Butterfly Milkweed / Asclepias tuberosa
This is an example of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

The weeping branches of the Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis provide a dramatic focal point.
Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Boston.

This Waukesha bathroom remodel was unique because the homeowner needed wheelchair accessibility. We designed a beautiful master bathroom and met the client’s ADA bathroom requirements. Original Space The old bathroom layout was not functional or safe. The client could not get in and out of the shower or maneuver around the vanity or toilet. The goal of this project was ADA accessibility. ADA Bathroom Requirements All elements of this bathroom and shower were discussed and planned. Every element of this Waukesha master bathroom is designed to meet the unique needs of the client. Designing an ADA bathroom requires thoughtful consideration of showering needs. Open Floor Plan – A more open floor plan allows for the rotation of the wheelchair. A 5-foot turning radius allows the wheelchair full access to the space. Doorways – Sliding barn doors open with minimal force. The doorways are 36” to accommodate a wheelchair. Curbless Shower – To create an ADA shower, we raised the sub floor level in the bedroom. There is a small rise at the bedroom door and the bathroom door. There is a seamless transition to the shower from the bathroom tile floor. Grab Bars – Decorative grab bars were installed in the shower, next to the toilet and next to the sink (towel bar). Handheld Showerhead – The handheld Delta Palm Shower slips over the hand for easy showering. Shower Shelves – The shower storage shelves are minimalistic and function as handhold points. Non-Slip Surface – Small herringbone ceramic tile on the shower floor prevents slipping. ADA Vanity – We designed and installed a wheelchair accessible bathroom vanity. It has clearance under the cabinet and insulated pipes. Lever Faucet – The faucet is offset so the client could reach it easier. We installed a lever operated faucet that is easy to turn on/off. Integrated Counter/Sink – The solid surface counter and sink is durable and easy to clean. ADA Toilet – The client requested a bidet toilet with a self opening and closing lid. ADA bathroom requirements for toilets specify a taller height and more clearance. Heated Floors – WarmlyYours heated floors add comfort to this beautiful space. Linen Cabinet – A custom linen cabinet stores the homeowners towels and toiletries. Style The design of this bathroom is light and airy with neutral tile and simple patterns. The cabinetry matches the existing oak woodwork throughout the home.

Devil’s darning needles / Clematis virginiana
Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS The architect specified two butting/side by side 173.93 inch wide x 240.0 inch projection retractable canopy systems to be inserted in to a new steel frame structure. Each of the areas to be covered used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The system frame and guides specified are made entirely of aluminum which is powder coated using the Qualicoat® powder coating process. Custom color chosen for the guides by the Architect was RAL 9006 known as White Aluminum. The stainless steel components used were Inox (470LI and 316) which are of the highest quality and have an extremely high corrosion resistance. In fact, the components passed the European salt spray corrosion test as tested by Centro Sviluppo Materiali in Italy. Fabric is Ferrari 86 Color 2044 White, a fabric that is self-extinguishing (fire retardant). These retracting canopy systems has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 10 (up to 63 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A grey hood with end caps was requested for each end to prevent rain water (location is Alexandria, Virginia) from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile which runs from end to end in the rear of each section was necessary to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. The client chose to control the system with two remote controls, two white wall switches and two Somfy wind sensors. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT Our original contact was from the architect who requested two retractable systems that would attach to a new steel structure and that would meet local wind load requirements since the units are installed on the top of the building known as Metro Park VI. The architect wanted a contemporary, modern and very clean appearance and a product that would also meet International Building Code Requirements. The purpose of the project was to provide an area for shade, heat, sun, glare and UV protection but not rain protection thus the use of Soltis 86 sheer mesh fabric. The client stated to the Architect that the area was to be used for entertainment purposes in good weather conditions. UNIQUENESS AND COMPLEXITY OF THE PROJECT This project was a challenge since the steel structure was being built at the same time (simultaneously) as the retractable patio cover systems were being manufactured to meet a deadline therefore there was no room for error. In addition, removing all the extrusions, fabric etc. from the crate and hoisting them to the top of the building was indeed difficult but accomplished. PROJECT RESULTS The client is elated with the results of both retractable canopy cover systems. Along with landscaping, the exterior top floor of the Metro Park VI building was transformed and is truly a stunning example of design, function and aesthetics as can be seen in the pictures. Goal accomplished – All customer requirements were met including a contemporary, modern, stylish and very clean appearance along with providing shade, sun, UV, glare and heat reduction.

A little over a year ago my retaining wall collapsed by the entrance to my house bringing down several tons of soil on to my property. Not exactly my finest hour but I was determined to see as an opportunity to redesign the entry way that I have been less than happy with since I got the house. I wanted to build a structure together with a new wall I quickly learned it required foundation with cement caissons drilled all the way down to the bedrock. It also required 16 ft setbacks from the hillside. Neither was an option for me. After much head scratching I found the shed building ordinance that is the same for the hills that it is for the flatlands. The basics of it is that everything less than 120 ft, has no plumbing and with electrical you can unplug is considered a 'Shed' in the City of Los Angeles. A shed it is then. This is lead me the excellent high-end prefab shed builders called Studio Shed. I combined their structure with luxury vinyl flooring from Amtico and the 606 Universal Shelving System from Vitsoe. All the interior I did myself with my power army called mom and dad. I'm rather pleased with the result which has been dubbed the 'SheShed'

Virginia bluebells / Mertensia virginica Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden Photo credit: Lisa Francis Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Inspiration for a landscaping in Charlotte.

Creeping Indigo Bush (Dalea greggii)
Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Naked buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum). Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds
This is an example of a landscaping in San Francisco.

Field pussytoes / Antennaria neglecta
This is an example of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

angelita daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis) syn. (Hymenoxys acaulis)
Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Photo: Matt Lavin, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Cleome serrulata
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

Carex brevior / Shortbeak Sedge Photo: Frank Mayfield, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
Inspiration for a landscaping in Other.

Landmark Photography
Example of a transitional exterior home design in Minneapolis

Photo by Ellen Sousa/THB Farm
This is an example of a landscaping in Boston.

Kitchen, laundry, mudroom, and bathroom remodel plus addition replacement by Minneapolis / St. Paul-based McDonald Remodeling. See more examples of our work and learn more at www.mcdonaldremodeling.com.

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

This is an example of a small traditional drought-tolerant and shade backyard stone garden path in New York for spring.