a fun, unique space just for kids
Kids' room - mid-sized contemporary gender-neutral carpeted kids' room idea in Charleston with green walls

Photo by Susan Teare
Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Burlington

Our clients returned to their home in Burke, Virginia, after renting it during military assignments. Their outdated and cramped kitchen did not work for their busy family. They turned to FA Design Build to redesign the look and layout of the space. Originally, the space was a breakfast nook, a small U-shaped kitchen, and a garage entryway. By removing a framed pantry, bulkheads, and walls, we opened the space the length of the house. The result is an open concept room that serves as the hub of the home. The design incorporates stained cherry cabinetry, Armstrong Vivero luxury vinyl floor, and quartz countertops -- all ideals choices for beauty and low maintenance living.

Our clients returned to their home in Burke, Virginia, after renting it during military assignments. Their outdated and cramped kitchen did not work for their busy family. They turned to FA Design Build to redesign the look and layout of the space. Originally, the space was a breakfast nook, a small U-shaped kitchen, and a garage entryway. By removing a framed pantry, bulkheads, and walls, we opened the space the length of the house. The result is an open concept room that serves as the hub of the home. The design incorporates stained cherry cabinetry, Armstrong Vivero luxury vinyl floor, and quartz countertops -- all ideals choices for beauty and low maintenance living.

Our clients returned to their home in Burke, Virginia, after renting it during military assignments. Their outdated and cramped kitchen did not work for their busy family. They turned to FA Design Build to redesign the look and layout of the space. Originally, the space was a breakfast nook, a small U-shaped kitchen, and a garage entryway. By removing a framed pantry, bulkheads, and walls, we opened the space the length of the house. The result is an open concept room that serves as the hub of the home. The design incorporates stained cherry cabinetry, Armstrong Vivero luxury vinyl floor, and quartz countertops -- all ideals choices for beauty and low maintenance living.

Our clients returned to their home in Burke, Virginia, after renting it during military assignments. Their outdated and cramped kitchen did not work for their busy family. They turned to FA Design Build to redesign the look and layout of the space. Originally, the space was a breakfast nook, a small U-shaped kitchen, and a garage entryway. By removing a framed pantry, bulkheads, and walls, we opened the space the length of the house. The result is an open concept room that serves as the hub of the home. The design incorporates stained cherry cabinetry, Armstrong Vivero luxury vinyl floor, and quartz countertops -- all ideals choices for beauty and low maintenance living.

We were well underway in the process of constructing a mixed-use building in Portsmouth’s downtown when suddenly, things changed. We were approached by a couple interested in purchasing the entire site. The building’s street-level design would remain as originally planned – 2 small retail condos for let. The rest of the structure would need a quick reassessment and redesign to not affect the current construction schedule. The 2nd floor was redesigned to be one large, residential condo. The third and fourth floors would become the couple’s private quarters. They were relocating from a suburban neighborhood to the center of town, yet still hoping to maintain a sense of home for their large family with a strong connection to the outdoor space. The third floor would serve as the home’s main living space. A formal entrance with historic charm was created through varying ceiling heights, and exposed beams. Unique transition spaces were built, leading into an open concept living, kitchen and dining area with access to a series of back decks overlooking a more private street and the park. The fourth floor, tucked into the roof line, would house a master suite, 2 more bedrooms, laundry and additional ‘landscaped’ deck areas. Unique, typically under-utilized areas and architectural elements were assigned creative uses to maximize the project’s flavor and objective. The elevator override cavity became a substantial storage closet on the fourth floor. The building’s firewall was extended and a decorative brick archway was added to connect the outdoor areas of the original side-by-side condos. A flat roof area, snug against the adjacent property’s blank brick wall, complete with pergola and sun shade, was designed to be a secluded, landscaped patio overlooking the back neighborhood. This project exemplifies the quick change in direction and unexpected surprises that can come of new ideas through collaboration. - See more at: http://sommastudios.com/project/58-state-street/#sthash.NmdjMeY6.dpuf

A pine dresser from IKEA transformed with a little stain and new cup handles. Great storage for towels, suits, sunscreen as you walk out the door to the pool. Sean Alzetta Photography

Practicality was key for this revitalised wet room, but spectacular tiles and clever, space-saving design ensure there’s wow-factor as well. Robin and Chris’s ground-floor wet room is part of an extension they added to their 1930’s home some thirty years ago. It had been professionally installed, properly tanked and fully tiled to eliminate leaks, and had always functioned well. After decades of sterling service, and having coped with wet, outdoor clothing and muddy dogs as well as day-to-day use, it was starting to age. Rather than a complete re-design, Robin and Chris wanted to replace and update the existing fixtures and fittings, and address some minor issues, “As the room is quite small, we’d originally fitted a space-saving, corner hand-basin, but it was too close to the shower area, and not big enough to be useful,” says Robin, “We also had a problem with water collecting along the wall on one side,” “The floor-to-ceiling tiles were very practical, but they were just plain white and square, which made it feel stark and austere too,” adds Chris. We had supplied Robin and Chris with bespoke curtains and upholstered furniture some years ago. Remembering how pleased they had been with our service at the time, they approached us again, and we were happy to help with their plans for the wet room. Our bathroom designer Lee Watkins set to work straightaway. Listening to the couple, he understood that the current layout needed only minor tweaks, so focussed on solving the main issues they had raised. Robin and Chris were open to the idea of a more colourful, eye-catching look for the wet room, as a change from the simple functionality they had previously had. Lee pointed them towards a range of tile suppliers they had not seen before, and browsing brochures and websites, Robin spotted some striking hexagonal patterned tiles in shades of green. Beautiful feature hexagonal tiles from Ca' Pietra Tiles Shower system by Methven The feature tiles were complimented with a plain hexagonal tile “Our taste is generally quite restrained, so the tiles were a big decision, but these looked spectacular, and we hadn’t come across anything else like them,” he says. To reflect light and keep the room feeling bright, the patterned tiles have been balanced with plain white ones in the same hexagonal format. Their complex layout, which creates a loose, flowing effect, was the result of meticulous planning by Lee, followed by careful installation. Smaller mosaic tiles, colour-matched to the plain wall tiles, were chosen for the floor. They provide a safe, non-slip surface and follow the gradual slope of the floor towards the drain more easily than a larger size. Turning his attention to the impractical hand-basin, Lee pinpointed the ideal spot for someone to stand to access the basin comfortably, and then adjusted the dimensions of the curtained shower area. This created just enough room to mount a new basin on the wall beside the door. Instead of the cramped corner style, Lee suggested a full-width, half-depth option that is easy to use and feels generous but doesn’t protrude awkwardly into the room. The basin sits on a smart, slimline cabinet, providing handy storage and cleverly maximising the limited space. Its modern, monobloc chrome tap echoes the style of other brassware in the couple’s home. To further coordinate, Chris and Robin picked a chrome-finish shower system, very similar in design to their previous one. To build on the streamlined, contemporary look, Lee recommended replacing the existing radiator too. He guided the couple towards a sleek, wall-mounted stainless-steel design, which will not rust or corrode in the humid atmosphere and can heat the room effectively. Work on the new wet room took about two weeks. Lee suggested expert installer Mike to carry out the project, as it required specialist knowledge of tanking and wet room construction, to guarantee an absolutely watertight finish. All the old tiles were removed and the soundness of the existing plumbing carefully checked, before the entire room was re-screeded, re-tanked and tiled again. Robin and Chris were impressed by the team assigned, especially the way in which they minimised disruption for the couple, by isolating the wet room plumbing and electrics, so the work did not impact on other areas of the home. The re-laid floor is now perfectly smooth and slopes imperceptibly, so water no longer pools at one side. The shower drain, which had always been just off-centre, was neatly re-positioned exactly in the corner, adding to the crisp, clean feel, “It’s turned out better than we imagined,” says Chris, “There’s nothing we’d change, and it’s just what we wanted.” “This wasn’t a straightforward bathroom renovation, and it’s not easy to find a company that can offer a service so tailored to our situation,” adds Robin, “Lee was so flexible and responsive, and we would definitely recommend Gardiner Haskins – they were able to do things other companies couldn’t.”

Project Description The owners of Pangaea flew the team to London to view the potential site due to our success in construction of their club “Dorsia” in New York. Designer Constructions was to create a concept similar to that of their existing Pangaea Bar in New York. Ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget was critical, as celebrities had already been invited to the opening party. The original club was still in operation and had to be stripped within two days of closure if we were to meet our stringent deadline. The owners were utterly amazed when handed the keys on completion. The club was completed on time and within budget in four weeks. The African theme of the NY Pangea was adapted and redesigned design for the London clientele. Delicate negotiations with the London council were successful in permitting the club to extend underground, below the road in Westminster. VIP Rooms were built inside the alcove formed by structural supports for the road above. Traditional African artefacts were sourced and reproduction animal hides creating a very unique African feel and culture in the club. Lighting was the key challenge as candles were a main source of lighting in the other New York Club. Westminster Council would not allow naked flames inside the premises, so we designed a clever and safe alternative – We custom made candles with an electronic fake flame in each. Upon inspection from the Westminster council for our Completion Certificate, we were told that club could not be opened due to our use of candles within the premises. The inspector was astounded when he was told that the candles were not real, and was given a demonstration of how all the candles could be “blown out” at the flick of one switch. Pangaea London has hosted many parties for Justin Timberlake, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and others including the British Music Awards after party. Pangaea has since been Awarded “Best London Club” 2004, 2005 & 2006. Location: 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London Assignment: Design Concept, Interior Design, Construction and Total Project Management Team Size: Twenty-Four Duration: Four Weeks

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.

Our assignment for this project was to change the exterior face of this already existing private residence by changing its shape and adding new volumes to it and also to propose new minimal interior design suggestions to the owner. The residence is located on the country road between Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. At the ground floor of the residence we have attached a two-floor structure that is being separated through the use of an expansion joint. Simultaneously, the whole building is being reconstructed so as to form clear volumes and levels. The main idea is the design of a raised from the ground volume to give the impression that the building is floating. The master and child’s bedroom have their own private bathrooms. Mirrors in the master bedroom give the impression of a larger area and warm colors are appropriate for the child’s bedroom.