Julia Morgan, like Louise Blanchard Bethune, was a trailblazer whose life and work impacted my own. There is a new book out on her life and work, Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect. Her most iconic work is Hearst Castle. The book’s author, Victoria Kastner, is Hearst Castle’s official historian but her
You recycle, you compost, you turn off lights when you’re not using them, but have you ever wondered what else you can do to improve your home’s “green quotient?” One way to make sure you’re doing everything you can to save energy and water and protect our environment is to do a green audit of
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
Louise Blanchard Bethune has had a major impact on my life as a woman in architecture. Considered the first female architect in America, Blanchard Bethune demonstrated that it was not only possible for a woman to design buildings, she showed the world that a woman could design great, useful buildings as well as any man.
You may want to know how adding an addition or remodeling impacts insurance coverage. Are you planning a new addition to your home, or a remodeling project, or possibly an ADU? How can you be sure your homeowner’s insurance is up to the task? What does your insurance agent need to know about your project?
This post first ran in 2017. In the mid-20th century, there seemed to be little reason to insulate a new California home. Mild winters and summers, combined with seemingly plentiful, inexpensive energy meant homeowners could crank up the heat without breaking the bank or worrying about their carbon footprint. In the 21st century, however, we
Hardwood flooring is becoming the most popular floor option, eclipsing carpeting and laminate in the Bay Area, according to Bill Powell, of 123-Floor, a Marin flooring expert with more tha 20 years of experience. Hardwood is popular for good reason. “I look at hardwood as an asset in the house,” Powell says. It’s beautiful, durable,
What does it mean to design for indoor outdoor spaces? Living in California, we have the option of developing that space in between our indoor living and the openness of the great outdoors. We call it a transitional space. That area that is a little of both. Our long season of mild weather makes creating
There are lots of ways to increase your home's energy efficiency and reduce your impact on our environment, from small, simple changes to larger projects that may cost more up front but will save you money in the long run. Easy and Free These are the low-hanging fruit for increasing energy and water efficiency –
A front page article in the Marin Independent Journal recently touted a 6.5% increase in the assessed value of property in Marin County. With property values increasing, it might seem like an odd time to think about a renovation project to improve your property value. However, increased property values can mean increased equity in your
