Design Notes

Why we use skylights as much as we can: to light the middle of a plan, balance light from one side, lift a ceiling and let warm air out, with examples from our projects.

Why the stair deserves more thought than it gets: stairs that connect levels, an enclosed stair opened up, detail from simple materials, daylight from above, and a stair outdoors.

How a wood slat screen marks the edge of a kitchen, an entry or a stair in an open plan while letting light, air and views pass through.

Four houses with their before photographs: a front addition in Mill Valley and three San Francisco houses, and what the successful ones have in common.