“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Jed Hirsch, General Building Contractor, Inc., specializes in building, remodeling, accenting and perfecting fine homes for an array of clientele that demand only the finest in craftsmanship, materials and service. We specialize in the Santa Barbara community and are proud that our stellar reputation drives our business growth.

Naperville, IL Residence by Charles Vincent George Architects Photographs by Tony Solori
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Chicago with granite countertops

This newly built Old Mission style home gave little in concessions in regards to historical accuracies. To create a usable space for the family, Obelisk Home provided finish work and furnishings but in needed to keep with the feeling of the home. The coffee tables bunched together allow flexibility and hard surfaces for the girls to play games on. New paint in historical sage, window treatments in crushed velvet with hand-forged rods, leather swivel chairs to allow “bird watching” and conversation, clean lined sofa, rug and classic carved chairs in a heavy tapestry to bring out the love of the American Indian style and tradition. Original Artwork by Jane Troup Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

Inspiration for a coastal kids' room remodel in Orange County

Williamson Photography
Large arts and crafts u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, yellow walls and an island

The mixture of grey green cabinets with the distressed wood floors and ceilings, gives this farmhouse kitchen a feeling of warmth. Cabinets: Brookhaven and the color is Green Stone Benjamin Moore paint color: There's not an exact match for Green Stone, but Gettysburg Grey, HC 107 is close. Sink: Krauss, model KHF200-30, stainless steel Faucet: Kraus, modelKPF-1602 Hardware: Restoration hardware, Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Windows: Bloomberg is the manufacturer the hardware is from Restoration hardware--Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Floors: European Oak that is wired brushed. The company is Provenza, Pompeii collection and the color is Amiata. Distressed wood: The wood is cedar that's been treated to look distressed! My client is brilliant , so he did some googling (is that a word?) and came across several sites that had a recipe to do just that. He put a steel wool pad into a jar of vinegar and let it sit for a bit. In another jar, he mixed black tea with water. Brush the tea on first and let it dry. Then brush on the steel wool/vinegar (don't forget to strain the wool). Voila, the wood turns dark. Andrew McKinney Photography

Featured in the AIA San Francisco 2009 Home Tour, this residence in San Francisco’s Glen Park neighborhood underwent a full seismic retrofit and new third story addition. Set in a steeply sloped hillside, the project¬ included extensive rear yard improvements, terraced gardens and a steel bridge that connects the living spaces to the outdoors. A new roof deck takes advantage of the dramatic downtown views. Interior highlights include a custom stair “ribbon” of steel and kumaroo wood, a built-in wine cellar, and dumbwaiter on two levels.

Photo by Tim Lee Photography
Example of a large trendy gender-neutral white floor and marble floor walk-in closet design in New York with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

This Powell, Ohio Bathroom design was created by Senior Bathroom Designer Jim Deen of Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft. Photos by John Evans.

Mountain style concrete floor family room photo in New York with no tv

Master Bathroom - Demo'd complete bathroom. Installed Large soaking tub, subway tile to the ceiling, two new rain glass windows, custom smokehouse cabinets, Quartz counter tops and all new chrome fixtures.

Darris Harris
Family room library - large industrial open concept concrete floor and gray floor family room library idea in Chicago with white walls, no fireplace and a media wall

This spacious Master Bath was once a series of three small rooms. Walls were removed and the layout redesigned to create an open, luxurious bath, with a curbless shower, heated floor, folding shower bench, body spray shower heads as well as a hand-held shower head. Storage for hair-dryer etc. is tucked behind the cabinet doors, along with hidden electrical outlets. - Sally Painter Photography, Portland, Oregon

Joshua Lawrence Studios Inc.
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Vancouver

Example of a transitional master black tile multicolored floor bathroom design in Los Angeles with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Miami

Clark Dugger Photography
Mid-sized trendy galley light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, black backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Transforming this home from a very bad attempt at an arts and crafts look to this naturally modern design style. All cabinetry was removed and replaced with a beautiful walnut cabinet with a delightfully simplistic door style. The island was previously an awkward shape with many angles making it difficult to walk around. We squared it up but kept one angle to play into the angles in the rest of the house. We added a seating area at table height to accommodate all who visit.