rear yard. Glittering with natural light, the second floor master retreat encompasses a lounge warmed by a working gas fireplace with original mantle and surround, sleeping quarters, dressing hall and en-suite bath. Luxurious and functional, the master bathroom is well appointed with an oversized marble steam shower with barrel ceiling, free standing Victoria + Albert volcanic limestone bath, radiant heat flooring and separate water closet. The remainder of the second and third floors are comprised of five additional bedrooms, home office, three full baths and crowned by an original oval sky light and wide top floor corridor featuring a full wet bar with stone counter and refrigerator. From the terraced front area with mature plantings, to the newly finished side and back yards, the 925 Hudson Street is surrounded by greenery and inviting outdoor spaces. The rear lawn features an Ipé deck, low maintenance SynLawn, fire and water features. An automatic drip irrigation system services the planting beds and the wall of Hornbeam trees provide beauty in every season. Ideal for au pair suite, guest quarters or revenue generating rental, the garden level includes a private 1,000 sq. ft., 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a separate entrance. This floor is further outfitted with ample built-in storage, wine closet, and laundry room. Truly a one of a kind home with intricate hardwood flooring, classic plaster moldings, soaring ceilings, original pocket doors, shutters, 3 decorative fireplace mantles and 3 working gas fireplaces, 7 zone central heating and cooling system and a state of the art Control4 fully automated home with security, sound, lighting and HVAC controls. Call today to schedule a private viewing. - See more at: 925hudson.com

The Sonoma Farmhaus project was designed for a cycling enthusiast with a globally demanding professional career, who wanted to create a place that could serve as both a retreat of solitude and a hub for gathering with friends and family. Located within the town of Graton, California, the site was chosen not only to be close to a small town and its community, but also to be within cycling distance to the picturesque, coastal Sonoma County landscape. Taking the traditional forms of farmhouse, and their notions of sustenance and community, as inspiration, the project comprises an assemblage of two forms - a Main House and a Guest House with Bike Barn - joined in the middle by a central outdoor gathering space anchored by a fireplace. The vision was to create something consciously restrained and one with the ground on which it stands. Simplicity, clear detailing, and an innate understanding of how things go together were all central themes behind the design. Solid walls of rammed earth blocks, fabricated from soils excavated from the site, bookend each of the structures. According to the owner, the use of simple, yet rich materials and textures...“provides a humanness I’ve not known or felt in any living venue I’ve stayed, Farmhaus is an icon of sustenance for me".

This lower level space was inspired by Film director, write producer, Quentin Tarantino. Starting with the acoustical panels disguised as posters, with films by Tarantino himself. We included a sepia color tone over the original poster art and used this as a color palate them for the entire common area of this lower level. New premium textured carpeting covers most of the floor, and on the ceiling, we added LED lighting, Madagascar ebony beams, and a two-tone ceiling paint by Sherwin Williams. The media stand houses most of the AV equipment and the remaining is integrated into the walls using architectural speakers to comprise this 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Setup. We included this custom sectional with performance velvet fabric, as well as a new table and leather chairs for family game night. The XL metal prints near the new regulation pool table creates an irresistible ambiance, also to the neighboring reclaimed wood dart board area. The bathroom design include new marble tile flooring and a premium frameless shower glass. The luxury chevron wallpaper gives this space a kiss of sophistication. Finalizing this lounge we included a gym with rubber flooring, fitness rack, row machine as well as custom mural which infuses visual fuel to the owner’s workout. The Everlast speedbag is positioned in the perfect place for those late night or early morning cardio workouts. Lastly, we included Polk Audio architectural ceiling speakers meshed with an SVS micros 3000, 800-Watt subwoofer.

This lower level space was inspired by Film director, write producer, Quentin Tarantino. Starting with the acoustical panels disguised as posters, with films by Tarantino himself. We included a sepia color tone over the original poster art and used this as a color palate them for the entire common area of this lower level. New premium textured carpeting covers most of the floor, and on the ceiling, we added LED lighting, Madagascar ebony beams, and a two-tone ceiling paint by Sherwin Williams. The media stand houses most of the AV equipment and the remaining is integrated into the walls using architectural speakers to comprise this 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Setup. We included this custom sectional with performance velvet fabric, as well as a new table and leather chairs for family game night. The XL metal prints near the new regulation pool table creates an irresistible ambiance, also to the neighboring reclaimed wood dart board area. The bathroom design include new marble tile flooring and a premium frameless shower glass. The luxury chevron wallpaper gives this space a kiss of sophistication. Finalizing this lounge we included a gym with rubber flooring, fitness rack, row machine as well as custom mural which infuses visual fuel to the owner’s workout. The Everlast speedbag is positioned in the perfect place for those late night or early morning cardio workouts. Lastly, we included Polk Audio architectural ceiling speakers meshed with an SVS micros 3000, 800-Watt subwoofer.

A close-up of the outdoor kitchen, comprised of many appliances and storage spaces with stone veneer and granite counter tops covering them.
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard concrete paver patio kitchen design in Philadelphia with a pergola

The bunk room of this home project features a custom built-in desk and shelves made from rift white oak. The desk is flanked on either side by single wall beds that pull out from the cabinetry to reveal decorative wallpaper that features a stripe design comprised of pheasant feathers and matte gold adjustable wall sconces, perfect for when guests come to stay.

The tea house is a stunning structure we were excited to design and install on a very large outdoor terrace, in Wrigleyville. This private residential space, once a vast expanse of concrete pavers, is now a lush, livable and tranquil oasis. The covered patio or gazebo we named, The Tea House is comprised of Tigerwood, bamboo, Ipe, cedar, steel and retractable mesh screen doors. Underneath the solid roof is a beautiful faux tin ceiling tile that compliments and contrasts the wooden elements adding a rich, unexpected eye-catching charm.

Compact kitchenette in The Ritz Tower on Park Avenue. Aluminum, stainless steel and jewel like glass mosaics comprise the material palette.
Enclosed kitchen - large modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen idea in New York with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel cabinets, stainless steel countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Refined interiors are comprised of white oak, light stone, and white walls with steel accents. Stone Ridge creates a modest living space for a couple while readily accommodating family and guests. Architecture and Interior Design by CLB – Jackson, Wyoming – Bozeman, Montana.

Architects: SoNo Arhitekti www.sono.si www.facebook.com/SonoArhitekti Location: Slovenia Architects in Charge: Edvard Blažko, Marko Volk, Nina Tešanović, Samo Radinja Area: 230 sqm Year: 2015 Photographs: Aljoša Videtič This family home is an example of a modern design filled with natural light and building blocks comprised of sustainable material – in this case wood, one of the if not the most strategic material of Slovenia . It's definitely not a typical prefabricated house out of catalogue as we tried to develop a residence that meets the needs of modern users while having functional floor plans and contemporary elegant exterior all appropriately settled into its landscape. Main concept presents three volumes that are placed in a triangular composition partially overlayed with a rectangular form of the upper floor. While the dynamic shape of the groundfloor is covered with a flat roof, the 1st floor is completed with a gable –like roof, echoing the traditional architecture of the house's surroundings. While we enter into an open spacious and dynamically shaped groundfloor we discover a pleasant intimate ambience. The living room and dining area offer a lot of natural light through the large glazed window surfaces. A prominent staircase leads us to the upper sleeping area that consists of the main bedroom with its own dressing room and a bathroom and children's rooms with a smaller bathroom. Despite groundfloor's dynamic shape, its façade is monochrome - predominately a clean white surface in combination with bigger windows. On the contrary the simple form of the upper floor has a boldly designed façade - a combination of dark colour shades and natural larch wood’s textures. Wood is the basic structural element and at the same time complements the facades, window frames, while also dominating the interiors.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Exterior Shot of the Main Deck in Tiburon House (Dusk) Tiburon House is Cheng Design's eighth custom home project. The topography of the site for Bluff House was a rift cut into the hillside, which inspired the design concept of an ascent up a narrow canyon path. Two main wings comprise a “T” floor plan; the first includes a two-story family living wing with office, children’s rooms and baths, and Master bedroom suite. The second wing features the living room, media room, kitchen and dining space that open to a rewarding 180-degree panorama of the San Francisco Bay, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and Belvedere Island. Photography: Tim Maloney

Within walking distance from the heart of the Sunset Strip, this multi-million dollar mansion is getting a modern makeover. Fully redesigned, the Hollywood home will comprise of five (5) bedrooms, eight (8) bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls, theater room, infinity pool, and pool house.​Los Angeles, CA 90069

This lower level space was inspired by Film director, write producer, Quentin Tarantino. Starting with the acoustical panels disguised as posters, with films by Tarantino himself. We included a sepia color tone over the original poster art and used this as a color palate them for the entire common area of this lower level. New premium textured carpeting covers most of the floor, and on the ceiling, we added LED lighting, Madagascar ebony beams, and a two-tone ceiling paint by Sherwin Williams. The media stand houses most of the AV equipment and the remaining is integrated into the walls using architectural speakers to comprise this 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Setup. We included this custom sectional with performance velvet fabric, as well as a new table and leather chairs for family game night. The XL metal prints near the new regulation pool table creates an irresistible ambiance, also to the neighboring reclaimed wood dart board area. The bathroom design include new marble tile flooring and a premium frameless shower glass. The luxury chevron wallpaper gives this space a kiss of sophistication. Finalizing this lounge we included a gym with rubber flooring, fitness rack, row machine as well as custom mural which infuses visual fuel to the owner’s workout. The Everlast speedbag is positioned in the perfect place for those late night or early morning cardio workouts. Lastly, we included Polk Audio architectural ceiling speakers meshed with an SVS micros 3000, 800-Watt subwoofer.

A glance up toward the sky reveals that one is well protected from the outdoor elements with a perfectly crafted gable roof, that thrusts boldly into the generous lawn landscape. With creatively pronounced decorative truss details, this covered patio takes the art of the gable roof to a whole new level. As the width of the structure is impressive to look at, so is the artful detail that comprises its overhead coverage.