Commercial design is an essential part of your business’s marketing strategy. Your building’s architectural design is a hallmark of your brand. Send the wrong message, and you may lose clients or customers. Send the right one, and you can enhance your brand identity and recognition with your target audience. Moreover, the design of your building
With 2018 more than half over, I’m taking stock of some of the architectural design trends I, and other architects, have noticed and that I think are likely to continue into 2019 and beyond “Lifestyle” Architectural Design Trends More than ever, clients are putting thought into how they live and how the spaces they inhabit
In my 30-plus years as an architect, I’ve dealt with almost every kind of problem that can come up during a building project. There are a few that come up over and over, delaying projects, frustrating clients and costing them additional money. These problems tend to arise from a few basic misconceptions. Here are seven
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 than dream and draw; she also
Summer is almost here, 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 a mid-century modern home can be particularly tricky. When they
If you have a beautiful garden, outdoor living space or a great view, one of the best upgrades you can make to your home is to add a retractable glass wall. Adding a retractable glass wall can make the indoor/outdoor living so many of us in the Bay Area enjoy even easier. In cooler weather,
As an architect, I like to think of remodeling and building projects as a symphony. All the sections of the orchestra – the strings, the brass, the percussion – use their unique skills to work on their separate bits of music, yet somehow, everything comes together to create something beautiful. But without a conductor to
Solar tubes, also known as tubular skylights, sun tunnels, or light tubes, are a great way to bring more natural light into your home, particularly to dark rooms or areas that might otherwise miss out on the benefits of sunlight. What Are Solar Tubes? A solar tube is a metal tube that runs from your
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 24 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, easy to
With all the rain this week, a lot of us are getting damp reminders that our roofs need attention. If you’re looking to repair or replace your roof – or build a new home – you probably have questions. Here are a few roofing basics to help you get started. Selecting a Roofing Material The
