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  • Prokudin-Gorskii, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Russian Empire of Prokudin-Gorskii as Documented by Parfyonov

    I’ve become a big fan of a Russian journalist Leonid Parfyonov recently. Watching weekly diary-format installments of his video blog Parfenon. Living vicariously through his reports of cultural news including visits to art exhibits, theater performances, and architectural landmarks. As someone born in St. Petersburg, I’ve been glued to a computer screen for hours watching Parfyonov-narrated…

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  • learning, work-in-progress, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Passion for Learning: Life as Work-In-Progress

    Second installment of the workshop felt like the fastest three hours ever! In awe with the participants’ commitment, I admired and respected their passion for learning — the way they were striving to stretch their comfort zone — developing, acquiring knowledge and expanding existing skills. It made me think of life as work-in-progress.

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  • organizing thoughts, parti, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Generating a Parti? Try a New Way of Organizing Thoughts

    Although nervous and uncomfortable promoting my own system, I’m compelled to recommend it. I teach a strategy of organizing thoughts aimed at generating a parti, a launch pad for an architectural design. The process is quite simple; it’s outlined in my how-to ebook DIY Like an Architect: 11-step method.

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  • cornice molding, wall, ceiling, light, cove, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Cornice Molding — Transition Between Wall & Ceiling — Doubles as Light Cove

    Cornice molding (AKA crown molding) is a decorative trim and a topmost element that marks a transition between wall and ceiling. Parts of it are placed against both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Most of the time it’s purely ornamental; however it can also function as an intriguing light cove.

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  • kitchen design, challenge, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Kitchen Design Is a Challenge, Even With Plenty of Experience

    Kitchen design is never formulaic. Every single time there’s a different answer to a question, “How do I put together appliances and cabinets in such a way that they form a whole, which is a pleasure to look at and work with?” It’s a challenge of meticulously planning something to feel effortless.

    Read More Kitchen Design Is a Challenge, Even With Plenty of ExperienceContinue

Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
  • Get in touch

Get inspired

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