Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.
Since I last wrote about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in 2018, the California legislature has enacted new laws intended to make it even easier for property owners to build these useful units. Quick Refresher on ADUs An ADU is a small, separate housing unit built as an addition to a main home on a lot
If you, like me, are a certain age, smoke curling from chimneys and the earthy smell of woodsmoke from fireplaces and stoves represent the glories of winter. Unfortunately, they also represent a threat to health and safety, which is why it may be time for all of us to think about replacing our woodburning fireplaces
Wildfire season is in full swing here in California, and 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’ve gotten a first-hand look at how a wildfire
This post previously ran in 2017. Earthquakes are a fact of life in the Bay Area. The same geologic features that create our dramatic mountains-meet-ocean vistas mean we have to live with a little bit – or sometimes a lot – of shaking. California’s building codes are continually updated based on emerging research and lessons
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
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting case studies from my project files to demonstrate how clients can renovate and make home and office improvements. The cases are meant to illustrate some of the best ideas for maximizing the comfort, utility and cost-effectiveness of clients’ living and working spaces. Current Situation Client: Working professional
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting case studies from my project files to demonstrate how clients can renovate and make home and office improvements. The cases are meant to illustrate some of the best ideas for maximizing the comfort, utility and cost-effectiveness of clients’ living and working spaces. Current Situation Client: Woman about
If your home was destroyed or damaged in 2017’s Northern California firestorm, you have my condolences. Losing a home is traumatic, and the subsequent decisions about rebuilding can seem overwhelming. Here’s how consulting a Santa Rosa architect can help you make sense of your choices and turn this awful event into an opportunity to build
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,
