We developed a highly sophisticated and textural material palette and layout for large family gatherings. We brought together a dream team that consisted of landscape, lighting, pool, and contractors, all that excel in their trades to collaborate on this one of a kind outdoor experience.

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

• the kitchen/sunroom dining area were reconfigured. A wall was removed between the sunroom and kitchen to create a more open floor plan. The space now consists of a living room/kitchen/dining/sitting area. • this new wall was designed to accommodate a second sink, open shelves to display barware and to create a divide between the kitchen and the terrace entry • the kitchen was cavernous. Adding the new wall and a fabric paneled drop ceiling created a more comfortable, welcoming space with much better acoustics

All Weather Architectural Aluminum was featured in the “Friends and Family” episode of HGTV’s new series Revealed. Designer Veronica Valencia’s best friend wants to update their home to be able to entertain and celebrate their family legacies. Veronica helps transform the space by adding a brand new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office and expands the home to a forever house by adding an additional 500 square feet. All Weather Series 6000 windows brighten the entire home. Series 7000 French Swing doors were featured in the Master Bedroom and Office. Series 8150 Sliding doors connect the the living room to the backyard patio and pool for a seamless transitions to enhance the indoor outdoor lifestyle. Designer and mom of two, Veronica and her expert team consisting of design guru Tommy Rouse, master builder David Bohler and talented artist Joshua Smith meet with their clients to learn about their family background and meaningful moments from their past. This inspiration allows Veronica to transform the home, creating beautiful and modern spaces that honor the family’s cultural heritage. Veronica Valencia worked behind the scenes as a design expert on more than 500 home makeover shows. Now she stars in Revealed, HGTV’s new family heritage centered show.

Define spaces through furniture groupings, rugs, and subtle architectural transitions. Natural light and consistent materials help maintain harmony throughout the home. Focus on simplifying architectural details while introducing natural materials. Linen drapery, stone surfaces, and warm wood elements create balance between modernity and comfort.

The Dining Room flanks the stair 'landing' consisting of steel plate acting as a rail and fireplace underneath
Great room - mid-sized modern concrete floor and gray floor great room idea in Houston with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

Butler's Pantry to main kitchen. Consistent paint color of these lower cabinets to main kitchen island.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and multicolored countertops

From early planning through permitting and construction, this project required careful decisions to balance preservation with innovation. The clients were particularly keen to maintain the playful and unexpected qualities that give mid-century homes their personality, and we embraced that spirit throughout the design. Several custom details were carefully engineered to achieve this balance, including a sliding backsplash panel that conceals storage behind a seamless porcelain surface—an element that consistently surprises visitors. The completed space honors the architectural character of the original home while introducing modern functionality, light, and craftsmanship designed to support daily family life

Nestled against the backdrop of the Worcester Mountain Range lies this timeless Modern Farmhouse. This project consisted of a full gut to most of the interior as well as new windows, doors, siding, decks, and trim. Part of the project involved building an addition to join the detached garage to the main house as well as redefining the entry with a beautiful and functional mudroom and powder room. We also built out a new dining room with a ton of glass which helped to connect the interior with the lush gardens outside. Custom cabinetry, millwork, and builtins throughout. Doug Fir Timbers were used to support the load above while also providing a warm and handsome ascetic value throughout the downstairs as we opened the floorpan up. It is always refreshing to breath new life into an outdated structure.

Selected with care, wood offers clarity, consistency, and range to contemporary spaces. Our job is to support that process with products that meet the standard.

Drawn to a subtle coastal vibe, a Shingle Style design was selected, which is consistent with an informal yet elegant style offering an open airy feel. The coffered beamed ceiling, white trim and casework are detailed yet casual in nature to carry the style throughout the home.

This dedicated wine cellar features floor-to-ceiling custom racking constructed from richly stained hardwood, accommodating a high-capacity collection across horizontal and angled bottle storage formats. Individual cubbies are designed for standard 750ml bottles, while select vertical shelving units allow for oversized formats, boxed spirits, and decorative decanters. The flooring is finished in cork tile—chosen for its temperature-insulating and vibration-dampening properties—complementing the cellar's natural wood tones. Overhead, the slatted ceiling integrates hidden climate control vents for maintaining consistent humidity and temperature. A frameless glass door with wood trim separates the wine room from the adjacent butler’s pantry, which features stone countertops and additional cabinet storage for glassware and service accessories. Accent lighting is recessed above select racks, highlighting vintage labels and bottle necks without exposing inventory to direct light. Wall tones contrast deep red with neutral transitional hues, creating visual depth within this collector-grade storage environment.

After photo - Heated floors provide consistent warmth, creating a spa-like experience that is both energy-efficient and indulgent. The spacious, curbless steam shower offers a seamless, accessible design that caters to all users, promoting safety and ease of use. A bench with a hand shower alongside allows for seated showering, another accessible design feature.

Located in Argyle, Texas, this comprehensive whole-home renovation was conceived by USI Design & Remodeling who reimagined the home's interior architecture, transforming a collection of compartmentalized rooms into a cohesive environment designed for modern living, entertaining, and daily comfort. The project encompassed the kitchen, family room, dining room, lounge, office, primary bathroom, and supporting circulation spaces, creating a unified experience that feels both expansive and intentional. Throughout the home, refined materials, custom millwork, and carefully curated finishes establish a sense of understated luxury while maintaining warmth and livability. At the heart of the renovation is a completely reconfigured kitchen and gathering space designed around functionality, hospitality, and visual connection. Architectural barriers were removed to improve sightlines and circulation, allowing the kitchen, dining, and family spaces to function as a single integrated living environment. A dramatic five-foot workstation sink anchors the kitchen, while custom cabinetry and furniture-inspired details elevate the space beyond conventional residential design. Adjacent to the kitchen, the former pantry, laundry, and service corridor were reimagined as a hybrid scullery and utility suite, creating a highly functional support space that discreetly accommodates food preparation, storage, organization, and household operations without compromising the elegance of the primary living areas. The renovation extends beyond aesthetics to create a home tailored to the family's evolving needs. The primary bathroom was transformed into a spa-inspired retreat, while the lounge, office, and dining spaces were redesigned to support both everyday living and entertaining. Consistent architectural detailing, layered textures, and thoughtful proportions establish continuity throughout the residence, allowing each room to feel connected to the larger design narrative. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable home that balances practical performance with timeless design, delivering a renewed living experience that is both highly functional and distinctly luxurious.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

Transitional kitchen photo in DC Metro

We developed a highly sophisticated and textural material palette and layout for large family gatherings. We brought together a dream team that consisted of landscape, lighting, pool, and contractors, all that excel in their trades to collaborate on this one of a kind outdoor experience.

This newly renovated townhome is a beautiful transformation. The "before" was very mediterranean with dark walls, dark coffered ceilings, dark flooring, and closed spaces. Martha's suggestion to open up the space by removing the walls, remove the coffered ceilings/mouldings, add metallic touches with white, was only the beginning of this renovation. Martha overlooked the entire project, so that there would be a consistent flow through the space. She designed the kitchen, bathrooms, etc.; The overall project has an elegant vibe, yet it is very practical and inviting.

Nestled against the backdrop of the Worcester Mountain Range lies this timeless Modern Farmhouse. This project consisted of a full gut to most of the interior as well as new windows, doors, siding, decks, and trim. Part of the project involved building an addition to join the detached garage to the main house as well as redefining the entry with a beautiful and functional mudroom and powder room. We also built out a new dining room with a ton of glass which helped to connect the interior with the lush gardens outside. Custom cabinetry, millwork, and builtins throughout. Doug Fir Timbers were used to support the load above while also providing a warm and handsome ascetic value throughout the downstairs as we opened the floorpan up. It is always refreshing to breath new life into an outdated structure.