Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

This project for a builder husband and interior-designer wife involved adding onto and restoring the luster of a c. 1883 Carpenter Gothic cottage in Barrington that they had occupied for years while raising their two sons. They were ready to ditch their small tacked-on kitchen that was mostly isolated from the rest of the house, views/daylight, as well as the yard, and replace it with something more generous, brighter, and more open that would improve flow inside and out. They were also eager for a better mudroom, new first-floor 3/4 bath, new basement stair, and a new second-floor master suite above. The design challenge was to conceive of an addition and renovations that would be in balanced conversation with the original house without dwarfing or competing with it. The new cross-gable addition echoes the original house form, at a somewhat smaller scale and with a simplified more contemporary exterior treatment that is sympathetic to the old house but clearly differentiated from it. Renovations included the removal of replacement vinyl windows by others and the installation of new Pella black clad windows in the original house, a new dormer in one of the son’s bedrooms, and in the addition. At the first-floor interior intersection between the existing house and the addition, two new large openings enhance flow and access to daylight/view and are outfitted with pairs of salvaged oversized clear-finished wooden barn-slider doors that lend character and visual warmth. A new exterior deck off the kitchen addition leads to a new enlarged backyard patio that is also accessible from the new full basement directly below the addition. (Interior fit-out and interior finishes/fixtures by the Owners)

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

This was a complete kitchen renovation. The remodel included removing skylights and installing a two story bump up adding no square footage to the room but creating a dramatic visual even for the most discriminating designer. When you enter this kitchen your eyes wander trying to absorb the immense planning and detail that went into the renovation but ultimately you find yourself positioned under the large Theresa Maria chandelier gazing into the sky. The kitchen was designed around the 48 inch Thermador stove. The 2 story inset cabinet creation around the stove flows up into the addition creating a visual masterpiece that is only rivaled by original pieces of art works created by the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt. The sink was relocated from the exterior wall and into the island so that the stove wall would be isolated and not connected any other cabinets. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator and 36-inch-wide freezer were designed and installed next to a microwave cabinet that makes heating up items as convenient as 1,2,3. The outside cabinet wall section is perfect for entertaining with the 42 inch base cabinets. The massive two-tiered island of 124 inches long is perfect for everyday family living. A farmer’s sink adds the perfect touch to this traditional design. Renovating a kitchen without ceiling detail is one of the most overlooked parts of the renovation. The amount of money spent on the renovation depends on the budget of course but I highly recommend including ceiling detail as much as one considers the tile backsplash.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

This rambler’s small kitchen was dysfunctional and out of touch with our client’s needs. She desired a larger footprint without an addition or expanding the footprint to stay within a realistic budget for her homes size and neighborhood. The existing kitchen was “boxed-in” at the back of the house. The entrance from the hallway was very narrow causing congestion and cramping the cook. In the living room the existing fireplace was a room hog, taking up the middle of the house. The kitchen was isolated from the other room’s downstairs. The design team and homeowner decided to open the kitchen, connecting it to the dining room by removing the fireplace. This expanded the interior floor space. To create further integration amongst the spaces, the wall opening between the dining and living room was also widened. An archway was built to replicate the existing arch at the hallway & living room, giving a more spacious feel. The new galley kitchen includes generous workspaces and enhanced storage. All designed for this homeowners’ specific needs in her kitchen. We also created a kitchen peninsula where guests can sit and enjoy conversations with the cook. (After 5,6) The red Viking range gives a fun pop of color to offset the monochromatic floor, cabinets and counters. It also plays to her Stanford alumni colors. One of our favorite and most notable features of this kitchen is the “flip-out” window at the sink. This creative solution allows for an enhanced outdoor living experience, without an expansive remodel or addition. When the window is open the party can happen inside and outside with an interactive experience between spaces. The countertop was installed flush to the window, specifically designed as a cocktail/counter rail surface.

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Detroit with granite countertops, gray backsplash and ceramic backsplash

Hold your hand over a sensor and this touchless toilet will flush itself.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile powder room remodel in Richmond with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Out door go-cart track with trampoline and playground.
Photo of a huge craftsman full sun backyard concrete paver outdoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court in Salt Lake City for summer.

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

This twin home was the perfect home for these empty nesters – retro-styled bathrooms, beautiful fireplace and built-ins, and a spectacular garden. The only thing the home was lacking was a functional kitchen space. The old kitchen had three entry points – one to the dining room, one to the back entry, and one to a hallway. The hallway entry was closed off to create a more functional galley style kitchen that isolated traffic running through and allowed for much more countertop and storage space. The clients wanted a transitional style that mimicked their design choices in the rest of the home. A medium wood stained base cabinet was chosen to warm up the space and create contrast against the soft white upper cabinets. The stove was given two resting points on each side, and a large pantry was added for easy-access storage. The original box window at the kitchen sink remains, but the same granite used for the countertops now sits on the sill of the window, as opposed to the old wood sill that showed all water stains and wears. The granite chosen (Nevaska Granite) is a wonderful color mixture of browns, greys, whites, steely blues and a hint of black. A travertine tile backsplash accents the warmth found in the wood tone of the base cabinets and countertops. Elegant lighting was installed as well as task lighting to compliment the bright, natural light in this kitchen. A flip-up work station will be added as another work point for the homeowners – likely to be used for their stand mixer while baking goodies with their grandkids. Wallpaper adds another layer of visual interest and texture. The end result is an elegant and timeless design that the homeowners will gladly use for years to come. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

This was a complete kitchen renovation. The remodel included removing skylights and installing a two story bump up adding no square footage to the room but creating a dramatic visual even for the most discriminating designer. When you enter this kitchen your eyes wander trying to absorb the immense planning and detail that went into the renovation but ultimately you find yourself positioned under the large Theresa Maria chandelier gazing into the sky. The kitchen was designed around the 48 inch Thermador stove. The 2 story inset cabinet creation around the stove flows up into the addition creating a visual masterpiece that is only rivaled by original pieces of art works created by the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt. The sink was relocated from the exterior wall and into the island so that the stove wall would be isolated and not connected any other cabinets. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator and 36-inch-wide freezer were designed and installed next to a microwave cabinet that makes heating up items as convenient as 1,2,3. The outside cabinet wall section is perfect for entertaining with the 42 inch base cabinets. The massive two-tiered island of 124 inches long is perfect for everyday family living. A farmer’s sink adds the perfect touch to this traditional design. Renovating a kitchen without ceiling detail is one of the most overlooked parts of the renovation. The amount of money spent on the renovation depends on the budget of course but I highly recommend including ceiling detail as much as one considers the tile backsplash.

Axminster Gold comfrey - great foliage for sun or part shade Le jardinet

This twin home was the perfect home for these empty nesters – retro-styled bathrooms, beautiful fireplace and built-ins, and a spectacular garden. The only thing the home was lacking was a functional kitchen space. The old kitchen had three entry points – one to the dining room, one to the back entry, and one to a hallway. The hallway entry was closed off to create a more functional galley style kitchen that isolated traffic running through and allowed for much more countertop and storage space. The clients wanted a transitional style that mimicked their design choices in the rest of the home. A medium wood stained base cabinet was chosen to warm up the space and create contrast against the soft white upper cabinets. The stove was given two resting points on each side, and a large pantry was added for easy-access storage. The original box window at the kitchen sink remains, but the same granite used for the countertops now sits on the sill of the window, as opposed to the old wood sill that showed all water stains and wears. The granite chosen (Nevaska Granite) is a wonderful color mixture of browns, greys, whites, steely blues and a hint of black. A travertine tile backsplash accents the warmth found in the wood tone of the base cabinets and countertops. Elegant lighting was installed as well as task lighting to compliment the bright, natural light in this kitchen. A flip-up work station will be added as another work point for the homeowners – likely to be used for their stand mixer while baking goodies with their grandkids. Wallpaper adds another layer of visual interest and texture. The end result is an elegant and timeless design that the homeowners will gladly use for years to come. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Mafi Swiss Stone Pine has a subtle fragrance, of which scientific studies have proved to have a positive effect on sleep behaviour*. This floor is therefore highly recommended for installation in bedrooms and relaxation rooms. A further advantage of Swiss Stone Pine is its function as natural protection against moths. Mafi floors stand out due to their longevity and robustness, and are 100% all-natural, free from harmful substances such as formaldehyde. This hand crafted, engineered board consists of three-layers with the top and bottom made of the same species, ensuring perfect balance. The middle layer is conifer and runs across the grain for added strength. The layers are glued together with an all-natural glue of water, lime and plant acid. This board comes pre-finished with a superior brushed textured surface and all-natural oil finish making it suitable for low to medium frequented domestic areas, as well as over under floor heating and in bathrooms. Each board comes with a micro bevel on the long side with tongue and groove on all sides for easy installation and to prevent splintering. Knots and sapwood are a typical feature of Swiss Stone Pine. Isolated cracks and stress cracks in the knots are sealed with appropriate wood putty.