There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

Minimalist dark wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Denver

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Two sections of hand hewn white oak barn beam — shaped by adze in the late 19th or early 20th century, the tool marks clearly visible on every face — support a thick oak plank top from the same material source. The adze marks are not decorative. They are the record of a specific person doing specific work at a specific moment in American agricultural history. This material exists in finite and diminishing supply as the barns that held it continue to come down. The form is deliberately restrained. Nothing competes with the material. Proportions were determined by the beams themselves — their weight, their scale, their presence — rather than imposed from outside. Functions equally as a coffee table, entry bench, or display surface. Significant as furniture and as object. Available for commission as hand hewn beam material is sourced. Each piece differs because the material differs.

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Albuquerque with white walls

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Orange County

Two sections of hand hewn white oak barn beam — shaped by adze in the late 19th or early 20th century, the tool marks clearly visible on every face — support a thick oak plank top from the same material source. The adze marks are not decorative. They are the record of a specific person doing specific work at a specific moment in American agricultural history. This material exists in finite and diminishing supply as the barns that held it continue to come down. The form is deliberately restrained. Nothing competes with the material. Proportions were determined by the beams themselves — their weight, their scale, their presence — rather than imposed from outside. Functions equally as a coffee table, entry bench, or display surface. Significant as furniture and as object. Available for commission as hand hewn beam material is sourced. Each piece differs because the material differs.

While Schnurr’s workplace would not be complete without functional garage doors, Moscowitz’s art studio called for a more versatile design solution. Two adjacent aluminum clad bifold glass doors create a practical open corner design that instantly transforms an enclosed space into an indoor-outdoor multifaceted room. Customized with elegant pine wood on the inside and Graphite Black powder coated aluminum on the outside, the systems perfectly coordinate with the existing aesthetics. These large, dynamic openings extend the studio to the outdoors, flushing interiors with abundant daylight and fresh air ventilation. This diminishes reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning systems, promoting a more energy-efficient space that fully immerses in its natural surroundings.

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

A live edge walnut headboard with maple bowties in a cathedral master bedroom
Large transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Boston with gray walls

Open concept kitchen - contemporary galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES. 4885 Total SF Under Roof 3500 sq. ft. Living Area ½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio (Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor) Amenities Include: • Kitchen • Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances: o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system o 1200 watt Microwave Oven o 15" Scottsman ice maker o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator • Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island • Quartz countertops. • 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets. • Under cabinet lighting • Oversized Breakfast area with large windows • Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter. • Great Room wired for surround sound. • Formal Dining Room with large picture window. • Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding. • Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods • Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling. • Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21' • Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating. • Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill. • Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system. • Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway. • Foam wall and sub-floor insulation. • Outdoor roll-top Grill. • Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat • Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts • Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays • 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat. • Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows. • Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing. • On site Water well; • Price $497000.

Arguably, the most defining feature of the home addition is the 8-foot-tall aluminum clad bifold glass doors. These state-of-the-art systems redefine space and functionality while incorporating indoor-outdoor living design solutions—a key element in the homeowners’ overall design vision. The striking open corner effect creates an unobstructed 17-foot-wide portal to the outdoors with the three panel systems easily gliding into remote outward stacks to the left and right of the opening. The outward stacking fully maximizes the interior square footage by diminishing obstructions or the need to move furniture around. A barely-there floor sill offers seamless access to the wraparound deck that doubles as additional open-air living space. When entertaining, the studio’s worktable can be pulled out for lounging or al-fresco dining, an effortless testament to the multifunctionality of the space.

Hallway - modern hallway idea in Houston

Natural elements are the centerpiece of this new construction’s thoughtful design and unique details. Set on a standard Northbrook, IL lot, this 4-bedroom house makes the most out of its 2,900 square feet by working with beautiful, natural materials. Thoughtful details include high windows that allow for both natural light and privacy, 9-foot ceilings in the basement, and a reclaimed wood beam arch separating the family room from the kitchen. The house’s exterior is noteworthy as well, with copper gutters, wide-planked white siding, and a welcoming front porch. But the true star is in the backyard. We were able to make this house very special (and very green) by adding the first village-approved rain garden in Northbrook. Rain gardens use vegetation, soils, and other elements to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create a healthier environment. We installed a 5,000 gallon sub-ground retention system to diminish the load of a large rain event on the property and the municipal system, while retaining water for the homeowner that can then be used for irrigation on the property.

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography