Blog
Ross Road Residence
Construction on the Ross Road residence is well underway. The biggest priority for this project is to make a relatively compact living space feel as expansive as possible without being completely open. One of the ways we’re doing this is by giving the kitchen, dining and living areas a vaulted ceiling. Then, through a series of low walls and built-in cabinets we’re defining each space while maintaining visibility between the rooms. When it’s finished, this area is going to be a great space for this growing family.
All Moved In!
Latest Houzz article features our Stannage Avenue Residence
There are many creative storage solutions in this article, and we're honored to be included.
The double-duty bench is a great idea, particularly where space is at a premium. We like the combination of open and closed storage, because it's nice to hide away some of the clutter. The article recommends drawers, but sliding doors have worked equally well for our designs. You can see more photos and read about the Stannage Avenue Residence project on our website.
Collaborations: Curtis Sakai, Bay Reach Homes
We first worked with Curtis Sakai in 2008 when we helped him with his family’s second story addition and remodel in the Berkeley Hills. Throughout the project, it was clear that we worked well together and shared similar sensibilities. So, we were thrilled when Curtis asked us to collaborate on his first project with his development venture, Bay Reach Homes, in 2012. Since then we have worked together on half a dozen house remodels ranging from simple rehabilitations to major transformations.
Our ongoing relationship Curtis has allowed us to create a lot of efficiencies. We understand how we best work together. Unlike out typical custom projects, these development projects tend to move quickly and decisions are often made on the fly. As a team, we can pull best practices and favorite concepts from past projects to ensure that our current projects are fresh and creative while still being functional and appealing.
Above all, we simply enjoy working with Curtis. He’s very thoughtful about each project and always considers the value of each change – Will people appreciate it? Will it work well for the people who live here? His projects also include a little bit of “wow factor” which makes working with Curtis really fun.
Material Love | Tile Edition
I can't get enough of Fireclay Tile's bold colors and geometric shapes. Here's a sneak peek of the bathroom tile for the Middlefield Road Residence.
Construction Snapshots
Construction is well underway at the Middlefield Road Residence, and everything is coming together beautifully thanks to contractor Chris Brooks with CB Builders Inc.
Surrounded by numerous Coast Live Oak trees, the expansive tree canopy is one of our favorite things about this particular site. With high ceilings and big windows, this second story addition takes full advantage of these well established trees and feels like a secluded tree-top oasis.
exterior: framing | waterproofing | siding
interior: framing | insulation | drywall
Through the Lens
Scouting shots for an upcoming photo shoot of this Palo Alto residence. We're learning from the best with photographer Joe Fletcher.
Construction begins on Middlefield Road Residence
Demolition and framing has begun on the Middlefield Road Residence. This beautiful one-story home will get a new second level under a canopy of old growth coast live oak trees.
To the right of the columns will be a new light and airy stair, made of metal mesh and little else, that wraps around the existing wall and ties the two levels together. We are so exicted to see this project take shape!
38th Avenue Residence Completion
Our work at the NE 38th Avenue Residence has come to a close, and we couldn't be more excited for our clients to enjoy life in their new space. A proper farewell is complete with this cell phone selfie of the project team : from the bottom up we have contractor Brooks with Roseland Construction LLC, loan officer Russ, clients Andrew and Peg, and architects me and Hiromi. A big thanks to everyone for making this such a fun project to be a part of. We hope our clients will enjoy their home for many years to come!
Brooks, Russ, Andrew, Peg, me, Hiromi
38th Avenue Residence Before and After
As we wrap up construction at the 38th Avenue Residence, I was reminded of a photo we took shortly after demolition. Here is a fun before/after comparison of the space.
Before
After