Island sized for cooking and casual meals. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

Deep tub finished in pale stone. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

We create fully realized, high-end environments that feel as intentional as they are elevated. Every project is thoughtfully designed, sourced, and executed using real materials, curated furnishings, and a deep understanding of space, scale, and lifestyle. Our work goes beyond aesthetics—each space is tailored to reflect the client’s identity while delivering a seamless balance of beauty, function, and sophistication. With a strong foundation in both design and construction, we manage every detail from concept to completion, ensuring a refined, cohesive result that feels effortless, distinctive, and truly one of a kind.

We create spaces that are more than functional and beautiful, but also personal. We take the extra step to give your space an identity that reflects you and your lifestyle. Living room - modern and timeless open concept, concrete walls, and floor in Dallas, neutral textures, as rug and sofa. Modern, clean, and linear lighting. Lots of natural lighting coming from outside.

Transitional family room that opens up to a beautiful bright kitchen.
Example of a large transitional open concept dark wood floor family room design in Toronto with a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

At its center, a custom steel-and-glass display anchors the kitchen — a striking element that frames a passageway and visually connects the space to the rest of the home. This installation serves as both a sculptural divider and a curated display for the clients’ glass and art pieces, reinforcing the home’s new identity as a place where function and artistry coexist. Photography: Beverly Funkhouser Photography

Warm wood vanity and frameless glass in a calm bathroom. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

At its center, a custom steel-and-glass display anchors the kitchen — a striking element that frames a passageway and visually connects the space to the rest of the home. This installation serves as both a sculptural divider and a curated display for the clients’ glass and art pieces, reinforcing the home’s new identity as a place where function and artistry coexist. Photography: Beverly Funkhouser Photography

Tall windows along the building's curved facade. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

Furniture planning that works with non-standard room shapes. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

Warm wood cabinetry paired with a crisp white island. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

Sunlit living space shaped by the curved exterior wall. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

At its center, a custom steel-and-glass display anchors the kitchen — a striking element that frames a passageway and visually connects the space to the rest of the home. This installation serves as both a sculptural divider and a curated display for the clients’ glass and art pieces, reinforcing the home’s new identity as a place where function and artistry coexist. Photography: Beverly Funkhouser Photography

Bright open plan inside a building with a curved facade. Upper West Side Apartment 1A, one of two identical 2,600 SF faculty residences for Columbia University, by Domo Architecture.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Our San Francisco studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in this Mid-Century Modern House casita. We chose colors, lines, and textures that reflect the classic mid-century design style.

Mid-sized elegant backyard stone patio kitchen photo in Dallas with a gazebo