Photo: Margot Hartford © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in San Francisco.

The customers wanted a retirement home that would accommodate guests. Several design options were presented that took advantage of the site features and views, while accommodating guests and preserving the owner’s privacy. This home was nestled into a hilly site bisected by a large drainage swale. A bridge crossing the drainage swale unified the two halves of the home and provided a dramatic entry. All of the owners’ main living spaces were on one level, and two guest suites were provided in different parts of the home away from the owners’ living area. The design of the home captures the wonderful views from most living areas. The landscaping, shape, form, and materials—stone, stucco, heavy timbering, and a metal roof—offer protection from the desert sun but remain sympathetic to the surrounding environment. Work completed while at SBA.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

This is a shot from the Heydar Aliyev Center Auditorium designed by Zaha Hadid. Mikodam is one of the manufacturers in this remarkable parametric structural design. The concert hall is entirely cladded with wood, manufactured by Mikodam using a special patented technique to achieve the rythmic curves. HAZA, inspires from this design. The same technique is used to create its elegant curves offering the same quality for your interiors.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

The customers wanted a retirement home that would accommodate guests. Several design options were presented that took advantage of the site features and views, while accommodating guests and preserving the owner’s privacy. This home was nestled into a hilly site bisected by a large drainage swale. A bridge crossing the drainage swale unified the two halves of the home and provided a dramatic entry. All of the owners’ main living spaces were on one level, and two guest suites were provided in different parts of the home away from the owners’ living area. The design of the home captures the wonderful views from most living areas. The landscaping, shape, form, and materials—stone, stucco, heavy timbering, and a metal roof—offer protection from the desert sun but remain sympathetic to the surrounding environment. Work completed while at SBA.

Duluth Office Park - Red Fountain Grass, Whopper Begonia's, Spanish fern, Lemon Ball Sedum, Crocus, yellow Lantana
This is an example of a small partial sun backyard formal garden in Atlanta for spring.

The customers wanted a contemporary home on a small site in central Denver, Colorado in which they could entertain their friends. Several options were presented that addressed the extremely tight site and owners’ desire to have a contemporary house, and the need to entertain large groups. The contemporary home offered great views, extending from downtown Denver to the mountains beyond. The home fit onto tiny, sloped site with ample space for a grand entry and outdoor living. The four different outside living spaces offered a variety of choices for activities. The open plan accommodated entertaining while providing for an everyday lifestyle for the owners. This three-level home provided all of its occupants’ privacy as they lived in different parts of the house. The shape and form of the house, along with the materials—limestone, stucco, glass, and steel, gave this home its contemporary design.

This decorative Cushion Cover Abstract Musical throw pillow cover has beautiful colors and design hand embroidered in lively reds, blues, and refreshing purple tones. Swirls of colorful chain stitch embroidery hand woven from soft Kashmiri Art Silk adds a dazzling sheen to the creation. In the abstract style of Wassily Kandinsky the eye-popping color and pattern of this creation is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. This accent pillow cover has beautiful color combination of orange, red, green and brown colors uniquely hand embroidered into various abstract forms and elementsThese modern pillow covers are handcrafted by Kashmiri artisans, and are of the finest chain-stitch embroidery in the world.Created of soft Kashmir wool over cotton, this all-natural cover makes an enduring impression. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 14 x 20 (35cm x 51cm) Backing: Canvas (See Last Picture) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in art silk, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it.

This decorative Cushion Cover Abstract Musical throw pillow cover has beautiful colors and design hand embroidered in lively reds, blues, and refreshing purple tones. Swirls of colorful chain stitch embroidery hand woven from soft Kashmiri Art Silk adds a dazzling sheen to the creation. In the abstract style of Wassily Kandinsky the eye-popping color and pattern of this creation is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. This accent pillow cover has beautiful color combination of orange, red, green and brown colors uniquely hand embroidered into various abstract forms and elementsThese modern pillow covers are handcrafted by Kashmiri artisans, and are of the finest chain-stitch embroidery in the world.Created of soft Kashmir wool over cotton, this all-natural cover makes an enduring impression. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 14 x 20 (35cm x 51cm) Backing: Canvas (See Last Picture) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in art silk, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it.

This decorative Cushion Cover Abstract Musical throw pillow cover has beautiful colors and design hand embroidered in lively reds, blues, and refreshing purple tones. Swirls of colorful chain stitch embroidery hand woven from soft Kashmiri Art Silk adds a dazzling sheen to the creation. In the abstract style of Wassily Kandinsky the eye-popping color and pattern of this creation is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. This accent pillow cover has beautiful color combination of orange, red, green and brown colors uniquely hand embroidered into various abstract forms and elementsThese modern pillow covers are handcrafted by Kashmiri artisans, and are of the finest chain-stitch embroidery in the world.Created of soft Kashmir wool over cotton, this all-natural cover makes an enduring impression. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 14 x 20 (35cm x 51cm) Backing: Canvas (See Last Picture) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in art silk, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it.

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine). Tulinda's Garden, LLC

Kandinsky pillow cover - In the flow- Star fragments and enigmatic hieroglyphs artfully stitched in the finest Kashmir wool chainstitch needlework. Cosmic colors like blue, lavender and silver complement earthier tones of terra cotta, harvest green and amber to recreate a design based on the work of influential Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky.The exciting pattern evokes the thought of a ladder to the stars, a comet‚ s tail,or a star map. This cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. Durable and easy to clean, this toss pillow will catch the eye of every passerby. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 18' x 18' (45 cms x 45 cms) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units Backing: Canvas (See the Last Picture) A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in wool, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form.

Kandinsky throw pillow - The colors in this abstract composition, reminiscent of the work of influential Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky, evoke a psychic vibration, hiding a power still unknown but deeply felt in every part of the body. The expert Kashmiri needlework in this handmade, hand worked pillow cover is of the finest chainstitch crewel, a superlative stitch. The eye-catching design deserves to be seen and experienced. Wherever you place it, it is sure to draw attention. The Kashmir wool thread makes it soft to the touch, and the texture of the embroidery is a sensory delight. Durable and easily cared for, this cover has a back button opening for easy accessibility. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 18' x 18' (45 cms x 45 cms) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units Backing: Canvas (See the Last Picture) A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in wool, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form.

Attractive yellow-gold leaf margins and silvery new growth highlight Olive Martini when used as a hedge or as a specimen plant. Similar to ‘Gilt Edge’ but more stable, Olive Martini is the perfect hedge and/or barrier plant in mild climates. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Green leaves lined with gold Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 Zone Detail Hardy to -10° F Key Features Silvery new growth Use Hedge, specimen or barrier plant Exposure Full sun Bloom Season N/A Dimension 10-15' H x 10-15' W Growth Rate Spreading habit CARE Water Regular water once established Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Pruning Prune as desired PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS • water before planting • plant in full sun to part shade • dig hole 2X the width of pot, • backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level • water and add more soil if needed • mulch around plants

This decorative pillow is artwork inspired from the famous modern artist Wassily Kandinsky. He believed that art could visually express music, and is credited for painting the first modern abstractions. Kandinsky was immensely inspired by the radiantly colorful and fanciful churches and homes of Russia. In Farbstudie Quadrate, modern throw pillow, color and rhythm make beautiful music together and the artisans of Kashmir have crafted this beautiful accent pillow cover from this abstraction. A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 13 x 21 (33cm x 53cm) Backing: Canvas (See Last Picture) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow is just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in art silk, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it.