This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Phantom Screens, the leading manufacturer of retractable screens in North America, selects Bob Michels Construction of North Oaks, Minnesota as their 2016 Impact Winner. The Phantom Screens Impact Award recognizes residential design and building professionals for using innovative products to deliver cutting edge designs that set them above the rest. Impact Award winners have proven that they are committed to enhancing lifestyles and living spaces by integrating Phantom’s retractable screen products into designs that deliver added value and comfort to today’s homeowner. Bob Michels Construction’s submission is a unique space featuring a car carousel which operates both as a space to highlight the owner’s car collection and the functional purpose to turn cars around and drive out of the showroom. Phantom’s retractable screens turned the open-air ramada into a large entertaining and gathering screened porch area with one touch of a button. “Phantom’s retractable screens were used to achieve a desired mix of modern and traditional finishes,” said Andrew Michels, Vice President of Bob Michels Construction. “Phantom Screens is the only company that allowed the customization of this unique space with a long-lasting and sustainable product.” The winner was selected by a panel of Phantom Screen judges and evaluated primarily on design and creativity, market appeal and livability, and product integration. The winning project received recognition on booth signage at the NAHB International Builders Show, a one-page advertorial feature in Builder magazine, an in depth case study and more! Photography: LandMark Photography

Embarking on a bathroom remodeling project is an exciting endeavor that can greatly enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your home. However, finding a reliable and skilled contractor in a bustling city like Los Angeles can be a daunting task. To simplify the process and ensure a successful bathroom renovation, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to find a reputable bathroom remodeling contractor in Los Angeles, California. Start with Online Research: The first step in your quest for a reliable contractor is to conduct thorough online research. Utilize search engines like Google to find bathroom remodeling contractors in Los Angeles. Be sure to include specific keywords such as "bathroom remodeling," "contractor," and "Los Angeles" to refine your search results. Check Online Directories and Review Platforms: Explore online directories and review platforms like Yelp, Angie's List, and Houzz to find a curated list of bathroom remodeling contractors in Los Angeles. These platforms often provide detailed information about contractors, including customer reviews, ratings, project photos, and contact details. Assess the overall rating and read through multiple reviews to gauge the contractor's reputation and reliability. Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues who have recently undergone a bathroom remodeling project in Los Angeles for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights and firsthand experiences that online research may not uncover. Inquire about the contractor's professionalism, craftsmanship, adherence to timelines, and overall satisfaction with the project. Verify Credentials and Licensing: Once you have shortlisted potential contractors, it is crucial to verify their credentials and licensing. Check if they are licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in California. A valid license ensures that the contractor meets the state's requirements and regulations. Additionally, inquire about their insurance coverage to protect against any potential liabilities during the remodeling process. Evaluate Experience and Expertise: Assess the experience and expertise of the contractors on your list. Look for contractors who specialize in bathroom remodeling and have a proven track record of successful projects. Review their portfolios or ask for references to see examples of their previous work. A skilled contractor should be able to handle a variety of bathroom designs and styles, and provide creative solutions to meet your specific needs. Schedule In-Person Consultations: Arrange in-person consultations with the shortlisted contractors. Use this opportunity to discuss your remodeling goals, budget, timeline, and any specific requirements you may have. A reputable contractor will listen attentively, provide insights, and offer suggestions based on their expertise. Pay attention to their communication style, professionalism, and responsiveness, as these qualities are crucial for a smooth working relationship. Request Detailed Quotes and Contracts: Ask the contractors for detailed written quotes that outline the project's scope, materials, labor costs, and any additional expenses. A comprehensive quote will help you compare the estimates provided by different contractors effectively. Once you have selected a contractor, ensure that you have a detailed contract in place that covers all aspects of the project, including timelines, payment schedules, warranties, and dispute resolution processes. Seek Permits and Building Code Compliance: Bathroom remodeling projects often require permits and adherence to building codes. A reputable contractor will be familiar with the local building regulations in Los Angeles and should handle the permit application process on your behalf. Verify that the contractor will obtain the necessary permits and ensure that all work is compliant with local codes and regulations. Conclusion: Finding a bathroom remodeling contractor in Los Angeles, California, may seem overwhelming, but by following these guidelines, you can streamline the process and select a contractor who meets your expectations. Conduct thorough online research, seek recommendations, verify credentials, evaluate experience, and schedule in-person consultations to make an informed decision.

Example of a 1960s kitchen design in Los Angeles

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

The Owners of this luxurious waterfront estate acquired this property after the previous owners defaulted on their loan and stopped construction. We were initially engaged to inspect and assess the structural integrity of the building shell and work with a geo-technical engineer to evaluate the condition of the site’s soil. Tests determined that the site’s previous use as a sawmill and Native American fishing ground rendered the soil unfit for construction activity. In response to the lack of soil bearing capacity, our solution employs expansive footings supported by hundreds of piles throughout the entire project site. After completing our inspection of the structure, we were engaged to completely redesigned this home to accommodate our clients’ growing family and extensive art collection. Stylistically, this highly detailed structure borrows from the grand bungalows of the Greene brothers in Pasadena, California while employing sophisticated climate, lighting, AV and security systems. To ensure our clients’ art collection was properly displayed and protected, we worked with specialists from the Seattle Art Museum to develop appropriate lighting and climate control systems. Finally, we engaged the best craftsman we know – general contractor, interior designer, landscape architect, cabinet maker, blacksmith, custom woodworker and stone mason – to execute what ultimately became our clients’ very personal and unique statement for their home.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

PHOTOS: Mountain Home Photo CONTRACTOR: 3C Construction Main level living: 1455 sq ft Upper level Living: 1015 sq ft Guest Wing / Office: 520 sq ft Total Living: 2990 sq ft Studio Space: 1520 sq ft 2 Car Garage : 575 sq ft ​ General Contractor: 3C Construction: Steve Lee The client, a sculpture artist, and his wife came to J.P.A. only wanting a studio next to their home. During the design process it grew to having a living space above the studio, which grew to having a small house attached to the studio forming a compound. At this point it became clear to the client; the project was outgrowing the neighborhood. After re-evaluating the project, the live / work compound is currently sited in a natural protected nest with post card views of Mount Sopris & the Roaring Fork Valley. The courtyard compound consist of the central south facing piece being the studio flanked by a simple 2500 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 story house one the west side, and a multi purpose guest wing /studio on the east side. The evolution of this compound came to include the desire to have the building blend into the surrounding landscape, and at the same time become the backdrop to create and display his sculpture. “Jess has been our architect on several projects over the past ten years. He is easy to work with, and his designs are interesting and thoughtful. He always carefully listens to our ideas and is able to create a plan that meets our needs both as individuals and as a family. We highly recommend Jess Pedersen Architecture”. - Client “As a general contractor, I can highly recommend Jess. His designs are very pleasing with a lot of thought put in to how they are lived in. He is a real team player, adding greatly to collaborative efforts and making the process smoother for all involved. Further, he gets information out on or ahead of schedule. Really been a pleasure working with Jess and hope to do more together in the future!” Steve Lee - 3C Construction

Steroids? Perhaps that's a bit over the top, but we wanted to frame this project from the outset as a definite step up to the next level. These Mahtomedi homeowners wanted a larger more protected space to grill, entertain and enjoy their spectacular view of woods and lake without worrying about the weather. Nothing worse than trying to remember, as thunder peels overhead, if you left your laptop or library book out on the porch or deck while stuck in heavy traffic. Well, except if you were in a convertible. That would definitely be worse. During our initial discovery meeting we also learned they were tired of the constant maintenance their existing cedar deck required. The head of our paint and fine finishing department, is often overheard lamenting how homeowners have no idea how much maintenance is actually required to care for wood decks. So, these folks apparently did know, and had their fill of it. We discussed a traditional heated, glassed-in and insulated 3 & 4-season porch, but they felt that was a bit more than they needed or wanted. Our solution? Screen porch 2.0. — a new approach. The plan: expand the footprint of the existing deck, replacing it with Timbertech® low-maintenance decking, creating an additional 12 x 6 foot enclosed porch with an uncovered 6 x 9 foot deck space for grilling. After much research and evaluation we selected the Eze-Breeze®enclosure system—a customizable, panelized enclosure system that has the look of a 4-season with the protection of a 3-season porch, but for far less than a 3 or 4-season price tag. Bingo! Screen porch to the next level. Murphy Bros. Design/Build Consultant — Jeff Robinson Photography — Alyssa Lee

Artie Dixon
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Raleigh with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

PHOTOS: Mountain Home Photo CONTRACTOR: 3C Construction Main level living: 1455 sq ft Upper level Living: 1015 sq ft Guest Wing / Office: 520 sq ft Total Living: 2990 sq ft Studio Space: 1520 sq ft 2 Car Garage : 575 sq ft ​ General Contractor: 3C Construction: Steve Lee The client, a sculpture artist, and his wife came to J.P.A. only wanting a studio next to their home. During the design process it grew to having a living space above the studio, which grew to having a small house attached to the studio forming a compound. At this point it became clear to the client; the project was outgrowing the neighborhood. After re-evaluating the project, the live / work compound is currently sited in a natural protected nest with post card views of Mount Sopris & the Roaring Fork Valley. The courtyard compound consist of the central south facing piece being the studio flanked by a simple 2500 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 story house one the west side, and a multi purpose guest wing /studio on the east side. The evolution of this compound came to include the desire to have the building blend into the surrounding landscape, and at the same time become the backdrop to create and display his sculpture. “Jess has been our architect on several projects over the past ten years. He is easy to work with, and his designs are interesting and thoughtful. He always carefully listens to our ideas and is able to create a plan that meets our needs both as individuals and as a family. We highly recommend Jess Pedersen Architecture”. - Client “As a general contractor, I can highly recommend Jess. His designs are very pleasing with a lot of thought put in to how they are lived in. He is a real team player, adding greatly to collaborative efforts and making the process smoother for all involved. Further, he gets information out on or ahead of schedule. Really been a pleasure working with Jess and hope to do more together in the future!” Steve Lee - 3C Construction

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

Waystation is a new-build family home that replaces a dilapidated 1960’s modernist house in Kent. The existing house has some architectural merit but fails to respond to the family’s needs. The entrance level and bedrooms are disconnected from the living space which makes for torturous circulation and a lack of connection with the garden. After full evaluation, it has proved to be too expensive to adapt and repair the existing house. Starting from scratch gave us the opportunity to develop a detailed brief with our client, to create a warm and open family home that maximises the site’s potential and forms a meaningful connection to the garden. The design of the proposed house seeks to acknowledge the legacy of the existing with a clarity of form and elegant use of natural materials. The horizontal design respects the form and ethos of the existing house, with the timber cladding providing a warm and contemporary aesthetic. The upper and lower forms are proposed in a contrasting black render. The design concept seeks to create a building with a deliberately lightweight appearance which floats above the landscape and sits harmoniously in the wooded setting. The lower ground floor contains garage, entrance, guest rooms and ancillary spaces. The upper ground floor comprises the children’s bedrooms and the open plan living spaces which connect seamlessly to the outdoor terrace and garden. The master bedroom suite at first floor is orientated south and designed with an intimate terrace that enjoys panoramic views of the countryside. For the external spaces, the design intention is to create a sense of space and elegance, allowing light to penetrate the areas around the house but also to create a great sense of privacy and calm. Thus, architecture and landscape combine to create a place for the family to come together and enjoy. The house is scheduled to start on site late spring 2020.

The Owners of this luxurious waterfront estate acquired this property after the previous owners defaulted on their loan and stopped construction. We were initially engaged to inspect and assess the structural integrity of the building shell and work with a geo-technical engineer to evaluate the condition of the site’s soil. Tests determined that the site’s previous use as a sawmill and Native American fishing ground rendered the soil unfit for construction activity. In response to the lack of soil bearing capacity, our solution employs expansive footings supported by hundreds of piles throughout the entire project site. After completing our inspection of the structure, we were engaged to completely redesigned this home to accommodate our clients’ growing family and extensive art collection. Stylistically, this highly detailed structure borrows from the grand bungalows of the Greene brothers in Pasadena, California while employing sophisticated climate, lighting, AV and security systems. To ensure our clients’ art collection was properly displayed and protected, we worked with specialists from the Seattle Art Museum to develop appropriate lighting and climate control systems. Finally, we engaged the best craftsman we know – general contractor, interior designer, landscape architect, cabinet maker, blacksmith, custom woodworker and stone mason – to execute what ultimately became our clients’ very personal and unique statement for their home.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda MD, this converted bedroom remodeled as transitional style inspired primary bathroom features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Piper door style with Raw Cotton finish. The bathroom vanity are MSI Q Quartz in the color Shell White. The bathroom also features products not supplied by Reico but considered during the design process. The products include Loft Lilac 3/4” Penny Round Glass Tile, Pergola Wood White 12.5” Hexagon Matte Porcelain Tile and Highwater Blanco Fishscale Matte 2x5 Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar; Kohler sinks and medicine cabinets; Delta plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware in Champagne Bronze; and a Duchess Acrylic Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub painted Plum Luck from Restoria Bathtub. “Our new primary bathroom is a dream come true. Marc at Reico was a huge help in laying out the vanities, as the design is a unique corner shape. He used his immense knowledge to help space the drawers and cabinets and helped me visualize the final product throughout the design phase,” said the client. “We brought our tile samples to our appointment and took time to evaluate all potential finishes before making selections. Marc was a huge help through the entire process. Our bathroom is a perfect retreat and we love it. Big thanks to Reico!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.