Trace Kannel Architecture

Working with Trace Kannel was a great experience for myself, and the Barrios Wagner Builders Construction Team. Trace paid very close attention to detail in her drawings and in her quality control. This detail was a big factor in producing a whole house remodel that we were all proud of and wanted to show off. Trace also communicated her thoughts and ideas well to all parties of the Design-Build Team when construction issues arose. It was a pleasure working with her and we would, and do, highly recommend her.

My husband and I hired Trace after we purchased our first home. The bathroom needed a complete overhaul and we had no clue what colors to paint our walls other than eggshell white. Trace listened to our wishlist, took into account our lifestyle (we have three young children), and drew up plans for a beautiful little bathroom that fit our needs perfectly. She found a way to incorporate the tile I loved within a budget that kept my husband happy, too. Her eye for color is spot-on! Trace was so patient and warm with us, really taking her time to get us and how we live in our home before making suggestions. It was a great pleasure to work with Trace, and we look forward to working with her again in the future.

I own a duplex that was built in the 70's which needed to be updated. This was my first time remodeling a home which is why I reached out to Trace Kannel. From day one, Trace was attentive, patient, and a wealth of great ideas. I had very little vision of what I wanted the spaces to look like. She asked a lot of questions and was able to take my “bread crumbs” and create a detailed vision for a phased remodel. She guided me toward cost-effective, yet robust designs that are durable for a short-term rental and attractive for future homeowners. Throughout the entire process, Trace set realistic expectations and help me see how my design decisions might impact the installation process. She really is a pleasure to work with and I am grateful for the passion she brings, as it is reflected in the outcome of her work. The bathroom is now bright and modern. A few smart changes to the eat-in kitchen created new counters at the range and lots more storage. I plan to work with Trace again on future projects. She comes highly recommend.

It has been wonderful working with Trace over many years. I am looking forward to many more years of Trace’s fabulous designs and attention to client’s needs. Trace’s impeccable attention to details gives me great confidence that the projects we work together on will meet design intent and be building code compliant. I love the calm that Trace brings to projects. Trace’s designs are thoughtful, meets her client’s desires, needs and leaves her clients very happy with the end results. Trace recently transformed a residence with existing conditions that made the task very challenging, such-as side yard set-backs less than current code, high exterior grade and historic requirements making it difficult to find required natural light, ventilation and egress from bedrooms. The results that Trace created were creative and outstanding, her clients are delighted.

Trace has a great love of architecture and pays exceptional attention to the details. She really gets to know her clients and designs to their specific needs, budget and style. I have seen her find inspiration in autumn leaves that a client loves, and work through the technical details to address noise and sound issues, as well as deliver stunning architectural details! She purposefully guides clients through all stages of the design process and adeptly works with the engineers, city planning & building departments, and builders. Her projects are award-winning and always outstanding. I highly recommend working with Trace!

Our small home on the Central Coast presented a challenge due to the small size and poor quality of the original bathroom layouts and construction. Trace Kannel's approach is to take her client's general ideas and working closely with her client, builds on the concept using her extensive product knowledge and creativity to lay out the project. In our experience, the end results are far beyond our expectations. Both bathrooms, though still small in footprint, generate a sense of openness and space; they include a bit of whimsey and reflect our taste and attitude without being over-built or typical. Trace worked closely with our Contractor and was instrumental in making this dream come true. We have also engaged Trace Kannel Architecture to design a unique out building on our property to be a workshop/office space that reflects the open environment of our Central Coast home and our interest in energy efficient layout and design. We strongly recommend Trace Kannel Architecture; Trace Kannel makes it easy to get your ideas and hers into a workable and pleasing design.

Trace Kannel provided the architectural plans and project oversight for our home renovation (kitchen, two bathrooms, family room). Our project had a long planning process and Trace provided invaluable information and expertise during this phase. Her architectural plans were very detailed and so accurate that no revision was required by the city upon submission. She was very easy to work with and put our interests ahead of her architectural vision. She was also very passionate and engaged with our project.

In 1992, I bought a beautiful 106 yr old 2-story brown shingle house that had never been repaired or altered. All the redwood molding, wainscotting and panel doors had never been painted, they just needed a good scrubbing to bring them back to life. But the house did need all new electrical, plumbing, a heating system, another bathroom and a serious kitchen. I wanted to restore this house and bring it up to date without changing the historical character. I wanted it to retain it's original, vintage charm. Trace did a beautiful job of taking my house and bringing it up to date. For example, she converted the linen closet into a full bathroom and put in necessary lighting fixtures throughout the house where needed. Ten months later, I moved in and started the plans to have Trace design a beautiful kitchen addition on the back of the house. All the details and moldings match those throughout the house and it looks like the kitchen was always there. Trace did an outstanding job on my house restoration.

I worked with Trace Kannel Architecture to remodel my original 1948 kitchen and dining room. Being that I am not a very creative individual, it was very important to me to have an architect that was able to decipher and understand what I wanted to achieve. From our early conversations, Trace was able to provide me direction and recommendations that resulted in an amazing kitchen and dining room. She brought a vibrant and exciting sense of style that beautifully complimented what I was hoping to achieve. Her sensitivity to color, texture and detail was remarkable. From the very start of the project, Trace Kannel worked closely with my contractor. This was a vital aspect for me as a single woman in a demanding career. I found out very early in the project that I could trust and depend on Trace to be my advocate on this project. She established a realistic timeline that satisfied my needs, she kept within my defined budget, and worked closely with my contractor in bringing on only high-quality subcontractors to the project. This provided us with an exceptional level of workmanship that can be seen throughout the kitchen and dining room. Also, Trace was remarkable at keeping the lines of communication open throughout the project with all involved parties; this was invaluable. It was an absolute pleasure working with Trace. She brought a fantastic sense of style and flair to the project, an impressive level of reliability and trust, and her impressive architectural knowledge and finesse left its mark. She made my beautiful kitchen and dining room remodel a realty and a complete success! Thanks, Trace!!

Trace has a wonderful approach, willing to provide guidance and her personal opinion to help clients arrive at their desired outcome. She worked with us for about 18 months on a massive remodel/rebuild. She is careful to take the time to understand how clients will live in and experience a space and what they value as important functional and aesthetic criteria. Trace provided expert guidance on a range of materials and quality and truly brought our project to an outcome far more beautiful than we had imagined possible. She is a true professional who is highly accountable and reliable, helping to guide and execute a project. Comfortable working under tight deadlines while keeping budgets under control, Trace provides an invaluable service to those seeking small and large projects.