Driven by ambitious decarbonization goals, this project upgraded aging HVAC and water heating systems while enhancing indoor environmental quality and connectivity. At the same time, rebuilding an old, poorly enclosed back porch provided the opportunity to enhance indoor-outdoor connection and interior flow. Overcoming technical challenges, architects implemented continuous insulation and air sealing, using energy modeling and embodied carbon accounting to balance performance and aesthetics. Together with the addition of solar panels, the result is a fully decarbonized, ILFI Zero Energy-certified, all-electric house with improved insulation, air quality, and sustainability. This innovative retrofit, completed on a tight budget, serves as a replicable model for transforming older homes into efficient, environmentally friendly residences.

This Passive House has a wall of windows and doors hugging the open floor plan, while providing superior thermal performance. The wood-aluminum triple pane windows provide warmth and durability through all seasons. The massive lift and slide door has European hardware to ensure ease of use allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

Alyssa Kirsten
Open concept kitchen - small contemporary u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Joe Fletcher Photography
Inspiration for an industrial freestanding desk dark wood floor home office remodel in San Francisco with white walls

White painted wood cabinets and light colored stone countertop help keep the the kitchen bright. Multiple pendent lights and under cabinet lighting are for general as well as task lighting. Large windows at corner bring in lots of natural light. The cat is particularly fond of that spot near the warm oven! David Sloane Photography

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

This Mediterranean-inspired kitchen blends warm wood cabinetry, natural stone accents, and hand-crafted architectural details to create a space rich in texture and Old-World charm. The custom cabinets feature deep, luxurious stain tones that pair beautifully with the stone hood surround and arched cooking niche—signature elements often found in high-end Mediterranean kitchen design. Wide-plank flooring and softly curved ceiling lines add warmth and authenticity, making the kitchen feel inviting and timeless. A large center island anchors the layout, offering both prep space and comfortable seating for casual dining. Decorative corbels, carved posts, and wrought-iron touches elevate the handcrafted aesthetic while modern appliances blend seamlessly into the design. This luxury Mediterranean kitchen remodel balances elegance and functionality, giving homeowners a warm, character-filled space perfect for entertaining, cooking, and gathering. Text us at (484) 278-1764 or Call us (215) 482-0700 to get more info about Design, Design-Build and other ways we can help you make your dream a reality!

This beautiful, all-cedar privacy fence warmly welcomes visitors and keeps the eyes looking around the yard. The arbor extends over the patio to continue the green-black trim to better frame the white house. The HVAC units have been fenced in with a visual screen that lets airflow through - and the panels are removable for maintenance access. We also replaced the old planter boxes on the front windows.

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 103 by Artigian Mobili. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your sketches and interior project. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition as shown in the main picture in White (smooth) finish / Corten finish / Quercia finish. Dimensions: Wall Unit: W118" x D14.5"/19.7" x H76.8"

Photo-Jim Westphalen
Example of a large minimalist backyard patio design in Other with decking and a roof extension

  Phoenix's food scene is vibrant and thriving, but also one of the most closely watched in the country. Health inspectors in Maricopa County are strict, and customers expect spotless dining spaces.  To stay competitive, restaurant owners and food vendors must stay on top of evolving health codes, sanitation protocols, and food safety benchmarks. That starts with a firm grip on restaurant cleaning safety standards. Ignoring sanitation rules risks more than bad reviews. It invites citations, customer complaints, and operational shutdowns. Whether you're operating a food truck or a restaurant, following these Phoenix cleaning standards helps you stay compliant, pass health inspections, and build customer trust. Importance of a Clean Phoenix Restaurant that Follows Food Health and Safety Standards The restaurant industry in Phoenix operates under strict oversight. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or closures. In this climate, restaurant cleaning is not just a hygiene standard. It is a business-critical measure. Proper food handling and establishment cleaning protocols reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, control pests, protect equipment, and keep your staff safe. Inconsistent practices, on the other hand, can quickly become liabilities. Start With the Food Code Phoenix food vendors must comply with the 2017 FDA Food Code as adopted by Maricopa County. This includes rules on:

• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces after each use
• Maintaining proper water temperatures for dishwashing
• Cleaning restrooms frequently and keeping them stocked
• Storing cleaning chemicals away from prep areas

Each violation tier, from Priority to Core, has consequences. Priority violations (like improper sanitization) trigger repeat inspections and possible permit suspensions. Establish a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine for Phoenix Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens High-performing food vendors operate with cleaning checklists categorized by frequency:

• Daily: Wipe prep tables, mop floors, clean grills, sanitize cutting boards
• Weekly: Deep clean kitchen hoods, polish cooking equipment, disinfect drains
• Monthly: Check pest control measures, clean freezer coils, and inspect HVAC filters

Your routines should align with the facility’s risk level and menu complexity. A meat-heavy kitchen faces a higher risk of contamination than a coffee cart. Build your cleaning schedule accordingly. Train Staff on Cleaning Protocols Staff must be trained to clean as effectively as they cook and do food preparation. This includes:

• Using the right sanitizers and PPE
• Logging cleaning times and who performed the task
• Identifying signs of mold, grease buildup, or rodent activity
• Conducting thorough surface cleaning to ensure all food-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly

Training is not one-time. Update it quarterly and post protocols in shared areas. Use EPA-Approved  Cleaning Products for Arizona Food Business Phoenix regulations call for cleaning products that meet EPA standards. These should be:

• Food-safe and non-corrosive
• Effective against norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli
• Clearly labeled and stored in original containers

Over-the-counter products won’t always meet the grade. Confirm that all cleaning products meet EPA standards by checking them against the official List N for food-contact disinfectants. Maintain Clean Air and Water Systems Your HVAC system can be a hidden contamination source. Dirty filters affect air quality and can lead to dust settling on surfaces. Water lines used in ice machines and beverage dispensers must also be sanitized. Schedule routine inspections with licensed technicians and keep maintenance logs. Phoenix’s dry climate compounds dust issues, making this step even more essential. Waste Management Is Part of Cleaning Waste bins should be emptied multiple times a day and sanitized regularly. Grease traps, in particular, require strict oversight. Phoenix plumbing codes demand regular removal of grease buildup to prevent clogs and contamination. Document waste pickup schedules and trap cleanings to show inspectors you take this seriously. Be Pest-Prevention Oriented Phoenix’s warm climate creates a year-round pest risk. From roaches to rodents, pest sightings during inspections can instantly tank your sanitation score. To avoid this:

• Seal gaps around doors and pipes
• Store dry goods in sealed, elevated containers
• Keep outdoor waste bins locked and distanced from entry points

Implement a pest control plan that follows local best practices. Proactive prevention will save your operation from reputational damage. Comply With Local Licensing and Inspections Food establishments and vendors must display current food permits and be ready for unannounced inspections. In Phoenix, inspectors from Maricopa County use a digital scoring system, and all inspection results are publicly available online. That means your customers can see your cleaning track record before ever placing an order. If you want to access your past inspection scores or understand local codes better, refer to the official Maricopa County site. The Role of Digital Logs and Compliance Software Many Phoenix-based vendors now use cleaning log apps or digital food safety checklists. These tools:

• Record cleaning completion in real time
• Alert managers when tasks are missed
• Keep a historical record for inspections

Adopting digital systems minimizes human error and provides credibility when auditors review your procedures. Monitor Cleaning Performance Through Internal Audits Routine cleaning is only effective when verified. Conduct regular internal audits to identify missed steps, correct improper practices, and maintain accountability. Assign a team member to perform weekly sanitation checks using a standardized checklist. Focus on key areas like surface residue, properly labeled chemicals, and temperature logs. Document each audit and review the results with your team during pre-shift meetings. This ensures your staff stays inspection-ready and fosters a culture of vigilance. In Phoenix’s competitive food market, consistent self-checks help prevent issues before inspectors arrive. When to Hire Restaurant Cleaning Services in Phoenix Some cleaning jobs go beyond what your in-house team can handle. Tasks like vent hood cleaning, ceiling dusting, or chemical deep cleaning are best left to commercial cleaning services. Choose a cleaning vendor who:

• Is certified and understands the Arizona food codes
• Provides documented service reports
• Offers customized cleaning plans
• Offers flexible scheduling around your operating hours

Outsourcing specialized cleaning ensures your facility stays compliant without interrupting your business flow. Cleaning Practices for Food Prep Areas In Phoenix, with its dry climate and year-round warmth, food prep areas are especially vulnerable to contamination. To comply with restaurant cleaning safety standards, these areas require focused cleaning efforts to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Here’s how to integrate cleaning into your food prep protocols:

• Cross-contamination prevention: Regularly clean food prep surfaces and tools, and use separate equipment for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. Proper cleaning prevents any contact with food that could lead to cross-contamination and affects food quality.
• Temperature monitoring: While not directly related to cleaning, maintaining proper food temperature is essential. Hot foods should be stored above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. Regularly monitor temperatures and clean temperature gauges to ensure accuracy.
• Proper storage: Use clean storage containers and shelving for food storage, keeping items off the floor. Ensure all food is sealed and labeled to avoid contamination risks and comply with food safety standards.

Food Safety Starts With What Customers Can’t See In Phoenix's food service industry, cleanliness is essential to your success. But cleanliness goes deeper than shiny tables and spotless floors. It’s the behind-the-scenes work: the sanitizing, logging, and double-checking that keep your kitchen safe and your customers confident. When you take both sides seriously, your business doesn’t just stay open; it thrives. Meta Title: Restaurant Cleaning Safety Standards for Phoenix Food Vendors Meta Description: Explore Phoenix-specific restaurant cleaning safety standards so your food business stays compliant, avoids fines, passes inspections, and earns customer trust.  

Every once in a while, a project comes along that doesn’t just meet expectations—it resets the standard. That’s exactly what happened at Upper Valley project, where the team at GoDesigns El Paso was entrusted with a blank canvas and turned it into a fully integrated luxury retreat, built with precision, purpose, and passion. At the core of this dream backyard is a custom-designed pool and spa, meticulously planned and built together. The pool glows with a Pebble Brilliance finish, its deep, vibrant tones shimmering under sunlight by day and glowing softly under water-lit skies at night. Lightstreams glass tile adds a jewelry-like elegance to the raised spa and the sun shelf, creating rich reflections and textures from every angle. That sundeck isn’t just for lounging—it’s a tactile, thoughtful experience. Designed with Lightstreams glass tile, it’s where kids play, grownups cool off, and everyone can dip their toes and soak their feet in style. It’s as inviting to walk across as it is to sit beside, offering both elegance and functionality. A standout design element is the set of custom stainless steel handrails, elegantly curved and installed with sculptural intent. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also built to last—resistant to corrosion, timeless in design, and made for safety without sacrificing aesthetics. While beauty was key, so was resilience. The entire project was engineered to meet 100-year flood zone requirements—a critical design element in this El Paso neighborhood. GoDesigns accounted for water flow, elevations, and structural integrity, ensuring that every footing, drainage channel, and grade slope works in harmony with nature. And there’s more than water to love here. The oversized mossrock boulder waterfall along the edge of the putting green is both functional and artistic. Designed as a “table rock” feature, it creates soothing sound and visual movement while anchoring the landscape’s natural side. It’s a conversation piece as much as a sensory experience. Just steps away is a personal putting green and a custom basketball half court, both thoughtfully illuminated for day-to-night enjoyment. The putting green rolls true, edged with boulders and sand pits, while the court boasts pro-level surfacing under bright, architectural pole lighting. The surrounding landscape design ties it all together. Carefully chosen plantings bring color, texture, and balance to the clean stonework and turf areas. Strategic lighting highlights not just the beauty of the plants, but also enhances safety, drama, and ambiance across the entire yard—including the fence lines, water features, and sports zones. Every inch of this Upper Valley Project was built for purpose, performance, and passion. It’s a space where families gather, grand kids play, and memories are made—all under the sun and stars of West Texas. This is what happens when GoDesigns El Paso gets to do what they do best: combine timeless design, elite materials, and masterful installation to create outdoor living environments that are not only beautiful, but unforgettable.

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 909 by Artigian Mobili. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your scratches and interior project. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 909 as shown in the main picture in Matt White Lacquer & Gray Oak Finish (Structure) and White Lacquered Extra Clear Glass / Gray Oak Finish (Fronts). Dimensions: Wall Unit: W141.7" x D14.6"/22.3" x H80.5"

Every once in a while, a project comes along that doesn’t just meet expectations—it resets the standard. That’s exactly what happened at Upper Valley project, where the team at GoDesigns El Paso was entrusted with a blank canvas and turned it into a fully integrated luxury retreat, built with precision, purpose, and passion. At the core of this dream backyard is a custom-designed pool and spa, meticulously planned and built together. The pool glows with a Pebble Brilliance finish, its deep, vibrant tones shimmering under sunlight by day and glowing softly under water-lit skies at night. Lightstreams glass tile adds a jewelry-like elegance to the raised spa and the sun shelf, creating rich reflections and textures from every angle. That sundeck isn’t just for lounging—it’s a tactile, thoughtful experience. Designed with Lightstreams glass tile, it’s where kids play, grownups cool off, and everyone can dip their toes and soak their feet in style. It’s as inviting to walk across as it is to sit beside, offering both elegance and functionality. A standout design element is the set of custom stainless steel handrails, elegantly curved and installed with sculptural intent. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also built to last—resistant to corrosion, timeless in design, and made for safety without sacrificing aesthetics. While beauty was key, so was resilience. The entire project was engineered to meet 100-year flood zone requirements—a critical design element in this El Paso neighborhood. GoDesigns accounted for water flow, elevations, and structural integrity, ensuring that every footing, drainage channel, and grade slope works in harmony with nature. And there’s more than water to love here. The oversized mossrock boulder waterfall along the edge of the putting green is both functional and artistic. Designed as a “table rock” feature, it creates soothing sound and visual movement while anchoring the landscape’s natural side. It’s a conversation piece as much as a sensory experience. Just steps away is a personal putting green and a custom basketball half court, both thoughtfully illuminated for day-to-night enjoyment. The putting green rolls true, edged with boulders and sand pits, while the court boasts pro-level surfacing under bright, architectural pole lighting. The surrounding landscape design ties it all together. Carefully chosen plantings bring color, texture, and balance to the clean stonework and turf areas. Strategic lighting highlights not just the beauty of the plants, but also enhances safety, drama, and ambiance across the entire yard—including the fence lines, water features, and sports zones. Every inch of this Upper Valley Project was built for purpose, performance, and passion. It’s a space where families gather, grand kids play, and memories are made—all under the sun and stars of West Texas. This is what happens when GoDesigns El Paso gets to do what they do best: combine timeless design, elite materials, and masterful installation to create outdoor living environments that are not only beautiful, but unforgettable.

Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 110 by Artigian Mobili, Italy. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your sketches and interior project. Base units are covered with extra clear blue colomba lacquered glass that can be optionally removed, making the wall unit composition cost less. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 110 as shown in the main picture in Bianco (smooth) finish / Blu Colomba Matt Lacquer / Roccia finish / Blue Colomba Gloss Lacquered Glass. Dimensions: Wall Unit: W124" x D14.5"/19.7" x H80"

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 916 by Artigian Mobili. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your scratches and interior project. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 916 as shown in the main picture in Matt White Lacquer & Walnut Finish (Structure) and Gloss White Lacquer / Walnut Finish / Extra Clear White Lacquered Glass (Fronts). Dimensions: Wall Unit: W141.7"/71" x D14.6"/22.3" x H71"

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 113 by Artigian Mobili. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your sketches and interior project. Base units are covered with extra clear white lacquered glass that can be optionally removed, making the wall unit composition cost less. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 113 as shown in the main picture in Gessato Canapa finish / Rovere Termo Cotto finish / Canapa Matt Lacquered Glass. Dimensions: Wall Unit: W133" x D14.6"/19.7" x H80"

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 902 by Artigian Mobili, Italy. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your scratches and interior project. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 902 as shown in the main picture in Walnut finish / Matt White Lacquered (Structure) and Matt White Lacquered / Walnut finished (Fronts). Light are not included in the price! Dimensions: Wall Unit: W141.7" x D14.6"/22.3" x H71"

Modern Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 106 by Artigian Mobili. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your sketches and interior project. Wall Unit Composition is shown with RGB Light Kit (on base unit and TV panel) that is not included into the starting price. LED Light Kit is optional and can be added for an extra charge. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition shown in the main picture in Bianco (smooth) finish / Blue Verde Matt lacquer (structure) / Blue Verde Gloss lacquer (front door) / Roccia finish. RGB LED Lights are not included! Dimensions: Wall Unit: W(106.3" x 67.3") x D14.6"/19.7" x H77" TV Panel: W53.2" x H35.4"