The best interior designers & architects in NYC! Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :) Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality. Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives! Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer. Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern. In short, this is Design as it Should be... Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design www.vanguard-development.com

Mountain Modern Kitchen: Architectural Integrity and Flow This perspective captures the harmony between the high-performance culinary equipment and the artisan woodworking that defines the entire estate. Located in Rathdrum, Idaho, this kitchen exemplifies our "Mountain Modern" philosophy, blending the rugged, natural materials of the region with sleek, contemporary lines and advanced technology. The open layout is carefully structured to define a professional cooking zone while maintaining continuous visual connection with the adjacent dining and living areas. Key Design Features & Specs: Professional Island Core: The custom cabinetry island houses a professional-grade induction cooktop, capped by a substantial floating stainless steel hood that anchors the architectural volume of the space. Integrated Artisan Details: Substantial, hand-finished timber posts and beams define the space, connecting the kitchen to the natural world just outside. The unique arched dormer window provides natural light to the prep sink area, showcasing complex structural framing. High-Performance Stainless Contrast: Floor-to-ceiling custom knotty-wood cabinetry seamlessly integrates a large built-in double refrigerator/freezer column and a specialized speed oven, balancing warmth with a sleek, industrial edge. Textural Backsplash Pattern: The traditional honeycomb mosaic tile backsplash adds a layer of fine pattern and texture, contrasting beautifully against the heavy stone countertops. Layered Functional Lighting: Recessed LED ceiling lights combine with linear LED toe-kick lighting and task lighting to create a warm, inviting glow that shifts the mood from efficient meal prep to evening ambiance.

Eichler X-100 Entry: A Threshold Between Architecture and Experience The entry to the Eichler X-100 is not a conventional front door—it’s an intentional transition, a carefully choreographed sequence that shifts you from the outside world into a fully immersive architectural environment. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the entry reflects a core principle of Eichler design: arrival should be felt, not just seen. A Garden Before the Door Rather than approaching a traditional façade, visitors are guided into an entry courtyard—a private, inward-facing space that immediately softens the transition from street to home. This space acts as a buffer, both visually and emotionally, creating a sense of calm and separation. The path is often defined by concrete stepping pads set within planted areas, reinforcing the home’s circular and geometric design language. Movement becomes deliberate—slowed, grounded, and connected to the landscape. Light as a Guide Above, translucent skylights filter natural light into the entry sequence, creating shifting patterns of brightness and shadow throughout the day. This interplay of light transforms the entry into something dynamic—never static, always evolving. Rather than a single moment, the entry unfolds over time. Blurring Interior and Exterior The X-100’s entry challenges the idea of where the home actually begins. With interior gardens visible from the moment you arrive, the boundary between outside and inside becomes intentionally ambiguous. Glass, open sightlines, and planted spaces work together so that by the time you reach the front door, you are already inside the architectural experience. A Compressed-to-Open Reveal True to mid-century modern design principles, the entry creates a subtle sense of compression before release. The approach is quiet and modest—almost understated—before opening into the expansive, light-filled interior beyond. This contrast heightens the impact of arrival, making the interior feel even more dramatic. A Philosophy of Arrival The Eichler X-100 entry is not about grandeur—it’s about intention. It invites you to slow down, to notice light, material, and landscape, and to engage with the home on a deeper level. It’s a reminder that in great architecture, even the act of entering becomes part of the design itself.

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

Eichler X-100 Kitchen: A Futuristic Vision of Function and Design The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to cook—it is a designed system, a forward-thinking experiment in how everyday living could be streamlined, modernized, and elevated through architecture. Envisioned by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the space reflects a bold reimagining of the American kitchen in the mid-20th century. A Central Hub of the Home Positioned within the home’s central utility core, the kitchen is strategically located to connect all major living zones. Rather than being tucked away, it becomes a functional anchor, allowing for seamless interaction between cooking, dining, and gathering spaces. This layout reinforces Eichler’s philosophy: the kitchen is not separate—it’s part of everyday life. Innovation Built In What sets the X-100 kitchen apart is its integration of experimental, built-in features that were far ahead of their time. Highlights include: A sliding dining table with integrated electric burners, blending cooking and dining into one continuous experience Built-in appliances and systems, designed to reduce clutter and maximize efficiency Thoughtful ergonomic planning that simplifies daily routines These elements reflect a larger idea: that the home should work for you—not the other way around. Material as Modern Expression The kitchen showcases extensive use of laminate surfaces (Formica)—a material that, in the 1950s, symbolized innovation, durability, and modern living. Clean, smooth, and easy to maintain, these surfaces reinforce the home’s futuristic identity. Paired with steel structure and clean lines, the material palette creates a space that feels both industrial and approachable. Open, Light-Filled Design True to the X-100’s overall concept, the kitchen is fully integrated into the open-plan layout. Sightlines extend outward to living areas, glass walls, and even interior gardens, ensuring the space never feels enclosed. Natural light filters in from multiple directions, enhanced by skylights and reflective surfaces, giving the kitchen a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the day. A Prototype for Modern Living In many ways, the X-100 kitchen anticipated how we live today: Open-concept layouts Multi-functional islands and dining spaces Integrated appliances Clean, minimal design What feels standard now was radical in 1956. Where Design Meets Daily Life The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is a perfect example of how architecture can elevate the everyday. It transforms routine into experience—where cooking, gathering, and living all happen within a single, beautifully orchestrated space. It’s not just a kitchen. It’s a glimpse into the future—designed decades ahead of its time.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Eichler X-100 Kitchen: A Futuristic Vision of Function and Design The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to cook—it is a designed system, a forward-thinking experiment in how everyday living could be streamlined, modernized, and elevated through architecture. Envisioned by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the space reflects a bold reimagining of the American kitchen in the mid-20th century. A Central Hub of the Home Positioned within the home’s central utility core, the kitchen is strategically located to connect all major living zones. Rather than being tucked away, it becomes a functional anchor, allowing for seamless interaction between cooking, dining, and gathering spaces. This layout reinforces Eichler’s philosophy: the kitchen is not separate—it’s part of everyday life. Innovation Built In What sets the X-100 kitchen apart is its integration of experimental, built-in features that were far ahead of their time. Highlights include: A sliding dining table with integrated electric burners, blending cooking and dining into one continuous experience Built-in appliances and systems, designed to reduce clutter and maximize efficiency Thoughtful ergonomic planning that simplifies daily routines These elements reflect a larger idea: that the home should work for you—not the other way around. Material as Modern Expression The kitchen showcases extensive use of laminate surfaces (Formica)—a material that, in the 1950s, symbolized innovation, durability, and modern living. Clean, smooth, and easy to maintain, these surfaces reinforce the home’s futuristic identity. Paired with steel structure and clean lines, the material palette creates a space that feels both industrial and approachable. Open, Light-Filled Design True to the X-100’s overall concept, the kitchen is fully integrated into the open-plan layout. Sightlines extend outward to living areas, glass walls, and even interior gardens, ensuring the space never feels enclosed. Natural light filters in from multiple directions, enhanced by skylights and reflective surfaces, giving the kitchen a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the day. A Prototype for Modern Living In many ways, the X-100 kitchen anticipated how we live today: Open-concept layouts Multi-functional islands and dining spaces Integrated appliances Clean, minimal design What feels standard now was radical in 1956. Where Design Meets Daily Life The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is a perfect example of how architecture can elevate the everyday. It transforms routine into experience—where cooking, gathering, and living all happen within a single, beautifully orchestrated space. It’s not just a kitchen. It’s a glimpse into the future—designed decades ahead of its time.

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Governor's House Entry by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.