We designed The Jones Residence to blend modern style with practical living. This 3,300 sq. ft. custom home sits on a corner lot in Bronte, Oakville, making it a focal point in the neighborhood. Our goal was to create a house that feels open, bright, and welcoming while using high-quality materials built to last. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light and create a strong connection to the outdoors. The exterior features a mix of stucco, wood paneling, and stone, giving the home a warm yet contemporary look. Clean lines and a balance of vertical and horizontal elements help the house stand out while still fitting naturally into its surroundings. Inside, the open-concept layout allows for easy movement between spaces, making it ideal for both family life and entertaining. Every detail, from the carefully chosen materials to the overall structure, was designed with durability, comfort, and efficiency in mind. Great design should be both beautiful and functional. The Jones Residence reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, smart design, and creating homes that enhance the way people live.

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.

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

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.

overed outdoor living space designed to extend the home into the landscape. Natural materials like stone, wood and textured fabrics create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The layout encourages gathering, with comfortable seating and a strong connection to the surrounding forest.

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. The main living space features a two-story wall of windows, treated only with simple floor-to-ceiling sheers to keep the beautiful lake views as the focal point. The bright, airy space is grounded by an eclectic collection of seating, perfect for a family gathering or a retreat meeting. 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.

Like the front, the rear yard concrete porch steps as well as aluminum siding clad exterior walls were selected for their maintenance-free appeal. The eaves were painted black to match the window frames. A strong connection to the existing pear tree from the inside family living space was prioritized with a large clerestory window and sliding doors framing the yard.

Michael Moran/OTTO photography. The objective of this award-winning gut renovation was to create a spatially dynamic, light-filled, and energy-efficient home with a strong connection to Long Island Sound. The design strategy is straightforward: a gabled roof covers a central “spine” corridor that terminates with cathedral ceilinged spaces at both ends. The relocated approach and entry deposit visitors into the front hall with its curvilinear, cantilevered stair. A two-story, windowed family gathering space lies ahead – a straight shot to the water beyond. The design challenge was to utilize the existing house footprint and structure, while raising the top of foundation walls to exceed new flood regulations, reconfiguring the spatial organization, and using innovative materials to produce a tight thermal envelope and contemporary yet contextually appropriate facades.

A new home where Phil Rudick, Architect of Urban kitchens + Baths, Austin, Tx. redesigned the interconnection between dining, wet bar and kitchen. Arched openings in the Mediterranean were positioned so that a strong connection between these spaces was established. A glass door display cabinet was added between dining and bar for visual interest at eye level while seated and to increase built in storage.

This ground floor addition was done for a family living in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood. Often clients come to us wanting to expand their house and vertical additions are cost prohibitive. The ground floor of a house can be reconfigured to provide wonderful living spaces and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Set against the hills of Agoura Hills, this striking modern architectural home was styled to feel warm, livable, and quietly sophisticated. When first invited to complement the home’s incredible design vision, our team embraced the opportunity to bring an added layer of comfort and livability to the clean architectural lines and dramatic indoor-outdoor flow. Organic textures, layered furnishings, and relaxed contemporary accents were thoughtfully selected to enhance the home’s natural light, strong connection to the landscape, and overall sense of modern California living — allowing the architecture itself to remain the true focal point.

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

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

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.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views. Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard. A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.

This San Diego great room is defined by dramatic vaulted ceilings accented with exposed wood beams and a modern iron chandelier. A row of clerestory windows fills the space with natural light, while expansive lower windows and sliding doors create a strong connection to the backyard. The seating arrangement features curved sofas, sculpted lounge chairs, and soft blue ottomans gathered around a rounded coffee table atop a textured area rug. Warm wood flooring and neutral tones balance the architectural scale, creating a bright yet inviting living environment.

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views. Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard. A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.

We designed The Jones Residence to blend modern style with practical living. This 3,300 sq. ft. custom home sits on a corner lot in Bronte, Oakville, making it a focal point in the neighborhood. Our goal was to create a house that feels open, bright, and welcoming while using high-quality materials built to last. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light and create a strong connection to the outdoors. The exterior features a mix of stucco, wood paneling, and stone, giving the home a warm yet contemporary look. Clean lines and a balance of vertical and horizontal elements help the house stand out while still fitting naturally into its surroundings. Inside, the open-concept layout allows for easy movement between spaces, making it ideal for both family life and entertaining. Every detail, from the carefully chosen materials to the overall structure, was designed with durability, comfort, and efficiency in mind. Great design should be both beautiful and functional. The Jones Residence reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, smart design, and creating homes that enhance the way people live.