Anais Schenk 8/23/21 Anais Schenk 8/23/21

Using Landscape Design to Keep Storm Water On-Site

Learn how landscape design is an excellent means for controlling and managing stormwater sustainably on-site. Learn about LID standards and regulations.

Anais Schenk 8/9/21 Anais Schenk 8/9/21

Appliances That Meet San Francisco Bay Area Local Energy and Title 24 Requirements

California has some of the strictest environmental laws in the country including Title 24. Learn about Title 24 water heater and HVAC appliances to consider.

Anais Schenk 7/26/21 Anais Schenk 7/26/21

The Om Design Home Remodeling Design Process

Anais Schenk 7/12/21 Anais Schenk 7/12/21

Try Exotic Tadelakt Plaster for a Unique Look

Moroccan tadelakt plaster is a unique material that adds an exotic look to your kitchen or bath. Learn how to use this material in your next home remodel.

Anais Schenk 6/28/21 Anais Schenk 6/28/21

Xeriscaping Your Austin, TX Rental or Investment Property

Learn the difference between zeroscaping and xeriscaping. These low and no water landscaping techniques are beautiful and environmentally sustainable.

Anais Schenk 6/14/21 Anais Schenk 6/14/21

Accessory Dwelling Units: Building ADUs to Meet Multiple Needs

As more municipalities relax building codes for ADUs to meet housing needs, planning your space often means meeting the needs of multiple family members.

Anais Schenk 5/31/21 Anais Schenk 5/31/21

The ABCs of Minimalist Design for People Who Love Modern Homes

Modern living gets more complex every year. As a result, more of us are reverting to open, minimalist design principles to create a calm sanctuary at home.

Anais Schenk 5/17/21 Anais Schenk 5/17/21

Transform Your Home With Philips Hue Smart Bulbs

Anais Schenk 5/3/21 Anais Schenk 5/3/21

A Modern Murphy Bed Transforms Your Home into Work From Home or Anything You Need it To Be

As working from home continues, designers are coming up with innovative ways to convert bedrooms to multi-use space, including the return of the murphy bed!

Dani 9/23/20 Dani 9/23/20

Rebuilding After the CZU Complex Fire

Just when we thought 2020 had dealt us a full hand, many of us in California have been struck by another challenge, massive wildfires at an unprecedented level. Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered losses. This is a summary of the rebuilding permit requirements in hopes that this is useful to our clients, friends, and community.

Dani 7/15/20 Dani 7/15/20

How Single Family Housing is Changing

Last year the state of California passed a number of laws making accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier to build than ever before. This summer the state is considering a number of additional laws that would require cities to allow for more housing.

Dani 1/15/20 Dani 1/15/20

Look Out for that Tree

Cities and counties have strong tree protection ordinances in place these days. As a homeowner this can be really frustrating. As a planner, I can tell you that the intent of this is generally to protect groundwater quality. I sympathize with both sides on this issue. So what do you do? First, figure out if there is really a problem by finding your city’s tree protection ordinance to see if your tree is protected.

Joe Hall 6/19/19 Joe Hall 6/19/19

Keeping it Small, Simple, and Beautiful

To be successful, a small house also should be straightforward, composed of simple architectural forms and construction techniques, quality materials, and careful detailing.