Skip to content
design it forwarddesign it forward
  • get to knowExpand
    • Meet Alla
    • Testimonials
    • Accolades
    • legacy
  • Get startedExpand
    • DIY like an Architect
  • Get InspiredExpand
    • Kid-focused design
    • ideabooks
    • Blog
let's get in touch
design it forward
  • skylights, architect on demand, advice without strings

    A Few Tips on Choosing Skylights

    I’ve been working on an overhaul project in Jersey City and writing about its various aspects that fit within this blog’s categories. This week’s theme “passion for details” lends itself to a discussion on skylights. All along, they’ve been a “suggested” on the plans with a dotted line. Today, I want to concentrate on defining…

    Read More A Few Tips on Choosing SkylightsContinue

  • reach-in closet, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Tips on Designing a Reach-in Closet

    Today, still working on the project in Jersey City, I am focusing on a layout for a modular reach-in closet. At this point, all four of them are drawn diagrammatically, as identical blocks. So far, I’ve assumed that 5 linear feet is enough per bedroom. If that’s wrong, the entire floor plan will have to…

    Read More Tips on Designing a Reach-in ClosetContinue

  • kitchen, work triangle, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Applying the Kitchen Work Triangle

    Last week, in this blog’s Design Ideas installment, I discussed one of my projects. It’s a two-story building renovation in Jersey City. I outlined my thought process while coming up with four versions for a loft kitchen plan. This week, let’s take it further and apply the concept of the kitchen work triangle to all…

    Read More Applying the Kitchen Work TriangleContinue

  • loft, layout, architect on demand, advice without strings

    How to Layout a Loft With a Welcoming Vibe

    A relative is a New York City developer. Last time I was visiting, he showed me a building he purchased and plans to retrofit. The project intrigued me. On the airplane back, I was working on the layout for the loft — sketching, brainstorming, and breathing life into the space in my mind’s eye.

    Read More How to Layout a Loft With a Welcoming VibeContinue

  • minimalist thinking, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Daring to Embrace a Minimalist Way of Thinking

    If being a minimalist is knowing what’s important and treasuring it (instead of loosing sight and taking for granted), count me in! And if a minimalist way of thinking can improve the quality of life, I am willing to question all previous assumptions.

    Read More Daring to Embrace a Minimalist Way of ThinkingContinue

Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
  • Get in touch

Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
  • Kid-Focused Design
  • Idea books
  • Blog
Facebook Instagram
  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
    • accolades
    • legacy
  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
  • get inspired
    • kid-focused design
    • ideabooks
    • blog
  • get in touch