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With nearly 14,000 square feet of transparent planar architecture, In Plane Sight, encapsulates — by a horizontal bridge-like architectural form — 180 degree views of Paradise Valley, iconic Camelback Mountain, the city of Phoenix, and its surrounding mountain ranges.
Large format wall cladding, wood ceilings, and an enviable glazing package produce an elegant, modernist hillside composition.
The challenges of this 1.25 acre site were few: a site elevation change exceeding 45 feet and an existing older home which was demolished. The client program was straightforward: modern and view-capturing with equal parts indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Though largely open, the architecture has a remarkable sense of spatial arrival and autonomy. A glass entry door provides a glimpse of a private bridge connecting master suite to outdoor living, highlights the vista beyond, and creates a sense of hovering above a descending landscape. Indoor living spaces enveloped by pocketing glass doors open to outdoor paradise.
The raised peninsula pool, which seemingly levitates above the ground floor plane, becomes a centerpiece for the inspiring outdoor living environment and the connection point between lower level entertainment spaces (home theater and bar) and upper outdoor spaces.
Project Details: In Plane Sight
Architecture: Drewett Works
Developer/Builder: Bedbrock Developers
Interior Design: Est Est and client
Photography: Werner Segarra
Awards
Room of the Year, Best in American Living Awards 2019
Platinum Award – Outdoor Room, Best in American Living Awards 2019
Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom Home or Spec 6,001 – 8,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards 2019

This super-efficient European-style closet mixes warm tones with high-gloss accents for a stunning effect.
• European-inspired Virtuoso system creates a modern look.
• Lago® Milano Grey finish adds to the modern feel.
• High-gloss, solid acrylic Parapan drawer faces in Cappuccino finish offer a sleek and light touch to the color palette.
• Matte Aluminum poles add texture and hanging space.
• Push-to-open drawer hardware ensures ease of use.
• Minimalist design offers elegant yet straightforward storage and organization.

Vistafolia® was able to provide an inexpensive, realistic solution that would remove all the time and effort from a living green wall. Once up, the panels do not require any ongoing maintenance and certainly no unreliable irrigation systems, and the market-leading 5-year warranty gives our client reassurance and complete peace of mind that it will stay looking its best for a long time to come.
Most importantly for the client, the straightforward nature of VistaFolia’s installation process meant that the artificial green wall was able to go up in no time, ensuring no unsightly gaps in the fence. The client achieved a truly authentic finish. The green wall goes hand in hand with the flowers and plants of the garden, without anyone suspecting the wall to be artificial.
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Photo by Jim Raycroft
Our client for this project, an amateur pianist, wanted to create a music room for a nice new piano he was planning to purchase. The project scope would also include a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space, but the new piano was the priority.
LIFTING THE CEILING
The client was moving into a row house, and hoped to accommodate occasional gatherings of musician friends for informal recitals. Because acoustics were important we asked sound engineers from Acentech to visit the site. They noted that the ideal space would have higher ceilings and would be more like a cube than the “half a cube” we were dealing with. “How can we raise the ceiling and make the space a cube?” our client asked.
Designer Josy Raycroft started to explore the possibility of combining the second and third floor units by removing the front half of second floor ceiling, thereby opening up a 2-story music space in the shape of a nearly perfect cube. Thus, the project turned from a straightforward floor plan modification into a complete reimagining of the whole row house, with the client’s new Steinway D as the focal point. Josy and the client started with the piano and created the space around it.
ADDRESSING EVERYDAY NEEDS
For the client’s more mundane needs, Josy switched the location of the bathroom and kitchen—moving the bathroom towards the middle of the second floor where it would be convenient to the rest of the spaces, and placing the kitchen towards the back. The remainder of the third floor was transformed into bedroom and office space open to the music room below.
Products and finishes coordinator Karin Mahdavi worked with the client to select understated finishes for the living spaces so that they would support the piano room without competing with it. As a result the living spaces flow seamlessly into the piano space, creating a coherent whole out of the different parts, kind of like a Schubert piano sonata.

This modern floor lamp is simple in stature but rich in design details. Elements of antique gold among the solid white marble base elevate the lamp's straightforward shape, while a white linen drum shade adds volume to the delicate frame.

Location: Austin, Texas, United States
5,400 sf house in the Texas Hill Country outside Austin. The house sits that the start of a narrow ravine that opens up to views of the hills to the north. The entry and approach to the house is purposely modest and the house reveals itself as one enters. The great room features 10' tall sliding glass doors and a 14' high ceiling.
James Bruce Photography

The Home
The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

Photo by Jim Raycroft
Our client for this project, an amateur pianist, wanted to create a music room for a nice new piano he was planning to purchase. The project scope would also include a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space, but the new piano was the priority.
LIFTING THE CEILING
The client was moving into a row house, and hoped to accommodate occasional gatherings of musician friends for informal recitals. Because acoustics were important we asked sound engineers from Acentech to visit the site. They noted that the ideal space would have higher ceilings and would be more like a cube than the “half a cube” we were dealing with. “How can we raise the ceiling and make the space a cube?” our client asked.
Designer Josy Raycroft started to explore the possibility of combining the second and third floor units by removing the front half of second floor ceiling, thereby opening up a 2-story music space in the shape of a nearly perfect cube. Thus, the project turned from a straightforward floor plan modification into a complete reimagining of the whole row house, with the client’s new Steinway D as the focal point. Josy and the client started with the piano and created the space around it.
ADDRESSING EVERYDAY NEEDS
For the client’s more mundane needs, Josy switched the location of the bathroom and kitchen—moving the bathroom towards the middle of the second floor where it would be convenient to the rest of the spaces, and placing the kitchen towards the back. The remainder of the third floor was transformed into bedroom and office space open to the music room below.
Products and finishes coordinator Karin Mahdavi worked with the client to select understated finishes for the living spaces so that they would support the piano room without competing with it. As a result the living spaces flow seamlessly into the piano space, creating a coherent whole out of the different parts, kind of like a Schubert piano sonata.

A fully tiled walk-in shower with large-format charcoal tile, a built-in bench, hex mosaic floor tile, and a recessed niche. The details here are straightforward and well-executed, the kind of shower that holds up over time.

Simple flagstone entry to a very small townhouse in Old Town Alexandria. Simple straightforward line allows direct access to entry while the expanse to the left allows fro some user space in the front yard. Again shows my 'age' as this was completed over 25 years ago!

Enhance your Huntington Beach home with Katz Design & Builders! We mix Huntington Beach's laid-back vibe with modern style for cool, sturdy spaces. Enjoy a straightforward process from beginning to end. Think about giving your home a fresh look that wows guests and family. Contact us to start your project. Have a great weekend! Katz Design & Builders – where style is simple and chic!

A modern home with traditional forms and straightforward detailing combines painted brick, lap siding and antique wood structural elements to create a one-of-a-kind home on a 2.4 acre relatively flat lot. A circular drive partially screened by low brick walls and strategically placed landscaping brings you onto the site where one can make a stop at the porte-cochère drop off on their way to the garage or continue to a welcoming front porch. This 2-story home has 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths with 6,125 sq. ft. of conditioned spaces and a total of 9,731 sq. ft. under roof.
As you enter an intimate sized foyer, there’s a dining room to the right that opens to the kitchen and features a large picture window facing the front yard with a ceiling with white oak beams. Straight ahead you’re led to a living room that features a pre-cast stone fireplace mantle and painted coffered ceilings. It is part of a great room with a kitchen and large island that continues with white oak accents in some of the cabinetry. Pairs of arched openings and a pocket door flank each end of the room leading to a scullery kitchen on one end and to guest bedroom and master bedroom suites on the other.
The outdoor cooking and living areas are conveniently located thru French doors right off the great room and a game room that is part of the house that extends into the back yard providing great access and views to a pool and a basketball sport court. An outdoor fireplace adds a cozy touch to a seating area that is next to the outdoor cooking and dining area.
The master bedroom suite is positioned to take advantage of views to the backyard and also has access to a back porch. Easy access is provided to a well-appointed master bath that leads to his and her closets. Upstairs there are 3 more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets. An office is also provided which is positioned above the dining room below so that it shares the continuation of the large picture window idea that affords beautiful views of the front yard and a lake across the street. A small common area located off the stair landing provides a place for the kids to hang out.

The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Clean lines, simple materials, and straightforward geometric forms are hallmarks of this modern kitchen design. The style is minimalist and pared-back, with a neutral color palette and little pattern or ornamentation. This kitchen was designed to be comfortable, functional, and personal.

This project features the Viking Pro XL 60″ Tall Vertical Cedar Cold Plunge, constructed from solid Western Red Cedar and installed on a finished patio surface.
The plunge is built using thick, full-length cedar staves secured with stainless steel compression bands, creating a strong and watertight structure without synthetic liners or plastic shells. The vertical design maximizes immersion depth while maintaining a compact footprint.
Western Red Cedar was selected for its natural resistance to moisture, mold, and decay. Its dimensional stability allows the structure to perform reliably through seasonal temperature changes, making it well suited for year-round outdoor use.
The unit includes a dedicated equipment compartment housing the circulation and temperature control system, designed for easy access and straightforward maintenance.
With proper care, solid cedar construction is built to last 15–20+ years outdoors, offering a durable and fully natural alternative to acrylic or plastic cold plunge tubs.

From a modest East End bungalow to a striking three-storey custom home — our Dundas St E project was anything but straightforward.
When we began demolition, we discovered the house sat on a former landfill site, which created serious structural challenges. Instead of seeing a problem, we saw an opportunity to apply innovative engineering. Our team designed and installed a foundation system using helical piles and structured footings, creating a rock-solid base for the new build. This project proves that no matter how complex the site conditions, smart design and skilled construction can transform challenges into stunning results. The proof? This home sold within two days of hitting the market.

From a modest East End bungalow to a striking three-storey custom home — our Dundas St E project was anything but straightforward.
When we began demolition, we discovered the house sat on a former landfill site, which created serious structural challenges. Instead of seeing a problem, we saw an opportunity to apply innovative engineering. Our team designed and installed a foundation system using helical piles and structured footings, creating a rock-solid base for the new build. This project proves that no matter how complex the site conditions, smart design and skilled construction can transform challenges into stunning results. The proof? This home sold within two days of hitting the market.
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