VanBrouck & Associates: Inspired by the classical architecture of Palladio, this Italian villa was designed with a procession of beautifully proportioned, ordered spaces, with strong axial sightlines, to draw the eye through the spaces and beckon the individual to explore. Beautifully sited on acreage, the interior and exterior spaces are thoughtfully orchestrated to interact together, and to connect to the land. Stone loggias, at the entry, rear, and side of the residence, visually and literally extend the interior living spaces. View-lines extend through the house from the open courtyard and infinite landscape vistas of the front to the wooded terrain of the rear. Gentle cross-breezes flow and natural light streams into the rooms from a series of French doors lyrically arranged throughout the spaces.

This is a modest residence designed for a local builder, which was sold as a spec home. I prefer designing for a real end user. I don't have a much control on finishes when designing for builders. Case in point....the railing used over the front entry portico is terribly weak & brings down the front entry significantly. Our drawings had a detailed, precast railing system and the columns supporting the portico roof were doubled and with pedestals...Regardless, for its simplicity it still appears noteworthy.

Carpet
Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Other

A view of the home from a mile away, across a deep valley park. The original decks on this house were cantilevered out over a 20' drop down a steep hillside. The inherent weakness of that design is that water sits on top of the cantilevered joists and rots them from the outside and into the house. The solution is to support the decks from the outside and make sure that water has no way in. That is what we did here, supporting the decks on 25' tall steep posts that anchor the decks to the ground and make them impervious to the elements. And with the deep green retrofit, the parents didn't have to worry about toxic chemical off-gassing or large utility bills for as long as the live in the home. Originally built on a 35 degree hillside the deep green retrofit and rebuild because of massive water leaks and mold damage make this one of the greenest homes in California. The home scored 272pts. on the Build it Green Green Point Rated system. and would have placed it at the Platinum level of LEED for Homes, had the homeowners wanted to spend the significant cost to get it LEED rated. With Solar Electric and Solar Thermal and a super insulated shell, the house is close to Net-Zero energy.

Steve Robinson
Hallway - mid-sized craftsman carpeted hallway idea in Atlanta with green walls

This Tacoma home underwent a complete roof transformation, ensuring long-term durability and improved curb appeal. The project began with a thorough inspection, revealing aging shingles, water damage, and areas of structural weakness. The roof was in dire need of a full replacement. We started with a meticulous removal of the old shingles and underlying materials, exposing damaged decking that required reinforcement. After replacing compromised plywood sections, we installed a high-performance underlayment to provide superior weather protection and prevent moisture infiltration. Next, we carefully placed new, impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather. The skylight was resealed to ensure no future leaks, and improved ventilation was added to enhance airflow and extend the roof’s lifespan. The finishing touches included ridge vents and flashing details to ensure maximum efficiency and water resistance. The final result is a sleek, high-quality roof built for longevity. This project not only enhanced the home’s structural integrity but also boosted its visual appeal. With expert craftsmanship and top-tier materials, this roof replacement in Tacoma guarantees lasting protection and value.

If you caused any injuries or death of others as a result of your DUI, WKLaw provide full-service DUI defense in the Orange County courts because A experienced orange county dui lawyer will be able to find and uncover the weaknesses in the case against you and get the best possible result.

This Tacoma home underwent a complete roof transformation, ensuring long-term durability and improved curb appeal. The project began with a thorough inspection, revealing aging shingles, water damage, and areas of structural weakness. The roof was in dire need of a full replacement. We started with a meticulous removal of the old shingles and underlying materials, exposing damaged decking that required reinforcement. After replacing compromised plywood sections, we installed a high-performance underlayment to provide superior weather protection and prevent moisture infiltration. Next, we carefully placed new, impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather. The skylight was resealed to ensure no future leaks, and improved ventilation was added to enhance airflow and extend the roof’s lifespan. The finishing touches included ridge vents and flashing details to ensure maximum efficiency and water resistance. The final result is a sleek, high-quality roof built for longevity. This project not only enhanced the home’s structural integrity but also boosted its visual appeal. With expert craftsmanship and top-tier materials, this roof replacement in Tacoma guarantees lasting protection and value.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Impact was fortunate to be engaged by a dynamic couple that asked us to rebuild a dilapidated garage and turn it into an all purpose entertainment room with kitchenette. The project features over-sized, full length accordion doors and exposed rafters. The build transforms the property by shifting the soul of the home from inside to the outdoors. What was once the home’s weakness is now a beautiful strength.

My weaknesses are vases, light fixtures and wallpaper. When I fell in love with Cole & Son’s Aldwych Albemarle wallpaper, the laundry room was the last available place to put it! Photo © Bethany Nauert

After photo of shower. This shows the second valve at the shower bench seat. Client deals with chronic leg weakness and fatigue. A bench seat was designed to provide the ability to sit on bad days. Design utilized scald guard pressure balance valve and hand shower. Photo by: Chiemi Photography

Aircon condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit and play an important role in releasing heat from your cooling system. When dust, leaves, dirt, and outdoor debris collect around the condenser, the unit has to work harder, which can lead to weak cooling, overheating, higher electricity use, and faster wear on important components. A professional aircon condenser cleaning service helps remove buildup from the outdoor unit so heat can escape more smoothly. This improves airflow, supports better cooling performance, and reduces unnecessary pressure on the compressor. It is especially useful when your aircon runs for long hours or the outdoor unit is exposed to dust, rain, and pollution. Regular condenser cleaning can help your aircon stay efficient, quieter, and more reliable. It also lowers the risk of sudden breakdowns and keeps the system working comfortably for daily use in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Amy Strode Interiors, Mike Ballard Construction, Ken Jobe Flooring, Tom Pfeifer Carpentry, Cody Weakly Painting, Fehrenbacher Cabinets, Restoration Hardware, Lea Matthews Furniture, Rug Merchant

Is it crazy to think about chimney repairs in the winter? It’s cold and snowy outside and the rooftops are solid white, coated with a layer of ice. A homeowner called us with a concern about her home. She reported that a small stream of water was coming down the chimney and into the firebox. To keep the water from flooding the firebox, the homeowner placed a Tupperware container to collect the water. Not a good look. Can chimney repairs in the winter be done by a certified chimney technician? Chimney Repairs in the Winter Chimney repairs can be completed in the winter, although it depends on what type of chimney repair is needed. Let’s take a quick look at the different chimney repairs in our cold winter months. Chimney Cap: If your chimney cap comes loose, or if the winter winds knocked it out of place or blew it off completely, our certified chimney technician can go up on the roof and take care of the chimney cap for you with a chimney cap replacement. Our technicians follow the guidelines for safety, especially in the winter months when roofing systems are the slipperiest. Flashing: Flashing is the connector from the roofing system to the chimney. It is the barrier that protects water from finding its way into your home. However, if the flashing becomes loose or comes away from the roof and chimney, it is open season for the rain to come directly into your home and create chaos. Chimney Crown: The chimney crown is the slab of cement that sits on top of the chimney and right below the chimney cap. Hairline cracks can form in the chimney crown allowing water, melted snow, to enter. Even the smallest hairline crack can cause the melted snow to find the weak spot on the chimney crown and make its way into your home. Remember, hairline cracks can and will grow in width and length with the freeze thaw cycles. When the melted snow freezes at night, it expands inside of the crack. If the temperatures cooperate in the daytime, it melts the snow. But remember, it doesn’t necessarily dry out inside of the crack. It can remain moist and freeze again at night. Chimney Tuckpointing: Tuckpointing the chimney can be done in the winter, but it certainly isn’t an easy process as we’re dealing with wet mortar. Cracks can create an entry point for melted snow to enter, further deteriorating the mortar. Although it is not optimal to perform chimney repairs in the winter, Superior Chimney takes precautions to ensure a safe and effective repair. Now the homeowner can get rid of the streaming water in the firebox and enjoy the rest of the winter with a warm and dry fireplace. Be sure to contact us today if you have a water leak in your fireplace. If you would like to have your chimney inspected and checked for water leaks coming this spring, contact us today to schedule it up in March. This way, you’ll be all set and not compete with others in the Spring.

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Denver

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in San Luis Obispo

This was major rehab we completed for a client with special emphasis on the exterior. We replaced the worn out siding with James Hardie 8 1/4" lap siding, replaced the roof, rebuilt the existing deck, added a shade arbor and painted everything for good measure. We also did a full cosmetic rehab of the interior.