About ten years ago we embarked on an ambitious project in the Dominican Republic to take some very steep and raw land and make it into an estancia. Projects are always a journey of some kind and this one came through many years and a worldwide pandemic to be designed and constructed. It was a compound of casitas and stables and we even took an old barn frame from Pennsylvania shipped it across the ocean and designed a house around it and built it. It was amazing to finally get to see it all completed and even stay there a couple days with the owners this past week, thankful for everyone who played a part in the process… Happy Weekend

For almost 20 years we have worked along the sugar sands of the Florida coast at a place called Alys (say Alice) Beach, where the houses are the same color as the sand. It has been great fun and a learning experience in stucco and concrete forms- we are excited to be part of the Wall Street Journals story detailing some of the design elements and processes and people that have created this very special place… Happy Weekend

It’s not all that often we get to work in concrete, but its qualities are supreme in fluidity of form. It’s another thing to work with fine artisans and builders who are aware of all the details and can pull it off… Happy Sunday

Every so often we get to work on a house that is truly created to be a family heirloom, having grown up on a family farm I have a natural attachment to the land and wide open spaces- this one in south Georgia is as classic on beautiful bucolic scenery as it gets- we are looking forward to see all the details come together… Happy Saturday

Many years ago, I first went to the low country- honestly I didn’t get it. Years later I have developed a love of the place and a respect for the culture of islands and boats -and water mixed into the land. It’s a special ecosystem full of unique details, but maybe the people are the best part, or the food- but they are intrinsically related… Excited to have our first house casting its first shadows, looking out over the marshes with the white caps and white sands of the Atlantic in the background… Happy Sunday

Most of our work is custom private residences but on occasion, we get to design places like this which is a wonderful thing if for no other reason it affects the lives of more than one family- will be attending a wedding here this weekend and looking forward to seeing so many enjoy the views and environment and beauty of Lake Martin… Happy Weekend

Some kitchens are for show and honestly I still can enjoy that- but for those who really love to cook, it is always fun to get into the details with those kinds- Anthony Bourdain said people who cook are generally nice people and I think he was right about that… To the cooks and chefs among us- Happy Sunday

Belgium has been a blast, apparently we brought some wild weather with us, as it rained continuously stopping just long enough to snow! All added coziness to an incredible visit filled with warm and wonderful people. Many thanks to Boris and Axel and the Vervoordt family for the generosity, and excited to work with Eddy Dankers and his talented team and we can’t wait to return… Happy Thursday

Springtime is feeling a little closer now that March is here- the beach will not be far behind and we are ready for some palm trees and warm breezes- one of our favored seaside retreats is Alys Beach, where we have done maybe a dozen homes- thanks Tatler magazine for the feature on this little sandcastle in the sunshine state… Happy Friday

Weekend vibes and soul searching for spring around the corner- from the Rocky Mountains… Happy Saturday

I love the imaginary parts. It starts with a dream or an idea, the people the site the context. The end is unclear but something gradually emerges that keeps you going. You start to see it, nascent and darkly, but it has to come to you. You can’t just conjure it, that would be too contrived. The mystery of it all is what makes the journey worth it. This one has come through that and now is going up in Manhattan Beach California- will share more soon… Happy Saturday

Coffee or cocktails in this spot would be good, but I think this view never gets old… Happy Valentines Day