Inspiration for a timeless sunroom remodel in Austin

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Austin

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Classic porch idea in Austin

Creating an outdoor room for the full appreciation of backyards, side yards, and even front yards is easily and stylishly realized with the Kontiki Palau series. This is the look of comfort, and a way to achieve the laid-back atmospheres for decks and patios you’re looking for. But, the look of the Palau series is only a part of the story. These are sets that are designed to last, with expert construction and 21st century technology to support them. Casual comfort and appeal meets modern innovation The easy-going look of this series of patio furniture sets makes each selection a warm and welcoming addition to a variety of outdoor rooms. With tasteful wicker design, and canvas-like fabrics, these are sets designed for comfort. And each option is supported by an impressive 21st century manufacturing processes that helps to extend their performance and high-end appearance for the long-term. The intricate and detailed wicker textures in each selection are supported by sturdy frames designed to resist the elements, as well as everyday use. Powder-coated aluminum treatments extend their performance against rust. And the canvas-like fabrics which are designed by Sunbrella represent the latest synthetic fiber technology made to resist stains and fading. This is patio furniture that is made to be a part of your outdoor living spaces for the duration, along with the artfully casual look they represent. High-quality outdoor living sets for less In the 21st century, your outdoor spaces are not separate from your interiors; they are an extension of the comfort and style of your property as a whole. So, that’s why we make the high-quality found in the best patio furniture sets our mission. We partner with manufacturers to ensure you’re expectations for look and performance in outdoor living sets are met. And because our expertise centers on efficient channels to market, we use online technology to skip the traditional steps it usually takes to get them from the factory and to your front door. This means fewer costs, and lower prices than you’ll find at your local retailer. And the quality you rely on is preserved.

Eclectic powder room photo in Austin

This piano room is bright, clean, and a perfect setting for all things fine art with seating to allow the audience to be comfortable during all performances. Photos by Michael Hunter Photography

Example of a classic living room design in DC Metro

As a manager of a building or property, you quickly learn the art of mediation. One minute you may be working with a vendor to keep the building’s operating system running efficient and smooth; the next moment you may be calming a tenant down after finding the change in the system disrupted his office’s workflow. Give and take; it’s the only way to make sure every day runs perfectly. Overall, you have two goals to strive for in everything you do. 1. Keep the building running properly, upgrading systems as appropriate, and striving to do all you can on a pre-established budget. 2. Keep the building occupants happy, with as little disruption as possible. While some changes are minor, barely registering on a building occupant’s mind, with HVAC challenges, that’s rarely the case. If a HVAC contractor is replacing an air handler, for instance, and disconnects one and moves to the next unit, it may cause major disruptions to sensitive areas of a building. And if the occupant wasn’t prepared for the disruption, you can have a mighty unhappy customer on your hand. Anytime you are working on HVAC projects throughout your building, there are strategies you can put into place to keep things running smooth. Communicate with occupants Communication is key to any good relationship, and as a property manager, this rule is a great place to start. If you will be working with the HVAC equipment, block out the timeframe for work to be done, and understand the potential consequences of the process. Then communicate this process with every point of contact you have throughout the building. The more detail you can provide, the less surprises you’ll have throughout the process. You can also work with your building’s occupants before the process begins, finding out if there are better timeframes than others. Establish a realistic schedule As a property manager, its easy to provide your expectations for the HVAC project at hand, and request that the proposal be written in such a way that work is completed on your timeframe. Unfortunately, many contractors want your business and will agree to anything upfront in order to win the bid, knowing full well the work will take longer than specified. Instead of projecting your timeframes into the proposal process, ask for HVAC project bids to establish realistic schedules of how long the process will take, and what areas of your property will be most effected throughout the schedule. This will help you avoid crises between you and the contractor, and you and your tenants. Plan for the whole system If one small piece of your HVAC system is weak, its easy to fix that one small piece. But how will that impact your overall system? Will it cause weak spots in different parts of the building – maybe a corner office will have reduced air flow, and therefore be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer? When retrofitting new pieces with older existing systems, its easy to reduce the efficiency of your entire system. Before agreeing to certain repairs, make sure you understand how it will impact your entire system overall. An easy way of handling this problem is by working with the same HVAC contractor again and again, He will understand your system’s potential, and know when to make repairs, and when to replace. Have points of contact available for immediate assistance In many cases, problems arise because connections can’t be made. Can the HVAC contractor get a hold or you or another person that can make decisions at a moments notice if a problem arises? Do you have access to decision makers throughout the building that may be impacted by this change? Many projects have been put on hold simply because a person in authority can’t be found to give the go-ahead to move forward. If you have access to these people during the time of the project, you’ll be able to complete the project in record time. Test Finally, if you can test things in stages, or test when the potential for problems is the smallest, you reduce the chances of bigger emergency issues falling into your lap. If you’ll be installing a new terminal unit, can you make the switch on a Saturday morning when the building is largely unoccupied? If you’re replacing a large system, can you replace and test in phases so the entire project isn’t released at once? Most issues can be avoided with just a little strategy from the beginning. If you’ve never had a HVAC maintenance team to help you stay on track with your building’s heating and cooling, now may be the time to find out how easy a team approach makes the process.

Living room - traditional living room idea in DC Metro

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Cincinnati

A San Francisco resident for over 30 years, Boitano purchased his home in the mid 1990’s, after falling in love with its peerless views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. While he did an initial facelift when he first moved in, Boitano is now completing a major renovation of the entire home, with the kitchen being one of the most exciting new spaces. “The kitchen is the nucleus of the house. So when we started the overall house redesign, we focused our attention on the kitchen first. Everything was centered on entertaining—from small and unplugged, to large and elegant, “said Boitano. The kitchen design was inspired by the Italian countryside and has the air of an ageless, rustic Tuscan village; it is highlighted by the range hood wall that is covered in handmade lacquered Fireclay wall tiles. “I wanted an open floor plan with the option to close off the space for charity functions and events. I eventually found huge pocket doors to separate the dining room from the kitchen,” said Boitano. Boitano sought out appliances that would replicate the power and performance of restaurant equipment so he could entertain like a pro at home and, at the same time, fit his personal design aesthetic. His new kitchen is outfitted with BlueStar® appliances, including a range, salamander broiler, ventilation hood and a refrigerator that he custom designed to suit his performance and design needs. The BlueStar® honey yellow 48” Platinum range offers unsurpassed power and performance featuring industry-leading 25,000 BTU open burners, an innovative interchangeable griddle/charbroiler and a true European Convection PowR Oven™. Boitano loves the powerful cooktop with even, open burners, and, he said, “I really love the industrial lines, the black grates and the contrasting beautiful yellow color. It’s like a piece of art.”

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in DC Metro

This sophisticated kitchen embraces the beauty of restraint, where thoughtful details, natural materials, and carefully balanced proportions create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. A generous central island anchors the room, providing ample workspace, storage, and a comfortable gathering place for everyday living and entertaining. Custom cabinetry gives the kitchen a tailored, furniture-like presence, while warm wood tones and expressive natural stone introduce texture and movement. Layered lighting and refined architectural details add depth without overwhelming the clean, cohesive design. Function was considered just as carefully as aesthetics. Efficient work zones, abundant storage, generous preparation surfaces, and open sightlines allow the kitchen to perform beautifully while remaining connected to the surrounding living spaces. Rather than relying on a single statement feature, the design draws its character from the relationship between materials, craftsmanship, proportion, and subtle detailing. The result is a warm, timeless kitchen with a sense of quiet luxury—sophisticated enough for entertaining, yet comfortable enough for everyday life.

Example of a classic living room design in DC Metro

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space. Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

This luxury kitchen was designed to celebrate the art of cooking while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless materials. The focal point of the space is the **Wolf GR484DG 48-inch Gas Range with Dual Infrared Griddle**, a professional-grade appliance that combines powerful performance with elegant design. Whether preparing everyday meals or entertaining guests, the Wolf range delivers precision, versatility, and the cooking experience expected in a luxury home. Framing the range is a handcrafted **custom white oak vent hood**, built to complement the surrounding cabinetry and create a warm architectural statement. Hidden within the hood is the **Zephyr Monsoon I AK9246BS 46-inch liner hood**, providing an impressive **1,200 CFM** of ventilation while remaining completely concealed. This combination preserves the clean aesthetic of the kitchen while ensuring exceptional air quality during high-performance cooking. Behind the cooking area, the backsplash becomes a true design feature. The **Anatolia Tile Soho Collection, 2" x 12" Retro Black Matte** tile was installed vertically from the countertop to the ceiling, creating height, texture, and visual drama. Its rich matte finish contrasts beautifully with the natural white oak cabinetry, while the elongated format introduces a contemporary rhythm that highlights the custom vent hood as the centerpiece of the room. Natural stone countertops, premium custom cabinetry, layered LED lighting, and carefully selected finishes complete a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Every element was chosen to complement the professional cooking experience while maintaining a timeless aesthetic that will remain beautiful for years to come. Designed for homeowners who appreciate fine craftsmanship and culinary excellence, this kitchen seamlessly combines the performance of **Wolf**, the quiet power of **Zephyr**, and the beauty of handcrafted millwork and designer tile into a space that is equally impressive for everyday living and entertaining.