The Mildred Bungalow was remodeled and reconfigured to suit the client’s lifestyle. The floor plan was flipped -moving the bedroom to the front of the house so that the living area could open out onto the rear yard for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The material selections, doors and furniture plan were all conceived with the client’s two beloved dogs in mind -even the kitchen island was customized to accommodate their bowls.

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

Beverly Hills based clients commissioned a vacation home for their family in Malibu, CA. Together with world renowned interior designer John Cottrell, we conceived a 10,000 sq. ft. Pennsylvania Stone Farm House. The stone was quarried from the Midwest and is complemented by a steep French slate roof. The site is situated on a 2 1/2 acre bluff with a panoramic view stretching from Paradise Cove to Catalina Island. This resplendent retreat immediately relaxes the mind and body as one is lead from the circular drive court through an arched portico with paneled wood gates into a quiet lawned courtyard. The garden and reflective lap pool and spa are sheltered from harsh elements by the two wings of the house. A glass French lite Dutch entrance door is discretely located at the end of an outdoor colonnade. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Designer: John Cottrell Landscape Designer: Doug Levy Construction: David Moline Builders

After carefully studying several shapes, Pamio Design succeeded in designing a wide range of recessed lighting fixtures that were both functional and exquisite. The designer wanted to add a touch of elegance to the usual recessed spotlights, making them less technical and cold. The result is a range of “small gems of light”, that enhance the ceiling in any space, creating elegant, unique atmospheres. The shapes, facets, materials, and finishes were conceived to produce the best lighting possible. Recessed lighting fixtures for indoor use. Crystal glass diffusers with transparent or satin finishes, or stainless steel front plates. Fixtures are offered with open or damp rated closed diffusers.

The new imposing Trump Tower is a renovation that presents a new, modern design style. The refined work of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) Singapore, and its team of interior designers and architects are miraculous and as a result, they have conceived a new contemporary venue. Thus, Lodha Group and HBA Singapore were opted to face this challenge and along with Boca do Lobo, they have unified their powers into a spectacular interior style. In this lounge, iconic design concepts stand out with its imposing presence and a contemporary style, looking like a result of karst formations. Considered to be a statement design inspiration, the Trump Organization was more than excited with this choice. PROJECT BY HBA SINGAPORE + LODHA GROUP

One can say that the redesign job on this Atlanta-area home was just what the doctor ordered, since physician Jim Linnane chose Cantoni designer Kohl Sudnikovich to help him re-imagine his 50s ranch-style residence. Online browsing, and a fondness for modern design, led the medical professional into our Georgia store/" title="Cantoni Modern Furniture Stores" class="crosslinking">showroom after purchasing the 50s-built home in early 2011. Since then, walls were torn down, the kitchen got a facelift, a lone loft morphed in to a music room, and the fireplace got haute while the pool became cool. As always, step one of the design process began with Kohl visiting the home to measure and scale-out floor plans. Next, ideas were tossed around and the client fell in love with the Mondrian sectional, in red. “Jim’s selection set the color scheme for the home’s living areas,” explains Kohl, “and he loves the punchy accents we added with art, both inside and out.” “Kohl worked closely with me, from start to finish, and guided me through the entire process,” explains Jim. “He helped me find a great contractor, and I’m particularly fond of the plan he conceived to replace the dated fireplace with a more contemporary linear gas box set in striated limestone.” Adds Kohl, “I love how we opened the loft and staircase walls by replacing them with metal and cable railings, and how we created a sitting area (in what was the dining room) to open to the living room we enhanced with mirrors.” A creative fix, like re-facing the cabinets, drawers and door panels in the kitchen, illustrates how something simple (and not too pricey) can make a big impact. The project, on a whole, is also a good example of how our full-service design studio and talented staff can help re-imagine and optimize your living space while working within your budget. “Meeting and working with Kohl was such a great experience,” says Jim, in closing. “He is so talented. He came up with great design ideas to completely change the look of my home’s interior, and I think the results are amazing.” Guess what, Jim? We think the results of your collaboration with Kohl are pretty amazing, too.

This bachelor's wall hung vanity has lighting underneath and was designed in ebonized quarter sawn oak to match the walk in closets of this closet-master bath suite. The closet-master bath suite was conceived by melding an existing bathroom and two closets in this East Bay penthouse along the San Francisco Bay. The Last Inch designed and built the closet-master bathroom suite's cabinetry, including the creation of a custom blend of leather dyes to attain the client's desired chocolate brown finish. This wall hung shelf sets the tone before entering the mastersuite. Photos by The Last Inch.

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

This St. Amdrews wellness suite extends the home's language of tailored luxury into a more immersive, resort-inspired environment. Conceived as a private wellness retreat, the space brings together water, heat, natural timber, stone, and glass to create an experience that feels both highly residential and distinctly elevated. The sauna is the architectural centerpiece. Enclosed almost entirely in clear glass, it becomes a visual feature rather than a concealed amenity. The transparency preserves the sense of openness within the room while allowing the warmth and texture of the timber interior to become part of the overall composition. Rich natural wood lines the walls, ceiling, benches, and backrests, creating a continuous envelope that immediately shifts the atmosphere from contemporary bathroom to intimate spa. The detailing within the sauna is intentionally precise. Horizontal timber battens establish a strong linear rhythm, while integrated illumination beneath and between the bench elements creates a soft architectural glow. The layered woodwork gives the sauna depth and dimension, demonstrating how functional wellness spaces can be treated with the same level of craftsmanship as the home's principal living areas. A dramatic dark stone surround frames the sauna enclosure and introduces a strong counterpoint to the warmth of the timber. Its expressive veining adds movement and visual weight, while the black-framed glazing creates a crisp transition between the darker architectural surround and the lighter adjacent surfaces. The hydrotherapy tub introduces a second wellness experience and provides a sculptural contrast to the linear sauna. Its generous proportions and clean white form keep the foreground visually calm, while the dark upholstery and surrounding stone reinforce the broader material palette of the home. The flooring is selected to complement the spa environment, offering a tactile, natural surface that contrasts with the polished glass and stone. Together, the materials create a carefully balanced sensory palette, warm wood, cool stone, transparent glass, and soft water, designed to make the room feel restorative rather than purely functional. The overall concept is residential wellness elevated to architectural design. Every element is coordinated to create continuity between material, light, texture, and function. The result is a sophisticated private spa that feels integrated into the architecture of the York Mills residence, offering an experience closer to a boutique wellness retreat than a conventional home amenity.

Upper Valley Estate Curb Appeal – El Paso, Texas This curb appeal transformation was conceived as a deliberate sequence—an arrival experience where architecture, landscape, and lighting work together as one. Every element was designed to honor the home’s stone construction, turreted forms, and Old World character while responding precisely to the Upper Valley climate and lifestyle. By day, the experience is grounded and composed. Brick-edged concrete drives establish order and permanence, guiding movement through the property with clarity and intention. Natural stone walls and columns anchor the architecture, while layered gravel beds, drought-tolerant plantings, and manicured turf soften transitions and connect the home to its desert setting. Mature trees were preserved and carefully integrated, providing scale, shade, and a sense of continuity. As afternoon shifts toward sunset, the materials begin to speak differently. Stone warms, textures deepen, and sightlines subtly draw the eye toward the front entry. The landscape narrows the focus, creating a moment of pause before arrival—calm, quiet, and refined. At night, the design reveals its final layer. Low-voltage lighting is integrated with precision, washing stone surfaces, tracing architectural curves, and uplighting specimen trees to create depth without glare. The drive, walkways, and entry feel safe, legible, and inviting, while the home itself glows with a restrained elegance. Coming home after dark feels intentional—protected, welcoming, and unmistakably yours. What was created is more than curb appeal. It is a cohesive design-build solution where nothing is ornamental without purpose and nothing is built without intention. A daily experience of arrival that reflects craftsmanship, care, and the enduring character of the Upper Valley.

Traditionally a visitor would enter the estate managers office to be welcomed and state their business. The fantasy is that what was a barn building has now been transformed into a soaring Library Man Cave. The modern architecture of this room was conceived by the late minimalist NYC designer Michael Schible, a partner of Bray-Schaible, who retired at Lakeside and was a close friend of the owners. A spiral staircase leads to a second floor mezzanine with a glass bridge to a writers nook. There are 3 ocular windows in this gallery level and a 2 story window mirrors the soaring modern chimney breast.

A rare and secluded paradise, the Woodvale Estate is a true modern masterpiece perfect to impress even the most discerning of clientele. At the pinnacle of luxury, this one-of-a-kind new construction features all the modern amenities that one could ever dream of. Situated on an expansive and lush over 35,000 square foot lot with truly unparalleled privacy, this modern estate boasts over 21,000 square feet of meticulously crafted and designer done living space. Behind the hedged, walled, and gated entry find a large motor court leading into the jaw-dropping entryway to this majestic modern marvel. Superlative features include chef's prep kitchen, home theater, professional gym, full spa, hair salon, elevator, temperature-controlled wine storage, 14 car garage that doubles as an event space, outdoor basketball court, and fabulous detached two-story guesthouse. The primary bedroom suite offers a perfectly picturesque escape complete with massive dual walk-in closets, dual spa-like baths, massive outdoor patio, romantic fireplace, and separate private balcony with hot tub. With a truly optimal layout for enjoying the best modern amenities and embracing the California lifestyle, the open floor plan provides spacious living, dining, and family rooms and open entertainer's kitchen with large chef's island, breakfast bar, state-of-the-art appliances, and motorized sliding glass doors for the ultimate enjoyment with ease, class, and sophistication. Enjoy every conceivable amenity and luxury afforded in this truly magnificent and awe-inspiring property that simply put, stands in a class all its own.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Concrete Paver - Commercial (size more than 15,000 sf) Contractor: B&D Contractors Inc. Producer: Keystone Hardscapes Designer: OJB Landscape Architects Once modest and tucked away off a dead end road, Levy Park received a revitalization to re-engage the local community. CityStone, Holland, Roman Cobble and Verona pavers were chosen in the design to help separate different areas of the park, add a sense of playfulness and accentuate natural features. The transformation included native landscaping, interactive water features, a dog park, garden, park pavilion and children’s play area. Pavers helped create and define each of these spaces through use of colors, shapes and inlay patterns. Variegated and whimsical paver patterns invoke a sense of spirited movement and fun. The use of multiple paver shapes, colors, and upgraded textures added depth and beauty to this cunningly conceived urban space, by accenting native grass areas and designating different park sections. The central grand walkways gracefully arc throughout the space with large plank style pavers, creating a modern boardwalk feel. Recognizing the park’s development history dating back to 1941, incorporating new design elements while maintaining original aspects was important to the redesign. The chosen pavers were able to integrate with the longstanding historical elements, while adding an artful refresh to the park. A local resident stated, “This is hands down the most gorgeous and well-designed park I’ve ever seen. I fell in love the second I stepped foot into it.” Through thoughtful design and paver choices utilizing different shapes, colors and textures, Levy Park is now a community hot spot.

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

This 3 BR, 3 1/2 bath home allows the owners to live on one level most of the time. The Master Suite is on the main level along with the Living Room, Kitchen, Dining, pantries, Sun Room and service areas. The upper level houses two ample bedrooms while the lower level supports a rec center, media room, wine cellar, shop and full wet bar. Conceived as a Great Room house, the main level is designed as one seamless space that flows onto an ample deck overlooking the rear yard. We also incorporated a variety of green building techniques - photo-voltaic shingles on the roof of the garage to generate a portion of the home's energy, a super insulated building envelope, rain water harvesting, high performance windows and doors, a high efficiency heat pump, low flow bath & kitchen fixtures, Energy Star appliances and LED lighting - that greatly reduced this structure's carbon footprint. All of the strategies amounted to a 30% reduction in the energy consumption in this home relative to comparable structures.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly. This is far more than a swimming pool. It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience. A Client With a True Rockstar Life The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality. His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful. The Design Vision Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky. The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater. Repurposed Materials Used as Art Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components: Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting 3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space. Artistic Features and Highlights The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as: A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line Guitar-shaped fire features Backlit album panels positioned just above the water A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details. Engineering Challenges and Solutions Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included: Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it. The Legendary Team This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including: Al Curtis – Designer and builder Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment. A Client Who Trusted the Process As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities. The Final Result The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

LANDSCAPING: Southview Design A traditional front porch was added using all synthetic materials for long-lasting, easy maintenance. The porch design replaces the overused, ill conceived, poorly proportioned two- story front entry of the 80s and 90s with a stately flat roofed porch with pillars and rooftop balusters. It is much more keeping with the traditional style of the home. PHOTO CREDIT: John Ray

Reimagining an Urban Classic Perched high above San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, this meticulously reimagined residence represents a thoughtful transformation of a classic urban home into a contemporary, light-filled sanctuary. The project involved a comprehensive renovation paired with both vertical and horizontal expansion, dramatically increasing the home’s footprint while enhancing its relationship to sweeping views of the Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the surrounding hillside neighborhoods. The design strategy focused on opening the home to light, air, and vistas—elements often constrained in the dense urban fabric of San Francisco. By extending the structure upward and outward, the architects created a dynamic four-level residence that unfolds gradually, culminating in expansive living spaces and rooftop terraces oriented toward panoramic city and water views. Architecture that Frames the View At the heart of the design is a careful orchestration of sightlines and natural light. Large black-framed windows punctuate the façade and interior spaces, deliberately positioned to capture iconic San Francisco vistas while flooding the home with daylight. The architecture prioritizes openness, allowing rooms to flow seamlessly while maintaining a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape. A dramatic skylight above the central stairwell anchors the vertical circulation of the home. This architectural gesture not only brings daylight deep into the interior but also reinforces the sense of spatial continuity between floors. Warm Modern Interiors Inside, the home balances architectural clarity with warm materiality. Wide-plank oak floors run throughout the residence, creating visual cohesion and grounding the interiors with natural warmth. Custom walnut millwork—integrated shelving, cabinetry, and wall panels—introduces depth and texture while complementing the clean lines of the architecture. The interiors are intentionally restrained yet richly layered. Contemporary furnishings, sculptural lighting, and curated artwork add personality while maintaining the calm, sophisticated palette that defines the home. The Social Heart of the Home The main living level serves as the social centerpiece of the residence. An open-plan kitchen, dining area, and lounge space unfold toward the view, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimate. A sculptural marble island anchors the kitchen, functioning as both workspace and gathering hub. Surrounded by walnut cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, the kitchen merges elegance with functionality. Above, a cascading chandelier introduces a sense of vertical movement, reflecting the home’s emphasis on light and architectural rhythm. Living areas are arranged to encourage conversation and connection. Generous seating, layered rugs, and thoughtful lighting define distinct zones within the open plan while maintaining uninterrupted sightlines toward the cityscape beyond. Private Retreats Above the City Upper levels of the home are dedicated to quieter, more intimate spaces. The primary suite is conceived as a private retreat, where expansive windows frame treetop views and invite natural light throughout the day. The accompanying bathroom continues the home’s refined material palette. Marble surfaces, warm wood cabinetry, and brushed brass fixtures create a spa-like environment that balances luxury with tranquility. Additional bedrooms and flexible living spaces offer comfort for family and guests, each designed with the same attention to light, proportion, and material richness. Spaces for Entertaining Lower levels provide additional areas for gathering and entertaining. A lounge and bar area offer a relaxed setting for hosting, while custom wine storage adds a sophisticated touch for collectors and enthusiasts. These spaces transition easily to outdoor areas, reinforcing the home’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. A Rooftop Above the Neighborhood The transformation extends beyond the interior to include thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A landscaped rear yard introduces greenery and privacy at ground level, offering a serene urban escape. Above it all, the rooftop terrace becomes the crown jewel of the residence. Elevated above the neighborhood, it provides sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. Comfortable seating areas, lush planters, and open sky create an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining, sunset gatherings, or quiet moments overlooking the city. A Contemporary Urban Sanctuary The completed residence demonstrates the power of thoughtful renovation and expansion within a historic urban neighborhood. By combining contemporary architecture, warm materiality, and an intentional relationship to the surrounding landscape, the project transforms a traditional San Francisco home into a modern sanctuary above the city.