Landscape + Garden
After building a new home in the heart of the city, the owner envisioned a space-efficient retreat—private, peaceful, and designed for entertaining, daily enjoyment, and personal rejuvenation.
Site constraints demanded ingenuity. A narrow gate at the top of a steep incline prevented heavy machinery access, requiring the patio to be excavated entirely by hand and materials transported by wheelbarrow. Persistent rainfall exposed drainage challenges and a shifting subgrade left from recent development. Through careful compaction, backfilling, and precise re-leveling, a stable foundation was achieved. A custom double door for new dry-deck storage also required multiple refinements to function beautifully without altering the existing structure.
The final design balances function and beauty in two complementary zones: a natural stone patio for gathering and a lush rain garden for ecological performance. The rain garden captures excess water and two-thirds of roof runoff while supporting 18 native species. Moss boulders conceal drainage emitters, and a stepping-stone path invites exploration. Magnolia, dogwood, and native grasses soften the perimeter, drawing birds, bees, and butterflies into the once-barren yard. The patio—cut bluestone bordered by black slate—offers intimate seating, concealed storage, screened utilities, and warm string lighting.
Stone: Sturgis Materials Plants: KAT Nursery; Critical Site Products Soil + Mulch: Missouri Organics
Bathroom—Primary Serenity in Structure The vision for this project was to transform a dated, compartmentalized primary bathroom into a serene, spa-inspired retreat that celebrates light, nature, and thoughtful design. The
Interior Project: Single Space Between the Lines The goal of this renovation was to transform an underutilized lower level into a light-filled, functional extension of the home, avoiding a typical
Redesigned Residence 3,001-6,000 sq ft Reflections on the Lake The homeowners relocated from abroad after a corporate merger and loved the lakefront location, but the interior felt cold, sterile, and
Kitchen—more than 300 sq ft Full Circle Mid-Mod The vision for this kitchen was to create a vibrant, highly functional space rooted in mid-century modern design while maximizing the home’s
Design Detail Hill Country Ironworks Metal serves as an intentional, defining element throughout the home—used not only for structure but also as a sculptural thread that weaves through every level
Kitchen—up to 300 sq ft Union Hill Home The existing kitchen had good bones but was lacking personalization—it felt too Plain Jane for a client who craved excitement. After a
Interior Project: Single Space Laundry Room Renovation This project began with a historic laundry room in a 1900s home that was ready for both a functional update and a thoughtful
Interior Project: Single Space Second Pour on the Second Floor The goal of this project was to transform an outdated apartment above a car dealership into a unique entertainment destination
Custom Home 3,001-6,000 sq ft Leawood Living The homeowners envisioned a Kansas City residence that captured the same sense of comfort and excitement they experienced in their Colorado retreat—a home
