This mixed-use project program encompassed a ground level commercial space and a residential space above. We were tasked with researching the surrounding San Francisco neighborhood and develop a specially tailored concept, brand, and interior design for the client who wished to open a high end men's salon. The client also asked us to seamlessly combine the two apartments above into one contemporary entertaining and living space. 

Residential Concept: 

The client desired an modern, open entertaining space that maximized natural light.  The design entailed an achromatic, minimalist aesthetic with flexible entertaining capacity.

Commercial Concept: Craft Barber

The business, Craft Barber, is a mens club and barber stemming from the historical context of a barbershop as a place of social interaction,  public discourse, and forum. Throughout history they have been a place of debate and discussion. The name takes on a two part meaning in the introduction of another element to the business model. Pursuing the model of a members only mens club allowed us to celebrate the popular trend toward craft liquor. Small batch distilleries are featured on a monthly basis adding an important dimension to the business model. 

The client desired an overall aesthetic that stemmed from the juxtaposition of the old and new. He wanted to honor the craft while modernizing the context. Our design approach incorporated modern lines and architectural elements with familiar and rich materials and fixtures. We incorporated unexpected details such as sharpening strap as the mirror support and utilized refurbished, antique barber chairs. 

This residential remodel was a treat to design. The clients described themselves as adventurous and eclectic, frequented the pages of dwell for design inspiration and loved Eichler style homes. Their first priority was to eliminate the small confined spaces of the existing home and create an open and airy common space. Additionally, the client expressed a strong interest in sustainability in their home remodel process. 

Inspired by the clients careers in graphic design and museum curation I developed a reconfigured space plan that maximized the interior connection with the clients amazing outdoor space. I pulled in graphic elements and bold color while keeping a rich, neutral base as a backdrop.

We emphasized sustainability throughout the process by developing a plan that utilized existing plumbing locations while maximizing natural light and ventilation. The design utilized the principles of passive solar heat gain where the structures orientation allowed. Wherever possible, we reused and repurposed existing materials and properly diverted our waste stream from landfills where we couldn't.  Fixtures with maximum water and energy efficiency were specified throughout the  home and our material selections always kept sustainability in mind. 

For this project I was given the challenge of creating a coworking space in terminal 2 of the San Francisco International Airport for the San Francisco based company Makeshift Society. 

I found inspiration in the company's unofficial motto "like work, but not" and created a light-hearted playground for adults that could serve as an escape from the stress and anxiety of the surrounding airport terminal. 

The focus of this Berkeley kitchen remodel was embracing the spanish architecture of the existing  historic home.

The historic integrity of the home was maintained while infusing it with youthful elements such as the bold graphic tile along the range backsplash and the industrial concrete countertops and black fixtures. Circulation  to the adjacent dining room was maximized, while staying within the structural constraints by creating two passageways tied seamlessly into the existing architecture.  Views to the east of the Berkeley hills and city below were maximized by increasing glazing along the eastern elevation. 

This client asked to have an unfinished basement converted into a multifunction live/work space.  

The client, a successful local artist, wanted to move his studio from an off site location to the bottom floor of his 3 story victorian in the mission district. The space, which would serve as his studio 95% of the time would also have to serve as a gallery for his frequent shows and therefore be completely wheel chair accessible.  He also asked for us to incorporate a guest suite component to the space for his infrequent house guest.

Hand sketching is becoming a lesser used medium with the advent of 3D modeling tools such as Google Sketchup.  I can not stress enough the value of a roll of trace paper over an existing image, as-built, or rough architectural framework. It is a medium that brings us back to the essence of design and therefore I try to flex my "sketching" muscles much as possible. 

Study of light, Studio I

This client challenged us with creating a 30'x30' modular home for urban development that could be recreated on a large scale. 

My primary goals for this program were to create an elegant, marketable, and healthy home, limit overall production waste, and reduce operations costs for the end user. My design concept was centered around four prefabricated modules that could be easily constructed and deconstructed on site with.  Each module is 90% complete in factory and transported to the site via ground freight. Construction of the majority of the structure in a controlled factory setting reduces production waste immensely. The building envelope of each structure is optimized for energy efficiency and all materials and fixtures selected for simple elegance as well as sustainability. 

The heart of the structure is a ground floor courtyard and atrium with retractable glazing opening the interior space on to the private courtyard abstracting the lines between the interior and exterior space. Cedar Mullions covering approximately one half of the structure maximize privacy while allowing for increased day lighting throughout the home.