This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Modern comfort with a view — this thoughtfully designed lower-level living space combines warm wood finishes, clean architectural lines, and soft contemporary furnishings. A built-in wet bar, integrated stair seating, and expansive glass doors create a versatile retreat that feels both functional and refined, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

The goal of this gut renovation was to transform a drab and gloomy apartment into a warm and open living space. The new design makes a strong connection to the stunning oceanfront location by allowing all exterior doors and windows to slide into wall pockets (except bedroom and bathroom windows). To bring warmth, the new finish palette includes cut coral slabs to wrap structural walls, and sapele wood for cabinet and ceiling finishes. The two bedrooms focus on a wood canopy and headboard, while views of Diamond Head are offering from a master bedroom soaking tub and from a guest bedroom see-through shower. Throughout the apartment, wood accent ceilings are surrounded by cove lighting, allowing the interior to be washed with a warm illumination during the evening.

Inside, the formerly compartmentalized first floor was opened into a fluid, flowing plan. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding doors invite natural light and frame views of tree canopies, reinforcing the home’s strong connection to its setting. Large picture windows bring the landscape into everyday experience.

We focused on creating a nurturing space that would help the family and their guests unwind and heal from the stress of everyday life. An eclectic mix of wood finishes and tones, metals and neutral color palettes create a strong connection to the natural lakeside environment right outside the home. In the kitchen, we brought in the blend of natural and manmade materials for an earthy but contemporary space. The kitchen island features a large piece of beautiful natural wood topped with a white waterfall countertop. Glass-backed upper kitchen cabinets playfully reveal the one-of-a-kind mirrored backsplash. Our focus was on creating a home that would inspire and heal anyone who enters it, both the family enjoying their vacations and the people invited there for retreats. Through careful consideration of materials and the purpose of this home, we revealed a nurturing and peaceful atmosphere that would refocus people’s awareness to the exquisite natural surroundings.

This historic home in Oak Park was in need of updating, with deferred maintenance inside and out requiring extensive work. This created an opportunity to rethink the house for a modern family in the 21st century, with an updated plan, a strong connection to the yard from the kitchen and new mudroom, covered patio, and flexible rooms for work-at-home, gym, or guest functions. The insulation and mechanical systems were upgraded to Phius levels, and a solar PV array added to meet annual net zero energy performance. With minimal upfront energy expenditure, the home’s operational carbon was reduced by 100%, and the house is a delightful place for the young family to grow into.

This backyard design blends simplicity and utility with a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. A sleek stainless steel outdoor shower is mounted against the home’s modern façade—perfect for rinsing off after gardening, hikes, or hot tub use. A curved planting bed with ornamental grasses, shrubs, and colorful perennials adds softness and year-round interest while defining the edge of the lawn. Native trees and a black metal fence frame the space, offering privacy without obstructing views of the nearby forested slope. Boulder retaining elements subtly shape the hillside, and a small covered deck above extends the indoor living space into the outdoors.

An organic modern home seamlessly blends minimalist design with natural materials to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living space. Featuring neutral tones, clean lines, and organic shapes, it emphasizes biophilic design by incorporating abundant natural light and a strong connection to the outdoors, often through open floor plans and indoor-outdoor flow. Wood accents, reclaimed materials, and natural stone add warmth and texture, while sculptural elements and timeless finishes maintain a sophisticated, yet serene ambiance. The home prioritizes energy efficiency and low impact living, fostering a harmonious balance between modern convenience and nature’s beauty.

Located in Washington, DC, this compartmentalized 1930s home underwent a whole house renovation to update it for modern life. The new tailored Kitchen and Family Room addition opens up the floor plan to create light-filled spaces with a strong connection to the exterior landscape beyond. Modifications to the remainder of the house elevate the more private rooms with an understated elegance. Stone terraces and gardens create magical outdoor rooms that act as a beautiful backdrop to the home and new detached Garage. Photo Credit: Gordon Beall Photography

The clients called me on the recommendation from a neighbor of mine who had met them at a conference and learned of their need for an architect. They contacted me and after meeting to discuss their project they invited me to visit their site, not far from White Salmon in Washington State. Initially, the couple discussed building a ‘Weekend’ retreat on their 20± acres of land. Their site was in the foothills of a range of mountains that offered views of both Mt. Adams to the North and Mt. Hood to the South. They wanted to develop a place that was ‘cabin-like’ but with a degree of refinement to it and take advantage of the primary views to the north, south and west. They also wanted to have a strong connection to their immediate outdoors. Before long my clients came to the conclusion that they no longer perceived this as simply a weekend retreat but were now interested in making this their primary residence. With this new focus we concentrated on keeping the refined cabin approach but needed to add some additional functions and square feet to the original program. They wanted to downsize from their current 3,500± SF city residence to a more modest 2,000 – 2,500 SF space. They desired a singular open Living, Dining and Kitchen area but needed to have a separate room for their television and upright piano. They were empty nesters and wanted only two bedrooms and decided that they would have two ‘Master’ bedrooms, one on the lower floor and the other on the upper floor (they planned to build additional ‘Guest’ cabins to accommodate others in the near future). The original scheme for the weekend retreat was only one floor with the second bedroom tucked away on the north side of the house next to the breezeway opposite of the carport. Another consideration that we had to resolve was that the particular location that was deemed the best building site had diametrically opposed advantages and disadvantages. The views and primary solar orientations were also the source of the prevailing winds, out of the Southwest. The resolve was to provide a semi-circular low-profile earth berm on the south/southwest side of the structure to serve as a wind-foil directing the strongest breezes up and over the structure. Because our selected site was in a saddle of land that then sloped off to the south/southwest the combination of the earth berm and the sloping hill would effectively created a ‘nestled’ form allowing the winds rushing up the hillside to shoot over most of the house. This allowed me to keep the favorable orientation to both the views and sun without being completely compromised by the winds.

A light-filled walk-out basement designed as a dedicated art studio and flexible living space. Large windows and direct access to the outdoors bring natural light and wooded views into the lower level, creating an inspiring environment for creative work. The open layout and clean, modern finishes allow the space to adapt easily over time while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

stucco and textured dark brick walls establish a strong connection to the courtyard entry space and natural landscape beyond
Example of a small 1960s black one-story brick exterior home design in Orange County with a shingle roof and a gray roof

This contemporary custom home was designed to emphasize clean architectural lines, expansive natural light, and a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, elevated outdoor decks, and carefully balanced exterior materials help create a modern aesthetic while still feeling warm and livable within the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape. The homeowners played a significant role throughout the design process, working closely with Pacific Home Source to shape the overall layout, functionality, and architectural direction of the home. Every space was thoughtfully considered to support both everyday living and entertaining, while maximizing views, openness, and natural light throughout the residence. The project combines modern design principles with practical family-focused living, resulting in a home that feels refined, comfortable, and highly personalized to the clients’ vision. From the dramatic glazing and open living areas to the seamless outdoor integration, this residence reflects a collaborative design process and a shared commitment to creating a timeless contemporary Northwest home.

CHATHAM MARSHVIEW HOUSE This Cape Cod green home provides a destination for visiting family, support of a snowbird lifestyle, and an expression of the homeowner’s energy conscious values. Looking over the salt marsh with Nantucket Sound in the distance, this new home offers single level living to accommodate aging in place, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The homeowners can easily enjoy the deck, walk to the nearby beach, or spend time with family, while the house works to produce nearly all the energy it consumes. The exterior, clad in the Cape’s iconic Eastern white cedar shingles, is modern in detailing, yet recognizable and familiar in form. MORE: https://zeroenergy.com/chatham-marshview-house Architecture: ZeroEnergy Design Construction: Eastward Homes Photos: Eric Roth Photography

CHATHAM MARSHVIEW HOUSE This Cape Cod green home provides a destination for visiting family, support of a snowbird lifestyle, and an expression of the homeowner’s energy conscious values. Looking over the salt marsh with Nantucket Sound in the distance, this new home offers single level living to accommodate aging in place, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The homeowners can easily enjoy the deck, walk to the nearby beach, or spend time with family, while the house works to produce nearly all the energy it consumes. The exterior, clad in the Cape’s iconic Eastern white cedar shingles, is modern in detailing, yet recognizable and familiar in form. MORE: https://zeroenergy.com/chatham-marshview-house Architecture: ZeroEnergy Design Construction: Eastward Homes Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Open plan kitchen, living and dining space centred around a statement island, designed to create a strong connection between cooking, dining and relaxation areas

The owners were downsizing from a large ornate property down the street and were seeking a number of goals. Single story living, modern and open floor plan, comfortable working kitchen, spaces to house their collection of artwork, low maintenance and a strong connection between the interior and the landscape. Working with a long narrow lot adjacent to conservation land, the main living space (16 foot ceiling height at its peak) opens with folding glass doors to a large screen porch that looks out on a courtyard and the adjacent wooded landscape. This gives the home the perception that it is on a much larger lot and provides a great deal of privacy. The transition from the entry to the core of the home provides a natural gallery in which to display artwork and sculpture. Artificial light almost never needs to be turned on during daytime hours and the substantial peaked roof over the main living space is oriented to allow for solar panels not visible from the street or yard.

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Conceptualized as minimalist assembly of structures on the edge of the canal in Golden Beach, the design emphasizes the views of the water while creating a strong connection between the interior and the exterior of the home.