sherman oaks, california
4,358 sf
2022
Situated on a large, flat lot in Sherman Oaks, this multi-generational “compound” comprises a main house with a grandparent’s suite, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) utilized as a professional pilates studio, and a guest/pool house set above a 2-car garage.
The site planning optimizes privacy while creating a multitude of discrete and interrelated indoor-outdoor spaces featuring the lush landscape, including a horseshoe driveway entry court, a private courtyard for the grandparent’s suite, a covered living/dining patio off of the main house, and a generous lounge and yard complementing the pool. A central breezeway visually and functionally connects the main components of the project, creating a serene and cohesive whole.
builder: Evergreen Construction
landscape architect: LandSpaces
structural and civil engineer: C.W. Howe Partners
los angeles, california
3,257 sf
2015
The architect designed a 2-story, 3,257 sf home in Laurel Canyon for her family, including 3 small children. Packed with program (including 3 bedrooms and 2 home offices), the house features a warm modern palette, wood details, and generous outdoor connections.
The downstairs is organized around a light-filled great room placed centrally on the lot with the best exterior access for the living and dining spaces. A rift-cut white oak core anchors the open plan and houses a stairway, entry closet, pantry, powder room, and AV closet. Overlooked by the kitchen, the family area connects to the architect’s home office behind, as well as a media room that also serves as a library and guest suite. At the front of the house, a concrete entry acts as a kids’ art gallery and leads to the backyard pool, garden, and entertainment areas beyond.
At the top of the stairs, a light-filled core features an oversized seating area, storage, and concealed laundry niche. It connects to the kids' rooms, a writing office, and master suite. The latter occupies the far end of the house, opening onto a large deck with expansive canyon views. This deck, enclosed by a weathered accoya railing, provides the exterior signature of the house, while shielding the family areas below from the harsh southwestern sun.
builder: Alonzo Construction
landscape architect: LandSpaces
structural and civil engineer: C.W. Howe Partners
interior consultation: Amy Sklar Design
sherman oaks, california
2,047 sf
2019
Interior remodel and exterior overhaul of a single-story house in the hills above Sherman Oaks. The design reconfigured several underutilized existing spaces in order to create an additional guest suite within the existing building envelope. The main living space, punctuated by skylights, opens up towards expansive canyon views.
builder: Evergreen Construction
structural engineer: Martin Guzman, P.E.
los angeles, california
475 sf
2022
This backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in historic Windsor Square doubles as a pilates studio and pool house.
interior designer: Tess Interiors
photographer: Nick Glimenakis
studio city, california
4,150 sf
2022
Gut remodel of a perfectly rectangular, mid-century ranch house in the hillside “Doñas” neighborhood of Studio City. KSA’s reconfiguration of the existing floor plan resulted in a more fluid utilization of the space, creating (3) generously sized zones: a light-filled, public center of the house flanked by private bedrooms on one side and work spaces/storage on the other.
builder: Evergreen Construction
landscape architect: LandSpaces
interior designer: Jaqui Seerman Design
structural engineer: Kyle Rhee, P.E.
photographer: Madeline Tolle
los angeles, california
730 sf
2015
This project includes 2 additions to a 1950s ranch house located on a scenic edge of Griffith Park, with stunning views of LA's iconic Hollywood sign. The first addition is an above-garage guest suite featuring a private, shaded balcony, work space, and extensive book storage along the new stairway. The second component is a new pool house that doubles as an extended-stay guest quarters.
builder: Roha Construction
landscape architect: LandSpaces
photographer: Staci Marengo
studio city, california
2,220 sf
2017
A new 2-story family home oriented towards the client’s own house on the adjacent lot, designed to create a doubled living and entertaining environment that is more than the sum of its parts and takes maximum advantage of the relatively small lots while preserving as much open space as possible.
builder: Roha Construction
interior designer: Amy Sklar Design
landscape architect: LandSpaces
structural and civil engineer: C.W. Howe
los angeles, california
3,300 sf
2010
Interior remodel of a 1971 residence perched above Mulholland Drive with panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley. The project involved reconfiguring the existing floor plan, moving and eliminating walls in order to open an enclosed kitchen onto the primary living and entertaining space. Large sliding glass doors open the living room to the pool patio and view beyond. The project also features a re-designed master bath, entry, and outdoor shower.
structural engineer: C.W. Howe, Inc.
builder: Roha Construction
interior designer: Nickey Kehoe
los angeles, california
2016
Gut remodel of a 2,200 sf mid-century modern ranch house with an open floor plan and gorgeous canyon views. Work involved replacing all systems, finishes, fixtures, and casework. Reclaimed mechanical closets allowed for an expanded bathroom and a new outdoor shower with stunning views. Project was completed in 3-1/2 months at a cost of $115/sf, including permit fees and landscaping.
(completed as an employee at Touraine Richmond Architects)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1,300 SF
2008
This two-story addition to a traditional house in an historic Minneapolis suburb features a serene, Japanese-style bathroom, a sunroom/study, and a master suite that cantilevers over both ends of a 2-car garage. A wrap-around wooden garage door highlights the 14-foot cantilever above the garage entrance. Clerestory windows let in abundant light while maintaining privacy with neighbors.
Lush House
(completed as an employee at Touraine Richmond Architects)
Beverly Hills, California
800 SF
2008
This small addition provides guest quarters, media storage, and office space for a cinematographer and his family in the hillside area of Beverly Hills. The project features a drought-tolerant green roof, one of the first approved by Beverly Hills for a high fire hazard zone. Full-height sliding glass doors open onto a lush side yard and planted trellis panels add to the feeling of lushness and seclusion.