Example of a classic home design design in DC Metro

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©

After photo: Newly installed exterior door after decayed original wooden door and the trims were replaced.
Example of a small garage design in Vancouver

Inspiration for a craftsman bathroom remodel in DC Metro

Chad Griffin
Home design - craftsman home design idea in Santa Barbara

Carrara marble and soft blues were used to cultivate a traditional and timeless sanctuary for these clients who plan to retire and live in this home for many years to come. We removed the drop-in jetted tub to opt for a large walk-in shower. This swap allowed us to dedicate the previous shower location to a coat closet in the entry and an expansive bathroom vanity with excellent storage.

After - Recessed niche for functional shampoo and soap storage, no wire rack!
Small transitional master white tile and porcelain tile vinyl floor alcove shower photo in DC Metro with gray walls and a pedestal sink

SET INCLUDES: 4 Doors Slabs with Aluminum Strips Tracks Pivot Sets Pivot Brackets Converging Panel Aligers Door Knobs Installation Manual Screws for hardware Doors are not pre-drilled! It is not recommended to paint. Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16"". Introducing our "Modern Double Bi-Fold Doors" from the Planum collection, a perfect blend of contemporary design and functionality. Crafted with precision from solid wood with honeycomb, these doors are finished in a stylish Grey color that adds a touch of modern elegance to any space. With their Flush Door design, these doors seamlessly integrate into your interior, creating a sleek and streamlined look. They are available for viewing and purchase at our showroom in NY, where you can witness the exceptional craftsmanship firsthand. Our Modern Double Bi-Fold Doors are designed to maximize space and provide easy access between rooms. Whether you want to divide a large living area, create a stylish home office, or revamp your bedroom, these doors offer the perfect solution. Made from high-quality solid wood with honeycomb, these doors are built to withstand the test of time, ensuring durability and longevity. The Grey color adds a contemporary vibe, allowing you to create a modern aesthetic in your home. If you're an interior designer or homeowner looking for versatile and visually appealing doors, our Modern Double Bi-Fold Doors from the Planum collection are an excellent choice. Visit our NY showroom or browse our website to explore the possibilities and transform your space. SOLID CORE solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated Wood using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated Wood Made in Italy. NO FORMALDEHYDE Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers. SOUND ATTENUATION Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION Door is manufactured from a single piece of Wood and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Patio - coastal patio idea in Charleston

A new-to-me realtor calls Tuesday mid-day asking about my services. The phone call quickly turned into a 'yes' but I mentioned unless I do this 'tomorrow', it couldn't get done until next week Tuesday or Wednesday due to other obligations. It's in Cayucos, which poses another issue - do I make the trip up to preview (it's an hour away, do I have time), or can I get what I need off of the internet? AND we had rain to contend with... it's never easy to stage in the rain. Fortunately I'm a very spatially-minded person and could make my plans based on the existing internet photos. A girl needs her plans! So Wednesday, between the spurts of rain, my sons and I spend all morning packing for this stage, and Wednesday afternoon / into evening my sons and I head out, unload, and stage this beautiful.... no..... GORGEOUS home ON THE WATER in Cayucos. WOW!!! The boys told me upon arrival: 'We should buy this!' I'm thinking the same thing! So, in retrospect, this stage was a vacant, sight-unseen home, and within about 24 hours went from realtor request to stage-done status. Please forgive the darkness of the photos, it was 6:30 at night when we were done, it was dark!

railing, spindles, stairs, steps, handrail

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in San Diego.

After-guest ensuite shower

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We recently remodeled a studio we purchased for guests who visit us. The project included the demolition of a kitchenettem and a bathroom, and the installation of new cabinets, wood flooring, granite countertops, appliances, wood molding and a custom Murphy bed in the sleeping area. My husband and I wanted a contractor who specializes in high end kitchens. We hired Paul Lopa (who had previously done two projects for us—a kitchen remodel and a bathroom remodel) as we were extremely impressed with his work, from beginning to end. For the studio project, Paul brought many samples to our home before the project commenced. It was very easy for us to select the materials, from the wood used for the cabinets and Murphy bed to the granite countertop and wood floor. We were also very pleased with the appliances he helped us select as well, as the kitchen was transformed into a full-fledged kitchen with an eat-at counter. Paul helped us select custom marble for the bathroom which is gorgeous! Every suggestion he made was great. The studio is now worthy of being photographed by Architectural Digest! Paul and his crew are very professional. His staff is friendly and were always on time. Upon completion of the job, the whole area was clean and ready to use. Paul was always accessible and available to answer questions whenever we had one. We were impressed that the project finished on time and on budget! We will definitely use Paul for all future work. He is a consummate professional and very nice to work with.

Close-up of the wrought iron.
Mid-sized mountain style porcelain tile and beige floor foyer photo in Phoenix with beige walls and a brown front door