Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

At times, the most remarkable spaces emerge when we begin with a clean slate. In this particular project, we had the privilege to design a completely custom home, starting from scratch for our client. They simply entrusted us with a piece of land, and from that point forward, we handled everything. Our primary objective for this project was to craft an exceptional, contemporary, and practical dream home for a family of four. By creatively manipulating height variations at the front of the house, we conceived the standout element of the home: the impressive windows that showcase the bespoke steel spinal staircase.

Conceived as a functional, sculptural object, this stair is constructed entirely of solid white oak to match the ground floor flooring.
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase idea in Toronto with wooden risers

The new construction luxury home was designed by our Carmel design-build studio with the concept of 'hygge' in mind – crafting a soothing environment that exudes warmth, contentment, and coziness without being overly ornate or cluttered. Inspired by Scandinavian style, the design incorporates clean lines and minimal decoration, set against soaring ceilings and walls of windows. These features are all enhanced by warm finishes, tactile textures, statement light fixtures, and carefully selected art pieces. In the living room, a bold statement wall was incorporated, making use of the 4-sided, 2-story fireplace chase, which was enveloped in large format marble tile. Each bedroom was crafted to reflect a unique character, featuring elegant wallpapers, decor, and luxurious furnishings. The primary bathroom was characterized by dark enveloping walls and floors, accentuated by teak, and included a walk-through dual shower, overhead rain showers, and a natural stone soaking tub. An open-concept kitchen was fitted, boasting state-of-the-art features and statement-making lighting. Adding an extra touch of sophistication, a beautiful basement space was conceived, housing an exquisite home bar and a comfortable lounge area. ---Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/modern-scandinavian-luxury-home-westfield/

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

Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the low-slung Gainsburg House in 1946 in the spirit of his father’s Usonian House prototypes of the 1930s. The new owners sought to reverse years of insensitive alterations while including a new kitchen, dining and family rooms, updated bathrooms, lighting and finishes, with accommodation for contemporary art display. The house was conceived as one area within an overall site geometry and the exterior can be seen from all interior angles and spaces. Our new palette compliments the original finishes and reinforces the existing geometry, enhancing a rhythm that moves throughout the house and engages the landscape in a continuous spatial composition. Images by Steve King Architectural Photography

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

At times, the most remarkable spaces emerge when we begin with a clean slate. In this particular project, we had the privilege to design a completely custom home, starting from scratch for our client. They simply entrusted us with a piece of land, and from that point forward, we handled everything. Our primary objective for this project was to craft an exceptional, contemporary, and practical dream home for a family of four. By creatively manipulating height variations at the front of the house, we conceived the standout element of the home: the impressive windows that showcase the bespoke steel spinal staircase.

At times, the most remarkable spaces emerge when we begin with a clean slate. In this particular project, we had the privilege to design a completely custom home, starting from scratch for our client. They simply entrusted us with a piece of land, and from that point forward, we handled everything. Our primary objective for this project was to craft an exceptional, contemporary, and practical dream home for a family of four. By creatively manipulating height variations at the front of the house, we conceived the standout element of the home: the impressive windows that showcase the bespoke steel spinal staircase.

7 On 7th is a luxurious townhome complex in the flourishing enclave of North Palm Trail, just steps from the beaches of Delray. Each contemporary unit has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a covered patio, two car garage and private individual pool. The five interior units offer 2,353 square feet and are booked by the 2,960 square feet end units. This modern expression of urban architecture and design was conceived by M2 Development and constructed by Marc Julien Homes.

This two-storey medical diagnostic center was conceived as a modern, fully-equipped facility for pre-departure medical tests required by GCC nations. Covering 9,000 sq. ft., the project includes complete architectural and interior design, alongside MEP and structural services. Precision placement of medical equipment, combined with sleek, premium finishing, ensured international accreditation and functional excellence. ? Main Ring Road near Kohat Road, Peshawar ?️ Scope: Design + Execution (Turnkey Solution)

The New Hope first floor remodel was conceived to blend functionality with timeless beauty across key areas of the home including the kitchen, mudroom, music room, and powder room. The design team worked closely with the homeowners to ensure that every space was not only visually cohesive but also elevated with purpose-driven upgrades. The overall palette merges soft, natural tones with bold accents, warm metals, and rich textures, striking a balance between comfort and sophistication. With a focus on personalized use and performance, each room now supports the family’s lifestyle through intelligent design and custom detailing.

Sunlit Solace is conceived as a luminous urban retreat — a duplex that balances openness with intimacy, where natural light becomes the primary material and warmth the prevailing feeling. Crisp architecture meets soft textures; expansive windows invite daylight to dance across surfaces, while layered finishes and thoughtful proportions create a home that feels both elevated and welcoming. The result is a sanctuary in the city: modern yet grounded, relaxed yet refined, where everyday rituals are bathed in light and designed for living beautifully.

The design approach conceives of the exterior and interior spaces as a contiguous space, to capitalize on the opportunity the site presents for outdoor living. The architectural materials employed in the design of the facade described above weave the exterior seamlessly with the interior living spaces; as a result the indoor and outdoor areas can be experienced simultaneously, allowing all family members to share a common space together even while engaged in different activities.

Conceived of as a vertical light box, Cleft House features walls made of translucent panels as well as massive sliding window walls. Located on an extremely narrow lot, the clients required contemporary design, waterfront views without loss of privacy, sustainability, and maximizing space within stringent cost control. A modular structural steel frame was used to eliminate the high cost of custom steel.

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 client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

Country living with views of the mountains and the city. We took this beautiful piece of property and replaced the old, poorly built house with a 5 bedroom country style 5897 sq ft mansion. An amazing transformation, the architectural design was conceived specifically for this existing site so that the new home could be carefully and artistically slipped into the existing landscape. By keeping the best of the old and adding the best of the new, we made this close-in horse property the best it could be.