Tell us about the featured project.
This spacious, modern-traditional home—simplified Cape Cod-style with some English flavor—was designed for British owners with a mix of traditional architecture and contemporary open areas. The airy estate features 10,000 square feet of living space with seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
Built on three levels, the main floor openly flows from the 18-foot ceiling entryway to the gourmet chef’s kitchen and family room. Built-in custom fireplaces in the living room, dining room, family room and master suite add warmth. The master suite opens to a private balcony with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, while the master bathroom features magnificent Carrara and white Thassos marble and his-and-hers walk-in closets.
On the lower level the media room is equipped with a top-of-the-line surround sound system and custom floor-to-ceiling paneling, an exercise room, custom-built walnut wine cellar, rec room with a bar, and a bonus room, as well as two full bedroom suites with access to a covered patio via three sets of tall, elegant French doors. A custom-paneled elevator connects each floor. The expansive backyard features a pool/spa and custom-built BBQ.
When did you first develop an interest in houses and architecture?
I was exposed to art and architecture from a young age. As a kid, I went to England and France and fell in love with architecture, history and learning about why buildings look the way they do. From playing with Lincoln Logs and Legos to my aptitudes in constructed art, science, math and three-dimensional thinking, so many of my skills and interests drew me to architecture as a career.
How does technology make your job easier and your work better?
We are always staying up-to-date on cutting-edge resources and technology. By far one of the best investments in my practice has been Revit design software. Being able to create 3-D modeling of a project before the schematic enables us and our clients to visualize everything and walk through the home as if it were real. This also helps the contractor because all pertinent information is in the 3-D model, resulting in far fewer design errors and conflicts throughout the building process.
What work are you proudest of?
We are always staying up-to-date on cutting-edge resources and technology. By far one of the best investments in my practice has been Revit design software. Being able to create 3-D modeling of a project before the schematic enables us and our clients to visualize everything and walk through the home as if it were real. This also helps the contractor because all pertinent information is in the 3-D model, resulting in far fewer design errors and conflicts throughout the building process.
