Our client saw our Miraloma Modern project and fell head over heels — to the extent that they inquired about replicating the design for their home. We honed in on elements they loved about the Miraloma Modern project and created a new design that incorporates their specific design perspective for a modern, yet timeless kitchen that felt down to earth. Her love for woods and an interesting backsplash served as the jumping off point for the project. The lilac marble backsplash and countertops pushed the clients' design sensibilities. Although theyt did not initially plan to incorporate violet tones into the kitchen, the couple both (naturally) loved the color. The dramatic lilac veining is juxtaposed with the client’s proclivity for handcrafted works, including the Bantam Mini Ceramic Pendants by Dumais Made that are positioned above the island and the hand-blown Smoke Glass Arc Pendant by Allied Maker in the Breakfast Room. Soft, wood elements are found throughout the space with the refinished existing oak wood floors and custom white oak cabinetry, while subtle nods to wood are found in the lighting fixtures.

A kitchen made to display recipe books, flowers and brightly colored vegetables. We took the sunny, eclectic nature of our client and ran with it, using Lyptus cabinets, rich red oak floors, Copper Meteorite Satin granite countertops, and splashes of color throughout. Photos by Aaron Ziltener

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character. ​ The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs. ​ Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette. ​ The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored. ​ With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality. ​ This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.

Michael J. Lee
Inspiration for a timeless light wood floor and beige floor hallway remodel in Boston with beige walls

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a farmhouse entryway remodel in New York

Designed and Remodeled by Stewart Thomas Design Build. Ceiling beams are Helmholtz resonators, a sound absorbing/canceling device custom designed by an audio engineer. Rift Cut Quarter Sawn Walnut slab cabinets with white quartz counters. Cabinet handles made by EPCO. Frosted glass upper cabinet doors. Barstools made by Room and Board. Fleetwood door Photography by Scott Basile

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

The Cook house at The Sea Ranch was designed to meet the needs an active family with two young children, who wanted to take full advantage of coastal living. As The Sea Ranch reaches full build-out, the major design challenge is to create a sense of shelter and privacy amid an expansive meadow and between neighboring houses. A T-shaped floor plan was positioned to take full advantage of unobstructed ocean views and create sheltered outdoor spaces . Windows were positioned to let in maximum natural light, capture ridge and ocean views , while minimizing the sight of nearby structures and roadways from the principle spaces. The interior finishes are simple and warm, echoing the surrounding natural beauty. Scuba diving, hiking, and beach play meant a significant amount of sand would accompany the family home from their outings, so the architect designed an outdoor shower and an adjacent mud room to help contain the outdoor elements. Durable finishes such as the concrete floors are up to the challenge. The home is a tranquil vessel that cleverly accommodates both active engagement and calm respite from a busy weekday schedule.

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

alexander michael
Living room - industrial living room idea in New York

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

UltraMedia featured in Electronic House magazine: "Reaching this point of acoustical nirvana required plenty of calculations, CAD drawings and calibration, says Mike Brock of custom electronics design and installation firm UltraMedia, Richardson, Texas. His company worked directly with the manufacturer—Auralex—to make sure every inch of wall surface, both inside and out, was covered with the perfect type and amount of acoustical material. “We sent the room dimensions and the planned locations of the video projector, speakers and other equipment to the engineers at Auralex,” Brock explains. Using this information, the company was able to specify products and determine their proper placement. “This was the first time where I actually had the manufacturer come down and take an active role in the project and it really worked to everyone’s advantage,” Brock continues. Home-Theater-Wolf-Projector.jpg Auralex’s help with the design of the acoustical treatments afforded Brock the time to implement other sound-enhancing solutions. For example, he filled the hollow metal legs of the bar with sand to prevent them from resonating during loud passages in movie soundtracks. A thick, heavily padded carpet was added, and the general contractor constructed the shell of the room with sound-reducing drywall and installed a solid core door to prevent audio from seeping out into other areas of the house. Lastly, the sound system was calibrated. Unlike many acoustically treated theaters, where the speakers are installed within the walls and covered with special fabric, in this room UltraMedia kept the nine Vienna Acoustic speakers completely exposed. The front three Vienna Acoustics Klimt Music speakers (as well as two REL sub bass units) were positioned on the floor, and the back six speakers were mounted to the surface of the walls. “The cherry in this theater are the Klimts,” says Brock. “We really dialed them in for the best possible sound.” By “dialing in,” Brock means using his and his team’s critical listening skills to position the speakers properly, then using the Integra receiver’s built-in Audyssey technology (a combination of sophisticated software and microphones) to calibrate the speakers to compensate for any acoustical anomalies. The end result: audio perfection." Photo credit: UltraMedia, Inc.

Van Buren Lofts, a paper mill renovated into condo units in 2007, targets Chicago's young professional demographic with its chic urban loft feel and dog-friendly policy. When new owner Foxford Development arrived on the scene in 2011, they realized that the basic elements - great architecture and amenities - were in place, but buyers were having trouble imagining how to fully utilize the interior spaces. Mary Cook Associates was invited to design this two-bedroom model unit, emphasizing multifuntionality and the fresh, vibrant design accents that resonate with home buyers in this area.

This 1500 SF house in the Catskill Mountains is positioned on a gentle slope of rolling farmland and opens to sweeping views of the steep and thickly forested surrounding hillsides. The building uses subtle reinterpretations of vernacular vocabulary to emphasize and participate in the iconic and arcadian beauty of the local context. An intersection of two simple masses with matching pitched roofs is nestled into the hillside, creating a sheltered area between them as it embraces the valley beyond. The most resonant elements of local built vocabulary–timber frames, natural wood sided forms, and field stone masses–are set against simple interior finishes to underscore the beauty and craftsmanship of the construction techniques and to allow light and space to be focal. A loft and a master bedroom suite give way to a dramatic main volume and hearth generating a feeling of expansiveness within an otherwise efficient and lean program. Time-tested sustainable techniques of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and extensive use of local materials are teamed with newer technologies: SIP construction, radiant heating, high-efficiency appliances and lighting to achieve substantial reductions of the building’s carbon footprint. The house easily achieved Level II Energy Star Certification and scored high in LEED analysis.

ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award
 PROJECT: Leunter Commons CLIENT: Case Western Reserve University ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Stantec CONTRACTOR: Krill Co., Inc. ENGINEERS: Thorson Baker & Associates, Inc.; Karpinski Engineering, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: Jason Meyer of Feinkkopf Photography DESCRIPTION: Originally designed in 1963, Leunter Commons exemplified mid-century modern architecture. While the building had undergone updates over the decades, there were many factors that necessitated a renovation. These challenges were addressed while acknowledging the original building’s architecture and context. The new construction was designed as an extension, rather than an addition, by maintaining the original material palette, rhythm, proportions, sightlines, and the expression of horizontality of the existing building. JURY COMMENTS: This project is simple and self-confident, commensurate with the existing building. The enhancements are function driven influenced by the architecture of the building. The solution shows great restraint and did not overreach. The project is transformational while positively engaging its campus context. There is a very nice resonance between the building and the program.