The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

To stay or to go? This is the question our clients are still pondering. Yet, as their youngest child heads off to college, they are ready to enjoy their new kitchen or feature it in a real estate listing. Since they were unsure of their plans, we decided a pull and replace renovation was the logical — and most economical—choice. While all appliances remain in their same locations, we were able to make easy adjustments with cabinetry to update the space: convert a desk to a beverage center; increase the size of the island; install an island countertop with overhang for seating; and lengthen the perimeter cabinetry and add a tip-up, on-counter cabinet to house small appliances. The color palette was based on introducing warm grays to the space while ensuring the existing Brazilian cherry floor remained compatible with the new design. A combination of light gray and dark gray painted cabinetry (Medallion, Irish Crème and Frappe) updates the space, along with bronze finishes. A unique hex-patterned white tile backsplash with contrasting gray grout on the perimeter adds interest yet keeps the focus on the island. We installed the understated Cambria Whitehall on the perimeter with the vivid Cambria Skara Brae on the island. We worked closely with the stone fabricator to ensure the Skara Brae’s veining pattern matched the client’s vision. Above the island countertop, we installed two oversized pendants to add intensity and beauty as you enter the room.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

Garage and patio remodeling, turning a 2 car garage and a driveway into an amazing retreat in Los Angeles
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary detached two-car patio remodel in Los Angeles

Columns of the bookcases are stylized flowers to bring some harmony between the interior space and the exterior garden located outside the windows. Splayed side panels at the windows increase the visual sense of the windows size and the room's depth. Shelves are fully adjustable and thick enough to hold heavy books. Note the added integrated base vents for the AC system. The coffered ceiling unites the room by inserting a logic to the “L” floor plan. Design and detail are hallmarks of the craftsmanship from Jaeger and Ernst. Design for small spaces can be extremely beautiful when design is serious and imaginitive coupled with dedicated craftsmanship. We should not allow our spaces to be mundane but instead seek to enrich our lives with an experience of everyday beauty.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

There are an infinite number of possible designs, and outdoor fire pits no longer need to be just a round pile of rocks. I work with several basic styles of gas fed fire pits when I design outdoor gardens to enchant my clients. The popularity of fire pits and the fire effects they produce in the garden is one of fastest growing trends in outdoor design. The allure of sitting around a fire ring has been around since the beginning of mankind. Fire provides warmth, light, a cooking source and, of course relaxation. A dancing flame has a mesmerizing affect that encourages you to unwind and settle in. The popularity of fire pits, or conversation pits as they are commonly called, has grown rapidly in recent years. Proper design and construction will ensure a safe and enjoyable feature that will last several decades This fully equipped outdoor kitchen is separate from the rest of the living space, allowing the two areas to be utilized entirely on their own. outdoor kitchens are most efficient when it's zoned into logical uses. your cook space should have plenty of prep space, room to set down utensils and stage ingredients, and a comfortable buffer from the seating island to keep guests protected from the heat.

This small-space creative entryway has a built-in bench for shedding dirty boots with built-in storage above for hats and gloves. Coats can be hung underneath, with keys on the wall.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Water has its own logic, and its own power. There are no easy ways to keep it from going where it wants to; short of expensive and drastic solutions, water always wins over any effort to control it. So when we were asked to help create an outdoor space to complement a planned home on the edge of a lake, we decided to invite the lake into channel it, that is, so that it extended eastward onto the property in a stream that passed below a walkway connecting two wings of the house. To emphasize the impression that the stream had split naturally around the structure, we built two multitier waterfalls. The overall construction was of stonea mixture of native limestone and other rocks in a design theme that extended from outdoors to indoors and vice versa, giving a seamless feel to the built environment and its natural surroundings. The landscaping utilizes only native plants, though the blue spruces edging the stonework are less common here than the deciduous oak-dominated forest that lies beyond it. The owner of the property says that it gives the feel of Colorado, one of the familys favorite getaways, to the home.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Nestled into the hills of Portola Valley, California the structures open space carefully defines and details outdoor rooms and interior space. While this form naturally echoes its landscape and beauty it was able to maintain and score Gold in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The Windy Hill Heaven residents incorporated sustainable aspects such as: STRUCTURE // Passive-solar design, spray foam insulation, structurally insulated panel called (SIPs), and high efficiency low e windows ELECTRICITY // Photovoltaic solar-panel array tied to the grid allowing this home to be net zero, Energy Star appliances, and energy efficient fans and lighting HEATING AND COOLING // In-floor radiant hot-water and a highly efficient fireplace SUSTAINABLE FEATURE // Native landscaping locally sourced building materials, low-VOC materials, paint and sealers. In all making this a very ECO-logically designed home

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Design: Michelle Berwick Photos: Larry Arnal The girl's floor embodies the two pretty little ladies it was designed for! Reconfiguring the use of this floor allowed us to really bring an elegant yet logical use to these rooms. Their bedroom is oh so pretty with the soft blush tones mixed with the vintage rug and accented with the brass makes their room ultra feminine. I also love that it feels much bigger, taking out the closet I know was a little scary removing closets but the end result was so worth it!

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

The layout of this new home is loosely based on the principles of Vastu, which consists of precepts dealing with the orientation of elements within the structure. Working within this framework provided a logical layout of the interior elements both in terms of function as well as placement to optimize daylight and views. Since the owner entertains on a regular basis, the house is equipped with both a large main kitchen as well as prep kitchen. In addition, the large patio incorporates an outside covered grille area to allow for cooking in inclement weather. Other elements in the house include a central pyramid skylight at the stairs, media room and yoga/workout studio.