Climate change, energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint are driving aspects of home design. Solar panels are an option that many homeowners are considering. You might be surprised to learn that a French physicist began making discoveries about solar energy around 1839. The first patents for solar-powered engines were filed in the 1860's. By
Here’s What Your Home Needs to Welcome Your New Vehicle. So, you’re planning to make the leap into electric vehicle (EV) ownership. Congratulations! Whether it’s the quiet ride, zero tailpipe emissions or freedom from fossil-fuel dependency, owning an EV is a major step toward a cleaner, smarter future. But before you settle into the smooth
This post first ran in 2018. Summer is just around the corner, and while many of us are looking forward to lazy days by the pool with a good book (and lots of sunscreen), we’re also thinking about how we’re going to keep cool without breaking the bank or destroying the earth. Cooling
Porcelain is no longer just for fine dinnerware. In recent years, it's made a stylish and highly functional entrance into kitchens as a countertop surface, especially among architects and designers seeking durability without sacrificing beauty. But is it the right material for every remodel? Here's what to consider Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting
Good news arrived for Marin homeowners in March 2025 when the Marin County Board of Supervisors decided to extend a rule that waived or reduced building permit fees for second units or accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These units are now viewed as a way to create more living spaces in housing-challenged Marin. The extension will
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
