Sometimes it is the little things that can make life just a bit better. Take, for instance, having a bathroom with a spa-like feel. You wouldn’t think that it would make much difference. I mean, honestly, you do the exact same thing in a spa-like bath as you do in […]
Design Ideas
60 posts
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
2021 Random Photo Series As a way of rounding out the year, I have decided to share 3 random photos from my phone each week, along with a discussion about why I took the picture. This might give you a sense of how I think and who I am. Random […]
This project recently came into the studio: A condominium refresh up in Sonoma. I don’t usually take work so far afield, but I know the client and am considering opening a Sonoma satellite office. So I figured, it looks like fun! It is a roughly 1000 square foot 2bd 2bath […]
The Benicia house project is coming along! The last time I was at the site, the house was still being framed. No roof structure was in place. Now, roughly six weeks later, the roof is up and insulated. The walls are up and insulated. The contractor will be starting to […]
The pandemic is going to extend into 2021 or longer. It is possible that the thawing permafrost will release as yet unknown viruses on mankind. What can we do today to make our homes safer? There is one thing that you can today, with very little effort, to make your […]
In this video I explain how I see our current situation and why I think the virus is here to stay. I also talk about why some people will be able to retreat to the country. I predict that this will mean an increase in vacation home sales – and […]
With this post I am introducing a new series of posts about the possible affects the Covid-19 pandemic may have on house design. As much as we would like things to return to “normal” – normal being the way it was before the pandemic – an argument can be made […]
One of the most common reasons my clients chose to build an accessory dwelling – either a backyard cottage or in-law unit, is for either their elder parents, or for their adult children with kids of their own. Building an accessory dwelling on their property allows them to have two […]
You will often hear architects, contractors, and engineers talking about how a building is “to code”, meaning it complies with the building codes. We talk about it like it’s a good thing, something to be proud of. But is it? Not really. The building code defines the worst acceptable building […]
On May 30, 2020, for shopping centers in Emeryville, California were looted in the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man at the hands of the police. On the morning of the 31st, I walked through two of the centers to see what kind […]
There are many things that can inspire. One of the things that inspires me is graffiti art. These talented artists make monumental murals and small intimate vignettes that enhance and beautify the urban environment. I took these photographs on a cold, grey morning, but they color and liveliness of the […]
Kicking off a new project is always fun. There is nothing but possibilities ahead of us! A blank piece of tracing paper and a hand full of pens and we’re ready to get started. I recently started working on a new house project with some old clients of mine. I […]
I have a project in my studio at the moment where the design of a new master bathroom is a key aspect of the project. We are adding on a new family room and master bedroom, and converting one of the existing bedrooms into the master bathroom. The existing bedroom […]
This past weekend, I went to see The World of Charles and Ray Eames exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California. It was great! It covers their careers in design from the 1940’s into the late 70’s. Several of their chair designs are considered modern icon’s and even classics of […]