Gaps in the natural stone façade wall allow rainwater off the street to hydrate the landscape and eliminate excess water pooling up near the house. © Ecology Artisans

Timeless design is about creating spaces you'll love for years to come. Custom built-in bookshelves, warm natural wood accents, and beautifully detailed millwork come together to create a space that feels both refined and welcoming. Designed for quiet mornings, meaningful conversations, and everyday living, every detail reflects the craftsmanship and care that define an Old School Builders home. Luxury isn't about excess, it's about thoughtful design, quality materials, and exceptional execution.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2016 Houzz
Ornate sunroom photo in San Francisco

Our swirls design weaves an organic thread into modern-day spaces adding depth and character without excess.

The clients for this project wanted a home with a traditional feel that fit the local aesthetic, but with a contemporary flare. The gabled forms and materials call back, while the exaggerated knee-braces and large banks of windows lend a little modernity. With a northerly exposure towards the lake the design opens up to the view without having concerns about excessive solar gain. A personal touch was added by the client fabricating the brackets for the post and beam connections.

This is a nighttime shot of a lobby tinted with 3M Night Vision 25 window film. NV25 is excellent for clients struggling with severe glare and excessive heat. This particular film is commonly used on curtain walls, skylights and palladian windows.

15th century elements such as the grille over the fireplace, (purchased at a Paris flea market) are coupled with contemporary elements such as the air heating grilles, and fireplace grille, to give a crisp update of a historical space; excessive moldings were replaced w a pared down picture molding and floors were stained espresso to deepen the tactile play of colors

Trendy pool photo in Sydney

Staining does not only serve aesthetic purposes. Staining also helps protect and preserve the siding from molds, mildew, excess moisture, and other external factors to help keep your home looking attractive. A good house stain not only beautifies your home’s exterior, it preserves and protects exterior wood from nature’s harshest elements.

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Raleigh with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

A superbly designed spectacle of lighting, Fanfare is a salute to Platinum by Quoizel. The two slim blades curve downward and are supported by four cables which allow for a variety of positions. The deep earth black finish adds the final pop to make this integrated LED fixture shine to excess.

Example of an open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Chicago with blue walls and a standard fireplace

Shop the Look and See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2015/9/7/coastal-prep-in-the-pacific-palisades-entry-and-formal-living-tour?rq=Pacific%20Palisades Photos by Tessa Neustadt

Inspiration for a modern laundry room remodel in Phoenix

Our primary objective was to preserve the galley kitchen's current layout while enhancing its spaciousness. We achieved this by opting for matte white cabinets, chosen for their elegant and straightforward appeal. To maintain a clean and seamless look, we included under-cabinet lighting and integrated finger pulls on the cabinet doors, avoiding the need for additional hardware so it gives an even more sophisticated feel by removing excess visuals.

Our primary objective was to preserve the galley kitchen's current layout while enhancing its spaciousness. We achieved this by opting for matte white cabinets, chosen for their elegant and straightforward appeal. To maintain a clean and seamless look, we included under-cabinet lighting and integrated finger pulls on the cabinet doors, avoiding the need for additional hardware so it gives an even more sophisticated feel by removing excess visuals.

Attach the bungee hold-downs for protection from the wind and errant golf balls. Enjoy your summer evening and make your family and guests comfortable. Bright sun and excessive heat can make patio and deck uncomfortable when the sun starts to set.

Grandeur Model 660 Excess is good, especially when it means extra deep seats, soft cushions, rich waxed top grain leather and a sofa that will turn into the favorite spot of your entire home. With the Grandeur sofa, your family room can be comfortable and in style.

We created an almost crystalline form that reflected the push and pull of the most important factors on the site: views directly to the NNW, an approach from the ESE, and of course, sun from direct south. To keep the size modest, we peeled away the excess spaces and scaled down any rooms that desired intimacy (the bedrooms) or did not require height (the pool room). Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano