This 1970 Split-Level Ranch home underwent a whole-house remodel in 2006. A Home Performance Audit was done to identify areas of focus to bring the home up to maximum energy efficiency and comfort. A 'Systems Approach' to the design and construction updated the homes HVAC, electrical, & plumbing systems, and focus was on healthy indoor air quality by using materials that do not off-gas toxins. Every choice, from de-construction to use of reclaimed, renewable, and sustainable materials, was made with the Principles of Sustainable Design and Building Green in mind. The result is a lovely home, expressive of the clients' spirit, designed and built to last their lifetime and beyond.

Design ideas for a landscaping in Boston.

photo-Caitlin Atkinson This is one of the new pathways that we were able to create where there had formally been lawn. By mounding the planting areas, we were able to introduce healthy new soil.

Sarah Greenman © 2012 Houzz
Arts and crafts home office photo in Dallas

Example of a mid-sized transitional light wood floor living room design in San Francisco

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.

Kitchen Hide-away door to Pantry
Example of a classic kitchen design in Other with stainless steel appliances and subway tile backsplash

Beams are used throughout the home including the industrial kitchen.
Kitchen - transitional u-shaped kitchen idea in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and paneled appliances

KITCHEN-Seating area. Photos by Michael Hunter.
Example of a mid-sized classic slate floor family room design in Dallas

This original 1950's kitchen with a pink backsplash and pale blue appliances needed a fresh take. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing wood on the first floor. Bright white quartz countertops and a white backsplash created using both flat/glossy and matte/raised hex tiles created a textured flower pattern. Slab front cabinets in a mixture of wood and white tackled the storage issues. The pop of orange of the Bertazonni oven is the counter balance to the cool fresh wall color and tons of natural light. A beautiful, functional space to create healthy meals for her family was paramount to our client. We created this fresh space by dropping a touch of Palm Springs into the Pacific Northwest.

Paul Finkel
Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Austin

Providing a rustic flair to eclectic design, ROMABIO Limewash not only makes it easy but chemical free.
Inspiration for an industrial living room remodel in Atlanta

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Omaha for winter.

This was originally a 1960's one-story home. sk7 was hired to transform the mid-century home into a two-story modern farmhouse. The five bedroom, four and a half bathroom home offers a beautiful main entry complimented by vaulted ceilings, gorgeous staircase, lots of day light and a catwalk leading across to the master suite. The design provides spacious bedrooms, and bathrooms, custom details and architectural elements, an open living/ dining/ kitchen concept, a 20' fold-away door opening to the pool area and outdoor living area. The home is approximately 3,000 s.f. and provides a healthy balance of openness with coziness.

Small trendy backyard gravel patio photo in Other with a pergola

Harwood was used instead of carpet throughout most of the home to reduce exposure to dust and allergens, as well as eliminate the need to use harsh cleaning chemicals. Area rugs hand-woven from organic wool and silk and colored with vegetable dyes and other natural materials were laid over the floors.

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Denver.

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Once completely dominated by Eucalyptus forest, this site was degraded with poor soils and the house construction created a large area of disturbance. We restored the site to the point that within a year it looks as though nature slowly took over on its own. A strictly native plant palette of simple textures and masses of similar species achieves the affect. This garden was featured in the 2013 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden annual garden tour. Carex praegracilis, Thalictrum fendleri, Leymus condensatus, Quercus agrifolia Andri Beauchamp, photo