Still completing the final construction...... A new extended deck and rear stair were designed to allow for easy outdoor flow from the home. The new addition continued the lower roof around the house to accommodate the new 1st floor 8 ft. wide kitchen addition. The new addition created stronger horizontal lines for the home and along with the new heavy timber detailing, it completely altered the character giving it a more substantial feeling that is reminiscent of the "Cascading" style. Removing, reconditioning, restaining and reinstalling the cedar siding as well as also re-detailing the windows with an accented wood trim also gives the house a simple but wonderful character.

This charming Lyon Park house was built in 1925, when the typical kitchen was small, modest and closed-off from the rest of the home. For a family that loves to cook and bake, the cramped, outdated and dysfunctional kitchen was a source of constant frustration. Our new design expanded the kitchen into an adjacent sunroom, opening it up to the rest of the home and creating a spacious, light and updated kitchen that now serves as the heart of the home. We more than doubled the amount of countertop space and added much needed pantry storage as well as a dedicated coffee nook. The bold blue herringbone backsplash, honed black granite, white shaker cabinets and substantial matte black pulls complement the rustic modern style of the adjoining living space. Photos: Jenn Verrier Photography

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

This hardworking family room is the heart of the house. It is connected to the kitchen and is used everyday by the homeowners and therefore, needed to be functional. Built-in custom cabinetry was designed to hide the flat screen TV on the left and board games, puzzles, photo albums, etc. on the right. The mantel was purposely created to be a substantial size in order to provide a wonderful visual space for seasonal decorations. The home is located one block from the beach and thus locally collected seashells help to decorate the space in the summer months. The other decorative objects have been collected by the homeowner over time. Tracey Ayton Photography

Fluid lines and visual contours create a remarkably uncomplicated spirit and aerodynamism in the Avettore, a magnum opus of effortless elegance that is the ultimate expression of “less is more.” This design allows for a vividly grounded piece to be forged into a substantial tour de force.

Our Burlington client required a backyard space that would allow for entertaining as well as provide a safe and fun environment for their young children to play. The backyard had a severe grade change which required the construction of a substantial retaining wall to allow for the installation of a modern rectilinear pool featuring a sheer decent water feature wall. Large concrete slabs were used to create the pool patio/dining area and a composite deck complete with frameless glass railings was added to allow for unobstructed views of the yard. A lawn area for the children and a variety of plant material was used to provide year-round interest. Lighting, irrigation and a custom cedar pool shed complete the project.

Sleek and yet substantial, the new Estate Collection vanity adds true glamour to your bathroom with stylish metal inlay decor and long sleek handles available in a choice of lustrous satin brass, matte black, polished chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel. Your choice of a matching metal wrap-around base or legs completes the sophisticated custom furniture look. Choose from four polyurethane-protected colors including Matte White, or new arrivals Brandy woodgrain, Studio Grey or Sapphire finishes, and pair it with a variety of countertop/basin options in X-Stone™ Solid Surface, Quartzstone, glass or ceramic to create your own custom look. With the advantage of Madeli’s extensive storage options, soft-closing European hardware, and other standard luxury features, your vanity will be the star of your bathroom.

This hardworking family room is the heart of the house. It is connected to the kitchen and is used everyday by the homeowners and therefore, needed to be functional. Built-in custom cabinetry was designed to hide the flat screen TV on the left and board games, puzzles, photo albums, etc. on the right. The mantel was purposely created to be a substantial size in order to provide a wonderful visual space for seasonal decorations. The home is located one block from the beach and thus locally collected seashells help to decorate the space in the summer months. The other decorative objects have been collected by the homeowner over time. Tracey Ayton Photography

Our Burlington client required a backyard space that would allow for entertaining as well as provide a safe and fun environment for their young children to play. The backyard had a severe grade change which required the construction of a substantial retaining wall to allow for the installation of a modern rectilinear pool featuring a sheer decent water feature wall. Large concrete slabs were used to create the pool patio/dining area and a composite deck complete with frameless glass railings was added to allow for unobstructed views of the yard. A lawn area for the children and a variety of plant material was used to provide year-round interest. Lighting, irrigation and a custom cedar pool shed complete the project.

This hardworking family room is the heart of the house. It is connected to the kitchen and is used everyday by the homeowners and therefore, needed to be functional. Built-in custom cabinetry was designed to hide the flat screen TV on the left and board games, puzzles, photo albums, etc. on the right. The mantel was purposely created to be a substantial size in order to provide a wonderful visual space for seasonal decorations. The home is located one block from the beach and thus locally collected seashells help to decorate the space in the summer months. The other decorative objects have been collected by the homeowner over time. Tracey Ayton Photography

This South Hamilton, MA living room blends classic comfort with timeless architectural detail. A rich wood beam frames the space, complementing the substantial fireplace mantel and warm wood trim throughout. Plush upholstered seating is arranged for conversation around a central coffee table, while a traditional patterned rug anchors the room. Natural light filters through multi-pane windows with tailored valances, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Thoughtful furnishings and classic finishes create a cozy, refined space ideal for everyday living and entertaining.

This hardworking family room is the heart of the house. It is connected to the kitchen and is used everyday by the homeowners and therefore, needed to be functional. Built-in custom cabinetry was designed to hide the flat screen TV on the left and board games, puzzles, photo albums, etc. on the right. The mantel was purposely created to be a substantial size in order to provide a wonderful visual space for seasonal decorations. The home is located one block from the beach and thus locally collected seashells help to decorate the space in the summer months. The other decorative objects have been collected by the homeowner over time. Tracey Ayton Photography

The original home was built in the early 1900's, and the entire home needed an extensive renovation. A modern aesthetic was blended with the heritage charm of the original house, creating a very striking and charming finished product. We could not be happier with the result. Our services included full Project Management and Construction for the project, including all Carpentry Services, from pre-construction until substantial completion.

This sleek contemporary staircase pairs rich ebony-stained oak with satin black horizontal iron balusters for a striking modern aesthetic. Square oak newels with chamfered tops anchor the design, while thick contemporary oak treads provide substantial footing. The ebony-stained custom handrails tie the dark tones together, creating visual cohesion from bottom to top. The result is a staircase that balances bold contrast with refined simplicity, proving that durable materials and precise craftsmanship create designs that stand the test of time. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Exterior View from Back Yard, House 6 Concrete and Wood Home House 6, is Cheng Design’s sixth custom home project, was redesigned and constructed from top-to-bottom. The project represents a major career milestone thanks to the unique and innovative use of concrete, as this residence is one of Cheng Design’s first-ever ‘hybrid’ structures, constructed as a combination of wood and concrete. Photography: Matthew Millman

This modern Kirkland, WA kitchen is centered around a custom Dekton Sirius kitchen island, precision fabricated and professionally installed by Absolute GM. The substantial island features Dekton Sirius 2cm with a precision-fabricated mitered edge, creating the appearance of a thicker, more architectural surface while maintaining clean lines and sharp proportions. The dark, sophisticated finish makes the island a strong focal point and anchors the entire kitchen design. The project also includes matching Dekton countertops, a 6-inch backsplash, and a precision undermount sink cutout for a clean, integrated finish. Absolute GM specializes in custom kitchen islands, Dekton countertops, mitered-edge fabrication, undermount sinks, backsplashes, and complex architectural surface installations throughout Kirkland, Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Mercer Island, and the Greater Puget Sound area. #DektonSirius #KitchenIsland #DektonIsland #KirklandCountertops #DektonCountertops #MiteredEdge #LuxuryKitchen #AbsoluteGM

This substantial 7 ft. diameter custom black granite bowl fountain celebrates the motor court arrival experience of a private Beverly Hills estate. Circular laminar sheets of water overflow from the central nozzle into a bed of Mexican river rocks. Underwater white LEDs lights illuminate the falling water to create an additional visual display in the evening.

This 5,400-square-foot custom home in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood combines refined transitional architecture with advanced high-performance construction. Built by Eco Custom Homes, the residence was designed to significantly reduce energy consumption while providing the comfort, craftsmanship, and amenities expected in a luxury Atlanta custom home. The home’s energy system includes a 20 kW solar array paired with 40 kWh of battery storage, providing substantial on-site renewable energy generation and backup power capability. The project combines energy efficiency, building science, and resilient home technology with extensive outdoor living and entertainment areas designed for Atlanta’s climate. The Morningside Net Zero Home demonstrates Eco Custom Homes’ approach to high-performance construction: creating architecturally distinctive homes that are not only beautiful, but more efficient, comfortable, resilient, and designed to perform for generations.