Do they exist? The hunt is on for home-building materials and designs that can withstand the rages and changes brought on by climate change. Once-in-a-hundred-year floods, fires and storms are becoming much more common occurrences, taking lives and wreaking havoc. Homeowners are rattled and rightly so. Insurance rates are rising, and some insurers are leaving
All photography © Rob Martel, Rob Martel Photography When it comes to making changes to a home, especially one with such a rich architectural history as an Eichler, every detail matters. For Roz and Ken, the project was more than just a remodeling project—it was a deep dive into preserving the beauty and spirit of the
I am sometimes asked what it is like to work with an architect. My response is often that depends. So many variables can impact an architect’s work to create your dream project. Let’s list just a few. Size and scope of the project Geography Your locality’s permitting process and building regulations Remodeling a bathroom, even
In October 2024, the U.S. government announced a harder push to remove lead pipes from all water delivery systems. As noted by The New York Times: “The new rule, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, sets the most aggressive restrictions on lead in drinking water since federal standards were first set decades ago. Utilities will
A cozy, crackling fire has long been a symbol of home – warmth, comfort, and even added property value. But a decade ago, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), responsible for protecting air quality across nine counties, began a controversial effort to regulate wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. So, it shouldn’t have come as
Worried about earthquakes? If you live in California, the answer is probably a resounding "yes!" And there is good reason to be concerned. There is a greater than 99 percent chance that California will experience a quake of a magnitude 6.7 or greater. For reference, that was the size of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which
No, not that kind of grass – the lawn kind of grass. Many homeowners and even commercial businesses in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties maintain significant areas of lush green lawns and grassy areas. If you live in Marin County, you can cash in on this offer through Marin Water’s Rebate and receive funds for
This post first ran in 2018. Many people think of an architect as someone who designs large, important buildings – a visionary who dreams up new and bold designs, like New York’s Guggenheim Museum (Frank Lloyd Wright) or Chicago’s Aqua tower (Jeanne Gang). And of course, architects do that. But an architect does much more
Have you ever considered what architects, contractors and builders bring to novels and films? The choice of a setting is crucial to storytelling. Novels and movies often happen in a town or city that takes on the essence of a featured character. The Big Apple plays a role in so many novels in a variety
Every year, the debate rages about the clock switching ritual of daylight saving time as we chase the sunlight. We recently experienced the Spring Forward, with all its morning grogginess, sleep deprivation and for some people, the increased likelihood of strokes and heart attacks. That certainly can get us thinking about the effect sunlight has
