The design promotes healthy lifestyles by providing primary living on one floor, no materials containing volatile organic compounds, energy recovery ventilation systems, radon elimination systems, extension of interior spaces into the natural environment of the site, strong and direct physical and visual connections to nature, daylighting techniques providing occupants full integration into a natural, endogenous circadian rhythm. Incorporation¬¬¬ of daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior-to-code insulation ensure minimal space-conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All lighting fixtures are LEDs.

'Carmello' tomato growing in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 1. Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

High-performance, high-end appliances make cooking a pleasure, promote healthy eating and reflect the luxurious lifestyle of my client. This Wolf range with custom stainless steel hood and brass trim inspired the dramatic, antique silver and gold backsplash. Each stone tile is wrapped in metal and finely etched in a starburst pattern that reflects the light and adds warmth. To make the wide-plank, walnut wood floor more “forgiving” to wear and tear, I chose a lightly distressed finish. Photo by Jeff Mateer

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

Custom Gardens is an independent contractor engaged in the landscape business, offering and agreeing to care for and maintain the premises for the above mentioned client, located at the above mentioned address for the benefit of the customer under the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. LAWN MAINTENANCE - All grass areas are to be kept cut, trimmed and edged. Additionally, all driveways, walkways, decks and patios are to be blown off to remove any mowing or trimming related debris. JAN-FEB: ONE (1) time per month MARCH: TWO (2) times per month APRIL - OCT: WEEKLY NOVEMBER: TWO (2) times per month. DECEMBER: ONE (1) time per month. WEED CONTROL (Beds & Hard Surfaces) -All flowerbeds are to be kept weeded, edged and maintained. Areas of ground cover are to be kept weeded and trimmed to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Weeds and grass are to be kept clear of fences and driveways. AS NEEDED with chemical usage and hand weeding. SHRUB TRIMMING - All shrubbery and hedges are to be trimmed a total of four (4) times annually to promote healthy vegetative growth and an attractive appearance. Crepe Myrtles and Japanese Maple will be thinned once annually. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR LEAF CLEAN UPS - During leaf season, all leaves and other related debris will be either blown into the surrounding wooded areas (if permissible) or taken to the street where they will be hauled away for recycling for a total of four (4) times annually from November to January. FOUR TIMES PER YEAR OPTIONAL SERVICES AERATE & OVERSEED - Lawn can be aerated and seeded. We offer different rates based on seed type. MULCH – Custom Gardens can install your preferred mulch once annually. SEASONAL COLOR CHANGE – SPRING: Spring annuals can be customized and installed. FALL: Fall annuals can be customized and installed.

https://vimeo.com/185387134 is a video description of this project. The Urban Grapevine Project employs regenerative design principles to promote affordable living, not just affordable housing. This small community of 10 single family dwellings was designed to meet all 20 Imperatives of the Living Building Challenge. Energy efficient construction, lighting and appliances are combined with photovoltaic and solar thermal collectors to provide at least 105% of all power required by the residents. The form and density of dwellings are optimized to meet all potable water needs through an innovative rainwater collection, storage and filtration system. Graywater and onsite composting feed the permaculture-inspired landscape of community gardens and fruit trees, fostering a healthy sense of community and empowerment for the residents. The power, water, waste and urban agricultural elements are part of the site’s architectural expression, making the life-sustaining systems transparent to residents, neighbors and visitors. This reinforces the educational intent of Urban Grapevine as an integral part of a citywide network of sustainable community gardens.

Miami, for centuries since its discovery by early explorers, has lured new residents to its shores with the promise paradise in the Tropics. Located on the South Bank of the Miami River, and following the traditions of Tropical Living, this home designed by KI Architecture and Armando Montero R.A. LEED AP, incorporates design ideas that promote healthy living and mitigate Climate Change and Sea Level Rise threats in one of the most vulnerable areas in the Country. Miami and South Florida are often at the center of the Hurricane Track Forecast Cone and seasonal King Tides often flood streets. The resilient design ensures that disruptions due to natural disasters are minimized. The house structure and adjacent outdoor areas are raised above potential and future flood levels. The structure is hardened and protects the home from wind damage, and is capable of withstanding 180+ mph winds, and the home is designs to function off the grid using photovoltaic energy and other green strategies. Other incorporated sustainable strategies include capturing and re-using rainwater, treating sewage on site and reclaiming grey water to irrigate rooftop gardens and landscape, Roof tops not used for PV panels serve as green roofs and recreational decks that allow home vegetable farming even during flooded conditions. The house is also designed to maximize the well-being of the occupants by increasing the quality of air, water, natural lighting, and materials to create an environment that promotes physical and mental health.

2021 American Residential Design Award Winner (Custom Home) Transitional bathroom of Hawks Nest, integrating luxury with sustainability. Designed by Living Stone Construction, this elegant space features high-performance, energy-efficient elements and eco-friendly materials, reflecting Asheville’s mountain aesthetic and promoting healthy indoor environments.

When better sleep is the goal, support matters. This sophisticated bedroom showcases the Doctor's Choice Elite Firm Mattress from Denver Mattress, designed for sleepers seeking enhanced support, pressure relief, and long-lasting comfort. As the premium model in the Doctor's Choice Collection, the Elite Firm is engineered to help promote proper spinal alignment while providing the stable, supportive feel preferred by many back and stomach sleepers. Advanced comfort materials and thoughtfully designed support systems work together to create a sleep surface focused on recovery, comfort, and restorative rest. The room's rich color palette, warm wood furnishings, layered textures, and calming atmosphere reinforce the connection between thoughtful design and healthy sleep. Together, the space and mattress create an environment dedicated to helping you wake up refreshed, supported, and ready for whatever the day brings.

The best sleep solutions are built around balance. This serene bedroom showcases the Doctor's Choice Hybrid Medium Mattress from Denver Mattress, designed for sleepers seeking the ideal combination of pressure relief, responsive comfort, and supportive alignment. Featuring a hybrid design that combines advanced comfort materials with a supportive coil system, the Doctor's Choice® Hybrid Medium adapts to a variety of sleep styles while helping maintain healthy spinal posture throughout the night. The result is a sleep experience engineered to reduce pressure points, promote recovery, and support deeper, more restorative rest. Warm wood finishes, soft textures, natural elements, and ambient lighting create a calming retreat where wellness takes center stage. Together, thoughtful bedroom design and advanced sleep technology demonstrate how the right mattress can become the foundation for better sleep and better mornings.

Better sleep starts with the right balance of comfort and support. This contemporary bedroom showcases the Doctor's Choice® Elite Medium Mattress from Denver Mattress, designed for sleepers seeking pressure relief, responsive comfort, and proper spinal alignment throughout the night. As part of the premium Doctor's Choice® Collection, the Elite Medium delivers a balanced feel that adapts to a variety of sleep positions while providing the support needed for restorative rest. Advanced comfort materials and enhanced support technology work together to help reduce pressure points, promote healthy sleep posture, and support deeper, more comfortable sleep. The room's rich navy walls, warm wood furnishings, soft textures, and calming atmosphere create a sophisticated retreat focused on wellness and recovery. Together, thoughtful bedroom design and engineered sleep support create a space dedicated to helping you wake up feeling refreshed, recovered, and ready for the day ahead.

Beach style white two-story clapboard gable roof photo in Charleston with a metal roof and a gray roof

A truly restorative bedroom is designed around comfort, support, and the moments that make home feel like home. This welcoming space features the Doctor's Choice® Elite Soft Mattress from Denver Mattress, crafted for sleepers who prefer a softer feel while still benefiting from advanced support and pressure-relieving comfort. As part of the premium Doctor's Choice® Collection, the Elite Soft is engineered to cushion key pressure points while helping maintain healthy spinal alignment throughout the night. Its combination of plush comfort and supportive design creates a sleep surface that helps reduce tossing and turning, promoting deeper, more restorative rest. Surrounded by rich wood furnishings, calming colors, soft textures, and personal touches, this bedroom demonstrates how thoughtful design can support both relaxation and well-being. Whether enjoying a quiet morning, unwinding after a busy day, or sharing time with loved ones, the space is designed to help you feel comfortable, supported, and at ease.

This charming cottage-style house plan is perfect for single-family living or as suites on a corner lot, offering abundant natural views. With a two-story layout and a two-car garage, it seamlessly blends into its serene surroundings, promoting a healthy lifestyle. The wide, rectangular covered entrance, adorned with columns and gables, warmly welcomes you. Inside, the living room boasts soaring ceilings that open up to reveal expansive windows, bathing the space in sunlight and offering views of the surrounding landscape. The screened lanai provides a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors. The kitchen features a large food counter, island, walk-in pantry, and dining area, making meal preparation and enjoyment a delight. A guest room on the main floor offers privacy and overlooks the entrance courtyard, while a recreation room provides additional space for relaxation. The master suite, located at the rear of the house, offers a private retreat with a spacious bathroom featuring dual sinks and a large walk-in wardrobe. Upstairs, two more bedrooms with private baths provide comfort and convenience, along with a sizable storage closet.