Xeriscaping Your Austin, TX Rental or Investment Property
Learn the difference between zeroscaping and xeriscaping. These low and no water landscaping techniques are beautiful and environmentally sustainable.
Accessory Dwelling Units: Building ADUs to Meet Multiple Needs
As more municipalities relax building codes for ADUs to meet housing needs, planning your space often means meeting the needs of multiple family members.
The ABCs of Minimalist Design for People Who Love Modern Homes
Modern living gets more complex every year. As a result, more of us are reverting to open, minimalist design principles to create a calm sanctuary at home.
Transform Your Home With Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
A Modern Murphy Bed Transforms Your Home into Work From Home or Anything You Need it To Be
As working from home continues, designers are coming up with innovative ways to convert bedrooms to multi-use space, including the return of the murphy bed!
Rebuilding After the CZU Complex Fire
Just when we thought 2020 had dealt us a full hand, many of us in California have been struck by another challenge, massive wildfires at an unprecedented level. Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered losses. This is a summary of the rebuilding permit requirements in hopes that this is useful to our clients, friends, and community.
How Single Family Housing is Changing
Last year the state of California passed a number of laws making accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier to build than ever before. This summer the state is considering a number of additional laws that would require cities to allow for more housing.
Look Out for that Tree
Cities and counties have strong tree protection ordinances in place these days. As a homeowner this can be really frustrating. As a planner, I can tell you that the intent of this is generally to protect groundwater quality. I sympathize with both sides on this issue. So what do you do? First, figure out if there is really a problem by finding your city’s tree protection ordinance to see if your tree is protected.
Keeping it Small, Simple, and Beautiful
To be successful, a small house also should be straightforward, composed of simple architectural forms and construction techniques, quality materials, and careful detailing.