MONTECITO, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Casa de Casey takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

Fumed Larch sequenced match Vanity with flat panel doors. Vessel sink.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist bathroom design in Sacramento with a wall-mount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Kevin Wells, www.kevinwellsphoto.com
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Portland.

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

A soft silk and linen blend fabric that has small sequence was used to create these simply elegant window treatments.
Enclosed dining room - large transitional dark wood floor, exposed beam and wainscoting enclosed dining room idea in New York with beige walls

Master bedroom addition | The original home had many of the features that you would expect from the 1950's: expert craftsmanship, beautiful hardwood floors, and understated charm; but also a small secluded kitchen, small windows, and small closets. The renovated home features a master bedroom addition with windows designed to capture the views of the stunning site, a master bathroom with a lofted ceiling, walk-in shower and soaking tub, a new kitchen addition, and a 2nd floor bedroom expansion. The redesign also provided clarity to the entry sequence.

Occupying a prominent property in Notting Hill, the brief for this 120 sq m apartment was to rationalise a sequence of disconnected spaces in order to create a coherent design. The palette of materials is restrained in order to provide a neutral backdrop for the client’s collection of furniture and artworks. High quality finishes and detailing include shadow gaps, full height door apertures, concealed storage and limed oak flooring, together with a library area equipped with bespoke storage to display books and objets d’art. A notable feature of the apartment is the corner ‘rotunda’, now accommodating a shower-room; the rotunda’s roof structure has been exposed to add architectural interest. Throughout the apartment, great care has been taken to maximise natural light

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Set on a unique corner lot overlooking the water in Golden Beach this home was designed as a sequence of experiences that frame the beautiful views and lead to a seamless transition between interior and exterior architecture.

Our client built a striking new home on the east slope of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. To complement the clean lines of the facade we designed a simple, elegant landscape that sets off the home rather than competing with the bold architecture. Soft grasses offer contrast to the natural stone veneer, perennials brighten the mood, and planters add a bit of whimsy to the arrival sequence. On either side of the main entry, roof runoff is dramatically routed down the face of the home in steel troughs to biofilter planters faced in stone. Around the back of the home, a small “leftover” space was transformed into a cozy patio terrace with bluestone slabs and crushed granite underfoot. A view down into, or across the back patio area provides a serene foreground to the beautiful views to Lake Washington beyond. Collaborating with Thielsen Architects provided the owners with a sold design team--working together with one voice to build their dream home. Photography by Miranda Estes

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Located on a waterfront lot, this home was designed as a narrative of the family’s love for green, quiet and light infused spaces. The use of natural materials in its architecture emphasizes the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, while a sequence of private/public spaces lead to an oversized cantilevered overhang that integrates the interior living area to the landscape.

Custom Cabinetry by Homestead Cabinet and Furniture Designer: Daniel Schaefer Wood Species: Calico Hickory Finish: Natural with Horizontal Sequencing Door Style: Flat Panel Photography: Joe Kusumoto Countertop Details: Cambria Torquay

This Hamptons estate lighting project was designed to elevate both the architecture and the surrounding landscape through a fully integrated outdoor lighting plan. Every element—from the entry gate to the front façade and garden pathways—was strategically illuminated to create a cohesive, layered nighttime experience. Warm, low-voltage lighting highlights key architectural features of the home while guiding movement through the property with subtle pathway and driveway illumination. Uplighting was used to accent specimen trees and structured plantings, adding depth and dimension without overpowering the space. The front entry sequence was designed to feel inviting and balanced, with lighting reinforcing symmetry and enhancing curb appeal. The

Entrance Transition Spaces The outdoor space between the street and the front door is the start of the entrance to your home. This sequence of spaces differentiates between public and private areas. The street is the start of an intimacy gradient that extends to your front door and into your home. This transition from the street to the inside of your home should be a tranquil experience, slowing you down after experiencing automobile traffic on the interstate highway and the challenges of the day. Creating an entrance transition from the street to the front door and inside your house can create a space with a feeling of calm. Having your front door open directly to the street, you overlook the opportunity to create a graceful arrival to your home. The experience of entering your home and passing through an outdoor room between the street and the front door influences the way you feel once inside. If the transition is too abrupt, there is no feeling of arrival and once inside the quality of an intimate privacy doesn’t exist. The important thing is that an actual physical outdoor space exists between the street and the front door. The essential quality of creating this place is defining the space and to create a sense of enclosure, with a change in surroundings and view, while emphasizing a variation in the light, sound, path direction and surface texture. Below are some considerations you may want to think about in the design phase of the project: • Define a space or path extending from the street to the front door. Think about the transition as an actual space or outdoor room rather than just going from point “A” to “B”. Create a sense of enclosure with a gate or garden wall. • As this space is shaped, think about changes in level and direction in the walking surface at points of significance. • Activate all the senses as you pass through this outdoor entrance room. Create calming sounds with chimes or water. Introduce smells with fragrant flowers and bushes. Provide a Zen view at a change in direction or stopping point on the path. Vary the amount of light with a trellis. Change the texture and size of the paths surface material. • Change the scale of the path. Create a space at the street and just outside the front door for greeting or saying goodbye to guests. Create a space in the middle of the path as a point of reflection while looking towards a Zen view. If done well, the outdoor entrance room you created between the front door and the street will feel comfortable arriving and leaving. This will be a remarkable addition to your home. Photo credit: Bill Sanders

Two full bathroom remodels completed back to back in the same home — sequenced deliberately so the homeowner could stay comfortable and keep living in the house throughout the entire project. No displacement, no hotels, just smart scheduling and clean jobsite management. Both bathrooms were taken down to the studs and rebuilt with a modern look and fully upgraded features — walk-in showers, heated floors, heated towel bars, and all new fixtures, tile, and finishes throughout. The kind of transformation where nothing from before carries over except the walls.

This home is in Noe Valley, a highly desirable and growing neighborhood of San Francisco. As young highly-educated families move into the area, we are remodeling and adding on to the aging homes found there. This project remodeled the entire existing two story house and added a third level, capturing the incredible views toward downtown. The design features integral color stucco, zinc roofing, an International Orange staircase, eco-teak cabinets and concrete counters. A flowing sequence of spaces were choreographed from the entry through to the family room.

A Spanish alabaster linear chandelier defines this warm modern entryway with sculptural clarity and soft architectural balance. Suspended above the transitional foyer space, the elongated pendant introduces a calm horizontal rhythm that visually extends the natural wood paneling and geometric staircase composition. Six oval alabaster modules diffuse light through natural stone veining, creating a warm, glare-softened glow ideal for welcoming sequences and quiet luxury interiors. The refined brass structure provides subtle contrast against neutral materials while reinforcing the fixture’s contemporary architectural presence. Designed for modern homes, penthouse entryways, and curated residential projects, this organic modern lighting concept demonstrates how linear proportion and natural materials can shape spatial perception. The result is an entry environment that feels intentional, layered, and quietly expressive — where light becomes part of the architectural narrative.

Custom Cabinetry by Homestead Cabinet and Furniture Designer: Daniel Schaefer Wood Species: Calico Hickory Finish: Natural with Horizontal Sequencing Door Style: Flat Panel Photography: Joe Kusumoto Countertop Details: Cambria Torquay

This enclave on 73rd Street is one of Manhattan’s undiscovered gems, with pre-war buildings on each side creating a Romanesque streetscape. The interiors on the other hand have very minimal detailing. Our client purchased a studio and a two bedroom apartment, which we combined into a formal sequence of spaces. We worked closely with them to develop an open axial plan, with ease of flow for elegant entertaining. The intersection of the two apartments occurs at what is now the dining room, the center of the house. We re-centered the asymmetrical beam locations which gave us the opportunity to install dramatic spot lighting. The apartment has views north and courtyard exposures so we bathed it in saturated colors incorporating venetian plaster and combed painted finishes. ‘ALL PHOTOS BY ETHELIND COBLIN ARCHITECT. P.C.’

Entry courtyard / walkway sequence.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary white one-story exterior home remodel in Albuquerque