The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

3/4 bath. In the name of economy this "extra" bath was fitted out with non-custom "drop-in" shower and vanity courtesy of Home Depot. Not luxurious but a HUGE improvement over what we had previously so we are more than satisfied. Marmoleum flooring continues into bath from kitchen. It's been 4 years since this remodel and so far absolutely no problem with moisture impacting the Marmoleum. We are careful not to let water pool, but with one teen son, it does happen at times....

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

This project showcases an interior basement radon mitigation setup utilizing sub-slab depressurization. The installation features a premium PVC suction line drilled directly through the concrete slab foundation to capture radon gas at the source. Equipped with an easy-to-read U-tube manometer gauge, homeowners can verify active system vacuum pressure at a glance, ensuring continuous, reliable protection and improved indoor air quality throughout the home.

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Corner shower - mid-sized traditional 3/4 stone tile and beige tile mosaic tile floor and beige floor corner shower idea with a two-piece toilet, beige walls, a drop-in sink and a hinged shower door

Vivian Johnson
Cottage built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor home office photo in San Francisco with white walls

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

We created improved flow from the front entry hall to the new kitchen. The island configuration allows the flow to continue back into the dining room. The dropped beam is where the original house exterior wall was and now helps delineate the end of the end of the kitchen and the beginning of the breakfast room. David Sloane Photography