The lovely owners of this bayfront residence approached me to improve their home, though unsure of what they were after. It became clear that the existing window and door placement did not take advantage of this unique location. The house is on the SF bay, within earshot of large numbers of migrating and local bird populations. Views of the bay from within were constricted, and access to the backyard was limited. Expansive views of the bay and City skyline were … Read More
The existing kitchen was crowded, with inadequate storage, poor flow and use of space. The connection to the dining room was improved and the kitchen extension was widened by incorporating an unnecessary hallway. Cabinetry was added throughout to maximize storage. Before:
A high-risk pregnancy medical practice and specialized doctors of the highest caliber moved into an existing medical suite. I wanted to create a fresh look worthy of their talent and expertise and comfortable and welcoming for the patients and their families. While solving spatial and practical problems, my aim was to create a calm, peaceful and uplifting environment. A fresh look was imagined with the patients in mind taking cues from this sunny Southern California town. Walls were knocked down … Read More
A great space in Berkeley’s famed “Gourmet Ghetto” caught the eye of an enterprising duo of visionary businessmen. The design of the space was created to be welcoming to students and families alike. Fitting all the necessary appliances into a tight space as well as complying with the Berkeley Health Department proved to be a fun exercise. Seating was maximized to accommodate a maximum number of patrons. The novel concept of a Game Board Cafe serving excellent coffee and special … Read More
The existing kitchen seemed too small for a house of this size. How could a family of four manage in this small, crowded and dark kitchen? Without adding on, or taking over the family room, the design strategy of this kitchen remodel was to maximize counter and storage space while creating the illusion of spaciousness. Here again, connecting the kitchen to the Dining Room visually and functionally was key to the design. Before: General Contractor and Custom cabinetry by Shigoto … Read More
This traditional bungalow with its small rooms did not suit its new owners looking for a contemporary aesthetic and modern open living spaces. Structural changes made it possible to create a sense of cohesion and openness. Dual glazed aluminum windows installed throughout the house added natural light and ventilation and greater energy efficiency. New energy efficient appliances transformed this bungalow into a modern home. Before:
A family of four with growing boys needed additional rooms and did not want to leave the neighborhood. A second story was added to their corner lot house, linking up split levels. The ground floor living spaces were reconfigured for better flow opening up to a new kitchen at the rear. The new upstairs wing added two bedrooms and a bathroom. The new skylit stair was tucked in without an inch to spare. Before: Canivet Construction
This beloved historically listed home was in need of a fresh look for better “curb appeal”. The facade remodel focused on replacing the front porch and stairs which needed repair. Newly installed windows remained and were treated with trim detailing to harmonize and balance the entire facade. Two Zoning Variances were obtained to create a graceful and complete appearance. Drainage was added at the base of the low-lying garage door. Before:
Located on a steep hillside near the Hayward fault, this residence consisted of four half levels which did not take advantage of the views. The remodel consisted of adding a centrally located skylit stair to vertically connect and unify the layers of the house. A new kitchen and great room were added, providing views and light, and to accommodate large family gatherings. A family room created at the bottom level could be used as an independent studio apartment by a … Read More
In order to add square footage to this historic one bedroom cottage while preserving its integrity, a tower was added at the rear giving onto a new deck. The tower built for a child’s room adds whimsy and preserves as much garden space as possible. Cement board siding provides a durable finish to match the house’s original painted board and batten siding, while reducing maintenance and providing fire resistive qualities. Salvaged and shop made windows play w/ scale and window … Read More