Home is about creating a sense of place. Little moments add up to a sense of well being, such as looking out at framed views of the garden, or feeling the ocean breeze waft through the house. This connection to place guided the overall design, with the practical requirements to add a bedroom and bathroom quickly ( the client was pregnant!), and in a way that allowed the couple to live at home during the construction. The design also focused on connecting the interior to the backyard while maintaining privacy from nearby neighbors. Sustainability was at the forefront of the project, from choosing green building materials to designing a high-efficiency space. The composite bamboo decking, cork and bamboo flooring, tiles made with recycled content, and cladding made of recycled paper are all examples of durable green materials that have a wonderfully rich tactility to them. This addition was a second phase to the Mar Vista Sustainable Remodel, which took a tear-down home and transformed it into this family's forever home.

This beautiful and ADA compliant bathroom was designed for ease of use and functionality in mind for guests with specific needs. Photography: VanceFox.com

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

Paul Barlo
Large beach style galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

An interior photo with a clear view of the 3 story custom staircase . I brought in Doni Flanigan to turn the steel stringers into a bark style finish. This home is far from pretentious. Every detail and product carefully thought out to achieve a sustainable environment. Today, our projects are including smart home systems, solar, bamboo and hemp fabrics. I designed this over 20 years ago when the availability for such products was slim. Today it looks just as when I created it. Our work continues to show that " We don't follow trends...we create them ". Custom Design by Sandra Costa Photography by Angelo Costa 310 985 5509

David Heald
Design ideas for a farmhouse landscaping in New York.

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Example of a large classic orange floor staircase design in Raleigh

Stephanie Barnes-Castro is a full service architectural firm specializing in sustainable design serving Santa Cruz County. Her goal is to design a home to seamlessly tie into the natural environment and be aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Example of a small eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Phoenix with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

The entrance from the outside is covered by an arched ceiling, clad in stained beadboard.
Inspiration for a large craftsman slate floor and blue floor front door remodel in Chicago with beige walls and a dark wood front door

Large minimalist kitchen photo in New York

The south façade has a 4.8kW photovoltaic solar array that provides significant power for the house.
Example of a large arts and crafts green two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof design in Chicago with a mixed material roof

Four Walls Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional galley concrete floor and gray floor utility room remodel in Austin with white cabinets, solid surface countertops, shaker cabinets, gray walls and white countertops

- Innovative products Accoya® wood and Medite® Tricoya® Extreme feature in the award winning LG Smart Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show - The Silver Gilt Medal winning garden is designed by acclaimed landscape architect Hay Joung Hwang - Accoya wood is included in a water feature, furniture, cladding and pergolas and Medite Tricoya Extreme features in the roof and fascias

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone garden path in St Louis for fall.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone garden path in St Louis for fall.

Farmhouse home design photo in Minneapolis