Winner: Platinum Award for Best in America Living Awards 2023. Atop a mountain peak, nearly two miles above sea level, sits a pair of non-identical, yet related, twins. Inspired by intersecting jagged peaks, these unique homes feature soft dark colors, rich textural exterior stone, and patinaed Shou SugiBan siding, allowing them to integrate quietly into the surrounding landscape, and to visually complete the natural ridgeline. Despite their smaller size, these homes are richly appointed with amazing, organically inspired contemporary details that work to seamlessly blend their interior and exterior living spaces. The simple, yet elegant interior palette includes slate floors, T&G ash ceilings and walls, ribbed glass handrails, and stone or oxidized metal fireplace surrounds.

The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom-made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Sculptorical and with a deep visual impact, the new table Trigono is characterized by a solid base inspired by wooden beams. The structure, available in American walnut or oakwood, combines with different tops options to offer a refined character and practical use. The top, round or square, is available either in white Carrara marble, wood or glass. The high sophistication, the quality of materials and the different finishes allow to use Trigono in every single environment, always maintaining a strong and distinctive identity. Manufactured By Bross.

This completed jewelry store renovation has transformed a traditional retail space into an elegant, modern, and inviting environment, designed to enhance the customer experience and showcase the store’s high-end collections. The design focuses on blending luxury with functionality, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that highlights both the beauty of the jewelry and the comfort of the shopping experience. The layout has been redesigned to allow for an open and intuitive flow, with carefully placed display cases that ensure each piece is prominently featured. Custom-built cabinetry, glass display cases, and polished lighting create an atmosphere of elegance, making the jewelry the centerpiece of the space. Energy-efficient LED lighting was integrated to highlight the brilliance of the jewels while maintaining a welcoming and warm ambiance. The store's flooring has been updated with high-quality materials like marble or polished wood to complement the luxurious feel, while the walls were adorned with textured finishes and tasteful artwork, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space. The fitting areas were designed for privacy and comfort, providing a relaxed environment for customers to try on pieces. A state-of-the-art security system was also installed to protect the valuable inventory, blending seamlessly into the design. The renovation also included updated plumbing and electrical systems to support the store's operational needs. This jewelry store renovation successfully combines aesthetics with functionality, offering a refined and inviting space that elevates both the customer experience and the overall brand identity. You can read more about our commercial projects on our website - https://santechconstruction.com/commercial/

The Copper Weeping Elm Tree Fountain brings together art, metal, & water exactly where it belongs...at your home. Create a striking visual, both during the day & at night, as water dances from leaf to leaf all while lights capture the shimmering droplets of water. These trees are hand made by our designer in the most tranquil place in the midst of the deep woodlands of England. Every single element of these sculpted fountains, including the leaves, are hand cut and hand made creating the most beautiful of fountains. No two pieces are exactly identical ensuring individuality and zest in all designs.

The Copper Weeping Willow Tree Fountain brings together art, metal, & water exactly where it belongs...at your home. Create a striking visual, both during the day & at night, as water dances from leaf to leaf all while lights capture the shimmering droplets of water. These trees are hand made by our designer in the most tranquil place in the midst of the deep woodlands of England. Every single element of these sculpted fountains, including the leaves, are hand cut and hand made creating the most beautiful of fountains. No two pieces are exactly identical ensuring individuality and zest in all designs.

Sculptorical and with a deep visual impact, the new table Trigono is characterized by a solid base inspired by wooden beams. The structure, available in American walnut or oakwood, combines with different tops options to offer a refined character and practical use. The top, round or square, is available either in white Carrara marble, wood or glass. The high sophistication, the quality of materials and the different finishes allow to use Trigono in every single environment, always maintaining a strong and distinctive identity. Manufactured By Bross.

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

The Rosebury Farm project by Squared Architects is a thoughtfully planned residential development located on the edge of suburban London, designed to balance contemporary living with a strong sensitivity to its rural surroundings. Set within a green belt context, the scheme consists of a collection of individually designed homes that follow a self-build or custom-build approach, allowing for variation while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The design emphasizes integration with the landscape, using staggered building forms and carefully arranged massing to reduce visual impact and preserve key views across the site. Natural materials and a restrained palette help the homes blend into their environment, while features such as green walls and planted areas reinforce the connection between architecture and nature. Internally, the houses are designed with flexible, open-plan layouts that support modern living, prioritizing natural light and spatial fluidity. Sustainability is a core principle throughout the project, with energy-efficient strategies and environmentally responsive design choices embedded from the outset. Overall, Rosebury Farm represents a contemporary yet context-sensitive housing model, combining architectural quality, environmental awareness, and a community-oriented approach to residential development.

The Copper Orange Trumpet Flower Fountain brings together art, metal, & water exactly where it belongs...at your home. Create a striking visual, both during the day & at night, as water dances from leaf to leaf all while lights capture the shimmering droplets of water. These flowers are hand made by our designer in the most tranquil place in the midst of the deep woodlands of England. Every single element of these sculpted fountains, including the leaves, are hand cut and hand made creating the most beautiful of fountains. No two pieces are exactly identical ensuring individuality and zest in all designs.

The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom-made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Serious Dumpling is a fast-casual restaurant in San Jose, CA, bringing the vibrant flavors and techniques of Shanghai dumpling culture to California. The interior design supports the brand’s identity through a modern, minimal aesthetic with concrete surfaces, hot-rolled steel, and light maple wood accents. Bright neon details and a custom mural introduce energy and visual contrast, balancing industrial materials with a lively dining atmosphere. The result is a clean, functional, and contemporary space that reflects both heritage and modern California influence.

Unabashedly simple and uncluttered, the minimalist interior invites the dramatic alpine views into the home’s visual dialogue. Integrated design features—built-in cabinets and seating as well as a floor-to-ceiling headboard inset into the master bedroom wall—create a seamless merger of architecture and interior design. Unique “rustic-gone-refined” details throughout the home’s interior and exterior allow the covenant-restricted resort community home to retain an individual identity while comfortably fitting into its neighborhood. Photo Credit: Douglas Kahn

Cool blues tones and clean, crisp white cabinets make this kitchen clean and updated. To add visual interest to this kitchen, our designers added an accent glass tile row to the backslash. Photo Credit: Chris Whonsetler

This ICON Brickell Airbnb studio kitchen and entry were designed as part of a fully outfitted investment property inspired by the bold Baroque energy of the ICON Brickell lobby. The compact kitchen connects to a dramatic entry experience with navy flocked leopard wallpaper, Baroque-inspired artwork, sculptural lighting, and layered designer details that gave the studio a strong boutique-hotel identity. Designed for the competitive Brickell short-term rental market, the space balanced guest function, visual impact, and a memorable themed experience that helped the Airbnb stand out in one of Miami’s most recognizable destination buildings.

The new foyer layout was created as part of the kitchen renovation by recessing the refrigerator into a portion of the former dining room, creating this niche for an entry table on the opposite side. The “Rocky River” accent wall repeats the deeper green used on the custom kitchen hutch, visually connecting the foyer and kitchen while giving the newly defined entry its own identity. The home's original wood staircase was retained and incorporated into the refreshed space.

The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.