The exterior features black metal fascias wrapping exposed wood at the upper soffits. Select structural beams are exposed at key points to add warmth to the design.

What a fun project to work on with an artist and her husband. We collaborated to create a unique soft modern kitchen that has hints of mid-century modern details while expanding the clients storage and cooking space. Subtle details that make a bold statement. It was through the clients interviewing process that they choose to go with Signature Designs Kitchen Bath over other large firms because of the personal collaboration connection. We created a curved island that resembles a piano while it maximized there countertop space it left plenty of room for them to entertain many guest in their nook.

An addition to an existing home in beautiful Pasadena allowed for a larger dining room, kitchen and living area. We opened up the interiors with large La-Cantina doors.

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Charlotte

It's a lego room! The logo was done using legos. The green strip continues around the room to make your own lego designs, and the same for the table. The iCracked CEO said he wanted to conduct interviews in this room to see what the candidates build while their waiting for their interviewer.

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

A Desert Modern home that is unpretentious, yet elegant, exuding a warm feeling and captures the amazing views of the surrounding desert. “Warm Modern” defines both the architecture and interior design though use of subdued colors and textures. Employing a biophilic approach, window walls bring one closer to nature. Cantilevered Patio roofs minimize columns to preserve views and to offset solar loading. Natural desert plants were minimally disturbed with additional plantings chosen to minimize water usage. Home siting to capture views yet minimize solar heat gain. Deep Patios and recessed windows minimize solar gain in the summer and allows solar heating in winter. Natural desert is maintained, additional plantings chosen to minimize water usage.

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

In 2004 the Cincinnati Enquirer ran a half page article on me featuring an interview and photos of my project. That weekend, my future client returned from her home in New Jersey to Georgetown to buy this farm. She read the article, ripped it out of the paper and saved it for ten years before contacting me to design the house for her and her husband. After an intense design period we began interviewing local general contractors but did not feel like any of them were right for the job so she turned to me and said "why don't you build it" so I started Strathmore Construction and I did...

Marion Brenner Photography
Example of a large minimalist front yard stone full sun patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit

Katherine Millard Photography
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Sydney