Six Benefits of an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Why are so many homeowners building an ADU on their property? After designing and building many ADUs, here are the most common reasons we’ve seen clients build an ADU. If you are interested in building an ADU on your property, click the Get Started button below.

Read More
How to Get Grant Money to Build Your ADU: The California ADU Grant Program

Several solutions have been implemented to help address California’s housing crisis and create more affordable housing options for California’s low—to mid-income residents. Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units to be added to single-family residences are steadily becoming one of the most notable and widely utilized methods by homeowners all over the state.

Read More
Nine Things to Know Before Building Your ADU

Building an ADU can be complicated. We recommend working with a qualified local Architect who has experience dealing with cities, approvals, and general contractors to help guide you through the process. Having a trusted, reliable team who has been through the process can alleviate many potential headaches and can help get your project off on the right foot.

Read More
A Case Supporting the Study of Architectural History

If studied closely, architecture can provide glimpses into human history. It can give insight into our ancestors' customs, rituals, technologies, religions, and daily life. Architecture can provide a deeper understanding of the evolution and development of the human species. It allows us to have a holistic perspective on our place in the context of humanity. From prehistoric structures to contemporary architecture, we can see what was important to humans at the time and what were they trying to say through their buildings.

Read More
The Architecture of Sunnylands Home, Visitor Center and Gardens - The Annenberg Estate

Nestled in the foothills of Palm Desert, California, the Annenberg Estate is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. The estate sits about 25 minutes southeast of downtown Palm Springs. Built in 1960 by renowned architect A. Quincy Jones for media mogul Walter Annenberg, the original estate is comprised of 25,000 square foot house on 200 acres.

Read More
The Story of Sagrada Familia and Architect Antoni Gaudi

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain, by architect Antoni Gaudi is a seminal work of architecture. It is renowned world wide for its innovative design and engineering. Listen to the story of how the cathedral came to fruition and why it is one of the most important works of architecture in history. We hope you enjoy.

Read More
A Brief History of The Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright

The Fredrick Robie House, located in the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, is one of the most iconic examples of modernist architecture. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909, the house has been called "the most important building of the twentieth century" and "the greatest work of architecture America has produced."

Read More
The Story of the Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore

Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo of Florence, is an iconic architectural landmark in the Tuscan capital. It is a stunning masterpiece of architecture and stands as one of the most recognizable buildings in Europe. The great dome that covers the structure was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1436 – making it one of the oldest domes still standing today.

Read More
A Brief Architectural History of The Roman Pantheon

No other building has been referred to or echoed in architecture more than the Pantheon. Architects worldwide have extracted principles from this building throughout the course of history. It is one of the most used precedents in architecture. Check out our article to learn more about the Pantheon in Rome.

Read More
The Story of the Farnsworth House

The Farnsworth House (1945 - 1951) is an iconic work of modern American architecture. It was designed by renowned modern architect Mies van der Rohe in 1937 and was the first home he designed in America. The house sits in Plano, Illinois, about 1.5 hours southwest of Chicago. 

Read More
The Story Behind the Architecture and Construction of The Louvre Museum

I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre is a masterpiece of modern architecture. I was fortunate to travel to the Louvre in 2012 and spent multiple days at the museum. Learn more about the story behind the design and construction of the Louvre Museum.

Read More
Ten Things You Should Know About the Case Study House Program

The case study house program was an experimental program set up by John Entenza through Arts and Architecture Magazine, that facilitated the design, construction and publishing of modern single-family homes. The goal was to highlight modern homes constructed with industrial materials and techniques that could help solve the housing needs after WWII.

Read More
Five Things You Should Know About Architect Paul R. Williams

Paul R. Williams was an extraordinary man and a prolific Architect practicing during Hollywood’s Golden age. He worked on a wide variety of projects including churches, airports, public housing, courthouses, and offices; however, he is best known for his luxury custom homes. He produced over 3,000 projects spanning nearly 6 decades.

Read More
A Brief History of the Hearst Castle and Architect Julia Morgan

On the California coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, high up on the hill, sits a true masterpiece of California architecture, the Hearst Castle. The Hearst Castle was brought into fruition through Julia Morgan, an unassuming, shy and passionate architect and William Randolph Hearst, a wealthy media tycoon who shared Morgan’s passion and interest in art and architecture. Through the collaboration of these two individuals, the Hearst Castle emerged out of the hill and would become a landmark for California history and culture of the 20th century.

Read More
Eight Things You Should Know About The Barcelona Pavilion

The German Pavilion, also known as the Barcelona Pavilion, was originally presented at the Barcelona International Exposition on May 26, 1929 by King Alfonso the 13th and Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain. The pavilion was intended to represent Germany's new identity as a peaceful and prosperous nation signifying a fresh start following World War I. Check out our article to learn more about the Barcelona Pavilion

Read More
Six Things You Should Know About Southern California Architect Rudolph Schindler

Why is Rudolph Schindler an important figure in the history of California modern architecture? What were the forces that influenced the development of his architectural aesthetic? Why is his legacy and impact important to the profession today? We will attempt to answer these questions and more in this article on modern architect Rudolph Schindler.

Read More
Five Things to Learn From Palm Springs Architect William Krisel

William Krisel is one of Palm Springs most notable mid century architects. He is best known for his tract developments in Palm Springs. Throughout his career, Krisel produced fantastic modern architecture while maintaining a “down to earth” approach. He never forgot that architecture was ultimately for people and must respect economy, constructability and the market.

Read More
Brief History of Modern Architecture In Palm Springs

Around the mid 1900’s, many notable architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, Bill Cody, E. Stewart Williams, William Krisel and Donald Wexler established their careers in Palm Springs. These architects and their buildings have undoubtably contributed to making Palm Springs a major destination point. Their impact on the city continues to attract people from all over the world to this day.

Read More