Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence. One of the initial challenges was to address the excessive bulkheads, soffits and ceiling height changes that made the rooms feel off kilter. Reconfiguring the HVAC system and ductwork allowed us to minimize bulkheads and raise the ceilings which, in turn made the spaces feel larger and more open. In the kitchen, the extra height meant we could install taller upper cabinets which provided much needed storage. By expanding the kitchen we were able to reconfigure the layout and create additional prep space and a more functional location for the range.

This project comprises a 400-squarefoot accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a 1,200-square-foot two-story addition to the main residence, and new landscape design. The homeowners, a young family seeking more space, wanted a solution that would allow them to stay in their neighborhood rather than relocate to a larger home. The renovation and addition to the main house included a full remodel of the kitchen, primary suite, two children’s bedrooms, and a half bath. The new ADU—designed as flexible space for guests and play has since evolved into a productive home office (adapting seamlessly to the family’s shift to remote work in early 2020). To meet the clients’ tight timeline, the project was strategically divided into three separate building permits, allowing construction to begin earlier and proceed efficiently. The ADU is conditioned with a high-efficiency heat pump system, contributing to the home’s overall energy performance.

Main living room in a contemporary waterfront residence by Hyde Evans Design, Madrona, Seattle. Designed for a professional couple who entertain frequently, the room balances sculptural furniture with an open, welcoming layout suited to both intimate gatherings and larger groups. Strong curves in seating and accent pieces are married to angular forms, creating the kind of contrast that holds the eye without overwhelming the space. The deep, muted palette of rusts, greens, and blues was drawn directly from the property's dual landscape: Pacific Northwest forest at the back and Lake Washington waterfront views at the front. Interior Design: Hyde Evans Design, Seattle, WA. Photography: Kara Mercer

Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence. One of the initial challenges was to address the excessive bulkheads, soffits and ceiling height changes that made the rooms feel off kilter. Reconfiguring the HVAC system and ductwork allowed us to minimize bulkheads and raise the ceilings which, in turn made the spaces feel larger and more open. In the kitchen, the extra height meant we could install taller upper cabinets which provided much needed storage. By expanding the kitchen we were able to reconfigure the layout and create additional prep space and a more functional location for the range.

Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence. One of the initial challenges was to address the excessive bulkheads, soffits and ceiling height changes that made the rooms feel off kilter. Reconfiguring the HVAC system and ductwork allowed us to minimize bulkheads and raise the ceilings which, in turn made the spaces feel larger and more open. In the kitchen, the extra height meant we could install taller upper cabinets which provided much needed storage. By expanding the kitchen we were able to reconfigure the layout and create additional prep space and a more functional location for the range.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

Boasting views of the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, the Beaux Arts and French Renaissance style building built in 1900 was once home to a luxury hotel. Over the years multiple hotel rooms were combined into the larger apartment residences that exist today. The resulting units, while large in size, lacked the continuity of a single formed space. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. Thus, the existing configuration was completely abandoned with new programmatic elements being relocated in each and every corner of the space. For clients that are big wine connoisseurs, the focal point of entry and circulation lies in a 400 bottle, custom built, blackened steel and glass, temperature controlled wine cabinet. The once enclosed living room was demolished to create one main entertaining space that includes a new dining area and open kitchen. Hafele bi-folding pocket door slides were used in the Living room wall unit to conceal the television, bar and display shelves when not in use. Posing as kitchen cabinetry, a hidden integrated door opens to reveal a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Down the hallway of wide plank ebony stained walnut flooring, a compact powder room was built to house an original Paul Villinski installation of small butterflies cut from recycled aluminum cans, entitled Mistral. Continuing down the hall, and through one of the walnut veneered doors, is the shared kids bedroom where a custom-built bunk bed with integrated storage steps and desk was designed to allow for play space and a reading corner. The kids bathroom across the hall is decorated with custom Lego inspired hand cast concrete tiles and integrated pull-out footstools residing underneath the floating vanity. The master suite features a bio-ethanol fireplace wrapped in blackened steel and integrated into the Tabu veneered built-in. The spacious walk-in closet serves several purposes, which include housing the apartment’s new central HVAC system as well as a sleeping spot for the family’s dog. An integrated URC control system paired with Lutron Radio RA lighting keypads were installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades all by the use of smartphones.

The powder bath was approached as a contained design statement — a space where materiality and proportion take the lead. Custom millwork frames the vanity niche, creating an architectural envelope rather than a standalone cabinet. A stone vessel sink sits on a dark counter surface, set against a patinated metal backsplash that introduces depth, texture, and contrast. Warm brass plumbing fixtures provide a refined accent, balancing the darker finishes with subtle luminosity. Layered materials — wood grain, metal, stone, and textured wallcovering — create a tactile composition within a restrained palette. The result is a powder bath that feels intentional and sculptural, designed as a small but highly detailed moment within the larger custom residence.

Cordillera Ranch Residence Builder: Todd Glowka Designer: Jessica Claiborne, Claiborne & Co too Photo Credits: Lauren Keller Materials Used: Macchiato Plank, Vaal 3D Wallboard, Ipe Decking European Oak Engineered Wood Flooring, Engineered Red Oak 3D wall paneling, Ipe Decking on exterior walls. This beautiful home, located in Boerne, Tx, utilizes our Macchiato Plank for the flooring, Vaal 3D Wallboard on the chimneys, and Ipe Decking for the exterior walls. The modern luxurious feel of our products are a match made in heaven for this upscale residence.

This 3,812 square feet transitional style home is in the highly desirable neighborhood of The Canyons at Scenic Loop, located in the Northwest hill country of San Antonio. The four-bedroom residence boasts luxury and openness with a nice flow of common areas. Rock and tile wall features mix perfectly with wood beams and trim work to create a beautiful interior. Additional eye candy can be found at a curved stone focal wall in the entry, in the large study with reclaimed wood ceiling, an even larger game room, the abundance of natural light from high windows and tall butted glass, curved ceiling treatments, storefront garage doors, and a walk in shower trailing behind a sculptural freestanding tub in the master bathroom.

BAMO-designed Atherton Residence, an elegant California estate transformed through sculptural light, modern materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

The Johnson Residence project, designed by Cowbell Designs, encompasses a comprehensive enhancement of the property to suit the client’s lifestyle and preferences. Here’s a description of the project’s features: Garage Addition: A new garage was constructed adjacent to the existing one, equipped with larger doors to accommodate the client’s large trucks, which could not fit through the original garage doors. Driveway Extension: The driveway was expanded in both width and length, now reaching the city road, with the necessary public works permitting obtained for this extension. Front Porch Expansion: The front porch was extended with a newly designed roof and beam system, enhancing the view from the porch and from the interior window behind the porch area. Pickleball Court: In the backyard, a pickleball court was designed and constructed, providing the clients, who are avid pickleball players, with a private space to enjoy their favorite sport. These modifications have not only improved the functionality of the residence but also its aesthetic appeal and recreational value.

Boasting views of the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, the Beaux Arts and French Renaissance style building built in 1900 was once home to a luxury hotel. Over the years multiple hotel rooms were combined into the larger apartment residences that exist today. The resulting units, while large in size, lacked the continuity of a single formed space. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. Thus, the existing configuration was completely abandoned with new programmatic elements being relocated in each and every corner of the space. For clients that are big wine connoisseurs, the focal point of entry and circulation lies in a 400 bottle, custom built, blackened steel and glass, temperature controlled wine cabinet. The once enclosed living room was demolished to create one main entertaining space that includes a new dining area and open kitchen. Hafele bi-folding pocket door slides were used in the Living room wall unit to conceal the television, bar and display shelves when not in use. Posing as kitchen cabinetry, a hidden integrated door opens to reveal a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Down the hallway of wide plank ebony stained walnut flooring, a compact powder room was built to house an original Paul Villinski installation of small butterflies cut from recycled aluminum cans, entitled Mistral. Continuing down the hall, and through one of the walnut veneered doors, is the shared kids bedroom where a custom-built bunk bed with integrated storage steps and desk was designed to allow for play space and a reading corner. The kids bathroom across the hall is decorated with custom Lego inspired hand cast concrete tiles and integrated pull-out footstools residing underneath the floating vanity. The master suite features a bio-ethanol fireplace wrapped in blackened steel and integrated into the Tabu veneered built-in. The spacious walk-in closet serves several purposes, which include housing the apartment’s new central HVAC system as well as a sleeping spot for the family’s dog. An integrated URC control system paired with Lutron Radio RA lighting keypads were installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades all by the use of smartphones.

Above and Beyond is the third residence in a four-home collection in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Originally the site of the abandoned Kachina Elementary School, the infill community, appropriately named Kachina Estates, embraces the remarkable views of Camelback Mountain. Nestled into an acre sized pie shaped cul-de-sac lot, the lot geometry and front facing view orientation created a remarkable privacy challenge and influenced the forward facing facade and massing. An iconic, stone-clad massing wall element rests within an oversized south-facing fenestration, creating separation and privacy while affording views “above and beyond.” Above and Beyond has Mid-Century DNA married with a larger sense of mass and scale. The pool pavilion bridges from the main residence to a guest casita which visually completes the need for protection and privacy from street and solar exposure. The pie-shaped lot which tapered to the south created a challenge to harvest south light. This was one of the largest spatial organization influencers for the design. The design undulates to embrace south sun and organically creates remarkable outdoor living spaces. This modernist home has a palate of granite and limestone wall cladding, plaster, and a painted metal fascia. The wall cladding seamlessly enters and exits the architecture affording interior and exterior continuity. Kachina Estates was named an Award of Merit winner at the 2019 Gold Nugget Awards in the category of Best Residential Detached Collection of the Year. The annual awards ceremony was held at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco, CA in May 2019. Project Details: Above and Beyond Architecture: Drewett Works Developer/Builder: Bedbrock Developers Interior Design: Est Est Land Planner/Civil Engineer: CVL Consultants Photography: Dino Tonn and Steven Thompson Awards: Gold Nugget Award of Merit - Kachina Estates - Residential Detached Collection of the Year

The Sterling Residence seamlessly blends modern elegance with functional living, both inside and out. Designed for a family seeking a home that supports both daily life and entertaining, the layout flows effortlessly between open, communal areas and private spaces. Located on a prominent corner lot, this custom home offers inviting spaces for everything from family movie nights to large social gatherings. The home’s contemporary exterior combines off-white materials, warm textured stone, and wood accents for a timeless yet modern aesthetic. The façade is designed to interact with natural light, using recessed windows and layered walls to create a dynamic play of shadow and depth throughout the day. Inside, the design maximizes natural light with large windows and an open staircase that connects the front entry to the back of the home. At the heart of the house, the central dining area is perfect for family gatherings, seamlessly linking to the kitchen and family room, which lead to a cozy covered patio equipped with a fireplace and TV. For larger events, an additional spacious patio extends the entertainment space. Practical elements include a large mudroom and a separate “dirty kitchen” that help keep everyday messes out of sight. Upstairs, the central staircase and hallway connect all the bedrooms, offering privacy while maintaining a communal space where the family can come together.lead to a cozy covered patio equipped with a fireplace and TV. For larger events, an additional spacious patio extends the entertainment space. Collaborators & Project Details Contractor: Matthies Builders Designer: Dawn Reeves Design Landscape Design: Stone Leaf

This residence was conceived from the idea of warmth—the feeling of belonging that transforms a house into a home. That sense is reflected in the way natural light fills each space, creating a gentle rhythm of shadow and brightness throughout the day. Inspired by the legacy of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in Southern California, the design balances tradition with contemporary living. White stucco walls, a hand-laid clay tile roof, and exposed wood beams anchor the home in its historical lineage, while wrought iron balconies and artisanal tilework lend depth and character. Recessed windows and arched thresholds further echo the architectural language that has long defined Los Angeles residential design. More than a stylistic gesture, these elements are part of a larger mission: to create custom homes that honor history, celebrate materiality, and offer timeless spaces for modern families. Rising after the Palisades fires, this Mediterranean-inspired residence embodies resilience and renewal—an enduring example of timeless craftsmanship in California’s coastal landscape.

The Johnson Residence project, designed by Cowbell Designs, encompasses a comprehensive enhancement of the property to suit the client’s lifestyle and preferences. Here’s a description of the project’s features: Garage Addition: A new garage was constructed adjacent to the existing one, equipped with larger doors to accommodate the client’s large trucks, which could not fit through the original garage doors. Driveway Extension: The driveway was expanded in both width and length, now reaching the city road, with the necessary public works permitting obtained for this extension. Front Porch Expansion: The front porch was extended with a newly designed roof and beam system, enhancing the view from the porch and from the interior window behind the porch area. Pickleball Court: In the backyard, a pickleball court was designed and constructed, providing the clients, who are avid pickleball players, with a private space to enjoy their favorite sport. These modifications have not only improved the functionality of the residence but also its aesthetic appeal and recreational value.

This 3,812 square feet transitional style home is in the highly desirable neighborhood of The Canyons at Scenic Loop, located in the Northwest hill country of San Antonio. The four-bedroom residence boasts luxury and openness with a nice flow of common areas. Rock and tile wall features mix perfectly with wood beams and trim work to create a beautiful interior. Additional eye candy can be found at a curved stone focal wall in the entry, in the large study with reclaimed wood ceiling, an even larger game room, the abundance of natural light from high windows and tall butted glass, curved ceiling treatments, storefront garage doors, and a walk in shower trailing behind a sculptural freestanding tub in the master bathroom.