This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Seattle

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Off-grid tiny house on wheels, 204 square feet on main level, 2 lofts, sleeps 6 adults with fold down sofa. Has radiant floor heat, fireplace, ample kitchen + shower + composting toilet... In this picture, we are in process of putting up the cedar siding. You can see the applied liquid air and water vapor barrier.

Metzger Design worked along side Bellevue Homes - a local developer/builder of high-end residential projects on this project. A rewarding process from the start - Bellevue Homes provided a clear concept for this 4,000 sf Craftsman style home and retained us to refine the massing and construction details. The home features a spacious great room and kitchen area with a dynamic loft area above, first floor master suite, and a general flow and openness well suited for modern living and entertaining. Additional outdoor living spaces are created with oversized front and rear porches and a cozy courtyard formed within the space between the main structure and carriage house. Photograph by Stephen Barling.

The Lakota Residence occupies a spectacular 10-acre site in the hills above northwest Portland, Oregon. The residence consists of a main house of nearly 10,000 sf and a caretakers cottage/guest house of 1,200 sf over a shop/garage. Both have been sited to capture the four mountain Cascade panorama plus views to the city and the Columbia River gorge while maintaining an internal privacy. The buildings are set in a highly manicured and refined immediate site set within a largely forested environment complete with a variety of wildlife. Successful business people, the owners desired an elegant but "edgey" retreat that would accommodate an active social life while still functional as "mission control" for their construction materials business. There are days at a time when business is conducted from Lakota. The three-level main house has been benched into an edge of the site. Entry to the middle or main floor occurs from the south with the entry framing distant views to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Conceived as a ruin upon which a modernist house has been built, the radiused and largely opaque stone wall anchors a transparent steel and glass north elevation that consumes the view. Recreational spaces and garage occupy the lower floor while the upper houses sleeping areas at the west end and office functions to the east. Obsessive with their concern for detail, the owners were involved daily on site during the construction process. Much of the interiors were sketched on site and mocked up at full scale to test formal concepts. Eight years from site selection to move in, the Lakota Residence is a project of the old school process.

Set within a wooded lot in Lake Forest, this home reflects the rich colonial architectural history of the area while addressing modern family needs. The axial entry and interior galleries create an elegant formal procession of spaces. The central body of the structure houses the main living areas, while the adjacent wing provides ample kitchen and family spaces. An extending loggia creates a transitional covered area for entertaining within the idyllic park-like landscape of the property.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

Oyster Decorativo - a natural evolution in which an already-successful design concept is still further enhanced in terms of form and function. There are two main innovative features: the surfaces - which are no longer polished or merely semi-matt, are made even more eye-catching by the use of new materials and a thermostructuring process which gives the user a pleasingly natural sensation, The Shell System structure, which was previously used only horizontally, to create handgrips for the doors on the base units, has now been extended vertically to the columns.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

This single-family plus ADU project started out as a remodel. Through a very difficult and contentious planning process (over three years), it became a demolition and rebuild to appease neighbors, yielding a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom basement ADU. The design responds to the context using a sloped anterior roof that aligns with the neighbor’s to accentuate the dramatic views of downtown San Francisco.

White subway tile backsplash. The Georgia Plan by First Choice Home Builders, features a bedroom and the owner's suite on the main floor, with two bedrooms and a bonus room upstairs. This home was customized by the homeowners during the building process and the finished product is a stunning contemporary farmhouse look.

Oyster Decorativo - a natural evolution in which an already-successful design concept is still further enhanced in terms of form and function. There are two main innovative features: the surfaces - which are no longer polished or merely semi-matt, are made even more eye-catching by the use of new materials and a thermostructuring process which gives the user a pleasingly natural sensation, The Shell System structure, which was previously used only horizontally, to create handgrips for the doors on the base units, has now been extended vertically to the columns.

Our client contacted us regarding their outdated bathroom. They could not handle taking a shower in their “TOMB” shower anymore. They wanted to update their bathroom giving it a streamlined look with a traditional touch. Our client’s desires were: • Wanted a large open shower • Wanted a larger master closet • Wanted a better way of excising the wall cabinet by the vanity • They wanted to remove their Jacuzzi tub After coming up with a design that satisfied the customer’s needs, we started the demo process and ran into the first obstacle. Because of the construction of the original closed shower, there was no moisture barrier used which caused the existing framing and exterior sheathing to decay. We were also startled by what look like an expanding black cloud of carpenter ants, when we opened up the wall. After making the necessary repairs, we continued with the remodel which consisted of a dramatic large shower, the large subway design, granite shelving along with the bronze accent tile that enhances the over all look of the show er. It also gave it a larger appearance with the custom glass enclose. Another concern we had after relocating the shower to its new location, was that it was under an existing skylight. We felt that there maybe a moisture concern especially during the winter months. To over come this obstacle we installed an exhaust fan near the ceiling in the w all above the shower. We painted the exhaust fan grill the same color of the walls, so the fan would not stand out. To make sure that there would not be any problem with condensation around the skylight , we trimmed the skylight with azek material. We installed custom cabinets that reflected the look the client was trying to achieve. During this process we over came our last obstacle by installing bi-fold style doors on the wall cabinet next to the vanity, which would swing completely out of the way so the customer could have full access to the slide drawers. The handles were placed on the doors to make it look like a regular two door wall cabinet. The bi-fold action also allowanced it to clear a wall sconce.