Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.

Does Your Home Qualify for an Earthquake Retrofit Grant?

Worried about earthquakes? If you live in California, the answer is probably a resounding "yes!" And there is good reason to be concerned. There is a greater than 99 percent chance that California will experience a quake of a magnitude 6.7 or greater. For reference, that was the size of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which

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Case Study: New Garage with Accessory Dwelling Unit

Current Situation Client: Woman about to retire Need: Current and future income; future living space Budget Level: Medium The client is a single woman who is planning to retire in two to three years. She would like to realize a moderate increase in income during her remaining working years with the possibility of further increasing

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Case Study: Master Suite & Bath Addition

Current Situation Client: Working professional couple with 3 young children Need: Enlarge master suite and bathrooms to accommodate growing family; improve climate control for increased comfort and energy-efficiency Budget Level: High The clients are a young professional couple who work in San Francisco. With the recent birth of a third child, they have outgrown

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How a Renovation Architect Can Improve Your Property Value

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

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Marin’s Fall Prevention Home Modification Program

Planning for the unexpected isn’t always easy. Try as we might, we can’t see what the future will bring. Simple home mishaps and accidents can cause temporary or severe disabilities. According to the US Census Bureau, between 2018 and 2022, 5.3 percent of Marin County’s population under age 60 were living with a disability. As

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Grass – Real or Fake?

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

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2025