Hallway - contemporary hallway idea in Los Angeles

The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

The visual physical connection of our home continues between the living room and the back deck. Modern double doors lead you to an elevated, screened-in porch perfect for Outer Banks outdoor living, plus the view outside makes you feel as though you’re in a tree house! Notice the deliberate placement of abundant windows throughout the living room. They transform the space into a serene perch amidst the treetops. In the tradition of classical craftsman home interiors, the living room stands as the dedicated space for socialization and relaxation. The room often boasts grand hearths and chimneys that dominate the space, contributing to its timeless charm. The built-in, electric heater is our modern take on a fireplace and is still a key feature point of the living room. The stone facade and wooden mantel are signatures from the past that are ultimately the centerpieces of the room. A modern touch is evident in our built-in gas heater, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional fireplace that remains a focal point in the living room. Another feature of today’s contemporary craftsman rendition of living areas and dens, you will often find a television strategically mounted as a focal point of the room, reflecting the evolving needs of modern living, seamlessly blending tradition with convenience.

Located above the coast of Malibu, this two-story concrete and glass home is organized into a series of bands that hug the hillside and a central circulation spine. Living spaces are compressed between the retaining walls that hold back the earth and a series of glass facades facing the ocean and Santa Monica Bay. The name of the project stems from the physical and psychological protection provided by wearing reflective sunglasses. On the house the “glasses” allow for panoramic views of the ocean while also reflecting the landscape back onto the exterior face of the building. PROJECT TEAM: Peter Tolkin, Jeremy Schacht, Maria Iwanicki, Brian Proffitt, Tinka Rogic, Leilani Trujillo ENGINEERS: Gilsanz Murray Steficek (Structural), Innovative Engineering Group (MEP), RJR Engineering (Geotechnical), Project Engineering Group (Civil) LANDSCAPE: Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN: Deborah Goldstein Design Inc. CONSULTANTS: Lighting DesignAlliance (Lighting), Audio Visual Systems Los Angeles (Audio/ Visual), Rothermel & Associates (Rothermel & Associates (Acoustic), GoldbrechtUSA (Curtain Wall) CONTRACTOR: Winters-Schram Associates PHOTOGRAPHER: Benny Chan AWARDS: 2007 American Institute of Architects Merit Award, 2010 Excellence Award, Residential Concrete Building Category Southern California Concrete Producers

Located above the coast of Malibu, this two-story concrete and glass home is organized into a series of bands that hug the hillside and a central circulation spine. Living spaces are compressed between the retaining walls that hold back the earth and a series of glass facades facing the ocean and Santa Monica Bay. The name of the project stems from the physical and psychological protection provided by wearing reflective sunglasses. On the house the “glasses” allow for panoramic views of the ocean while also reflecting the landscape back onto the exterior face of the building. PROJECT TEAM: Peter Tolkin, Jeremy Schacht, Maria Iwanicki, Brian Proffitt, Tinka Rogic, Leilani Trujillo ENGINEERS: Gilsanz Murray Steficek (Structural), Innovative Engineering Group (MEP), RJR Engineering (Geotechnical), Project Engineering Group (Civil) LANDSCAPE: Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN: Deborah Goldstein Design Inc. CONSULTANTS: Lighting DesignAlliance (Lighting), Audio Visual Systems Los Angeles (Audio/ Visual), Rothermel & Associates (Rothermel & Associates (Acoustic), GoldbrechtUSA (Curtain Wall) CONTRACTOR: Winters-Schram Associates PHOTOGRAPHER: Benny Chan AWARDS: 2007 American Institute of Architects Merit Award, 2010 Excellence Award, Residential Concrete Building Category Southern California Concrete Producers

Soft colorways create cool, neutral combinations in patterns HERRINGBONE and STRIA IONS. STRIA IONS features double loop height construction to create physical texture combined with its traditional pattern that mimics loom heddles. Click the link or contact us to discuss!

The vanity with seated makeup area was kept at the counter height to keep clean lines so a custom counter stool designed to coordinate with the bench seat. A large bath felt crowded and underutilized the space available. By removing a large framed in tub and replacing it with a stunning freestanding tub with a wall mounted tub filler we freed up floor space both physically and visually. Stained wood vanities with beaded top drawers anchor the room. custom made medicine cabinet mirrors keep tooth brushes and other items off the countertops.

Cast in place concrete walls and custom waterjet metal with integrated lighting complement the architectural materiality, while providing physical and visual separation between this private modern home and the wooded public passage of the Burke Gilman Trail. Cantilevered steps float above a cascade of soft grasses and rushes. Looking out over Lake Washington from the hot tub, a combination of wood and concrete walls softened by plants contain the experience of outdoor relaxation at its finest. A crushed granite path gently curves along handcrafted stone walls containing a burst of lush planting to connect wood decking at the house with a fire pit area close to the water. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

DESIGN BY Grid Architects. Although modest in size due to the constraints of the site, this design achieved a strong visual and physical connection to the waterfront. With two large banks of windows at the back of the house, the outdoors are welcomed indoors in every season. White walls and light wood floors make this home an airy escape. Soft furnishings and organic design elements, including plant accents and reclaimed wood, tether the modern design of the home to its waterfront locale.

Bring a unique look to your home with the Glasgow colored brick. Because home is a place where we spend so much of our lives, and a beautifully decorated home has many benefits beyond the aesthetic – including your state of mind and physical well being.

South Puget Sound: Build on Your Own Lot Full service turn key start to finish builder. We provide the financing, help you secure the land, develop your property, design and build your home, and give you the keys! DCS strives to ensure our customer's dreams become reality with integrity, imagination, and innovation from start to finish. At DCS Built located in Tacoma, Washington, our design and build team approach gives our clients a unique experience that ensures a successful project delivery. As licensed contractors and designers working together, we are able to focus on quality and design from the start of your project over low-bid construction. Why Design Build? Our capable creative team of professionals is working together with your best interests in mind through all phases of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) project. Our Service Area includes Puget Sound, North Pierce County and South King County. Note: The community dot reflects the builder's design center, sales center or other physical business address. The builder's plans reflect the price of the home itself and does not include the property. You are responsible for providing the property on which these plans will be built. custombuild, piercecounty, design, remodel, building, architecture, build, projectdelivery, customhomes, custombuilt, mortgage, refinance, newhome, newhouse, selling, finance, property, forsale, generalcontractor, gc, contractor, washington, piercecounty, pugetsound, tacoma, auburn, gigharbor, dupont, bonneylake, puyallup, lakewood, olympia, buildonyourlot

This Wyoming home feature's Montana Timber Products prefinished ranchwood™ Eastern square edge lap wood siding and ranchwood™ Yellowstone reverse board and batten siding. - As the sun moves across the horizon, light beautifully contrasts with the vertical installation of ranchwood Yellowstone with the lower installation of ranchwood™ Eastern, blending seamlessly into the gorgeous Wyoming landscape. - Montana Timber Products' flagship product, ranchwood™, is a reclaimed barnwood alternative milled from new, kiln dried, chemical free, rough stock wood. Put through a colorizing and texturizing process, ranchwood™ is an aesthetically pleasing authentic reclaimed barn wood, rustic wood siding. ranchwood™ offers uncompromising rustic wood beauty typically less expensive than antique reclaimed barnwood. - Contrasting square edge lap profile with the reverse board batten profile extenuates the rich color of ranchwood™ Eastern, providing depth to the the siding with a 3-dimensional exposure. - Montana Timber Products is a custom millwork shop as shown with this application of a vertically installed shiplap milled with a 1/4" reveal. This reveal creates nice shadow lines and a multi-dimensional aesthetic to the finish of this siding. Wire Brushed and Circle Sawn are Montana Timber Products typical texturizing options. Circle Sawn texture seen on Montana Timber Products natural wood siding is created by large circular saw blades used in more traditional milling practices. Added physical and aesthetic depth to the wood grain is available as the Wire Brushed option. Greater surface area is added during the texturizing process, allowing Seal-Once, 100% NO VOC waterfproofer to more effectively penetrate the wood. Seal-Once is guaranteed for ten years from water ingress and is safe for exterior and interior use, pets and children. - The Yellowstone color is the lighter color, vertically installed on the top levels. Yellowstone’s lighter tones of gray — representing weathering through long windswept days — are perhaps one of the most treasured colors utilized from the feel of the old barn pallet. - Montana Timber Products does not use degenerative chemicals like some companies do to achieve texture and color. Environmentally responsible, Montana Timber Products produces wood siding, interior accents, flooring, reclaimed wood, beams, barn wood alternatives with environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques.

While working with custom furniture company Ellis Woods, I helped design this room divider along with another interior designer. This divider was to help create a physical space between the formal and casual dining while visually connecting the spaces just enough to make the room as a whole feel open and inviting.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Maximum Features for the Ultimate Experience It's for those seeking better wellness – fitness, work-life-balance, enriched personal connections. It's a path to find some joy in your physical, mental, and emotional states. That's what we had in mind when we designed the E2000 swim spa. We combined our exclusive resistance current with luxurious jetted massage seats and wrapped it in one beautiful, low-maintenance package. Swim, run, or exercise in temperate 85-degree water in the front, then unwind at 104 degrees inside the spa area at the back. The E2000 gives you complete control, without sacrifice.

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

We converted this 3 car garage into an ADU. The space now has a living room and physical therapy space for its' tenants. The Assisted Living facility has a coastal feeling with blue, creams and natural soft colors to create a relaxing environment.

This remodel was a completely structural renovation where we took out a barring wall that was between the kitchen and family room to create an open space concept. Additionally the island in the center was shaped like an arrow and we were able to completely restructure the shape and scope of the kitchen by removing it and redesigning the center island. Incidentally this restructure shaped a new means of interaction for the family; they were not only able to communicate more effectively between the kitchen and living room, they also gained visible oversight of the pool in the backyard allowing adults to watch over the children playing outside without having to physically stand outside with them. Todd Ramsey

Traditional Thai homes are usually built as a cluster of physically separated rooms arranged around a large central terrace. Interpreting the traditional typology of the Thai houses, the Residence Navathani consists in two parallel wings, separated by a large garden and a swimming pool. The objective of the stone architecture is to give a sense of unity and blend the building with trees, plants and other natural landscape. Trees are often allowed to grow in the central area of the traditional Thai house with plants always featured prominently to create a strong relationship with nature. The choice of Thai travertine as the main stone for the building stems from the following objectives: first, the stone must display a strong natural character with contrasting color hues and crystalline veins, which contribute to blending the architecture into the landscape. Second, the design of the stone provides a sense of unity to the building. The façade of each wing displays an array of columns of various widths and spacings and there is an alignment of the columns between the two wings. The texture is rough on the outside face of the columns and honed on the sides as it continues through the window to the inside of the house. The two wings are connected by a long screen wall that separates the drop-off area from the private areas. This wall is pierced with square openings which helps to show a relationship between the two areas. The façade facing the entrance features stone in contrasting but related ways: the right hand wing is clad with honed stone on top of a large window, while the opposite wing displays a chiseled stone wall on the bottom with a large window on top. The architecture extends to the outside of the right-hand wing with a private theater of a modern contemporary design. The stone featured on the façade changes to a minimalist grey basalt while continuing the column concept with the alternate textures grooved on the facing and honed on the sides.