LEARNING CENTER
Planning a custom home or major remodel can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? What questions should you be asking? What mistakes do you need to avoid? These guides help you understand what's possible—and what to watch out for—before making expensive commitments.
Browse by Topic
-
Smart Design Decisions
Navigate the complex decisions that shape your home—from materials and costs to layout choices—with clarity before commitment. Learn how to avoid expensive mistakes and make informed tradeoffs that support how you actually live.
→ Best for: Early planning stages
-
Building Within The Lines
Demystify zoning, permitting, and regulatory realities so they don't derail your project. Understand what's possible on your site before you fall in love with a design that can't be built.
→ Best for: Understanding feasibility
-
Case Studies
See how real homeowners navigated complex custom builds and major remodels—the challenges they faced, the guidance that helped, and the homes that resulted. These aren't just beautiful spaces; they're proof that the process can feel calm and well-guided.
→ Best for: Evaluating how I work
-
Design Pilgrimages
Explore the architecture that shapes how I think—from iconic buildings to unexpected details. These visits inform how I approach design, always asking "what makes this space work for the people who use it?"
→ Best for: Getting to know me
-
Thinking Out Loud
Honest observations about architecture, design trends, and what really matters when creating a home. Sometimes contrarian, always grounded in helping you see past marketing to make decisions that serve your life, not someone else's agenda.
→ Best for: Understanding my design approach
Search the entire library:
The Case for Ditching Agreeable Gray
People are also afraid. Homeowners don’t want to be repaint after going too far off ‘normal’. Sellers want the house to sell fast. Flippers know what worked in the previous house, or what some other flipper did. So they do the same. And so the trend multiplies.
Selecting the perfect material for your countertops is a crucial decision that can significantly impact both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. We're here to shed light on the pros and cons of some popular countertop materials, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your needs.
This article covers engineered stone, agglomerate marble, marble, laminate, soapstone, sintered stone, and wood.
Learn how Tacoma’s Home in Tacoma zoning proposals can open opportunities for homeowners and developers. Understand the new zoning changes, and how to leverage your property’s potential.
Construction can be full of surprises, especially renovations. Read this to avoid waking up to a letter that puts the brakes on your Bellevue renovation project.