A version of this post first ran in 2016. Using graywater (sometimes spelled greywater) to irrigate your landscaping is an excellent way to reduce your water use in California's drought-prone climate. What Is Graywater? Graywater is water generated from household use that would otherwise go to waste. Water from bathroom sinks, laundry, shower, bath and
Good question. When was the last time you had to choose drapes, blinds, sheers or shutters? Maybe it was when you moved into a new home. How about when you replaced your old single-pane windows for those beautiful double-paned picture windows? Or maybe it was after a full room redesign or addition. Even if you
A major remodeling project brings with it lots of different emotions. Excitement. Frustration. Anger. Elation. If you’re doing a major building or remodeling project, chances are you’ll experience all these emotions – and more – during the process. As an architect, I’ve seen it time and again, and each time I’m right there with the
With global climate change and ongoing drought in California, it’s a sad fact of life that we all need to be prepared in case we get the unwelcome message that a fire is heading our way. As an architect helping rebuild after 2017’s Tubbs Fire, I got a first-hand look at how a wildfire can
Revolutionizing Construction: Exploring the World of 3D Printed Homes How will this technology revolutionize California's housing market? In our creative state of California, where we take pride in technological advancements and architectural innovation as part of the daily norm, a groundbreaking development is reshaping the way we think about construction and housing. Enter 3D printer-generated
With summer upon us, it’s an excellent time to think about remodeling your outdoor living spaces. One excellent, eco-friendly upgrade to consider is replacing patios and walkways made from impermeable paving materials – such as traditional concrete or stone, asphalt, or plastic – with permeable paving. Why Use Permeable Paving Materials? Permeable materials are porous
After a long rainy season and an unusually cold winter, the sun is back. You may be thinking about a swimming pool. Yet, what if you don’t have a lot of room for a conventional, in-ground swimming pool? You might consider an endless pool. What is an Endless Pool? An endless pool is a swimming
Accessory dwelling units (also known as “granny units” or ADUs) are small living spaces that are on the same property, but are separate from, the main living space. They can be attached to the main home or completely separate. They range from tiny studio apartments to fully appointed cottages and can serve lots of different
As it turns out, you need both, for different reasons. If you are considering remodeling or adding an addition to your home, your architect can tell you what type of fire safe material is best for your specific building design and location. But can they help you with a fire safe landscape design? Marin, Sonoma
Post-frame construction has been around since humans first started building spaces to live in, but it is becoming a more popular option for new home and commercial construction, thanks to its flexibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. What Is Post-Frame Construction? Post-frame construction is an engineered-wood-frame building system that meets Uniform Building Code (UBC) and International Building
