The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

MONTECITO, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Casa de Casey takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

Transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Richmond with white walls

Storage for laundry baskets, hanging clothes, supplies. Countertop surface for folding and sorting.
Inspiration for a contemporary laundry room remodel in Detroit

This urban townhouse took on new life when it was renovated for a couple relocating from New York City. The owner’s sophisticated taste, cultivated from world travels, paired with the character of the existing home and resulted in a fresh and colorful gem in the heart of the historic downtown. Extensive approvals from the local Historic District Commission preceded an addition on the rear of the time-honored building and a complete restoration of the exterior. The addition encompasses a first-floor, finished garage with arch doors that open to the gardens, ideal for entertaining. Above the garage accommodates the master bedroom, walk-in closets and a bathroom suite. The exterior restoration allowed the addition of window pediments, shutters with authentic hardware and gaslight features. Pocket gardens surround the townhouse and boast multiple plantings that complement a historic environment. The interior of the home was restructured to allow for reworking of the main stair. The reconfigured flight can now carry the weight of books and art alongside ascending residents and guests. Amid construction, two previously hidden fireplaces were uncovered. By the end of the renovation, four fireplaces were entirely refurbished and now lend immense aesthetic to interior design. The interior finishes within the home keep visitors engaged and impressed. From imported Italian tile to contextually historic light switches, the colorful décor is appealing to all senses. Specially painted walls coordinate with furnishings, bookcases and art. Photos: Greg West Photography

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

MONTECITO, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Casa de Casey takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

Perched along the hillside of Via De La Paz, this residence is defined by the way it negotiates elevation. At its core, the project is an exploration of proportion and hierarchy — a multi-level home shaped by the site’s natural topography and oriented to capture ocean views. The design works with the constraints of the hillside, using changes in elevation to create a layered sequence of indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditional Spanish elements inform the overall character, while a more restrained approach keeps the home grounded and livable. Stone and stucco cladding, a tiled roof, and arched openings reference classic precedents, while steel doors and windows introduce a quieter transitional quality. The layout was designed to support California’s indoor–outdoor lifestyle without sacrificing intimacy. Terraces, balconies, and connected living spaces create openness, while the scale and flow of each level remain thoughtful and contained.

Perched along the hillside of Via De La Paz, this residence is defined by the way it negotiates elevation. At its core, the project is an exploration of proportion and hierarchy — a multi-level home shaped by the site’s natural topography and oriented to capture ocean views. The design works with the constraints of the hillside, using changes in elevation to create a layered sequence of indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditional Spanish elements inform the overall character, while a more restrained approach keeps the home grounded and livable. Stone and stucco cladding, a tiled roof, and arched openings reference classic precedents, while steel doors and windows introduce a quieter transitional quality. The layout was designed to support California’s indoor–outdoor lifestyle without sacrificing intimacy. Terraces, balconies, and connected living spaces create openness, while the scale and flow of each level remain thoughtful and contained.

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors