Information on remodeling homes and commercial spaces
As an architect, I like to think of remodeling and building projects as a symphony. All the sections of the orchestra – the strings, the brass, the percussion – use their unique skills to work on their separate bits of music, yet somehow, everything comes together to create something beautiful. But without a conductor to
When planning a kitchen remodel, nothing seems to stress my clients out more than selecting a kitchen countertop. And no wonder – the countertop not only defines the style of your kitchen, it also serves as its primary workhorse, sometimes acting as food prep surface, sometimes as trivet, storage area or even dining table. Not
How much construction waste did your last remodeling project generate? Chances are, it was more than necessary. According to California's 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization Study, 29 percent of the state's solid waste stream comes from the "Inerts and Other" category, which includes construction and demolition. But with a little planning, you and your architect or contractor
Some people think that concrete floors are more likely to evoke industrial spaces, rather than homes. In fact, according to the International Association of Home Inspectors in their history of concrete, the first homes to use concrete were in Yugoslavia in 5600 BC. Home-building and construction techniques have changed a lot since then, but concrete is still
That headline won’t surprise many homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially in Marin. During the pandemic our perspectives shifted radically on what a home should offer. Four bedrooms, three baths and a family room suddenly felt cramped. Where could the home office go? Um, make that two home offices, a classroom for the
This post first ran in 2018. 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
This post first ran in 2018. Summer is just around the corner, 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
There was a time, not so long ago, when greywater systems were not allowed in some municipalities. Even today, they are regulated. Long-running droughts have, of necessity, made the installation of greywater systems not only legal but desirable. Greywater is the water used in your washing machine and in your bath for bathing or showering
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
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
