Exterior view of a custom luxury residence in San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California, Mexico, designed by Hyde Evans Design, Seattle. The home was conceived as a spa-inspired getaway for long-standing clients — a seamless retreat that draws from the landscape, climate, and craft traditions of Mexico while delivering the full comfort of a custom luxury residence. Hyde Evans Design collaborated with local architect Arturo Ponce De Leon on the project. Interior Design: Hyde Evans Design, Seattle, WA. Architecture: Arturo Ponce De Leon.

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 project for a builder husband and interior-designer wife involved adding onto and restoring the luster of a c. 1883 Carpenter Gothic cottage in Barrington that they had occupied for years while raising their two sons. They were ready to ditch their small tacked-on kitchen that was mostly isolated from the rest of the house, views/daylight, as well as the yard, and replace it with something more generous, brighter, and more open that would improve flow inside and out. They were also eager for a better mudroom, new first-floor 3/4 bath, new basement stair, and a new second-floor master suite above. The design challenge was to conceive of an addition and renovations that would be in balanced conversation with the original house without dwarfing or competing with it. The new cross-gable addition echoes the original house form, at a somewhat smaller scale and with a simplified more contemporary exterior treatment that is sympathetic to the old house but clearly differentiated from it. Renovations included the removal of replacement vinyl windows by others and the installation of new Pella black clad windows in the original house, a new dormer in one of the son’s bedrooms, and in the addition. At the first-floor interior intersection between the existing house and the addition, two new large openings enhance flow and access to daylight/view and are outfitted with pairs of salvaged oversized clear-finished wooden barn-slider doors that lend character and visual warmth. A new exterior deck off the kitchen addition leads to a new enlarged backyard patio that is also accessible from the new full basement directly below the addition. (Interior fit-out and interior finishes/fixtures by the Owners)

On a pristine stretch of white sand dunes and sea grapes, an architectural marvel is quietly rising. 2000 Ocean, by Enrique Norten – TEN Arquitectos, conceived as a private residential enclave, is highly sophisticated and offers not only an elevated landscape, but an elevated life. Located just north of South Florida’s Golden Beach, this contemporary, 40-story glass tower showcases panoramic views of the ocean, intracoastal and surrounding endless sandy beaches. Proudly positioned on the beach, and closer to the ocean than any of its neighbors, it is bathed with sunlight from sunrise to sunset. 64 families will have the privilege to call 2000 Ocean, a property that signifies prestige and quality, their home. Adding beauty and opulence to the Atlantic coastline, there is truly nothing else like it.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

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.

Jardinier du Roi ®, manufacture French planters designed during the 17th century by André Le Notre, the gardener of King Louis 14th, originally conceived for the orangerie of the “Chateau de Versailles”. These planters are hand made, and made of cast aluminum alloy in combination with steel and the side panels are made of wood. The French touch for your garden, Jardinier du Roi french planters is the first choice for all professional garden designers and landscape architects around the world. Also used at the "les plus beaux jardins de France", and "jardin remarquable" from France, as well as in most of all the "parcs et jardins de france".

Airport Bookcase by Cattelan Italia; Spectacular, flexible, and functional, the Airport modular bookcase was conceived by the creative mind of Giorgio Cattelan. An authentic expression of your own personal style, Airport is a customizable furnishing system. The bookcase can be fixed to the wall or placed in the corner. The free-standing version is perfect as a room divider for a modern open space, thanks to the practical containers and wooden shelves which act as partition elements. The highest quality materials have been selected to form the range of finishes of this modern wooden bookcase: 11 among woods and steel, including the handmade Brushed Bronze and Brushed Gray finishes, that brighten up the design living room with a glowing touch. Book your design appointment today on www.the-design.gallery #cattelanitalia #Airport #italianluxuryliving #customizedsolutions #bookcasedesigns #bespokequality #creativedesign #thedesigngalleryea #availableinkenya

Conceived as an exterior extension of the interior living and entertaining spaces, the pool garden is fun and dynamic - especially in the evening. White pool tile and blocky granite give subtle reference to the building’s history as an ice collection and storage facility.

The fact that this home is in a development called Providence now seems perfectly fitting. Chris, the owner, was merely considering the possibility of downsizing from a formal residence outside Atlanta when he happened on the small complex of luxury brownstones under construction in nearby Roswell. “I wandered into The Providence by chance and loved what I saw. The developer, his wife, and the agent were there and discussing how Cantoni was going to finish out one of the units, and so we all started talking,” Chris explains “They asked if I wanted to meet with the designer from Cantoni, and suggested I could customize the home as I saw fit, and that did it for me. I was sold.” Cantoni was originally approached by Mike and Joy Walsh, of Lehigh Homes, to create a contemporary model home to be featured on the Roswell Woman’s Club home tour. “Since Chris bought the brownstone right after we agreed to do the design work,” Lorna Hunter recalls, “we brought him in on the meetings with the architects to help finalize the layout.” From selecting tile and counter tops, to designing the kitchen and baths, to the furniture, art and even linens—Cantoni was involved with every phase of the project. “This home really represents the complete range of design and staging services we offer at Cantoni,” says Lorna. “Rooms were reconfigured to allow for changes Chris found appealing, and every tile and doorknob was thoughtfully chosen to complete the overall look.” Chris found an easy rapport with Lorna. “I have always been drawn to contemporary décor,” he explains, “ so Lorna and I hit it off immediately.” Among the custom design ideas the two conceived for the 2,600 sq. ft. 3/3 brownstone: creating a “wing wall” (open on both sides) to form a sitting area adjacent to the guest room downstairs, removing the elevator to enhance a sense of openness while leaving the 3-story shaft as a unique focal point, and choosing to expand the height of windows on the third level to maximize the flow of natural light. The Providence is ideally located near quaint shops, great restaurants, jogging trails and a scenic river—not to mention it’s just four miles from Chris’ office. The project represents the breadth and depth of Cantoni’s in-house creative resources, and proves again that GREAT DESIGN IS A WAY OF LIFE.

Somerset, MD This re-conceived rambler for a family of 4 sits comfortably within its original footprint yet meets contemporary living needs through StudioMB's addition of a new second floor, covered and uncovered rear courts, and a lower terrace. These elements, along with a new front court that brings views of the outdoors into the new living and kitchen, overcomes the original layout’s small, dark spaces while the added wood and glass boxes bring natural light deep into the home.

Set in the garden beside a traditional Dutch Colonial home in Wellesley, Flavin conceived this boldly modern retreat, built of steel, wood and concrete. The building is designed to engage the client’s passions for gardening, entertaining and restoring vintage Vespa scooters. The Vespa repair shop and garage are on the first floor. The second floor houses a home office and veranda. On top is a roof deck with space for lounging and outdoor dining, surrounded by a vegetable garden in raised planters. The structural steel frame of the building is left exposed; and the side facing the public side is draped with a mahogany screen that creates privacy in the building and diffuses the dappled light filtered through the trees. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

A couple was looking to move downtown to a pied-a-terre where they could live and work amidst their large collection of African art. In the end, they purchased 3,600 sf of raw space at Locust Walk at Washington Square, a historic turn of the century, five-story building located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. The rectangular space has large numbers of windows on two exposures, and a linear scheme was developed. All walls and built-ins were pulled away from the exterior walls, providing for an open vista along the full extent along the exterior face. By not breaking the apartment down into smaller enclosed rooms, the full breadth of the space can be taken in and experienced. A half-round gallery space greets visitors as one moves through the entry. At this point, public spaces extend in one direction, and more private spaces, including a large home office and the master suite extend in the other direction. In order to best display the sculptural artwork, the spaces were conceived of a clean, drywall boxes. The existing heavy timber structure and steel frame was encased in drywall as well, creating a quiet backdrop to the real star - the beloved art that fills this apartment's every room. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Western Massachusetts American Institute of Architects, Honor Award, 2010. With Kuhn Riddle Architects. Inspired by the tobacco barns and farmhouses of the surrounding area, this project was designed as a sustainable spec house for Tomlinson Builders. A single-story, 2,000 sqft home with 3 bedrooms, its open floor plan and flexible layout appeal to a variety of homeowners, from new families to recent retirees. The simple geometric forms of the home are both modern and traditional, crisp and inviting. To maintain the natural qualities of the site, outdoor spaces were conceived as small jewels of manicured space set into an otherwise uncultivated landscape.

The master bedroom was conceived in a classical French style.
Inspiration for a bedroom remodel in New York

The Petronio Residency Center at Crow’s Nest is visionary choreographer and artistic director Stephen Petronio’s latest venture. http://petron.io/prc/ The potager is conceived to feed and engage resident artists who are on site for creative research. The maze-like garden grows organic produce for the artists in an interactive setting that allows them to sit on the raised bed’s built-in benches to socialize, contemplate and commune with nature. -Rustic/Industrial design to complement the residency architecture -Centrally sited feature with access from dancer’s wing residences, dance studio and main courtyard -24 Raised beds with sitting benches and trellises made of locally sourced Hemlock hardwood -Completely organic materials and growing techniques -Log Wall for mushroom cultivation

TThe 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.

If there is a God of architecture he was smiling when this large oceanfront contemporary home was conceived in built. Located in Treasure Island, The Sand Castle Capital of the world, our modern, majestic masterpiece is a turtle friendly beacon of beauty and brilliance. This award-winning home design includes a three-story glass staircase, six sets of folding glass window walls to the ocean, custom artistic lighting and custom cabinetry and millwork galore. What an inspiration it has been for JS. Company to be selected to build this exceptional one-of-a-kind luxury home. Contemporary, Tampa Flordia DSA

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design