CONDO: Kitchen Remodel Bamboo Flooring, Custom Shaker Cabinets, Marble Backsplash and custom cut leathered granite countertop.

patio area

Welcome to our design space at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This “oasis” features a beautiful collection of koi fish, gracefully swimming in a 5’x8’ pond. Our modern, clean-cut paver patio is customized to intertwine with large seating boulders. By bringing the pathway right to the edge of the pond, we showcase our favorite cantilever effect. Softening the design, California-friendly plants and a stunning live plant wall surrounds the area, while lights can be seen hanging from the trees, extending the ambiance into the evening hours.

Michael Hunter Photography

Zen Master Bath

Pat Bernard

Interior of the gardenFence finished out with my favorite grass and evergreen vine

As one walks along the path in the enclosed garden, the moon gate frames a view of a knockout rose on the other side - Jeff Stapleton

Brent A. Riechers

Dedication day for Japanese gate at Hardy Elementary School, Arlington, MA. Gate was dedicated to the victims of the 2011 Japan tsunami. Hardy School has a large Japanese student population. Phoro credit: TG Musco

Brad Peebles

A pondless water feature constructed for beauty. Shelves of Moss rock boulder were constructed at precise elevations to create a tranquil sound of flowing water. Water feature was designed for safety - our customer has small children and they did not want any depth of standing water. Lighting accentuates the surrounding landscape, water and boulder to provide a wonderful evening ambiance.

This stone path stimulates the senses both visually and physically. Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. Walking barefoot on this path stimulates those pressure points on the feet and is used as therapy at this Naturopathic Clinic. Design: Amy Whitworth, Plan-it-Earth designs; Christopher Randles, Emerald Stone Masonry. Photo: Christopher Randles

Japanese inspired city garden planted in swathes of green with a granite gravel centre, copper rill fed by an antique lion head spout. Burnt cedar separate room with window set in fence to views beyond and minimal bamboo planting with ceramic planter.

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.