This basement project is a masterclass in modern industrial design, utilizing an open-concept layout to seamlessly integrate high-end hospitality with functional family living. The design maintains a cohesive aesthetic through a monochromatic palette of black, white, and grey, warmed by extensive wood textures and strategic lighting. Social & Entertaining Hub The heart of the basement is designed for hosting, featuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor entertaining. Open Kitchen & Wine Storage: A sleek kitchen features a massive waterfall marble island that doubles as a buffet for guests. Behind it, custom black cabinetry and open wood shelving provide a sophisticated backdrop. A floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wine cabinet acts as a functional piece of art, showcasing a curated collection. Lounge Area: Positioned to overlook the backyard, the lounge features low-profile modular sectional sofas in neutral tones. The space is anchored by a large grey area rug and a minimalist glass coffee table, creating a comfortable yet refined conversation zone. Indoor-Outdoor Transition: The layout is oriented toward a large door that leads directly to the backyard and outdoor grill, making it the perfect "hub" for summer gatherings. Home Office: Tucked into a quiet corner, the office uses the same vertical wood slatting found throughout the basement to create a sense of privacy without the need for heavy walls. Home Gym: An industrial-inspired gym is located within the open plan, identified by exposed black support columns and overhead ductwork. This allows the client to exercise in a space that feels connected to the rest of the home rather than isolated. Integrated Play Area A dedicated small play area for the child is cleverly integrated into a large window alcove. It features: Architectural Nook: A built-in storage bench with mauve cushions and a playful black-and-white triangle feature wall that extends to the ceiling.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

This image highlights the connection between the adobe farmhouse and the rustic guest house on a spacious Sonoma property. A newly built stone wall adds character and defines the space while preserving openness and flow between structures. The large concrete deck extends from the back of the farmhouse, offering plenty of room to relax or entertain. One of the built-in planting areas is visible here—designed to soften the hardscape, bring nature into the space, and offer environmental benefits like improved drainage, cooler surface temperatures, and pollinator support. The oversized treads leading down from the deck double as casual seating—perfect for pausing to enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

The pool’s grey Pebble Tec interior is beautifully defined by the charcoal waterline tile. In striking contrast is the surrounding Indus Grey sandblasted stone coping, which has a straight smooth face to help extend the minimal modern look. The clean lines of the custom wedding cake tiered walk-in steps support the design.

Lacking street presence and an inability to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this 1940’s hipped roof bungalow sat unassumingly on its site in the prairie west of Junction City. ​ The vision of this renovation was to transform and bring new life into the bungalow, keeping within regional vernacular styles, by establishing a more prominent street presence, building a three-story addition to the original house, and bringing in more light to allow for expansive views of the surrounding prairie. ​ The renovation of the existing bungalow required removing overbuilt layers of gypsum board and plaster and lath to reveal the original dimensional 2x4 wall studs. The basement was structurally reinforced to adequately support load bearing walls. The house became more functional by resizing two bedrooms with a relocated Jack and Jill expanded bathroom and expanding and reconfiguring the living room and kitchen to create an open floor plan. A storm shelter was added underneath a new front porch to give protection and peace of mind during Kansas severe weather. The street presence was dramatically improved with new windows, updated siding, and a new gabled roof extending over a front porch. ​ A three story addition to the rear of the house improves function on the first floor with the addition of a dining room directly off the kitchen with large wrap around windows to the south and east. A second full bathroom and adjacent laundry room was added to the first floor. A second floor master suite and full bathroom includes a balcony and expansive windows to the south and east. The stair tower connecting all levels of the house culminates in a 360° viewing room on the third floor allowing for unobstructed views of the natural landscape and passing thunderstorms.

The owners of this nineteenth century condo had been unhappy with a previous bathroom renovation nearly twenty years before and decided that it was time to do something about it. They asked us to gut the entire room and start over. We began by addressing the functionality of the space. Neither of the homeowners used their bathtub very often, and agreed that a large walk-in shower would provide a better use of space. They preferred the clean lines of a stationary glass panel extending all the way to the ceiling as the only divide between the shower and the room. To provide a curbless shower transition, we flush framed the shower area as low as possible. With an eye to future needs we installed blocking in the wall just outside the shower entrance to someday support a grab bar. Two recessed lights in the shower provide additional lighting, and azure Lucien glass tiles on the shower wall offer a splash of color. A Hans Grohe showerhead with separate hand held unit rounds out the luxurious shower experience. Because the bathroom had not featured enough storage, we replaced an existing pedestal sink with an elegant Duravit wall sink with vanity drawer storage. A tall mirrored Robern medicine cabinet provides additional space for toiletries and bathroom necessities. Vincent Wolf’s elegant Waves in Birch matte tile along one wall, with tall, tapered vanity lights on either side of the medicine cabinet, complete the graceful design of this bathroom. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The remarkable Greek inspired indoor pool facility has a blend of contemporary rectilinear components with Greek-Roman architectural elements and finishes, such as the over-extending, ancient-style aqueduct that transitions from the spa into the pool, and the hand carved fire-water features at each end of the room. The aqueduct is a key relevance to the style which portrays an ancient cultural method of elutriating stagnant bath water with a continuous supply of fresh water. Each elaborately hand carved feature sets a mood of Greek architectural expression in this space. The two fire-water features at each end of the pool and all of the column structural support depict a ‘Doric’ style consisting of channeled columns. Also, to enhance this space with a full perspective of Greek-Roman style, the convex ceiling depicts a vision of an opened-ceiling that reveals a fully animated Greek-mythological star setting created by fiber optic lighting. Geothermal technology is the primary source for heating and cooling the pool and spa. Although they appear to be one body of water, they are independent so the spa can be maintained at 103degrees all year round. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Partition to entry was removed for an open floor plan. Bar length was extended. 2 support beams concealed by being built into the design plan. Theatre Room entry was relocated to opposite side of room to maximize seating. Gym entry area was opened up to provide better flow and maximize floor plan. Bathroom was updated as well to complement other areas.

THE SETUP Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years. Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight. It was time for a remodel. Design Objectives Improve kosher kitchen Add more storage in the island Better lighting More open, lighter feel Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile THE REMODEL Design Challenges - We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam. - The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas? Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor. - An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow? Design Solutions - We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator. - We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy. - Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before. - We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper. - The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space. THE RENEWED SPACE The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.

A family in McLean VA decided to remodel two levels of their home. There was wasted floor space and disconnections throughout the living room and dining room area. The family room was very small and had a closet as washer and dryer closet. Two walls separating kitchen from adjacent dining room and family room. After several design meetings, the final blue print went into construction phase, gutting entire kitchen, family room, laundry room, open balcony. We built a seamless main level floor. The laundry room was relocated and we built a new space on the second floor for their convenience. The family room was expanded into the laundry room space, the kitchen expanded its wing into the adjacent family room and dining room, with a large middle Island that made it all stand tall. The use of extended lighting throughout the two levels has made this project brighter than ever. A walk -in pantry with pocket doors was added in hallway. We deleted two structure columns by the way of using large span beams, opening up the space. The open foyer was floored in and expanded the dining room over it. All new porcelain tile was installed in main level, a floor to ceiling fireplace(two story brick fireplace) was faced with highly decorative stone. The second floor was open to the two story living room, we replaced all handrails and spindles with Rod iron and stained handrails to match new floors. A new butler area with under cabinet beverage center was added in the living room area. The den was torn up and given stain grade paneling and molding to give a deep and mysterious look to the new library. The powder room was gutted, redefined, one doorway to the den was closed up and converted into a vanity space with glass accent background and built in niche. Upscale appliances and decorative mosaic back splash, fancy lighting fixtures and farm sink are all signature marks of the kitchen remodel portion of this amazing project. I don't think there is only one thing to define the interior remodeling of this revamped home, the transformation has been so grand.

Tuscan bathroom photo in Miami

This Shoreview basement remodel transforms an underutilized lower level into a multifunctional space designed for both recreation and everyday living. Clean lines, classic millwork, and a warm neutral palette create a cohesive foundation that feels bright, comfortable, and inviting. At the center of the design is a custom indoor putting green, tailored for a golf-loving family and seamlessly integrated into the overall layout. Adjacent to the recreation space, a dedicated home gym features mirrored walls and an open layout that supports daily fitness routines. Architectural details such as wainscoting, recessed niches, and custom trim add depth and character throughout, while layered lighting ensures the space feels well-lit and welcoming. Every element was carefully considered to balance function and style. The result is a lower level that extends the livability of the home—offering space to play, exercise, and unwind, all within a thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished environment.

Our long-time clients wanted a bit of outdoor entertainment space at their Boston penthouse, and while there were some challenges due to location and footprint, we agreed to help. The views are amazing as this space overlooks the harbor and Boston’s bustling Seaport below. With Logan Airport just on the other side of the Boston Harbor, the arriving jets are a mesmerizing site as their lights line up in preparation to land. The entire space we had to work with is less than 10 feet wide and 45 feet long (think bowling-alley-lane dimensions), so we worked extremely hard to get as much programmable space as possible without forcing any of the areas. The gathering spots are delineated by granite and IPE wood floor tiles supported on a custom pedestal system designed to protect the rubber roof below. The gas grill and wine fridge are installed within a custom-built IPE cabinet topped by jet-mist granite countertops. This countertop extends to a slightly-raised bar area for the ultimate view beyond and terminates as a waterfall of granite meets the same jet-mist floor tiles… custom-cut and honed to match, of course. Moving along the length of the space, the floor transitions from granite to wood, and is framed by sculptural containers and plants. Low-voltage lighting warms the space and creates a striking display that harmonizes with the city lights below. Once again, the floor transitions, this time back to granite in the seating area consisting of two counter-height chairs. "This purposeful back-and-forth of the floor really helps define the space and our furniture choices create these niches that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.” - Russell The terrace concludes with a large trough planter filled with ornamental grasses in the summer months and a seasonal holiday arrangements throughout the winter. An ‘L’-shaped couch offers a spot for multiple guests to relax and take in the sounds of a custom sound system — all hidden and out of sight — which adds to the magical feel of this ultimate night spot.

We filled the edge of the back yard which was with dirt. Level it and lay this custom, beautiful tile. By doing so, we extended the back yard by more than 5'. We build a Trex fence with red wood supporting posts and apply stain to it.

Our long-time clients wanted a bit of outdoor entertainment space at their Boston penthouse, and while there were some challenges due to location and footprint, we agreed to help. The views are amazing as this space overlooks the harbor and Boston’s bustling Seaport below. With Logan Airport just on the other side of the Boston Harbor, the arriving jets are a mesmerizing site as their lights line up in preparation to land. The entire space we had to work with is less than 10 feet wide and 45 feet long (think bowling-alley-lane dimensions), so we worked extremely hard to get as much programmable space as possible without forcing any of the areas. The gathering spots are delineated by granite and IPE wood floor tiles supported on a custom pedestal system designed to protect the rubber roof below. The gas grill and wine fridge are installed within a custom-built IPE cabinet topped by jet-mist granite countertops. This countertop extends to a slightly-raised bar area for the ultimate view beyond and terminates as a waterfall of granite meets the same jet-mist floor tiles… custom-cut and honed to match, of course. Moving along the length of the space, the floor transitions from granite to wood, and is framed by sculptural containers and plants. Low-voltage lighting warms the space and creates a striking display that harmonizes with the city lights below. Once again, the floor transitions, this time back to granite in the seating area consisting of two counter-height chairs. "This purposeful back-and-forth of the floor really helps define the space and our furniture choices create these niches that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.” - Russell The terrace concludes with a large trough planter filled with ornamental grasses in the summer months and a seasonal holiday arrangements throughout the winter. An ‘L’-shaped couch offers a spot for multiple guests to relax and take in the sounds of a custom sound system — all hidden and out of sight — which adds to the magical feel of this ultimate night spot.

Extended family is on the way to support this growing family, so they needed an upgrade. The original shower was three-sided making the already tight space feel cramped. This new curved shower opens up the space making it feel bigger.

We found this mirror panel at Les Puce Saint-Ouen, shipped it home, and built the rest of the casing around it. The center mirror is in 3 pieces, surrounded by gilt wood frame with feet, and then a ring of exterior mirror pieces. In the middle bottom, there is a gilt wood bracket extending through the glass, and it supports the marble shelf on which the flowers sit.

In this recently completed project in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a previously underutilized and awkwardly laid-out backyard was reimagined as a sleek, modern outdoor retreat. The garden was thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones: a dining and cooking area anchored by a modern outdoor kitchen, a quiet, contemplative nook designed for one or two people to unwind, and a generous lounge space featuring a custom curved Ipe bench beneath a minimalist pergola. To complete the transformation, integrated lighting, irrigation, and a fully equipped kitchen were installed. A clean-lined fence was added to screen out negative views, helping to create a private, oasis-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. The result is a sophisticated, highly functional garden that extends the home’s living space and supports year-round enjoyment.

The Ubuntu Center provides pediatric HIV testing and treatment, counseling, education, and community empowerment. The design is focused on de-stigmatization and normalization of HIV testing and treatment. It provides access to a state-of-the-art facility in a beleaguered post-apartheid community. The design is a model for sustainable development that begins with environment and extends to the preservation of life. Funded globally and operated locally, Ubuntu reflects a world defined by unprecedented global connection and the resurgence of local, community based organization. Ubuntu center brings state of the art services to vulnerable children by providing centrally located, free and accessible social services in a single facility. It comprises a multi-purpose hall for education, concerts and shelter when needed; an empowerment wing with career guidance and computer centre, and a fully equipped Pediatric HIV /TB testing and counseling clinic with 47,691 people reached through community HIV prevention outreach. Ubuntu’s organic rooftop garden, together with Ubuntu’s neighborhood gardens feed 2,245 students daily. It provides a timely and practical template for sustainability on a societal as well as an environmental level. Ubuntu has been adopted by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR), and has become a model of success for the Clinton Global initiative, the Kresge foundation, and countless individual supporters.