06/15/2026
Excited to share my very first project i did back in 2018 not long after i went freelance.
This single-family modern home started with a completely different plan. Originally, the clients wanted a pop-top addition. But when we dug into the structural analysis, we discovered the existing foundations simply couldn't support the weight of additional floors.
Instead of compromising the dream, we pivoted. The result? A stunning, brand-new custom build from the ground up!
The Design Challenge: How do you build a spacious, 3-story modern home on a block where most of the existing houses are only a single story?
The Solution: Clever massing and thoughtful detailing!
Tucked-Away Third Level: By pushing the third floor far back from the street, it’s completely invisible from the sidewalk. From the front, it reads as a low-profile, 2-story home that seamlessly respects its single-story neighbors.
The Entry Canopy: To ground the building even further, I designed a prominent entry canopy feature. This pulls the visual scale down right where it matters most, ensuring the home never feels imposing and beautifully respects a welcoming, human scale.
Proving that structural roadblocks are just opportunities for better design.
