This urban oasis was designed to efficiently conserve water over a larger outdoor space. We utilized plants that are well climatized to arid environments to ensure the homeowner was not squandering California's limited supply of water.

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests: • Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design • Natural elements • Kitchen more open to dining • Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking. For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone. To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes. Features: • Ventilated drawers • Composting sink • Energy-efficient lighting • Silent hood and dishwasher When it came to their master bath, my clients requested: • Spa-feeling • Shower for two • Functional makeup area • Two sinks • Linen storage • Walk-in closet • Separate toilet compartment • Door to backyard for pool access. I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating. Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity. Storage: • Tall louvered linen cabinet • Flush medicine cabinets • His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity • Multiple shower niches • Function-packed walk-in closet • Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule • Bedroom armoire Function: • Seating in shower • Seating in main bath • Convenient towel bars • Silent, powerful vent fans • Good lighting • Textured glass windows add light and privacy. Ed Gohlich photographer

BeachHaus is built on a previously developed site on Siesta Key. It sits directly on the bay but has Gulf views from the upper floor and roof deck. The client loved the old Florida cracker beach houses that are harder and harder to find these days. They loved the exposed roof joists, ship lap ceilings, light colored surfaces and inviting and durable materials. Given the risk of hurricanes, building those homes in these areas is not only disingenuous it is impossible. Instead, we focused on building the new era of beach houses; fully elevated to comfy with FEMA requirements, exposed concrete beams, long eaves to shade windows, coralina stone cladding, ship lap ceilings, and white oak and terrazzo flooring. The home is Net Zero Energy with a HERS index of -25 making it one of the most energy efficient homes in the US. It is also certified NGBS Emerald. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests: • Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design • Natural elements • Kitchen more open to dining • Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking. For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone. To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes. Features: • Ventilated drawers • Composting sink • Energy-efficient lighting • Silent hood and dishwasher When it came to their master bath, my clients requested: • Spa-feeling • Shower for two • Functional makeup area • Two sinks • Linen storage • Walk-in closet • Separate toilet compartment • Door to backyard for pool access. I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating. Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity. Storage: • Tall louvered linen cabinet • Flush medicine cabinets • His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity • Multiple shower niches • Function-packed walk-in closet • Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule • Bedroom armoire Function: • Seating in shower • Seating in main bath • Convenient towel bars • Silent, powerful vent fans • Good lighting • Textured glass windows add light and privacy. Ed Gohlich photographer

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees. New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance. A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch. Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Discover a lush and serene backyard where nature meets art. This beautifully designed space features a gently flowing stream that weaves through vibrant tropical plants, creating a tranquil oasis. Stunning sculptures add an artistic touch, blending seamlessly with the rich greenery and calming water. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an inspiring outdoor gallery, this garden offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and creative expression.

We used coco flats to create the stepped raised landscape combined with the Sonora shiners pebble. Desert landscape, every plant is on the drip system, very water efficient.

Custom Elevated Lowcountry Design Living area on ground floor with full kitchen, laundry, bed, and living rooms Wide white oak hardwood floors with water-based finish for durability Butler’s pantry with glass cabinet doors Thermador SS professional appliances High efficiency Carrier Infinity Series heating and cooling for minimal energy costs Coffered living room ceiling with built-in cabinets Large screened in porch Operable exterior raised panel and Bahama shutters Mudroom with built-in bench seat Ample home with 4800 square feet of living space Large 3ac wooded home site

Arts and crafts entryway photo in Other

Discover a lush and serene backyard where nature meets art. This beautifully designed space features a gently flowing stream that weaves through vibrant tropical plants, creating a tranquil oasis. Stunning sculptures add an artistic touch, blending seamlessly with the rich greenery and calming water. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an inspiring outdoor gallery, this garden offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and creative expression.

Example of an entryway design in Calgary

Stephanie Barnes-Castro is a full service architectural firm specializing in sustainable design serving Santa Cruz County. Her goal is to design a home to seamlessly tie into the natural environment and be aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Exterior - Front Entry
Example of a mid-sized trendy one-story metal exterior home design in Minneapolis

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

A striking entryway that creates a powerful first impression, featuring Living Stone's signature blend of mountain modern architecture. The exterior entry showcases a thoughtful combination of natural materials with contemporary design elements, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable building practices. This welcoming portal sets the tone for the home's sophisticated mountain aesthetic while incorporating high-performance construction principles.

Contemporary house in Tiburon California designed by Kaeso Maas of Adventus Group
Trendy entryway photo in San Francisco

Example of a classic bathroom design in DC Metro