Frank Ooms
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Austin

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

The modern staircase in this 4 level elegant townhouse allows light to disperse nicely inside the spacious open floor plan. The balustrade’s design elements (fusion of metal and wood) that owners chose to compliment their gleaming hardwood floors and stunning kitchen, not only adds a sleek and solid physical dimension, it also makes this vertical space a very attractive focal point that invites them and their guests to go up and down their beautifully decorated home. Also featured in this home is a sophisticated 20ft long sliding glass cabinet with walnut casework and stainless steel accents crafted by The Proper Carpenter; http://www.thepropercarpenter.com. With a growing team of creative designers, skilled craftsmen, and latest technology, Century Stair Company continues building strong relationships with Washington DC top builders and architectural firms.CSC 1976-2020 © Century Stair Company ® All rights reserved.

A new kitchen-breakfast suite was created by combining 5 small rooms, removing all the interior walls, adding a modest amount of square footage and weaving in an extraordinary steel superstructure, we doubling the interior kitchen space and created a new kitchen where the family celebrates cooking, sharing meals and recounting the days events together. Further expanding the kitchen space, by extending an existing covered porch and screening the newly doubled exterior space, we physically connected the new kitchen and enlarged screen porches with a 10 foot wide folding NANA wall door assembly to further enlarge the family living space during temperate months, creating an indoor-outdoor family space which has become the center of family life in the home. At the first floor we also created a new kitchen vestibule and powder room as a transition space between the new kitchen suite and the old house, we created a new second floor bath and added a laundry, garage and utility/storage at the ground level, all connected by a new naturally lit wood staircase. Photo credit: Andy Ramirez

Located in the Midtown East neighborhood of Turtle Bay, this project involved combining two separate units to create a duplex three bedroom apartment. The upper unit required a gut renovation to provide a new Master Bedroom suite, including the replacement of an existing Kitchen with a Master Bathroom, remodeling a second bathroom, and adding new closets and cabinetry throughout. An opening was made in the steel floor structure between the units to install a new stair. The lower unit had been renovated recently and only needed work in the Living/Dining area to accommodate the new staircase. Given the long and narrow proportion of the apartment footprint, it was important that the stair be spatially efficient while creating a focal element to unify the apartment. The stair structure takes the concept of a spine beam and splits it into two thin steel plates, which support horizontal plates recessed into the underside of the treads. The wall adjacent to the stair was clad with vertical wood slats to physically connect the two levels and define a double height space. Whitewashed oak flooring runs through both floors, with solid white oak for the stair treads and window countertops. The blackened steel stair structure contrasts with white satin lacquer finishes to the slat wall and built-in cabinetry. On the upper floor, full height electrolytic glass panels bring natural light into the stair hall from the Master Bedroom, while providing privacy when needed. archphoto.com

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

Transitional living room photo in Chicago

Located in the Midtown East neighborhood of Turtle Bay, this project involved combining two separate units to create a duplex three bedroom apartment. The upper unit required a gut renovation to provide a new Master Bedroom suite, including the replacement of an existing Kitchen with a Master Bathroom, remodeling a second bathroom, and adding new closets and cabinetry throughout. An opening was made in the steel floor structure between the units to install a new stair. The lower unit had been renovated recently and only needed work in the Living/Dining area to accommodate the new staircase. Given the long and narrow proportion of the apartment footprint, it was important that the stair be spatially efficient while creating a focal element to unify the apartment. The stair structure takes the concept of a spine beam and splits it into two thin steel plates, which support horizontal plates recessed into the underside of the treads. The wall adjacent to the stair was clad with vertical wood slats to physically connect the two levels and define a double height space. Whitewashed oak flooring runs through both floors, with solid white oak for the stair treads and window countertops. The blackened steel stair structure contrasts with white satin lacquer finishes to the slat wall and built-in cabinetry. On the upper floor, full height electrolytic glass panels bring natural light into the stair hall from the Master Bedroom, while providing privacy when needed. archphoto.com

Designing a Health-Focused Home Living Space Designing a health-focused home living space is more than just arranging furniture and choosing colors; it's about creating an environment that promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and overall wellness. As we spend more time at home, especially in the wake of recent global shifts towards remote work and lifestyle changes, the importance of our living spaces in supporting our health has never been greater. Here are some key considerations when designing a health-oriented home. Natural Light and Air Quality Natural light plays a crucial role in our health, affecting everything from our sleep patterns to our mood. When designing your home, prioritize spaces that allow for ample sunlight. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors can help maximize natural light. In rooms where natural light is limited, consider using full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight to support your circadian rhythms. Air quality is another critical factor in a health-focused home. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to various factors like off-gassing from furniture, household cleaners, and poor ventilation. Incorporating plants that are known to purify air, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, can help improve indoor air quality. Additionally, ensure your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider investing in air purifiers, especially if you live in an area with high pollution levels. Ergonomic Furniture and Movement Spaces The furniture you choose and how you arrange it can significantly impact your physical health. Ergonomic furniture, especially in workspaces, can help prevent strain and injury. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and monitor stands can contribute to better posture and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues. Incorporating spaces that encourage movement is also important. For example, a small home gym or a yoga corner can serve as a dedicated area for physical activity. Even in smaller spaces, you can create movement opportunities by ensuring there’s enough room to stretch or do simple exercises. Open floor plans or multipurpose spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different activities can help integrate movement into daily life. Mindful and Minimalist Design A clutter-free environment is conducive to mental clarity and relaxation. Mindful and minimalist design principles focus on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without being overwhelming. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings, keeping only what you need and what brings you joy. Choose furniture and decor that are simple, natural, and calming. Materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers not only add a touch of nature to your home but also tend to have fewer chemicals than synthetic materials. Neutral color palettes with accents of soothing colors like blues and greens can help create a tranquil atmosphere. Sleep and Restful Areas A significant part of health-focused design is creating spaces that promote restful sleep. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that encourages relaxation. Invest in a good-quality mattress and pillows that support your body. Blackout curtains, soundproofing, and maintaining a cool room temperature can also contribute to better sleep quality. In addition to the bedroom, consider creating other restful areas in your home where you can unwind, meditate, or practice mindfulness. A cozy reading nook, a meditation space, or even a comfortable chair by a window can serve as your personal retreat. Incorporating Nature and Green Spaces Finally, integrating elements of nature into your living space can have a profound impact on your health. Biophilic design, which connects indoor environments with nature, has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. This can be as simple as adding more houseplants, incorporating natural materials, or even installing a small indoor water feature. If you have outdoor space, create a garden or a patio where you can relax and enjoy fresh air. Even a small balcony can be transformed into a green oasis with the right plants and seating. By thoughtfully designing your living space with health in mind, you create an environment that not only looks beautiful but also supports your physical and mental well-being.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

Entryway - modern entryway idea in Orange County

Not all architectural imagery is created equal. Some renderings look obviously computer-generated, with flat lighting and plastic-looking materials that fail to convince viewers. Others are so precise that they are indistinguishable from photographs. That second category, realistic architectural visualization rendering, has become the standard expectation for architects, developers, and marketers who need imagery capable of withstanding close scrutiny from investors, buyers, and planning authorities. As audiences grow more visually literate, the tolerance for obviously artificial, video-game-like imagery in professional presentations continues to shrink. What Sets Realistic Visualization Apart Realistic architectural visualization goes beyond simply modeling a building in three dimensions. It requires physically accurate lighting simulation, true-to-life material properties, and careful attention to the small imperfections that make real-world photography convincing, such as subtle reflections, ambient occlusion in corners, and natural depth of field. The goal is an image that a viewer would believe was captured by a camera on-site rather than generated by software. Achieving that level of believability typically means dozens of small adjustments layered on top of one another rather than any single dramatic setting. Realistic Versus Stylized Rendering Approaches Stylized or conceptual renderings still have their place, particularly in early design phases when a looser, more artistic representation helps convey mood without locking in every detail. But once a project moves toward marketing, investment, or permitting, stakeholders need to see exactly what they are getting. Realistic visualization removes ambiguity, showing true material colors, accurate proportions, and honest lighting conditions rather than idealized abstractions. Understanding which approach a project actually needs at each stage helps clients avoid paying for a level of polish that a given milestone does not yet require. Why Realism Builds Client and Buyer Confidence Buyers and investors are understandably skeptical of overly polished or unrealistic marketing images. When a rendering looks convincingly real, it builds trust rather than raising doubts about what the finished project will actually look like. This is especially important in real estate presales, where buyers are committing significant sums based largely on visual material rather than a finished physical space. A rendering that later turns out to have misrepresented the finished product can also create legal and reputational exposure for developers, making accuracy a genuine business risk rather than just an aesthetic preference. The Technical Pillars Behind Every Realistic Scene Achieving true realism depends on several technical disciplines working together: physically based rendering engines that simulate how light actually behaves, high-resolution texture libraries that replicate real materials like stone, wood, and glass, and careful camera work that mimics real photographic lenses and exposure. Post-production adds a final layer of color grading and atmospheric effects that ties everything together into a cohesive, believable image. Each of these pillars depends on the others; even flawless material work can be undermined by lighting that behaves in a physically implausible way. Applications Across Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Projects Realistic visualization serves a wide range of building types, from single-family homes and luxury condominiums to office towers, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities. Each typology has its own material palette and lighting expectations, and an experienced studio adjusts its approach accordingly, whether that means warm, inviting tones for a residential lobby or crisp, professional lighting for a corporate headquarters. Institutional clients such as universities and hospitals often have additional requirements around accessibility signage and wayfinding, which need to be represented accurately alongside the architecture itself. How AIMIR CG Delivers Photorealistic Accuracy Our studio specializes in realistic architectural visualization rendering that holds up under close inspection. Every project moves through a disciplined pipeline of modeling, texturing, lighting, and post-production review, with artists cross-checking material references and lighting studies against real-world photography. This attention to detail is why clients consistently describe our end product as impressive and our process as easy to work with. A dedicated quality review stage before delivery catches inconsistencies that might otherwise slip through a faster, less structured pipeline. Common Challenges in Achieving True Realism Realistic rendering is technically demanding. Common obstacles include accurately simulating how light bounces between surfaces, matching material reflectivity to real product specifications, and avoiding the uncanny, slightly artificial look that comes from over-processed images. Overcoming these challenges requires experienced artists who understand both the science of light and the craft of photography, not just software proficiency. Rushed production schedules are often the real culprit behind unconvincing renderings, since realism typically requires several iterative passes rather than a single render. What to Look for in a Realism-Focused Rendering Studio When evaluating a rendering partner, review their portfolio critically. Do the images include convincing shadow detail and material variation, or do surfaces look uniformly smooth and artificial? Ask about their revision process and how closely they work with architects to source accurate material and lighting references, since realism is ultimately the product of disciplined collaboration, not a single software setting. It also helps to ask for examples of past projects in a similar building type, since a studio's strengths can vary across typologies. Ready for Renderings That Look Real If your project deserves imagery that can stand up to the scrutiny of investors, buyers, and planning boards, AIMIR CG is ready to help. Our team combines technical precision with artistic judgment to deliver visualization that looks and feels genuinely real. Contact us to discuss how photorealistic rendering can strengthen your next presentation or marketing campaign, and let us show you examples from projects similar to your own.

Where: Jackson What: Residential Product: AquaFir™ Slate Grey, Wire Brushed Solution: Horizontal and vertical Shiplap installation This pleasant Wyoming home feature's Montana Timber Products prefinished rustic AquaFir™ Slate Grey, Wire Brushed siding, as a vertical and horizontal Shiplap installation. roy-back The homeowner selected a horizontal channel rustic profile on the lower section and a vertical shiplap to the upper level to provide a nice character to his home. AquaFir™ is one of Montana Timber Products' chemical free, kiln dried, alternative milled rough stock wood products. As an ideal reclaimed lumber alternative, the aesthetically pleasing rustic barn wood AquaFir™ is the result of a environmentally safe texturizing and colorizing process. Offering uncompromising natural, rustic beauty, AquaFir™ is typically less expensive than antique reclaimed barnwood. roy-frontThe homeowner selected a horizontal channel rustic profile on the lower section and a vertical shiplap to the upper level to provide a nice character to his home. Wire Brushed and Circle Sawn are Montana Timber Products typical texturizing options. Circle Sawn texture seen on Montana Timber Products natural wood siding is created by large circular saw blades used in more traditional milling practices. Added physical and aesthetic depth to the wood grain is available as the Wire Brushed option. Greater surface area is added during the texturizing process, allowing Seal-Once, 100% NO VOC waterfproofer to more effectively penetrate the wood. Seal-Once is guaranteed for ten years from water ingress and is safe for exterior and interior use, pets and children. roy-garageWire brush channel rustic siding and dark grey trim provides a slight contrast in color and character. If environmentally friendly and the renewable aspect of natural wood siding is important to you, be sure to do your homework when choosing your siding, flooring, interior accents, trim, beams, timbers, or other wood siding products. Some companies choose to use degenerative chemicals to achieve the desired look and texture of rustic wood siding. This is not the case with Montana Timber Products. Vintage wood, reclaimed barn wood and reclaimed barn wood alternatives are very popular building materials due to their aesthetic beauty, traditional look, and chemical free finish.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects