This house was not designed merely for humans. If anything, they are subordinate to the carnivorous felines that roam inside. Simba, Nala and Samson, three African Serval cats, perch atop the transparent loft--an ideal elevated, defensible position to observe entering guests as potential “fresh meat.”

Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
1960s one-story glass exterior home idea in Los Angeles

Example of a trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a single-bowl sink

Kitchen - kitchen idea in San Francisco

Mudroom - mid-sized transitional mudroom idea in Edmonton with gray walls and a brown front door

Genia Barnes
Inspiration for a coastal blue exterior home remodel in San Francisco

We understand the property's tree canopy to be one of its greatest defenses from flying embers, a primary source of home ignitions. While canopy no longer touches the roof or eves, it does still shade them. The rooftop sprinklers are a home-hardening measure. In the aftermath of the January 2025 fires, we see fire-defensive behaviors as equally important to the garden's structure and home hardening. Understanding how explosive trash bins and cars can be, we now park further from the structure on red flag days.

Mixture of materials in the 0-5' defensible space zone.
Farmhouse home design photo in San Francisco

Food garden installation, including installation of raised beds, drip irrigation, seeds/plant starts, and pest and critter defense cover.
Photo of a small farmhouse partial sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco for spring.

Food garden installation, including installation of raised beds, drip irrigation, seeds/plant starts, and pest and critter defense cover.
Photo of a small farmhouse partial sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco for spring.

Food garden installation, including installation of raised beds, drip irrigation, seeds/plant starts, and pest and critter defense cover.
Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse partial sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco for spring.

Rohan Oak - The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish

Mountain properties present additional landscape challenges for homeowners living along the Front Range. The terrain is often hilly, sloped, and filled with rock outcroppings. Half the battle is keeping the outside from coming inside, with dirt and mud being the chief culprits. By creating well defined pathways and patio interfaces with the home's main thresholds, a Firewise defensible perimeter is established, and less stuff gets tracked inside!

Bedroom - mid-sized transitional guest light wood floor bedroom idea in Jacksonville with white walls and no fireplace

Chris' customer asked for a first line of defense from golf cart traffic, delivery vehicles and headlight interference, i.e. privacy buffer. I custom built the stone wall to do just that.

Chancellor Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish VARIATION RATING: V3 – Moderate Board Variation

In summer, the reds and bronzes are provided by ripe Coffeeberries.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun front yard flower bed in Los Angeles for summer.

Camarilla Oak - The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish VARIATION RATING: V3 – Moderate Board Variation

Steward Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish