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

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: , |0 Comments

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: |0 Comments

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: |0 Comments

Kitchen Retrofit for Aging in Place: Countertops, Sinks & Floors

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: , |0 Comments

Are In-Home Elevators a Wise Aging-in-Place Choice for Seniors?

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

Categories: Home Design|Tags: |0 Comments