Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

We know old Summit Avenue as the beautiful St. Paul connection that begins near the University of St. Thomas and ends in Lowertown. Among the droves of gorgeous old-style homes sits our client who had a 3-level home converted into 3 one-level condos. The goal was to update and modernize this home into 3 spacious and storage-efficient condos. These condos couldn’t be luxurious without proper comfort for the owners, so we replaced the radiators with new heating/air systems for better circulation throughout each individual condo. A touch of contemporary design was added to these condos, but make no mistake, their historic charm remains.

By removing those barriers, we created one large, open space that feels both connected and welcoming. The existing window remained in place, and we designed around it with a built-in counter and stools—an ideal spot to pause, get some work done, or enjoy a quiet moment.

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

The kitchen cabinets project embraces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on creating a serene atmosphere. Rounded cabinets crafted from light pigmented oak form the backbone of the kitchen's design, infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The choice of light pigmented oak not only adds a touch of natural elegance but also complements the abundance of natural light that floods into the house, further enhancing the feeling of serenity. A soft color scheme is carefully curated to seamlessly blend with the light oak cabinets, creating a cohesive and soothing visual palette throughout the kitchen. Soft hues such as pale blues, gentle greens, or muted creams are incorporated into the walls, backsplash, and accents, adding depth and tranquility to the space. Central to the kitchen design is the island, intelligently sectioned into two levels. This feature not only maximizes functionality but also serves as a focal point for social gatherings and moments with loved ones. The lower level of the island provides ample space for food preparation and cooking activities, while the elevated section offers a comfortable dining area or a cozy spot for gathering, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection. Whether it's a casual family breakfast, a lively dinner party, or simply a quiet moment shared with loved ones, the versatile design of the kitchen island ensures that it remains the heart of the home, adaptable to any occasion. With its rounded cabinets, light pigmented oak finish, and thoughtfully designed layout, this kitchen exudes a timeless charm and a tranquil atmosphere, inviting occupants to unwind and savor life's simple pleasures.

Set in the heart of Sarasota’s historic Cherokee Park, Watersound sits on a premier corner lot, blending timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance. Embodying a relaxed Florida vernacular style, the home wraps around an interior courtyard, drawing in natural light and breezes. The layout fosters a connection to nature, with the home tailored to its surroundings as though it had been in the family for generations, yet feeling vibrant and fresh. A welcoming porch defines the entry, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court. The living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The grand screened porch, designed for living, dining, and cooking, features a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring, making outdoor living central to the home’s design. Inside, vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry, and a Lacanche range anchor the living and kitchen areas. Thoughtful details such as herringbone wood flooring, terra cotta tile, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper, and vintage-inspired penny round tiles bring charm and character throughout. A bespoke Gulf Coast modern color palette and decorative lighting crafted from brass, blackened bronze, and white enamel unify the vintage and modern elements. Designed to stand the test of time, Watersound will remain just as timeless and relevant 100 years from now, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship and enduring grace.

Designed for a young, active family, our Windswept in Wellesley project centers around two adjoining yet distinct spaces: the great room and living room. Connected by French doors, these rooms called for a thoughtful balance—cohesive in flow, yet each with its own personality and purpose. The living room was envisioned as a calm, inviting retreat with a fresh palette of soft greens and blues. We layered transitional furnishings with subtle traditional elements to create a space that feels both timeless and approachable. While slightly more elevated in tone, the design remains inherently livable—reflecting our clients’ desire for a room that welcomes both adults and children with ease. Durability was key throughout. Every fabric and finish was carefully selected with real family life in mind, ensuring nothing feels too precious or off-limits. The result is a home that supports everyday living beautifully—effortless, comfortable, and designed to be enjoyed.

A minimalist palette of soft maple cabinetry, matte black hardware, and polished stone counters allows the sweeping ridgeline beyond the windows to remain the true focal point. Natural light pours in from five carefully aligned windows, while smoked-glass pendants and double islands make the space as functional as it is grounded in place. Designed for real cooking, and real connection.

Set in the heart of Sarasota’s historic Cherokee Park, Watersound sits on a premier corner lot, blending timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance. Embodying a relaxed Florida vernacular style, the home wraps around an interior courtyard, drawing in natural light and breezes. The layout fosters a connection to nature, with the home tailored to its surroundings as though it had been in the family for generations, yet feeling vibrant and fresh. A welcoming porch defines the entry, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court. The living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The grand screened porch, designed for living, dining, and cooking, features a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring, making outdoor living central to the home’s design. Inside, vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry, and a Lacanche range anchor the living and kitchen areas. Thoughtful details such as herringbone wood flooring, terra cotta tile, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper, and vintage-inspired penny round tiles bring charm and character throughout. A bespoke Gulf Coast modern color palette and decorative lighting crafted from brass, blackened bronze, and white enamel unify the vintage and modern elements. Designed to stand the test of time, Watersound will remain just as timeless and relevant 100 years from now, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship and enduring grace.

Designed as an elegant gathering space for multiple generations, this luxury organic modern dining room balances timeless sophistication with everyday functionality. Warm wood tones, layered textures, curated lighting, and a calming neutral color palette create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere ideal for family dinners, holiday celebrations, and entertaining. Thoughtfully selected performance materials and durable finishes ensure this beautiful space remains both practical and enduring, supporting the needs of a busy multigenerational household while maintaining an elevated, luxury aesthetic. The result is a timeless dining space designed to foster meaningful connection and create lasting memories for generations to come.

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

Set against the hills of Agoura Hills, this striking modern architectural home was styled to feel warm, livable, and quietly sophisticated. When first invited to complement the home’s incredible design vision, our team embraced the opportunity to bring an added layer of comfort and livability to the clean architectural lines and dramatic indoor-outdoor flow. Organic textures, layered furnishings, and relaxed contemporary accents were thoughtfully selected to enhance the home’s natural light, strong connection to the landscape, and overall sense of modern California living — allowing the architecture itself to remain the true focal point.

One Raven is a truely unique project that pushes the boundaries of urban density without losing heritage roots. Located in the heart of North Vancouver‘s up and coming moodyville neighbourhood, One Raven will be a beacon on E 3rd. With one of the last remaining heritage buildings on the front of the lot, the project consists of a NetZero high-performance infill duplex, each complete with its suite. This will add 4 new livable units in an infill laneway format with the heritage home complementing the site. The project is built to Level 5 of the BC Energy Step Code meaning it is already at the energy targets for all buildings in 2032, 13 years early! This spectacular and unique project was designed by the talented architect Tina Hubert at Design Studio 8. The passive house inspired townhouses and suites will be accessed via an internal courtyard bi-secting the lot in an east-west orientation parallel to the street. A circulation corridor oriented north-south will be accessed from the sidewalk at the existing stone retaining wall and concrete stair. The site design creates private open spaces yet also fosters connection to the semi-private realm of the inner courtyard. Each townhouse will have access to ground level patios, gardens, balconies and roof decks. The exterior walls are “super” insulated walls that are 12” or more thick with a focus on air-tight detailing. High performance triple pane windows are oriented southward to maximize solar gain in winter and rely on shading devices in the summer. All other windows are located to promote natural ventilation and to reduce energy losses. The highly air-tight building (0.93 ACH) utilizes heat recovery ventilation system to exhaust air and bring in fresh air. The building is designed to be compact with a reduced surface area. Maximizing on-site infiltration and rainwater collection will help manage storm water runoff. Ground-oriented landscape lighting and low planting along pathways and lot lines encourage visibility and overlook. The architecture of the building is uniquely modern and clearly establishes it‘s identity, through horizontal and vertical rectilinear forms, asymmetrical window placement, slim profile detailing, standing seam metal cladding, heritage coloured siding, and architectural panelized guardrails.

One Raven is a truely unique project that pushes the boundaries of urban density without losing heritage roots. Located in the heart of North Vancouver‘s up and coming moodyville neighbourhood, One Raven will be a beacon on E 3rd. With one of the last remaining heritage buildings on the front of the lot, the project consists of a NetZero high-performance infill duplex, each complete with its suite. This will add 4 new livable units in an infill laneway format with the heritage home complementing the site. The project is built to Level 5 of the BC Energy Step Code meaning it is already at the energy targets for all buildings in 2032, 13 years early! This spectacular and unique project was designed by the talented architect Tina Hubert at Design Studio 8. The passive house inspired townhouses and suites will be accessed via an internal courtyard bi-secting the lot in an east-west orientation parallel to the street. A circulation corridor oriented north-south will be accessed from the sidewalk at the existing stone retaining wall and concrete stair. The site design creates private open spaces yet also fosters connection to the semi-private realm of the inner courtyard. Each townhouse will have access to ground level patios, gardens, balconies and roof decks. The exterior walls are “super” insulated walls that are 12” or more thick with a focus on air-tight detailing. High performance triple pane windows are oriented southward to maximize solar gain in winter and rely on shading devices in the summer. All other windows are located to promote natural ventilation and to reduce energy losses. The highly air-tight building (0.93 ACH) utilizes heat recovery ventilation system to exhaust air and bring in fresh air. The building is designed to be compact with a reduced surface area. Maximizing on-site infiltration and rainwater collection will help manage storm water runoff. Ground-oriented landscape lighting and low planting along pathways and lot lines encourage visibility and overlook. The architecture of the building is uniquely modern and clearly establishes it‘s identity, through horizontal and vertical rectilinear forms, asymmetrical window placement, slim profile detailing, standing seam metal cladding, heritage coloured siding, and architectural panelized guardrails.

Moving to the master bedroom and bathroom, we created a completely new layout that enlarged the size of the vanities, added a makeup area, and added an extra large shower. The shower and tub are incorporated together in a ‘wet room’ concept, making the space feel open, connected, and cohesive. The walk in concept, with large bench and single pane of glass lead to easy cleaning and maintenance. This spa-like design concept has taken off in recent years, and we were thrilled to make this a reality for these homeowners. The mix of blues and greys is consistent with the rest of the home, while remaining a unique and personal.

Anchoring the living and dining spaces, the sleek double-sided gas fireplace serves as both a dramatic focal point and an architectural divider. Clad in textured porcelain tile, the vertical feature draws the eye upward while adding modern sophistication. A seamlessly integrated Frame TV remains visible from multiple vantage points, enhancing both functionality and flow. The fireplace subtly defines each space without sacrificing openness, preserving the airy, connected atmosphere that makes the home ideal for both entertaining and everyday living.

We staged this contemporary Scottsdale residence to complement its clean architecture, luxury finishes, and expansive mountain views. The furnishings were selected to keep the home feeling elevated but comfortable, using soft neutrals, warm woods, sculptural shapes, and subtle contrast throughout. In the main living areas, we kept the furniture placement open and intentional so the sightlines, natural light, and indoor-outdoor connection remained the focus. Each space was staged to help buyers understand the scale and function of the home, from the open living and dining areas to the office and additional gathering spaces. The goal was to support the architecture rather than compete with it, while giving the property a finished, inviting feel.

The Glenhill house settles gracefully into a mature pine forest, its form composed as a quiet study of light, proportion, and crafted detail. A two-story residence lifted above a drive-through garage, it is designed as a sequence of framed views — each room capturing the vertical rhythm of pines, shifting daylight, and the subtle movement of the landscape. Boundaries dissolve as floor-to-ceiling glass opens living spaces to broad terraces and cantilevered balconies, allowing the forest to inhabit the interior as much as the residents inhabit the site. A finely tuned steel frame enables deep overhangs and slender structural lines, giving the house its floating clarity. These long spans soften the transition between indoors and out, casting calibrated shadows across stone floors and hand-finished wood surfaces. Every junction, from the precision-cut steel connections to the custom millwork, reflects an elevated commitment to craft. Materials are chosen not only for their beauty but for the way they register light—the warmth of timber, the quiet solidity of stone, the reflective sheen of metal. The owner’s collection of art integrates seamlessly into the architectural language. Display walls and open sightlines turn circulation paths into gallery promenades, while the garage level becomes both threshold and exhibition space for the automobile collection. At dusk, the home glows lantern-like within the pines, revealing a composition where structure, material, and nature are held in delicate balance. It is a dwelling shaped less as an object in the woods and more as a crafted extension of the forest itself. The project began with an unexpected challenge: the original lot, once selected for its beauty, became untenable when neighboring homeowners objected to the presence of a modern house. Rather than compromise the vision, the team embraced a new site, one even more deeply woven into the pine forest, and treated the change as an opportunity to refine the project’s relationship to nature and craft. Working within a densely wooded parcel required choreography as much as construction. Limited access routes, the need to preserve mature trees, and the precision demands of steel erection shaped a carefully phased process. Contractors navigated the site with restraint, placing each piece of steel like a line of poetry between trunks. The resulting frame, powerful yet minimal, was later infilled with lumber to create a hybrid system — efficient, warm, and capable of carrying cantilevers far beyond what wood alone could achieve. These extended overhangs became the project’s quiet gesture of shelter and shadow. Collaboration with the interior designer was integral to the home’s harmony. Together, the team refined material transitions so stone, wood, and metal could pass from exterior to interior with a single visual glance. Craftsmanship elevated everyday moments: concealed hardware, sculpted millwork, and the sourcing of a solid limestone soaking tub, carved from a single block, all contribute to the home’s sense of intentional calm. What emerged is a house shaped by constraint, strengthened by collaboration, and refined through an unwavering commitment to detail — an architectural refuge where complexity was transformed into clarity, and obstacles into opportunities for deeper expression. Material selection became an essential extension of the home’s design philosophy, reinforcing the crafted clarity of each space. Hand-selected stone slabs were book-matched for the fireplace and bath walls, creating veined compositions that read like natural murals. Custom- built windows, engineered with specialty-coated glazing and rigorously pressure-tested, provide both protection and extraordinary visual transparency. Above, concealed truss framing houses recessed air diffusers and hidden shades, allowing ceilings to remain quiet and uninterrupted. The horizontal planes of the flat roof are achieved with a commercial-grade membrane system, delivering the crisp, modern silhouette the design demands. At the exterior, natural stone grounds the home to its site, stitching the architecture to the forest floor and rooting the dwelling in the land from which its materials are drawn.

Perched along the hillside of Via De La Paz, this residence is defined by the way it negotiates elevation. At its core, the project is an exploration of proportion and hierarchy — a multi-level home shaped by the site’s natural topography and oriented to capture ocean views. The design works with the constraints of the hillside, using changes in elevation to create a layered sequence of indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditional Spanish elements inform the overall character, while a more restrained approach keeps the home grounded and livable. Stone and stucco cladding, a tiled roof, and arched openings reference classic precedents, while steel doors and windows introduce a quieter transitional quality. The layout was designed to support California’s indoor–outdoor lifestyle without sacrificing intimacy. Terraces, balconies, and connected living spaces create openness, while the scale and flow of each level remain thoughtful and contained.