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DETAILS | Making a “Stand-Four” Model of a Project.

DETAILS | Making a “Stand-Four” Model of a Project.

by Lowai Ghaly | Jan 4, 2026 | DETAILS, FALL 2025

We sketch concepts with paper and colored pencils, we make white digital renderings, and we build cardboard scaled models of project. Each method captures the spirt of a design that we use to test a design’s composition, proportions, structural systems, scale and...
STORIES | We Secretly Designed a “Cosmic Experience”

STORIES | We Secretly Designed a “Cosmic Experience”

by Lowai Ghaly | Jan 4, 2026 | FALL 2025, STORIES

By aligning the home with the land, the sun, and the moon, we framed a rare harvest moon to rise like a quiet spotlight. One year later, we received this email. “After the house was completed and we moved in, we discovered dramatic features about the design that...
PEOPLE | When Design Steps Back, the Story Steps Forward.

PEOPLE | When Design Steps Back, the Story Steps Forward.

by Lowai Ghaly | Jan 4, 2026 | FALL 2025, PEOPLE

In this edition, we are spotlighting architect Will Hastie, a long-time member of our office staff. Will brings a long career of international architectural experience with interests in historic architecture and culture. His diverse background enriches our project...
CONNECTIONS | Fusing Building, Site, and Community

CONNECTIONS | Fusing Building, Site, and Community

by Lowai Ghaly | Jul 23, 2025 | CONNECTIONS, SUMMER 2025

Every custom home that we design generally has a remarkably high ratio of glass windows to solid walls. Most people think of windows in the context of “looking out.” We think of windows as “transparent walls” made of glass to fuse spaces together- to make both...
DETAILS | Capturing West and South Views While Meeting California Code

DETAILS | Capturing West and South Views While Meeting California Code

by Lowai Ghaly | Jul 23, 2025 | DETAILS, SUMMER 2025

You’ve seen those big houses in Hollywood with large walls of glass. Our clients here in Northern California (including the Sierra’s where there’s snow) often ask us to design similar walls of glass often facing to the west or south where sunset views are preferred....
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