Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, Bob Ganser AIA, Nate Dodge Photographer: Alyssa Lee www.alyssaleephotography.com
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

David Agnello

Photography by Braden Gunem Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by Philip Liang Photography.

I worked with CAD Development to select the cabinetry and stone/tile for this lovely new construction home in Westchester County. I was then hired by the homeowners to decorate the interiors, It was a great job from start to finish! ND Interiors is a full-service interior design studio based in Westchester County, New York. Our goal is to create timelessly stylish spaces that are in equal parts beautiful and functional. Principal Designer Nancy Davilman embraces the philosophy that every good design choice comes from the dynamic relationship between client and designer. Recognized for her keen eye and wide-ranging experience, Nancy builds every project upon these fundamentals: An understanding of the client’s lifestyle at home;. An appreciation for the client’s tastes, goals, time frame and budget; and Consideration of the character and distinctiveness of the home. The result is timelessly stylish spaces that are in equal parts beautiful and functional -- often featuring unexpected elements and one-of-a-kind finds from Nancy’s vast network of sources. ND Interiors welcomes projects of all sizes.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

The key to a good mudroom design is to be able to get everything controlled at that point but incorporate high design that compliments the look of the whole house, according to Philip M Rossillo, RA Principal of PRDG architecture + design. The mudroom of this custom designed home is connected to the kitchen, the yard and the garage to help filter some of the messiness of an active young family. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look down the corridor and see that gorgeous arched window and beautiful backsplash. They wanted the backsplash to be pleasing to look at but not take away from the space using NEMO’s Handwritten ceramic tile in a diamond mosaic pattern in the color ‘unscripted.’

Photography by Jim Bastardo The main goal of this project was to provide an indoor/outdoor living experience and maximize views of Mount Tamalpais while mitigating the challenges posed by a steep, compact site. The L-shaped plan, placed along the southern border, creates a private lawn area, which functions not only as a play space, but as a visual "anteroom" to the view. The street facing facade has minimal openings, assuring privacy to the residents, while the interior facades facing the courtyard are primarily glass, directing the views of the principal interior spaces toward the mountain. The vertical organization of the house allows the main level to function horizontally, with spaces flowing freely between indoors and out. The entry level provides literal and figurative support, with rooms such as laundry, office and garage supporting the main living functions of the house, while the bedrooms comprise a partial third story, perched atop the long arm of the "L".

The key to a good mudroom design is to be able to get everything controlled at that point but incorporate high design that compliments the look of the whole house, according to Philip M Rossillo, RA Principal of PRDG architecture + design. The mudroom of this custom designed home is connected to the kitchen, the yard and the garage to help filter some of the messiness of an active young family. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look down the corridor and see that gorgeous arched window and beautiful backsplash. They wanted the backsplash to be pleasing to look at but not take away from the space using NEMO’s Handwritten ceramic tile in a diamond mosaic pattern in the color ‘unscripted.’

KuDa Photography
Double shower - large modern master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile double shower idea with a vessel sink, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops and gray walls

The key to a good mudroom design is to be able to get everything controlled at that point but incorporate high design that compliments the look of the whole house, according to Philip M Rossillo, RA Principal of PRDG architecture + design. The mudroom of this custom designed home is connected to the kitchen, the yard and the garage to help filter some of the messiness of an active young family. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look down the corridor and see that gorgeous arched window and beautiful backsplash. They wanted the backsplash to be pleasing to look at but not take away from the space using NEMO’s Handwritten ceramic tile in a diamond mosaic pattern in the color ‘unscripted.’

The key to a good mudroom design is to be able to get everything controlled at that point but incorporate high design that compliments the look of the whole house, according to Philip M Rossillo, RA Principal of PRDG architecture + design. The mudroom of this custom designed home is connected to the kitchen, the yard and the garage to help filter some of the messiness of an active young family. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look down the corridor and see that gorgeous arched window and beautiful backsplash. They wanted the backsplash to be pleasing to look at but not take away from the space using NEMO’s Handwritten ceramic tile in a diamond mosaic pattern in the color ‘unscripted.’

This stunning master bathroom remodel showcases a perfect blend of transitional and contemporary design elements. The space features a luxurious soaking tub, an upgraded shower with two rain shower heads, and striking 12' ceilings that create a grand sense of openness. Oversized wood chandeliers were selected to complement the high ceilings, adding warmth and character to the room. The tile surround enhances the sleek, modern aesthetic, while towel warmers provide an extra touch of luxury. A floating vanity and lighted mirror complete the design, offering both functionality and elegance in this beautifully updated space

Example of a trendy patio design in Phoenix

Photography by Braden Gunem Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

This St. Amdrews wellness suite extends the home's language of tailored luxury into a more immersive, resort-inspired environment. Conceived as a private wellness retreat, the space brings together water, heat, natural timber, stone, and glass to create an experience that feels both highly residential and distinctly elevated. The sauna is the architectural centerpiece. Enclosed almost entirely in clear glass, it becomes a visual feature rather than a concealed amenity. The transparency preserves the sense of openness within the room while allowing the warmth and texture of the timber interior to become part of the overall composition. Rich natural wood lines the walls, ceiling, benches, and backrests, creating a continuous envelope that immediately shifts the atmosphere from contemporary bathroom to intimate spa. The detailing within the sauna is intentionally precise. Horizontal timber battens establish a strong linear rhythm, while integrated illumination beneath and between the bench elements creates a soft architectural glow. The layered woodwork gives the sauna depth and dimension, demonstrating how functional wellness spaces can be treated with the same level of craftsmanship as the home's principal living areas. A dramatic dark stone surround frames the sauna enclosure and introduces a strong counterpoint to the warmth of the timber. Its expressive veining adds movement and visual weight, while the black-framed glazing creates a crisp transition between the darker architectural surround and the lighter adjacent surfaces. The hydrotherapy tub introduces a second wellness experience and provides a sculptural contrast to the linear sauna. Its generous proportions and clean white form keep the foreground visually calm, while the dark upholstery and surrounding stone reinforce the broader material palette of the home. The flooring is selected to complement the spa environment, offering a tactile, natural surface that contrasts with the polished glass and stone. Together, the materials create a carefully balanced sensory palette, warm wood, cool stone, transparent glass, and soft water, designed to make the room feel restorative rather than purely functional. The overall concept is residential wellness elevated to architectural design. Every element is coordinated to create continuity between material, light, texture, and function. The result is a sophisticated private spa that feels integrated into the architecture of the York Mills residence, offering an experience closer to a boutique wellness retreat than a conventional home amenity.

In hospitality design, no space carries as much weight or expectation as the hotel lobby. It is the handshake, the welcome note, the first frame of the guest experience. Within seconds of entering, guests form opinions not just about the space, but about the brand, the service, and the story. At its best, the hotel lobby isn’t just a transitional space; it’s a destination. A well-designed lobby invites, orients, calms, and excites, all at once. It acts as a stage where luxury is not merely seen, but sensed. In this article, Ar. Anil Badan, Founder and Principal Architect at Studio B Architects, shares how hotel lobbies go beyond functionality, becoming emotive spaces that leave a lasting impression from the very first step inside. Designing for Emotion, Not Just Function Every guest arrives with a subconscious expectation. Whether stepping into a serene resort or an urban boutique hotel, the lobby must immediately align with the tone of their stay. Lighting, for instance, isn’t just about visibility; it’s about setting mood. A warm, ambient glow suggests calm sophistication, while bold, sculptural fixtures can convey modern opulence. Seating arrangements must strike a balance between social energy and quiet retreat. Natural materials, wood, stone, and linen evoke authenticity and calm. These elements work collectively to influence how a guest feels within the first few moments. Branding Through Architecture A hotel lobby is also a silent storyteller. Every finish, curve, and fixture communicates something about the brand's identity. For us, design isn’t about imitation, it’s about interpretation. We interpret the soul of the property and translate it into spatial language. For instance, a curved wall might reference local landscapes. A palette of coastal hues might evoke a regional narrative. In doing so, the lobby becomes more than a threshold; it becomes an anchor of place and memory. Fluidity, Function, and Flow In luxury hospitality, the lobby is often a hybrid zone, part reception, part lounge, part co-working, part café. Designing for this fluidity means considering flow and flexibility. Wayfinding should be intuitive. Transitions between zones must be seamless, often achieved through changes in flooring, ceiling heights, or lighting zones. Materials must withstand footfall yet retain elegance. Every element must serve both beauty and purpose. Ultimately, a successful hotel lobby lingers in memory long after check-out. It is not just a space, it is a statement! One that says: you’ve arrived. And in a world where hospitality is no longer just about service, but about feeling seen, understood, and inspired, the lobby is where that promise begins!

Reka Ivany Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and gray floor walk-in shower design in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Custom built by DCAM HOMES, one of Oakville’s most reputable builders. South of Lakeshore and steps to the lake, this newly built modern custom home features over 3,200 square feet of stylish living space in a prime location! This stunning home provides large principal rooms that flow seamlessly from one another. The open concept design features soaring 24-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. A home office is located off the entrance foyer creating a private oasis away from the main living area. The double storey ceiling in the family room automatically draws your eyes towards the open riser wood staircase, an architectural delight. This space also features an extra wide, 74” fireplace for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtfully designed chef’s kitchen was imported from Italy. An oversized island is the center focus of this room. Other highlights include top of the line built-in Miele appliances and gorgeous two-toned touch latch custom cabinetry. With everyday convenience in mind - the mudroom, with access from the garage, is the perfect place for your family to “drop everything”. This space has built-in cabinets galore – providing endless storage. Upstairs the master bedroom features a modern layout with open concept spa-like master ensuite features shower with body jets and steam shower stand-alone tub and stunning master vanity. This master suite also features beautiful corner windows and custom built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedroom also feature custom wardrobes and share a convenient jack-and-jill bathroom. Laundry is also found on this level. Beautiful outdoor areas expand your living space – surrounded by mature trees and a private fence, this will be the perfect end of day retreat! This home was designed with both style and function in mind to create both a warm and inviting living space.