For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

The Missing Middle. A unique development in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver. Working with Tina Hubert Architect, and Design Studio 8, we’ve completed a development project that fits the Missing Middle to a tee, and mix in our unique flavour of energy-efficient building. We’ve subdivided a 66′ wide, duplex-zoned lot into two new lots. One lot has a 700 sq. foot laneway home and a 2600 square foot main home. The other lot has two detached 1800 square foot homes, and a shared garage. We’re up to our usual tricks here: each of the homes we have built is 40% better than building code in terms of energy efficiency, and we’re aiming to have them certified Built Green Platinum, and three of the four homes have received the Energy Star rating. We’re excited to have brought together energy-efficient housing with a building style that revitalizes neighbourhoods and promotes diversity!

The Missing Middle. A unique development in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver. Working with Tina Hubert Architect, and Design Studio 8, we’ve completed a development project that fits the Missing Middle to a tee, and mix in our unique flavour of energy-efficient building. We’ve subdivided a 66′ wide, duplex-zoned lot into two new lots. One lot has a 700 sq. foot laneway home and a 2600 square foot main home. The other lot has two detached 1800 square foot homes, and a shared garage. We’re up to our usual tricks here: each of the homes we have built is 40% better than building code in terms of energy efficiency, and we’re aiming to have them certified Built Green Platinum, and three of the four homes have received the Energy Star rating. We’re excited to have brought together energy-efficient housing with a building style that revitalizes neighbourhoods and promotes diversity!

The Missing Middle. A unique development in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver. Working with Tina Hubert Architect, and Design Studio 8, we’ve completed a development project that fits the Missing Middle to a tee, and mix in our unique flavour of energy-efficient building. We’ve subdivided a 66′ wide, duplex-zoned lot into two new lots. One lot has a 700 sq. foot laneway home and a 2600 square foot main home. The other lot has two detached 1800 square foot homes, and a shared garage. We’re up to our usual tricks here: each of the homes we have built is 40% better than building code in terms of energy efficiency, and we’re aiming to have them certified Built Green Platinum, and three of the four homes have received the Energy Star rating. We’re excited to have brought together energy-efficient housing with a building style that revitalizes neighbourhoods and promotes diversity!

Inspiration for a modern ceramic tile kitchen remodel in Montreal with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The Missing Middle. A unique development in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver. Working with Tina Hubert Architect, and Design Studio 8, we’ve completed a development project that fits the Missing Middle to a tee, and mix in our unique flavour of energy-efficient building. We’ve subdivided a 66′ wide, duplex-zoned lot into two new lots. One lot has a 700 sq. foot laneway home and a 2600 square foot main home. The other lot has two detached 1800 square foot homes, and a shared garage. We’re up to our usual tricks here: each of the homes we have built is 40% better than building code in terms of energy efficiency, and we’re aiming to have them certified Built Green Platinum, and three of the four homes have received the Energy Star rating. We’re excited to have brought together energy-efficient housing with a building style that revitalizes neighbourhoods and promotes diversity!

Rick Mendoza
Eclectic master freestanding bathtub photo in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, open cabinets, white walls, white cabinets and solid surface countertops

Living room - transitional living room idea in Seattle with blue walls and a standard fireplace

The main entry of this home is the Dining Room. Really! I desperately needed a quiet storm of Classic Elegance, Romance and undeniable flair to set the stage for design. The modern and sexy lines of the Ashcroft Dining Table paired with the curvaceous and art-deco styled Penelope Chairs delivered the full package we needed. The rich wood tones, twelve-piece sunburst veneered panels and nickel ferrules on the table… plus the soft flowing lines and nickel nailheads of the dining chairs just take my breath away. Everything else from the chandelier to the area rug and accents was to enhance the core design. ‘Epuis la vie est belle’, ‘Life is Good!’ Photo Credits: Jordany Metelus

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The main entry of this home is the Dining Room. Really! I desperately needed a quiet storm of Classic Elegance, Romance and undeniable flair to set the stage for design. The modern and sexy lines of the Ashcroft Dining Table paired with the curvaceous and art-deco styled Penelope Chairs delivered the full package we needed. The rich wood tones, twelve-piece sunburst veneered panels and nickel ferrules on the table… plus the soft flowing lines and nickel nailheads of the dining chairs just take my breath away. Everything else from the chandelier to the area rug and accents was to enhance the core design. ‘Epuis la vie est belle’, ‘Life is Good!’ Photo Credits: Jordany Metelus

The inspiration was based on European country homes. The exterior stone and brick work, ironwork, slate-looking roof, shake shingle siding, and even the landscaping were intentionally tied together to resemble something you might find on the countryside in England or Italy. Inside we used age old design concept to tie in with newer farmhouse styles. We aimed to focus on family-friendly materials, making each space efficient for daily living, and maintaining aesthetically beautiful finishing touches. We call it the treehouse because we feel like we are living on top of the backyard trees waving right outside the main level windows. An open concept paired with an abundance of windows create a light and airy feel in the main level of the home. Finishing off the vaulted ceilings with meaty exposed beams really made the main living space visually balanced and beautiful. Walking through the home you can find unique tile accents used on the walls and floors, natural wood flooring all throughout the main living space, and countertops of marble, granite, and stainless steel. With efficiency in mind, the two laundry rooms are coordinated in proximity to the closets. The office built-ins disguise a secret door to extra storage and the storm shelter. The kitchen sink was refurbished after we ripped it from the basement of Jason’s grandparent’s home! We used faucets, handle pulls, and mirrors to accessorize and bring beauty to each space. The lighting we chose was also intentional to maintain the aesthetic appeal from floor to ceiling. Built-ins all throughout the home provide subtle pops of color and were used to maximize function in each space. The exterior elements of the home were also important as our family loves being outdoors. We created multiple outdoor spaces including a large deck off of the dining area, a winding staircase to the covered brick patio surrounded by the fenced garden area, and an easily accessible pond, fire pit, and chicken coop in the back yard.

The homeowners faced a challenge in their beloved early-1900s home: all the bedrooms were upstairs, while the kitchen was on the main floor. To make their forever home work for the long term, they aimed to “future-proof” it with an ADA-accessible primary suite that would offer comfort, functionality, and independence as they age. To bring this vision to life, we designed and built a carefully integrated addition off the back of the home. Positioned for easy, same-level access from the rear parking area via the alley, the new suite offers both convenience and accessibility without compromising the home’s historic character. Stepping through the back door, you enter a spacious, light-filled primary bedroom that seamlessly blends modern design with thoughtful functionality. The attached ADA-compliant bathroom features a barrierless shower with grab bars, a wheelchair-accessible vanity, and built-in laundry—offering both comfort and ease of use. While the suite was designed for future needs, the space currently doubles as a music room, demonstrating its versatility and intentional design. This addition not only honors the home's original charm but also provides the homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their beloved space will serve them well for years to come.

"The homeowners faced a challenge in their beloved early-1900s home: all the bedrooms were upstairs, while the kitchen was on the main floor. To make their forever home work for the long term, they aimed to “future-proof” it with an ADA-accessible primary suite that would offer comfort, functionality, and independence as they age. To bring this vision to life, we designed and built a carefully integrated addition off the back of the home. Positioned for easy, same-level access from the rear parking area via the alley, the new suite offers both convenience and accessibility without compromising the home’s historic character. Stepping through the back door, you enter a spacious, light-filled primary bedroom that seamlessly blends modern design with thoughtful functionality. The attached ADA-compliant bathroom features a barrierless shower with grab bars, a wheelchair-accessible vanity, and built-in laundry—offering both comfort and ease of use. While the suite was designed for future needs, the space currently doubles as a music room, demonstrating its versatility and intentional design. This addition not only honors the home's original charm but also provides the homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their beloved space will serve them well for years to come."