Transitional Basement Finish
Basement - transitional basement idea in Other

What started out as demonstration gardens with rambling paths and open gathering spaces and transformed into a magical outdoor venue. We have had the please of designing and installing the initial concept, along with the modifications throughout the years to meet the ever changing needs of this space.

ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award PROJECT: Uptown Lofts on Fifth CLIENT: ACTION-Housing, Inc. ARCHITECTURE FIRM: FortyEighty Architecture ENGINEERS: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.; Keystone Structural Solutions; Iams Consulting, LLC CONTRACTORS: Mosites Construction Company PHOTOGRAPHER: FortyEighty Architecture DESCRIPTION: The Uptown Lofts on Fifth are two new multi-unit apartment buildings constructed on opposite sides of Fifth Avenue in Uptown, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh that suffers from steady population decline due to a lack of adequate housing. The developer for the project, ACTION-Housing, Inc., serves a mission to empower people to build secure and self-sufficient lives through decent, affordable housing, and has worked to demonstrate the importance of energy efficiency through various projects. This project was designed to allow for a comparison of the operational performance of the two buildings – one designed to meet Passive House standards and the other designed to meet the requirements of the current energy code. JURY COMMENTS: This is the project the jury discussed the most. Perhaps not best in any one category, this project achieved so much in so many categories. Architecture is about richness, layers of meanings, and social responsibility. This project surpassed others by doing so much in terms of being solidly designed in the context of its neighborhood, with aggressive sustainable goals, and all on a very tight budget. It is serving as a demonstration to the greater sustainable community with two test buildings from which to compare the ROI on a project designed to meet passive house standards versus a building meeting the current energy codes. Most importantly, this building brings a high level of dignity to an all too often overlooked user in a neglected part of town.

Living room - large transitional open concept light wood floor living room idea in Portland Maine with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Shoot2Cell
Inspiration for a contemporary freestanding desk carpeted and gray floor home office remodel in Denver with white walls

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Denver

Building the personal residence for any family is an honor. When the state’s premier custom home builder enlisted plan architecture as their architect - it’s a high stakes honor. For Mike and Nour of ECS Homes, luxury and livability had to go hand in hand. This 7,000sf estate delivers dynamic style amid an open floor plan. With a transitional inspired exterior that cannot be characterized as just a single style, the exterior forms demonstrate the depth of their construction abilities.

Trendy deck photo in DC Metro

The homeowners loved the character of their 100-year-old home near Lake Harriet, but the original layout no longer supported their busy family’s modern lifestyle. When they contacted the architect, they had a simple request: remodel our master closet. This evolved into a complete home renovation that took three-years of meticulous planning and tactical construction. The completed home demonstrates the overall goal of the remodel: historic inspiration with modern luxuries.

Belgian Linen drapes in Oyster color from barnandwillow.com http://missmustardseed.com/

Design ideas for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

This master bathroom exemplifies sophisticated design through a masterful mix of organic textures and mid-century modern influence. The standout feature is the bespoke walnut vanity, showcasing impeccable box-joint joinery that highlights the natural beauty and warmth of the wood. The double vanity is topped with a premium honed marble counter, seamlessly paired with undermount sinks and elegant brass fixtures for a timeless look. The wall treatment serves as a striking focal point, featuring a vibrant marble mosaic backsplash in a checkered pattern. The interplay of earthy tones within the stone tiles creates a dynamic yet harmonious backdrop for the capsule-shaped wooden mirrors and globe pendant lighting. With its spacious tall cabinet for integrated storage and a serene beige stone floor, this space perfectly balances functional luxury with a warm, minimalist aesthetic. Ideal for high-end residential inspiration, this project demonstrates how artisanal craftsmanship and natural materials like San Tropez marble can transform a private retreat into an architectural statement.

This navy kid's room is filled with bright moments of orange and yellow. Ralph Lauren's Northern Hemisphere is covering the ceiling, inspiring exploration in space and ocean. A Solar System mobile and light-up Moon provide great fun to this sophisticated yet playful space.

This is an example of a farmhouse backyard stone landscaping in Philadelphia.

Example of a small master blue tile and ceramic tile single-sink bathroom design in New Orleans with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz Design: Brandi Hines
Minimalist bathroom photo in Austin

This spectacular family home situated above Lake Hodges in San Diego with sweeping views, was a complete interior and partial exterior remodel. Having gone untouched for decades, the home presented a unique challenge in that it was comprised of many cramped, unpermitted rooms and spaces that had been added over the years, stifling the home's true potential. Our team gutted the home down to the studs and started nearly from scratch. The goal was to dramatically open up the living space and modernize the home, while capitalizing on the stunning views the property had to offer. With the existing floor plan, only bedrooms had partial views, with common living areas relegated to the back portion, preventing residents from enjoying the expansive sightlines available to the home. The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

This newly remodeled kitchen showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary and traditional design elements. The space features a striking combination of blue and rich wood cabinetry, creating a sophisticated two-tone effect. Quartzite countertops on the island, counters, and backsplashes add a touch of luxury, while gold hardware and fixtures provide warm metallic accents throughout. Large windows flood the area with natural light, highlighting the custom millwork and high-end finishes. The kitchen's layout is both functional and ideal for entertaining. A spacious island with seating serves as a focal point, topped with elegant pendant lights. High-end appliances, including a professional-grade range and built-in wine refrigerator, cater to the serious home chef. The open concept design allows for easy flow between the kitchen and adjacent living spaces, making it perfect for hosting gatherings. Storage and organization were clearly prioritized in this design. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage space, while open shelving provides opportunities for display. The walk-in pantry features a thoughtful organization system with labeled woven baskets and various shelf heights to accommodate different items. Clever details like a hidden coffee station and pull-out spice racks demonstrate the kitchen's blend of style and practicality, resulting in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.

By Thayer Allyson Gowdy for House Beautiful
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in San Francisco