James Abell, FAIA
Deck - southwestern deck idea in Phoenix

Newest generation Transcend decking from Trex. Vinyl replacement windows and doors from PGT and Plastpro provide hurricane protection, energy savings and restfull nights.

Example of a mid-sized classic enclosed carpeted living room design in DC Metro with beige walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

In this 1929 home, we opened the small kitchen doorway into a large curved archway, bringing the dining room and kitchen together. Hand-made Motawi Arts and Crafts backsplash tiles, oak hardwood floors, and quarter-sawn oak cabinets matching the existing millwork create an authentic period look for the kitchen. A new Marvin window and enhanced cellulose insulation make the space more comfortable and energy efficient. In the all new second floor bathroom, the period was maintained with hexagonal floor tile, subway tile wainscot, a clawfoot tub and period-style fixtures. The window is Marvin Ultrex which is impervious to bathroom humidity.

Example of a trendy dining room design in Minneapolis with blue walls

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Toronto

Large contemporary blue two-story wood gable roof idea in Boston with a shingle roof and a black roof

Minimalist home design photo in Toronto

Photography by Jeffrey Volker
Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped laminate floor eat-in kitchen photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Minimalist home design photo in Toronto

This Versailles, KY residence had dark factory tinted glass. We added 3M Prestige Film to control the unwanted solar heat and to control fade damage to the fine interior.

Reclaimed wood porch ceiling
Mid-sized arts and crafts concrete front porch photo in Birmingham with a roof extension

Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Toronto

Large minimalist open concept living room photo in Toronto

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

This home in Potomac received new James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding. The existing siding was replaced with James Hardie Cedar Mill 7 inch lap siding in Heathered Moss. We also installed James Hardie straight shake on the gable ends in Parkside Pine. Additionally, we installed Cedar Mill 7 inch lap in Country Lane Red on the garage.

For conversation starters, Komal set the neutral palette against bright, blue accents. The final result was a remodeled kitchen that was not only user-friendly, filled with nifty space-saving storage arrangements and attention-grabbing fixtures, but also eco-friendly, completed with energy-saving appliances.