This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This house was designed for a couple and their son. One of the design program requirements was to have two master suites on the main level. They enjoy cooking and entertaining so the public and food prep. areas are functional, attractive and conducive to people gathering around. Consequently, the square footage of the main level is large. The house is also on a very steep slope which didn't help with the required footprint. In order to minimize the related costs of building with this site condition, the footprint of the house is long and not deep as it reaches down the slope. The scale of the existing homes in the neighborhood are unimposing. In order to play down the size as viewed from the street, the facade is broken up into several different masses with low sloping roofs. Once you're inside, the house opens up with 14 foot ceilings in the entry and living areas. The ceiling height of other spaces on the main level are 10 feet. Universal design was implemented on the main level to provide inherent accessibility for everyone. The lower level accommodates several guest rooms and baths, an exercise room, a guest den with wet bar and a man cave. Another design program requirement was to make the house as maintenance-free as possible. Exterior materials include stucco, Pennsylvania Blue Stone and a new aluminum siding product called Longboard. The siding comes in many wood grain finishes and to everyone that has seen it, they think it's real wood. It's also made from heavy gauge aluminum so it doesn't ding like traditional aluminum siding. The roofs are metal standing seam. The house is energy efficient. It's fully insulated with spray foam insulation-lots of it. The exterior walls were designed with 2x6 studs and roof rafters are 2x12 to provide plenty of space for the insulation, exceeding the required R-values. Windows and doors of course are energy efficient as well. All lighting is LED. The decking around the exterior is locust, a very hard native wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. The best part of the whole project are the owners who love their new home. They initially had plans to live in this house during the summer months and Florida during the winter. They are now seriously considering living here full-time.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

bluestone terrace and landscaping
Inspiration for a landscaping.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This house was designed for a couple and their son. One of the design program requirements was to have two master suites on the main level. They enjoy cooking and entertaining so the public and food prep. areas are functional, attractive and conducive to people gathering around. Consequently, the square footage of the main level is large. The house is also on a very steep slope which didn't help with the required footprint. In order to minimize the related costs of building with this site condition, the footprint of the house is long and not deep as it reaches down the slope. The scale of the existing homes in the neighborhood are unimposing. In order to play down the size as viewed from the street, the facade is broken up into several different masses with low sloping roofs. Once you're inside, the house opens up with 14 foot ceilings in the entry and living areas. The ceiling height of other spaces on the main level are 10 feet. Universal design was implemented on the main level to provide inherent accessibility for everyone. The lower level accommodates several guest rooms and baths, an exercise room, a guest den with wet bar and a man cave. Another design program requirement was to make the house as maintenance-free as possible. Exterior materials include stucco, Pennsylvania Blue Stone and a new aluminum siding product called Longboard. The siding comes in many wood grain finishes and to everyone that has seen it, they think it's real wood. It's also made from heavy gauge aluminum so it doesn't ding like traditional aluminum siding. The roofs are metal standing seam. The house is energy efficient. It's fully insulated with spray foam insulation-lots of it. The exterior walls were designed with 2x6 studs and roof rafters are 2x12 to provide plenty of space for the insulation, exceeding the required R-values. Windows and doors of course are energy efficient as well. All lighting is LED. The decking around the exterior is locust, a very hard native wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. The best part of the whole project are the owners who love their new home. They initially had plans to live in this house during the summer months and Florida during the winter. They are now seriously considering living here full-time.

granite surround on plunge pool and bluestone terrace. Bluestone treadstock steps
Photo of a landscaping in Portland Maine.

This house was designed for a couple and their son. One of the design program requirements was to have two master suites on the main level. They enjoy cooking and entertaining so the public and food prep. areas are functional, attractive and conducive to people gathering around. Consequently, the square footage of the main level is large. The house is also on a very steep slope which didn't help with the required footprint. In order to minimize the related costs of building with this site condition, the footprint of the house is long and not deep as it reaches down the slope. The scale of the existing homes in the neighborhood are unimposing. In order to play down the size as viewed from the street, the facade is broken up into several different masses with low sloping roofs. Once you're inside, the house opens up with 14 foot ceilings in the entry and living areas. The ceiling height of other spaces on the main level are 10 feet. Universal design was implemented on the main level to provide inherent accessibility for everyone. The lower level accommodates several guest rooms and baths, an exercise room, a guest den with wet bar and a man cave. Another design program requirement was to make the house as maintenance-free as possible. Exterior materials include stucco, Pennsylvania Blue Stone and a new aluminum siding product called Longboard. The siding comes in many wood grain finishes and to everyone that has seen it, they think it's real wood. It's also made from heavy gauge aluminum so it doesn't ding like traditional aluminum siding. The roofs are metal standing seam. The house is energy efficient. It's fully insulated with spray foam insulation-lots of it. The exterior walls were designed with 2x6 studs and roof rafters are 2x12 to provide plenty of space for the insulation, exceeding the required R-values. Windows and doors of course are energy efficient as well. All lighting is LED. The decking around the exterior is locust, a very hard native wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. The best part of the whole project are the owners who love their new home. They initially had plans to live in this house during the summer months and Florida during the winter. They are now seriously considering living here full-time.

The lawn terrace at the rear of the main barn (now a guest house and event space) holds a bocce court and overlooks the surrounding fields. Photo taken by client.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings. As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design. The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen. Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island. Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

If you ever found yourself shopping for a new home, finding a model home, falling in love with this model home and immediately signing on the dotted line. Yet after a few months of moving into your new home you realize that the kitchen and the layout of main level will not work out for your lifestyle. The model home you fell in love with was furnished with beautiful furniture distracting you from concentrating on what is really important to you. This is what happened to this couple in Ashburn, VA, after purchasing their dream home. The kitchen lacked natural light, while its location was not ideal and was disrupting their daily routine. After a careful review of the kitchen design, a plan was formed to upgrade the kitchen. Their kitchen was moved to a location between the two-story family room and front dining room. To the left of the family room there was a breakfast eating area that was not serving any purpose. Our design incorporated the breakfast area placed along a couple feet from an adjacent pantry space to create this new dream kitchen. By knocking down a few bearing walls, we have placed the main sink area under large backside windows. Now the kitchen can look into their beautiful backyard. A major load bearing wall between the old breakfast room and adjacent two-story family was taken down and a big steel beam took the place of that, creating a large seamless connection between the new kitchen and the rest of the home. A large island was implemented with a prep sink, microwave, and with lots of seating space around it. Large scale professional appliances along with stunning mosaic backsplash tiles complement this amazing kitchen design. Double barn style door in front of the pantry area sets off this storage space tucked away from rest of the kitchen. All the old tile was removed and a matching wide plank distressed wood floor was installed to create a seamless connection to rest of the home. A matching butler pantry cabinet area just outside of dining room and a wine station/drink serving area between family room and main foyer were added to better utilize the multi-function needs of the family. The custom inset cabinetry with double layers and exotic stone counter top, distressed ceiling beams, and other amenities are just a few standouts of this project.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

Kitchen Over 150K If you ever found yourself shopping for a new home, finding a model home, falling in love with this model home and immediately signing on the dotted line. Yet after a few months of moving into your new home you realize that the kitchen and the layout of main level will not work out for your lifestyle. The model home you fell in love with was furnished with beautiful furniture distracting you from concentrating on what is really important to you. This is what happened to this couple in Ashburn, VA, after purchasing their dream home. The kitchen lacked natural light, while its location was not ideal and was disrupting their daily routine. After a careful review of the kitchen design, a plan was formed to upgrade the kitchen. Their kitchen was moved to a location between the two-story family room and front dining room. To the left of the family room there was a breakfast eating area that was not serving any purpose. Our design incorporated the breakfast area placed along a couple feet from an adjacent pantry space to create this new dream kitchen. By knocking down a few bearing walls, we have placed the main sink area under large backside windows. Now the kitchen can look into their beautiful backyard. A major load bearing wall between the old breakfast room and adjacent two-story family was taken down and a big steel beam took the place of that, creating a large seamless connection between the new kitchen and the rest of the home. A large island was implemented with a prep sink, microwave, and with lots of seating space around it. Large scale professional appliances along with stunning mosaic backsplash tiles complement this amazing kitchen design. Double barn style door in front of the pantry area sets off this storage space tucked away from rest of the kitchen. All the old tile was removed and a matching wide plank distressed wood floor was installed to create a seamless connection to rest of the home. A matching butler pantry cabinet area just outside of dining room and a wine station/drink serving area between family room and main foyer were added to better utilize the multi-function needs of the family. The custom inset cabinetry with double layers and exotic stone counter top, distressed ceiling beams, and other amenities are just a few standouts of this project.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

Kitchen Over 150K If you ever found yourself shopping for a new home, finding a model home, falling in love with this model home and immediately signing on the dotted line. Yet after a few months of moving into your new home you realize that the kitchen and the layout of main level will not work out for your lifestyle. The model home you fell in love with was furnished with beautiful furniture distracting you from concentrating on what is really important to you. This is what happened to this couple in Ashburn, VA, after purchasing their dream home. The kitchen lacked natural light, while its location was not ideal and was disrupting their daily routine. After a careful review of the kitchen design, a plan was formed to upgrade the kitchen. Their kitchen was moved to a location between the two-story family room and front dining room. To the left of the family room there was a breakfast eating area that was not serving any purpose. Our design incorporated the breakfast area placed along a couple feet from an adjacent pantry space to create this new dream kitchen. By knocking down a few bearing walls, we have placed the main sink area under large backside windows. Now the kitchen can look into their beautiful backyard. A major load bearing wall between the old breakfast room and adjacent two-story family was taken down and a big steel beam took the place of that, creating a large seamless connection between the new kitchen and the rest of the home. A large island was implemented with a prep sink, microwave, and with lots of seating space around it. Large scale professional appliances along with stunning mosaic backsplash tiles complement this amazing kitchen design. Double barn style door in front of the pantry area sets off this storage space tucked away from rest of the kitchen. All the old tile was removed and a matching wide plank distressed wood floor was installed to create a seamless connection to rest of the home. A matching butler pantry cabinet area just outside of dining room and a wine station/drink serving area between family room and main foyer were added to better utilize the multi-function needs of the family. The custom inset cabinetry with double layers and exotic stone counter top, distressed ceiling beams, and other amenities are just a few standouts of this project.

Main Street Stove & Fireplace