Let’s look close to home first, in Marin County. If you live or work in Marin and travel up and down Highway 101, you’ve undoubtedly seen glimpses of the iconic Marin Civic Center building fondly dubbed, “Big Pink” in San Rafael. The last of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations is nestled into the hills, and
After the schematic design is completed, the next step in the architectural design process is the design development. Design Development Purpose While the schematic design’s purpose is to provide an overview of the building or remodeling project, the design development phase is intended to fill in the details. During this phase, the architect works with
There are so many things that influence how we move through the world. That is especially true for the world of design. Have you ever wondered how furniture design and architecture have influenced each other through the years? A recent article in the New York Times tackled the topic, “How do we define furniture?” Six
The first step in the architectural design process is the schematic design. After the initial consultation with the client, the architect should come away with an idea of the overall concept and scope of the project. Further meetings or phone calls with the client, or visits to the proposed building site, may be necessary to
Summer is almost here, and temperatures are soaring. In California, last year was the hottest year on record since temperature tracking began in 1850. Climate change is causing many homeowners to rethink old traditions and habits, like trading in a traditional grass lawn for native plants. Trading it in for drought resistant, yet, living plants
When you start to visualize new opportunities for your home, surfaces and finishes many not be the first thing that comes to mind. You might be thinking instead of: A new kitchen design, A garage turned ADU, The creation of new family room. The possibilities are only limited by your budget, lot size (and local
Summer is almost here. That means warmer weather, more water usage for landscaping, and higher utility bills if you have an AC system. With concerns about climate change and high energy bills, many homeowners are looking for green alternatives. Solar panels and native, drought-resistant plants come to mind. But what if you live in a
If you’ve never worked with an architect before, you may be wondering what to expect. Even before your initial meeting with an architect, it might be a wise idea to ask yourself some questions first. What are your design aspirations? Look at images to find what you like and, equally important, what you don’t like.
After tackling your layout, cabinets and drawers, the next step in your kitchen retrofit for aging in place is planning your countertops, sinks and floors. The right countertops, sinks and floors can provide added accessibility and enhance food safety and fall prevention efforts for those with mobility or vision problems. Kitchen Countertops Height To make
Aging in place is an important issue for many seniors. If you live in Marin County, you may know that seniors make up about 27% of the population. Given the option, many would prefer to live in their homes. However, adjustments are not always simple or easily affordable. Architects can help in assessing a home
