Design Collaboration

I have worked at small and medium sized architecture and design-build firms, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with architects, consultants, clients and contractors. Being part of the team throughout the construction process has allowed me to keep a focus on the value of interior architecture and the importance of integration at every level of design.
Interior architectural design is a form of art, but creative ideas are of greatest value when executed fully to produce a space that balances both the visual and the functional.

THE PATH UP VALLEY

For several years I worked closely with Leong Architects in the St. Helena office. During this time there were two architects on most projects and I was able to play a large role on the team due to the large scale of the projects.

In addition to interior and architectural design, product and material selection and specification I was also responsible for project management and contracts. This added another level of understanding about the reality of design and construction.

Two of the large scale residences were design-build over a three year period. The design team was very collaborative and I worked intensely with the architects, clients, general contractors and subcontractors from bidding though construction.

The Leong’s uncompromising commitment to excellence in design and detail has set the bar for all of my work.

Leong Architects has offices in St. Helena and New York with body of work which includes a wide range of architectural endeavors from Hollywood to Korea. See more of their work at www.leongarch.com

INFINITY OVER THE VALLEY

This beautiful pool house is surrounded with Nana Wall system doors and windows which allowed it to open completely to the expansive views.

The rough natural stone floor flows from pool side through the pool house and into the outdoor kitchen. Walnut cabinetry and cedar ceiling added refined natural elements to the interior.

see more on the architect's web site http://www.leongarch.com/

HOME AMIDST THE OAKS

This was a summer home renovation transformation. The home held many memories and maintaining the original feel was important to the owner. Architecturally it shifted with modern materials while remaining the recognizable family home.

Window and door header heights were raised to give the interiors a modern clean feeling and take advantage of the surrounding oak knoll views.

Dark oak parquet floor replicated the original pattern. Plaster walls and minimal trim made it contemporary Napa Valley, softened with texture and warm color tones. Limestone was used inside and out to accentuate the indoor-outdoor continuity.

See more of this house on the architects site www.leongarch.com

TILE TRIFECTA-1

This series of three bathrooms is an example of how to achieve a consistent design aesthetic throughout the house while allowing each room to be unique.

Limestone is prevalent through the home and landscape. Each bathroom uses limestone in varying amounts and patterns.

This guest bath started with the son’s selection of with this shower head. The streamline fixture and the tall shower space is accentuated with the narrow tile pattern installed vertically. The glass tiles dispersed randomly through the limestone pattern to replicate rain showers sparkles with the natural light cast by the skylight above. The tile pattern was a custom blend to coordinate with the limestone floor & countertop.

TILE TRIFECTA-2

This second guest bath in the series was also a custom tile mix. The daughter selected the small mosaic pattern and the accenting frosted glass tan tile was selected to coordinate with the limestone and the plaster walls.

Throughout the home certain details at the countertops maintain the continuity of design as well. Each limestone counter has a six inch built up edge to aid in the appearance of a solid slab top. The vertical grain rift cut white oak cabinets are suspended off the floor, allowing the limestone floor to flow visually underneath.

Frameless glass shower enclosures allow the color of the tile to play a strong role with the calm neutral tones of the rest of the room. The tile with hints of blue and green also reflects the landscape viewed through the window.

TILE TRIFECTA-3

The master suite, third in the series, accentuates the texture and pattern of the limestone in tile and slab. The large format 9x18 tiles are slightly textured on the floor and honed to a smooth finish on the walls. The tub deck and vanity are smooth slabs of the same material. The limestone selected has enough variation in color to provide variety and texture.

The tile is detailed to be flush with the adjacent plaster walls and the plaster tone pulls its color from the limestone. This aids in the seamless transition between tile and wall and ceiling.

See more of this home the architect's web site www.leongarch.com

Visualization - Explaination

Simple sketches help layout notes to cabinet makers and open discussion for ideas on details

ARTIST SERIES - SUMMER IRIS

This residential remodel for a local artist had a palette based on her oil paintings.

Guest suite palette with pistachio harlequin tile inspired by the work Summer Iris.

A small shower that was more like a closet with grey 4x4 tile was removed and shower was added to the existing tub. This opened the small bathroom quite a bit and allowed for a furniture style free standing sink vanity.

The bathroom sits at the end of a narrow hallway. Adding a frosted glass pocket door allowed natural light to cast into the hall. White oak plank flooring runs down the hall into the bathroom, adding the feeling of a larger space.

See more of Artists's work at Iusi-images.blogspot.com

ARTISTS SERIES SUITE - NEW BLUE SUITE

The master suite remodel for the local artist was inspired by the cheerful work Just Daisies.

The master bedroom included the sink vanity so we added this beautiful free standing Duravit sink to the adjacent bathroom.

Fiberglass surround was exchanged for subway tile with blue band and recessed shelf. Tying the window trim details to a continuous wood shelf around the small bathroom added storage and fit with the themes of the cottage style home.

See more of the artists' work at Iusi-images.blogspot.com