Design ARK Inc.

Aug 2013

This Tudor revival home built 1937 was carefully remodeled to suite a modern life style of a young, vibrant family yet stay true to it's original character.

$350k

Kirkland, WA

Jun 2010

Two bedroom / two bathroom complete reno. Custom design.

$100k

Seattle, WA

Jun 2009

New construction single family residence

$300k

Mercer Island, WA

May 2008

Contemporary bathroom design

$100k

Bothell, WA

Jan 2006

CLIENT: Family of four - parents and two teenagers PROJECT SCOPE: Kitchen design - 8'0" x 14'6" approximately 115 Sf EXISTING CONDITION: 4,300 SF house was under major remodel when our firm was approached by the owners. There were no structural modifications considered so design was confined within existing wall layout DESIGN GOALS: 1) Develop efficient layout - functionality was the key 2) To combine contemporary elements with natural materials in order to maintain clarity of the style and at the same time achieve warmth needed when it comes to making a kitchen the center of the home PRINCIPAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: 1) Even though visually open, size is limited 2) To provide sufficient storage and functionality within limited space 3) Open space configuration limits opportunity for wall cabinets 4) Exposed to the rest of the house even to the floor above 5) With ceiling partially open to the upper floor lighting placement challenging 6) Material selection to be respectful to the surrounding areas RESOLUTION: 1) Careful consideration of materials, colors and scale of all design elements required to offset space deficiency: - maximize open or glazed wall cabinets to eliminate heavy elements - choice of small, stainless steel appliances matches the scale of the space - reflective materials like glass for backsplash and bar top together with stainless steel play off the sunlight of large east facing windows and skylight -applying the same floor material - tile to the adjacent rooms eliminates boundaries around kitchen footprint. This was also done to accommodate client's desire for durable and easy to maintain floor in grate room area where the family and their pets spend most of their time 2) Working closely with the client to understand their cooking style cabinet layout was developed to carefully utilize every inch of space 3) Luck of wall cabinets was compensated by a walk in pantry close by the kitchen 4) Raised bar top between the kitchen and nook area has visually separated kitchen work space from the rest of the house yet maintained openness that this limited space demands 5) Although made of glass, bar countertop curved shape softens other more lineal lines SECONDARY DESIGN CHALLENGE: Create composition, shapes, color scheme and material selection that will be pleasing observed form various adjacent spaces including above - second floor

$80k

Kirkland, WA

Jan 2006

CLIENT: Family of six - parents and four children, age ranging from five to fourteen. Enjoy activities together and entertaining friends EXISTING CONDITION: 2,700 SF house, build 1984.The laundry room adjacent to the kitchen relocated in previous addition. The space remained unused. Small dining room makes kitchen to be a place where family not only shares meals but also activities, time together and entertaining friends - comfortable seating was a must. DESIGN GOAL: 1) Design a space that will reflect energy and life style of this vibrant family 2) Develop efficient and flexible layout and environment enriched with warmth and hospitality 3) Remain within boundaries of traditional style to complement the rest of the house, yet achieve distinctive personality PRINCIPAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: 1) The kitchen size not comparative to family needs 2) Space configuration - long and narrow interrupted with irregular circulation 3) Inadequate storage and functionality 4) Circulation within kitchen and connection to outdoors undefined 5) Family room big but non-functional 6) View corridors not considered - spaces feel confined from the main door throughout RESOLUTION: 1) Old laundry room added to the kitchen layout 2) Additional floor area has not only enlarged footprint but widened the space eliminating perception of long and narrow. Added bay windows contribute to the more open, airy feeling and better visual connection to the outdoors creating illusion of greater space 3) Reconfigured cabinets layout has increased work surface and storage from 21 to 39 LFt. Dedicated areas for work, gathering and computer work have greatly improved functional scheme 4) Working island has defined clear segregation between "work" and "traffic" zones which was essential for this big family. Island's double functionality is carefully integrated into layout. Patio door placed between two rooms for easy access without interfering with other activities greatly improved traffic flow 5) Family room re-sized and existing built-in shelves removed. Parapet wall to the kitchen adds furniture wall and provides partial visual separation as requested 6) From the main entry of the house there is a distant but tempting view of the kitchen window framing back yard landscape. Achieved by eliminating kitchen door and enlarging opening SECONDARY DESIGN CHALLENGE: 1) To take full advantage of indoor/outdoor relationship, visual and physical 2) Maintain integrity of the materials and how they are used remaining within limited budget

$150k

Redmond, WA

Jun 2002

4,500 SF single family home, new constriction architectural and interior design. Designed for a young family with a need for home operated business and long term visitors. The 500 Sf basement home office provides the separation between the live and work spaces with meeting needs for a business owner/mom to be present whenever it's needed. The second master suite on the ground floor welcomes long term gusts from Canada or Europe to feel welcomed wile giving them privacy. Two furnace heating system together with the good construction and insulation, quality windows strategically located to take advantage of the site location and sun exposures made this not so small home to be more efficient than most efficient neighbors. Sustainable practices doesn't necessary mean using expensive systems. This house has replaced four times smaller 50 year old rambler yet is using less power and gas then its predecessor while re-using all the materials that were reusable from the previous house, bamboo floors, high efficiency furnaces, thankless water heater etc. Sustainable is not out of reach.

$500k

Kirkland, WA