San Francisco Client - Sketch to CAD

After purchasing a house in San Francisco, my client called me to help her put her house on the computer. She sent me hand drawn sketches with dimensions, and I sent her back CAD Floor Plans in PDF format.

Architect:Emilio Ambasz

I have always been inspired by Emilio Ambasz, an Argentinian who studied at Princeton University. His work is what I consider to be 'green' architecture because it introduces the landscape to architecture in a poetic and balanced combination. His buildings tell a story without any mouthing. In looking at his work, I am transformed into understanding the roots of architecture as having a soul, structure, and simplicity.

Rear Porch Conversion to Open Air Deck & Stairway Alteration - Bernal Heights, SF

Working on any existing structures in the Bernal Heights District come with many restrictions since the neighborhood has a design committee along with building guidelines specific to that area. First, it is very difficult to demolish any existing structures, even if it is dilapidated, as seem in the photos. Second, it is a very arduous task of reading the planning code to maneuver around a solution. It took four building officials to come up with a conclusion. After a a couple of days in the building department, I was able to convince the city of converting an existing stair way and rear enclosed back porch into an open air deck and stairway combination. It was agreed that the building footprint would have to remain, and a percentage of the structure can only be removed and replaced. For finishes, the new deck is an environmetally friendly material called, Trex. The rear back porch was remodeled by opening up the walls up to 42" from the floor to act as a guardrail wall. Most of the existing stairway was replaced where necessary in order to retain some of the existing structure.

Contractor : Dave Ruchelle, General Contractor | CA License 832027 | (415) 601-4038

SF Sunset District - New House Continue...

I went to the site today, and alot has been accomplished. Wood siding has been installed and the scratch coat of the stucco is currently being smoothed over along with some control joints on the sides of the house. All the doors and windows have been installed, exterior wood trims installed and primed.

A New Bathroom in Palo Alto, CA

A client called me to help with space planning and finish selection on a bathroom for a newly built one-story house in Palo Alto. Among the finishes chosen were a glass enclosed shower, metal shower furnishings, glass mosaic tile, ceramic brick style tiles w/ glass/ceramic brick in-inlay striping, and brick style stone tub surround.

more construction...

windows were added, lots of exterior concrete work, fire rated wall installed on east, rough-in plumbing...

Building texture is slowly forming...