This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

The living room, dining room, and kitchen are united under the cedar ceiling. An authentic shoji screen seperates the master suite from the home's gathering spaces. Photo Credit: Paul Crosby

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

Ruben Torres
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Los Angeles

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Door made of solid pine wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware. Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". SOLID CORE Solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb 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 with honeycomb and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

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.

Pantheon HD Plus waterproof vinyl plank with resilient Armourbead wear layer and cozy Soft Silence acoustical pad for added comfort.
Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Other

Catherine Nguyen Photography
Minimalist exterior home photo in San Francisco

Pantheon HD Plus waterproof vinyl plank with resilient Armourbead wear layer and cozy Soft Silence acoustical pad for added comfort.
Kitchen photo in Other

SET INCLUDES: 2 Doors Slabs Track Pivot Set Pivot Brackets Converging Panel Aliger Door Knob 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 the Quadro collection modern bi-fold doors, a stylish and functional solution for any interior space. Crafted from high-quality wood and MDF, these sleek doors are finished in a beautiful white color that will seamlessly blend with any decor. The standout feature of these doors is the vertical glass strip running down the center, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest to the space. The glass strip also allows natural light to filter through, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The Quadro collection modern bi-fold doors are perfect for those looking to optimize their interior space while adding a touch of modern style. Their bi-fold design allows them to fold in on themselves, providing easy access and saving space. Made with high-quality materials, these doors are durable and long-lasting, ensuring they will retain their beauty and functionality for years to come. Their sleek and contemporary finish adds a touch of sophistication to any interior space, making them an ideal choice for those who value both form and function. In summary, the Quadro collection modern bi-fold doors are a beautiful and practical choice for anyone looking to optimize their interior space while adding a touch of modern elegance. Their vertical glass strip, high-quality materials, and bi-fold design make them a stylish and durable solution for any home or office. Upgrade your space with these stunning doors today. SOLID MDF CORE Solid MDF core made by laminated MDF using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated MDF 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 MDF construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION Door is manufactured from a solid MDF and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Custom Hunter Douglas designer screen solar shades professionally measured and installed in a New York City residence. These light-filtering shades reduce glare, improve daytime privacy, and provide comfortable light control while maintaining a clean, modern appearance.

This modern pool shade sail project creates a relaxing and stylish outdoor retreat. Made from premium HDPE fabric, the sail provides effective UV protection and heat reduction, keeping the pool area cool and comfortable even under strong sunlight. The clean, tensioned design complements contemporary outdoor architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Beyond pools, this shade sail style is also ideal for patios, backyards, decks, and pergolas, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical sun protection. Durable, breathable, and weather-resistant, the shade sail delivers long-lasting performance while enhancing outdoor living spaces with modern elegance. Material: HDPE shade fabric (UV-stabilized) Application: Pool, Patio, Backyard, Deck, Pergola

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

Photo of a tropical landscaping in DC Metro.

Motorized roller shades installed on oversized windows to provide effortless light control and privacy throughout the space. Shades covering four large windows with matching motorized transom shades above for a clean, unified appearance. Custom Roller Shades installed in Concord, NC. These minimalist shades provide a sleek, modern look for Lake Norman homes while offering excellent UV protection and glare reduction.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

SET INCLUDES: Door Slab, thickness 1 9/16" ; Trims; Frame; Hinges; Passage Handle; The door is constructed from solid pine wood with a honeycomb core and finished with an painted white coating. It is not pre-cut for hardware and is not pre-attached to the frame. Assembly of the frame and trims is required. Minimal rough opening can be calculated: door width + 2"; door height + 1 1/2". Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". SOLID CORE Crafted from laminated wood and reinforced with a honeycomb core for the strength and feel of solid wood, while remaining lightweight and stable. CIPLEX by SARTO Exceptional film coating perfectly applied over laminated wood with a honeycomb and wood core. 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. SEALING GUM GERMAN COMPANY DEVENTER It has a special profile that allows to protect your home from dust, makes a cozy and quiet atmosphere around every day. On another side it allows you to save 35 % more heat and save up to 20% to the bill. SOUND ATTENUATION Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION The door is engineered from a solid, seamless wood structure with a durable honeycomb core, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance for generations to come.

Inspiration for a porch remodel in Houston