ADU Site Planning: What Homeowners Need to Know
Before planning to construct the accessory unit, it is essential to have an idea of the location on the land of the ADU. An ADU site plan illustrates where the ADU will be and how that unit will relate and function relative to the existing house. What Is an ADU Site Plan? An ADU site […]
Where Can You Build an ADU on Your Property?
The location of your ADU will be determined by the topography of your land, zoning regulations, and how the new structure relates to the existing ones. By finding out the information beforehand, you will be able to make the right decision on whether to go for a detached, semi-detached, or remodeled ADU design without the […]
How Much Space Do You Need to Build an ADU?
If you’re considering an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), one of the first questions to ask is how much room your property actually needs. California does not have one universal minimum lot size for ADU development. Instead, feasibility depends on state and local regulations, the existing home, setbacks, access, and how much usable space is available […]
How to Determine If Your Property Can Have an ADU?
Putting an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on one’s property can open up the possibility of flexibility, accommodate family members, and also create a source of income. However, before considering the design, one needs to know whether it is legally and practically feasible to erect one on the property. There are several factors, including zoning, lot […]
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel: When Do You Actually Need an Architect?
Key Takeaways Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can range from a simple cosmetic update to a major transformation involving walls, plumbing, electrical systems, or structural changes. Because projects vary so widely, homeowners often ask, do I need an architect for a remodel? The answer depends largely on what you plan to change and how complicated […]
Is a $300K ADU Worth in the Bay Area? Costs, Value & ROI
Key Takeaways Building an accessory dwelling unit may be an appealing option to add more housing space to your property rather than buying a new one. However, investing in such a project requires about $300,000, which is a lot of money especially in the Bay Area. It is important to analyze the construction costs, potential […]
Sculpture Garden ADU: Designing a Home that Belongs
We just wrapped up one of our favorite projects to date: the Sculpture Garden ADU. At first glance, it might look like a simple backyard pavilion clad in rusted corrugated iron. But the character of the project came from a much earlier question: Where should the building go and who is it for? For this […]
What Should the Exterior of Your House Look Like?
What should your house exterior look like? A guide to home additions, remodels, and new construction in the Bay Area and Sacramento—balancing style, context, and planning code.
Desiging for Fire Resilience – Lessons from Altadena
When Neil walked the fire-damaged property of client John Jackson in Altadena, it was more than a site visit. The experience reframed how we think about designing homes in California’s fire-prone landscapes.
Clayton ADU Design Story: Transforming a Backyard Workshop into a Modern Home
When a young family in Clayton approached us about reimagining the disused workshop and gym in their backyard, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly transformative.