Location: Situated on Bunurong country near the town of Sorrento, the site was uniquely positioned between the back beach and the footy oval. The broad wedge-shaped site featured a steep vegetated dune climbing 6 meters to the rear and remnant coastal Moonah trees at the front, providing a distinctive natural context. Design Brief: The objective was to create an enduring 4-bedroom holiday house that harmonized with its coastal environment. The design was intended to be both stylish and robust, offering high amenity and serviceability. This house was envisioned as a long-term investment, serving the dual purpose of accommodating a growing family and functioning as a part-time rental property. Architectural Features: Contextual Integration: The architectural response meticulously respected and enhanced the site's natural features, seamlessly integrating the vegetated dune and preserving the Moonah trees within the landscape strategy. Materiality and Aesthetics: The material palette was selected for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal conditions while maintaining a refined and stylish appearance. This included the use of resilient, high-quality materials that age gracefully over time. Spatial Versatility: The spatial configuration was designed to adapt to the evolving needs of a growing family and the demands of a rental property. Flexible spaces were created to provide a balance between communal living areas and private retreats. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity: Emphasizing seamless indoor-outdoor connections, the design featured expansive glazing, outdoor terraces, and integrated landscaping to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. High Amenity and Comfort: The house boasted a laminate black-butt chef's kitchen, stone and tile surfaces, and state-of-the-art climate control systems, including integrated heating and cooling, to ensure year-round comfort and ease of maintenance. The architectural vision aimed to create a timeless residence that would serve as a cherished family retreat and a sought-after rental property, responding elegantly to its coastal context and the demands of modern living.

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Photography Robin Hill & Chance Stillman The renovation of this contemporary residence and garden is deeply inspired by its subtropical context, utilizing horizontal lines to ground the home and connect its occupants to nature. When considering how to make the most impactful intervention, the design team focused mainly on horizontal roof planes, subtropical landscaping and an abundance of clerestory windows that would all contribute to the home’s integration with its site. In contrast to the tropes of a Palm Beach traditional vernacular, this home seeks to re-establish itself within nature as a place for a young family. Architectural strategies included dematerializing the surrounding walls and expanding the roof eaves to connect the interior spaces with the surrounding gardens of the home. The site plan is organized around four main pavilions: A bedroom pavilion to the south, a cabana pavilion to the west, a garage pavilion to the north, and a central living pavilion. Each of the three pavilions engage with the central living space while still allowing nature to flow between them. The pavilions are organized around the pool deck, equipped with zero-edge detailing and layered subtropical landscaping. In this way the swimming pool doubles as a recreational component to the program but also as a mirror to expand views and reflect the surrounding landscape. A glass bridge serves as the garden threshold between the garage and the home. The renovated home and garden departs from its former Bahamian style and stands out within the community as a symbol for the future of architecture and landscape architecture within this quiet, ocean-front community. A residence derived from, and in response to, its user and environmental context; thus, re-establishing it with place. Scale 1 ACRE Scope HARDSCAPE, SWIMMING POOL + PLANTING DESIGN Year 2022 Architecture KODA Landscape Architecture LandFluent General Contractor PB Built Landscape Contractor Rood Landscape

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Effective residential construction project management is crucial in today’s fast-moving building industry. It means overseeing every step of building a home, from planning to finishing, to ensure projects are completed time, within budget, and with high quality. Unlike commercial projects, residential projects require special attention to meet homeowners' unique needs and wishes, requiring a customized approach from the beginning to the end. In 2025, the construction sector will use advanced technologies like AI and integrated project delivery (IPD) to streamline processes and improve stakeholder collaboration. However, project managers face significant challenges, including managing risks, maintaining quality control, and ensuring effective communication among team members. A WIP Report (Work-in-Progress Report) is a key tool that helps track a project's budget, progress, and resource use. It provides clear insights, making managing costs easier, avoiding delays, and making informed decisions. By adopting best practices and using modern construction management tools, project managers can overcome these challenges and deliver successful residential construction projects that meet client expectations and contribute to a sustainable future. This article provides a brief overview of residential construction project management, highlights its importance, and touches on the challenges faced by project managers while incorporating the latest trends and technologies in the field. Types of Residential Construction Management Here are the different types of Residential Construction Management: Single-Family Homes: These are standalone houses built for individual families. Managing these projects involves overseeing construction from planning to completion, ensuring that the home meets the owner's preferences and budget. Multi-Family Housing: This includes apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Projects of this type require managing multiple units, often with shared facilities, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. Custom Home Building: This involves constructing homes tailored to specific client needs. Close collaboration with architects and designers is required to ensure the house reflects the owner's personality and preferences. Home Renovation and Remodeling: These projects focus on updating or expanding existing homes. They often involve working with subcontractors for specialized tasks like electrical or plumbing work. Components of Residential Construction Project Management Managing a residential construction project requires carefully coordinating people, materials, and timelines. A well-structured approach ensures efficiency, cost control, and high-quality results. Roles and Responsibilities A project manager plays a vital role in residential construction. They oversee every step from planning to completion and ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards. Project Manager’s Role in Home Construction The project manager is responsible for organizing tasks, managing resources, and solving problems that arise during construction. They coordinate between different teams, track progress, and ensure safety regulations are followed. Collaboration with Contractors, Architects, and Stakeholders Successful residential construction requires teamwork. Project managers work closely with architects to bring designs to new heights, coordinate with contractors to manage labor and materials, and keep stakeholders (such as homeowners and investors) informed about project updates. Client Communication and Expectations Management Clear communication with clients is essential. The project manager keeps homeowners updated on timelines, changes, and challenges. Setting realistic expectations and providing regular updates, they help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project running smoothly. Project Scope & Planning Practical project planning sets the foundation for a successful residential construction project. It ensures clear goals, minimizes risks, and keeps the project on track. Defining Project Objectives and Deliverables: Clearly outlining what needs to be done and what the final result should look like is essential. This involves setting specific, measurable goals that align with the homeowner's vision and budget. Managing Homeowner Expectations and Scope Creep: Homeowners often have changing needs or ideas. Effective project managers must manage these expectations to prevent "scope creep," which can delay projects and increase costs. This involves open communication and setting clear boundaries. Ensuring Compliance with Zoning Laws and Permits: Before construction begins, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project complies with local zoning laws. This step avoids costly fines and delays, ensuring the project moves forward smoothly. Budgeting & Cost Control Proper budgeting is essential for keeping residential construction projects financially viable. Effective cost management prevents overspending and ensures profitability. Accurate Cost Estimation for Residential Projects A precise cost estimate considers labor, materials, permits, and unexpected expenses. Using historical data and Sage 300 CRE for financial management improves accuracy and helps set realistic budgets. Budget Allocation and Tracking Allocating funds efficiently ensures that each phase of the project receives the necessary resources. Tracking expenses through Construction & Financial Dashboards allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of budget deviations. Preventing Budget Overruns Uncontrolled costs can derail a project. Regular financial reviews, automated alerts for overspending, and contingency planning help keep expenses in check and prevent financial strain. Scheduling & Timeline Management Timely project completion is crucial in residential construction. Effective scheduling minimizes delays and ensures a smooth workflow. Creating Detailed Project Schedules A structured schedule outlines all tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Breaking down the project into phases, planning, execution, and finishing, helps maintain order and clarity. Preventing Delays & Meeting Deadlines Delays can result from labor shortages, weather conditions, or supply chain issues. To avoid problems, it’s good to check for risks ahead of time, add extra time to schedules, and keep everyone on the same page. Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Methods CPM for Construction helps identify critical activities that directly impact project completion, while Gantt charts provide a visual timeline of tasks. Both tools optimize scheduling and improve efficiency. Residential Construction Project Management Phases Managing a residential construction project effectively requires a structured approach through various phases. Each phase plays a critical role in ensuring the project's success, from initial planning to completion. Pre-Construction Phase The pre-construction phase sets the foundation for a smooth and efficient building process. Proper planning at this stage helps prevent costly changes and delays later. Site Analysis & Approvals: A thorough site analysis assesses soil conditions, topography, and environmental factors. Feasibility studies evaluate project viability, including costs and regulatory compliance. Obtaining zoning approvals, permits, and other legal clearances is crucial before breaking ground. Selecting Materials and Procurement Strategies: Choosing the right materials impacts durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency. A well-planned procurement strategy, including bulk purchasing and reliable supplier partnerships, ensures timely delivery and cost savings. Using Sage 300 CRE for procurement management helps streamline material sourcing and financial planning. Construction Phase The construction phase transforms plans into reality. Effective coordination and strict quality control ensure a successful build. Resource Allocation and Workflow Coordination: Efficiently managing labor, equipment, and materials is key to maintaining progress. Using CPM for Construction, project managers can allocate resources strategically, prevent bottlenecks, and optimize workflows for timely completion. Project Closeout & Handover The final phase of residential construction project management is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition from construction to occupancy. Proper closeout procedures guarantee quality, client satisfaction, and long-term project success. Final Inspections and Quality Assurance: Before finishing the project, a final inspection checks that everything meets safety rules and quality standards. Any problems need to be fixed quickly. Using Procore helps make inspections and tracking issues easier, ensuring a high-quality final product. Client Walkthrough and Support: A final check helps homeowners see the finished work, ask questions, and make sure it meets their expectations. This is also a chance to explain important home features and maintenance tips. Good communication here builds trust and strengthens relationships. Warranty Management and Feedback: Efficient warranty management ensures clients get quick help for any issues after construction. A clear process for tracking requests and keeping in touch with homeowners boosts satisfaction. Collecting feedback helps improve future projects. Using S-Curve Forecasting tracks performance trends and refines management strategies. Software for Residential Construction Project Management The integration of technology in residential construction project management has revolutionized the way projects are planned, executed, and monitored. Digital tools streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve communication, making them essential for modern construction firms. Importance of Digital Tools Investing in digital tools is crucial for construction firms as it transforms the industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. They also improve project management by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and facilitating real-time stakeholder communication. Top Construction Management Software for Residential Projects Several software solutions are available for managing residential construction projects: Procore: Known for its comprehensive project management features, including document management and collaboration tools. Sage 300 CRE: Offers robust accounting and financial management capabilities, ideal for large-scale construction projects. Buildertrend: Specializes in residential construction, providing tools for project scheduling, budgeting, and client communication. CoConstruct: Focuses on custom home building and remodeling, offering features for estimating, scheduling, and project management. WIP Reports: Useful for tracking work-in-progress and managing project finances effectively. Features Comparison and Best Use Cases: Procore: Best for large projects requiring extensive collaboration and document management. Sage 300 CRE: Ideal for firms needing robust financial management. Buildertrend: Suitable for residential builders focusing on client communication and project scheduling. CoConstruct: Perfect for custom home builders who need detailed estimating and scheduling tools. WIP Reports: Useful for firms needing to track project finances closely. How Software Improves Project Efficiency Construction management software significantly enhances project efficiency in several ways: Automating Accounting and Job Costing: Software like Sage 300 CRE automates financial tasks, reducing manual errors and improving budget tracking. Streamlining Document Management and Communication: Tools like Procore centralize documents and facilitate real-time communication among team members, reducing misunderstandings and delays. Mobile-Friendly Solutions for Real-Time Tracking: Mobile apps from platforms like Buildertrend allow for on-site access to project data, enabling real-time tracking and decision-making. These digital tools and software solutions are essential for modern residential construction project management, offering benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and better financial control. Challenges in Residential Construction Project Management Residential construction projects face a variety of challenges that can impact their success. Here are some of the key issues project managers encounter: Managing Subcontractors and Labor Shortages One of the biggest challenges in residential construction is managing subcontractors and dealing with labor shortages. Subcontractors often have their own schedules and priorities, which can lead to delays if not coordinated properly. Additionally, labor shortages can slow down projects and increase costs due to the need for overtime or hiring temporary workers. Budget Overruns and Unexpected Costs Budget overruns are common in residential construction due to factors like material price fluctuations, unexpected site conditions, or changes in project scope. Effective budget management involves regularly monitoring expenses and having contingency plans for unexpected costs. Changing Construction and Eco Rules Construction and Eco Rules are always changing, so project managers need to keep up with the latest regulations. This involves following guidelines for saving energy, protecting the environment, and ensuring safety. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even stopping the project. Best Practices To ensure your residential construction projects run smoothly and successfully, follow these essential best practices: Setting Clear Project Goals and Milestones Clearly defining what you want to achieve is the first step to success. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This helps everyone involved understand what needs to be done and by when. For example, instead of saying "build a house," say "build a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms within the next nine months." Stakeholder Collaboration Good communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page. Regular meetings with contractors, suppliers, and homeowners help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone knows what's happening and what's next. This open dialogue also helps resolve issues quickly, preventing small problems from becoming big delays. Using Data-Driven Insights for Decision-Making Making decisions based on facts rather than guesses is crucial. Use data and analytics to understand project progress, identify potential issues early, and make informed decisions. For instance, if data shows that a particular material is consistently causing delays, you can plan ahead to avoid those delays in the future. Proactive Risk Management Strategies Things don't always go as planned, so being prepared is essential. Identify potential risks early and have a plan to manage them. This might include having backup suppliers, planning for weather conditions, or setting aside extra funds for unexpected expenses. Being proactive can prevent small issues from turning into major problems. Conclusion Effective residential construction project management requires careful planning, clear communication, and the right digital tools. From single-family homes to multi-family housing and custom projects, managing timelines, budgets, and quality is essential for success. By following best practices, using project management software, and staying ahead of industry trends, project managers can ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction despite challenges like labor shortages, budget overruns, and regulatory compliance; modern technology and strategic planning help mitigate risks. Construction firms can improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and maintain financial control by adopting advanced tools like Procore, Sage 300 CRE, and Buildertrend. A well-managed project delivers a quality home and builds trust and long-term success in the industry. FAQs What is residential construction project management? It involves overseeing all aspects of building residential properties, from initial planning and design to construction and completion, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. How can I prevent budget overruns in my construction project? Accurate cost estimation, continuous budget tracking, and having contingency plans for unexpected expenses are key strategies to prevent budget overruns. What are the main stages of a residential construction project? The primary stages include design, pre-construction, procurement, and construction. How does construction management software improve project efficiency? It streamlines processes like scheduling, budgeting, and communication, providing real-time data access and collaboration among stakeholders, which enhances overall project efficiency. How can I ensure my project complies with local building codes and regulations? Engage professionals familiar with local laws, obtain all necessary permits before starting, and conduct regular inspections to ensure adherence to building codes and regulations.

Photography Robin Hill & Chance Stillman The renovation of this contemporary residence and garden is deeply inspired by its subtropical context, utilizing horizontal lines to ground the home and connect its occupants to nature. When considering how to make the most impactful intervention, the design team focused mainly on horizontal roof planes, subtropical landscaping and an abundance of clerestory windows that would all contribute to the home’s integration with its site. In contrast to the tropes of a Palm Beach traditional vernacular, this home seeks to re-establish itself within nature as a place for a young family. Architectural strategies included dematerializing the surrounding walls and expanding the roof eaves to connect the interior spaces with the surrounding gardens of the home. The site plan is organized around four main pavilions: A bedroom pavilion to the south, a cabana pavilion to the west, a garage pavilion to the north, and a central living pavilion. Each of the three pavilions engage with the central living space while still allowing nature to flow between them. The pavilions are organized around the pool deck, equipped with zero-edge detailing and layered subtropical landscaping. In this way the swimming pool doubles as a recreational component to the program but also as a mirror to expand views and reflect the surrounding landscape. A glass bridge serves as the garden threshold between the garage and the home. The renovated home and garden departs from its former Bahamian style and stands out within the community as a symbol for the future of architecture and landscape architecture within this quiet, ocean-front community. A residence derived from, and in response to, its user and environmental context; thus, re-establishing it with place. Scale 1 ACRE Scope HARDSCAPE, SWIMMING POOL + PLANTING DESIGN Year 2022 Architecture KODA Landscape Architecture LandFluent General Contractor PB Built Landscape Contractor Rood Landscape

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Designer: RG Design Studio Inc. GC: Westmark Construction Photography: Janis Nicolay
Example of a trendy master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and multicolored floor bathroom design in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and medium tone wood cabinets

The design strategy included working within the footprint created by the home and backyard, wanting to incorporate a swimming pool “destination” within the backyard that would be large enough to fit the “larger than life” criteria, but without taking away any of the natural beauty or obstructing the view of the horse pastures, barn and nature surrounding the home. Once the design work began, and the pool area was able to incorporate one of every feature the customer could have wanted, Curtis had some steel grates from a former tilt-a-whirl carnival ride that gave him the idea of suspending a stage over the pool. The initial idea was a modest stage with some waterfall/sheer decent features. With the idea of using steel to form the framework, the stage idea grew into something much more that would include a full stage set up, lighting trusses, a “green room” and staging area. Once the stage was designed to be so large, the pool size and scope needed to match including the patio surround, area underneath the stage, and all the additional features. The home architecture is a Ranch with a full finished walkout basement adjacent to the pool area. An existing deck had to be removed to allow for the pool build and new Trex deck, as well as a 3 story tall observation tower that overlooks the pool and surrounding horse pastures. The design strategy was to work within the footprint the house and decks provided to create an extension of the home for outdoor entertaining. Since the exterior of the house was quite long (and dull, the owner equating it to a 1970’s motel), our team needed to incorporate elements to make the space feel more like a backyard resort. The goal was maintaining a cozy at home feel in a grand expanse of space. It takes a team and a unique blend of artistry to build this project. Sandi Maki, co-owner of the company is responsible for the business side of things, and marketing to reach exceptional customers who allow us to build these backyard dreams. The construction side of our company boasts a diverse, multi-geneational family business. Allan Curtis is the designer/builder and comes up with the fantastic pool plans and ideas. His team consists of his daughter Jesse Curtis, who is high right hand and manages the project just as much as Allan does. She is instrumental in everything from dig day, to tying the steel, pouring the concrete, stonework and tile work, forming the waterfall, applying ecoFinish, pouring and stamping patio, and everything in between. Allan’s nephew Mark Curtis installed and plumbed the three pool filtration systems. Allan’s wife Annie has become very good at stonework on walls and waterfalls adding the unique accents our projects have become known for. Allan’s sister-in-law, Karen Olson also does tile and stonework on the jobs and created the rockstar mural on the patio. Frank DiPiazza assists with structural elements and built the new deck, and college student Brendan Schafer assists where needed and maintains the pool and equipment during the summer on a weekly basis. As with many homeowners who reach out to Legendary Escapes, this owner, Dale Walter, knew he wanted a “custom” pool without knowing what that really meant. He was able to show Curtis the space, and his initial ideas, and then allowed Allan and his team the freedom to dream and build. The majority of Legendary Escapes customers make the decision to hire the company after the first meeting with Curtis. As long as the project and design are challenging and interesting, the customer meets the criteria of being easy to work with, and is special in their own unique way Curtis will consider taking on their project. From the beginning it is important to Curtis that the customer understands they need to allow the project to take on a life of it’s own, and for Curtis to create without interference or asking too many questions – working together becomes a reality. The design is typically presented on paper, a hand-colored, hand drawn design that outlines only the large elements, and an accompanying budget which outlines the structural elements and budgets and has a “theme” budget for items to be determined but doesn’t change once it is set. Once that contract is signed, Curtis and his team over-deliver on what the customer could only have dreamed up in their wildest imagination. Projects proceed in an organic way- not every element is planned before the project begins. As the space begins to take shape, so do the details and finishing elements. When the Rockstar project began, there was no plan for the guitars on the fences, or guitar fire features. The VIP seating area wasn’t added until mid way through the patio pours as the space began to take shape. The murals both in the grotto and on the pool floor were planned just moments before each of them was to be installed. It’s this free-flowing combination of the customers and team’s dreams, ideas, elements and the Legendary Escapes team that creates backyard pools that are as much art as they are design and engineering masterpieces.

The approach unfolds as a slow, deliberate sequence, with the drive curving gently through native planting before revealing the home’s sculpted form. Architecture and landscape work in concert, allowing arrival to feel unforced and measured, where movement, shadow, and material set the tone long before entry.

The design strategy included working within the footprint created by the home and backyard, wanting to incorporate a swimming pool “destination” within the backyard that would be large enough to fit the “larger than life” criteria, but without taking away any of the natural beauty or obstructing the view of the horse pastures, barn and nature surrounding the home. Once the design work began, and the pool area was able to incorporate one of every feature the customer could have wanted, Curtis had some steel grates from a former tilt-a-whirl carnival ride that gave him the idea of suspending a stage over the pool. The initial idea was a modest stage with some waterfall/sheer decent features. With the idea of using steel to form the framework, the stage idea grew into something much more that would include a full stage set up, lighting trusses, a “green room” and staging area. Once the stage was designed to be so large, the pool size and scope needed to match including the patio surround, area underneath the stage, and all the additional features. The home architecture is a Ranch with a full finished walkout basement adjacent to the pool area. An existing deck had to be removed to allow for the pool build and new Trex deck, as well as a 3 story tall observation tower that overlooks the pool and surrounding horse pastures. The design strategy was to work within the footprint the house and decks provided to create an extension of the home for outdoor entertaining. Since the exterior of the house was quite long (and dull, the owner equating it to a 1970’s motel), our team needed to incorporate elements to make the space feel more like a backyard resort. The goal was maintaining a cozy at home feel in a grand expanse of space. It takes a team and a unique blend of artistry to build this project. Sandi Maki, co-owner of the company is responsible for the business side of things, and marketing to reach exceptional customers who allow us to build these backyard dreams. The construction side of our company boasts a diverse, multi-geneational family business. Allan Curtis is the designer/builder and comes up with the fantastic pool plans and ideas. His team consists of his daughter Jesse Curtis, who is high right hand and manages the project just as much as Allan does. She is instrumental in everything from dig day, to tying the steel, pouring the concrete, stonework and tile work, forming the waterfall, applying ecoFinish, pouring and stamping patio, and everything in between. Allan’s nephew Mark Curtis installed and plumbed the three pool filtration systems. Allan’s wife Annie has become very good at stonework on walls and waterfalls adding the unique accents our projects have become known for. Allan’s sister-in-law, Karen Olson also does tile and stonework on the jobs and created the rockstar mural on the patio. Frank DiPiazza assists with structural elements and built the new deck, and college student Brendan Schafer assists where needed and maintains the pool and equipment during the summer on a weekly basis. As with many homeowners who reach out to Legendary Escapes, this owner, Dale Walter, knew he wanted a “custom” pool without knowing what that really meant. He was able to show Curtis the space, and his initial ideas, and then allowed Allan and his team the freedom to dream and build. The majority of Legendary Escapes customers make the decision to hire the company after the first meeting with Curtis. As long as the project and design are challenging and interesting, the customer meets the criteria of being easy to work with, and is special in their own unique way Curtis will consider taking on their project. From the beginning it is important to Curtis that the customer understands they need to allow the project to take on a life of it’s own, and for Curtis to create without interference or asking too many questions – working together becomes a reality. The design is typically presented on paper, a hand-colored, hand drawn design that outlines only the large elements, and an accompanying budget which outlines the structural elements and budgets and has a “theme” budget for items to be determined but doesn’t change once it is set. Once that contract is signed, Curtis and his team over-deliver on what the customer could only have dreamed up in their wildest imagination. Projects proceed in an organic way- not every element is planned before the project begins. As the space begins to take shape, so do the details and finishing elements. When the Rockstar project began, there was no plan for the guitars on the fences, or guitar fire features. The VIP seating area wasn’t added until mid way through the patio pours as the space began to take shape. The murals both in the grotto and on the pool floor were planned just moments before each of them was to be installed. It’s this free-flowing combination of the customers and team’s dreams, ideas, elements and the Legendary Escapes team that creates backyard pools that are as much art as they are design and engineering masterpieces.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media