This 1909 home with a 60’s DIY renovation was inching away from livable. The lower had been converted to living space illegally, and the original details of the home had been damaged and forgotten. The house was raised about two and a half feet to create a legal (and comfortable) head height, and a flexible guest suite/AirbNb space was created. Our homeowner tackled this project head-on and was hyper-focused on every detail. She even chose a slightly smaller refrigerator to match the scale of the home.

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Situated on a slightly sloped corner lot, this front-and-center rancher was ready for a facelift. The bones spoke of an unrealized ambition to become a prairie-style craftsman, with several unique level changes and rooflines that reflected the slope of the hillside. We introduced a water table as a continuous horizontal band to visually ground the busy facade. Beams, windows, and doors were cased in stained hardwood on the interior while several fireplaces keep rooms cozy and warm.

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After working hard on the peninsula for many years, our homeowners wanted to play in Santa Cruz in their retirement. They lucked out when they found a property just blocks from the cliffs in Santa Cruz. It had been severely neglected over the years, so they knew it would be a complete renovation. They requested a second story addition to capture a view of the ocean, and clean, open living space connected to the outdoors. Today, they can be found drinking coffee on one of their patios or just returning from a walk to the lighthouse.

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After living in New Mexico for many years, our homeowners chose to retire in Concord, CA to be closer to the grandkids. As an artist, she wanted a wide open living space to display her artwork. By tearing out a wall between the kitchen and the living room, we were able to create a wonderful space to showcase her art collection. Our homeowners also required a more modern master suite, so we added a new bathroom and walk-in closet into the side yard.

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