A new deck isn’t just for looks, it might be necessary to keep you safe! The old wood retaining wall was ready to collapse into the driveway and the deck was not only an eyesore, but had become a safety issue. We replaced the deck and added a stone retaining wall, creating the perfect space for flowers and shrubs.

A new deck isn’t just for looks, it might be necessary to keep you safe! The old wood retaining wall was ready to collapse into the driveway and the deck was not only an eyesore, but had become a safety issue. We replaced the deck and added a stone retaining wall, creating the perfect space for flowers and shrubs.

Before picture of a stained wood deck with flagstone bench seating. The structural posts were rotted and beginning to be a safety concern. Also, the homeowner complained of it being to hot and sunny for hosting BBQ's and house parties. A pergola was recommended to remedy both issues.

This design was for an elderly client with slight mobility issues., We had a very tight space off of the bedroom. Several design and safety elements were incorporated into this project to make it more adapted.

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

This design was for an elderly client with slight mobility issues., We had a very tight space off of the bedroom. Several design and safety elements were incorporated into this project to make it more adapted.

Jayme Burrows
Inspiration for a small transitional light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with gray walls and no fireplace

A small front yard designed and constructed by Southern Landscape. Prior to construction, this short, steep slope up from the street was both an erosion and safety issue. The only access was down the steep driveway. Southern Landscape designed and installed a series of retaining walls to minimize erosion and a custom staircase to provide access to the street and mailbox.

We renovated a condo in Pompano Beach, Florida in a 55+ building. This unit included the over haul of 2 full baths, a half bath, and the kitchen. This included making sure we addressed safety issues throughout so our clients could enjoy the space for years to come.

9x10 feet walk-in closet! The face wall featuring two rows of drawers . The small jewelry drawers on top is used for but not limited to jewelries , glasses and wallets. By adding an extra shelf over the double hangers at the back , we created extra storage spaces . The small window is not covered due to safety issues.

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Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

We renovated a condo in Pompano Beach, Florida in a 55+ building. This unit included the over haul of 2 full baths, a half bath, and the kitchen. This included making sure we addressed safety issues throughout so our clients could enjoy the space for years to come.

We renovated a condo in Pompano Beach, Florida in a 55+ building. This unit included the over haul of 2 full baths, a half bath, and the kitchen. This included making sure we addressed safety issues throughout so our clients could enjoy the space for years to come.

This shower was designed to provide independence and safety for an 87 year old while showering. The curbless shower entrance enables her to use her walker to get into the shower. Well placed grab bars and a slide bar hand held shower also make this shower safe and beautiful for her.

A small front yard designed and constructed by Southern Landscape. Prior to construction, this short, steep slope up from the street was both an erosion and safety issue. The only access was down the steep driveway. Southern Landscape designed and installed a series of retaining walls to minimize erosion and a custom staircase to provide access to the street and mailbox.

Previously in this space was a wide tub that was unusable because of safety issues getting in and out. My client likes to soak in the tub and read so we selected a deeper model that was narrow enough to be safe to get in and out of but large enough to be comfortable. Contemporary grab bars insure safety. Photo credits by Patricia Bean

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover