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  • enlarging, small bedroom, adding, bath suite, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Enlarging a Small Bedroom and Adding a Bath Suite

    I’ve been getting a lot of traffic on AllaDIYAlly lately. For instance, just last week I heard from a client in Washington’s Wenatchee Valley who is enlarging a small bedroom and adding a bath suite. He inquired: “If I send current dimensions and include a sketch and additional square feet, can you work from that?”…

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  • barn door, hardware, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Turning a Barn Door into a Window Covering: Hardware Exploration

    If you read this blog, you’ve already heard about my project in the Hamptons. The first stage of it is under construction, which consists of the garage remodel/pool house conversion. With respect to the existing structure, the intent is to preserve as much of it as possible, especially the operable barn door — keeping this endearing element…

    Read More Turning a Barn Door into a Window Covering: Hardware ExplorationContinue

  • How Diagramming Is Helping Me Master the Language of Zodiac

    How Diagramming Is Helping Me Master the Language of Zodiac

    This blog is my diary. I write about what interests me. Recently, I’ve been grappling with astrology. It started as an attempt to be of service — daughter Mia is launching a fashion brand inspired by the zodiac. Well… My first birthchart took longer than a month to analyze. I thought it would be impossible…

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  • garden, secret garden, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    My Secret Garden Is Calming and Uplifting At Once

    Many years ago, I attended a presentation by a motivational speaker whose description of her secret garden made a lasting impression on me. I still remember that inspired delineation arousing a sense of urgency in me. I left longing. Imagining her cherished mornings, I was galvanized. I’ve fantasized about having my own secret garden ever…

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  • rooftop, roof, view, deck, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Opening to a View: a Rooftop Deck that Doesn’t Touch the Roof

    A client wants to build a deck at the top of her steep hillside property. The view from there is breathtaking! Unfortunately, structural requirements make it prohibitively expensive. In addition, the obligatory 25-foot-wide side yard deems the project impossible to implement at the location we’re considering. Well, I am not giving up just yet. There…

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  • closet, staircase, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    How to Design a Closet that Doubles as a Staircase

    You’ve heard a great deal about my project in Bridgehampton; it’s been a year in development. Finally, the first stage of construction has started — we are repurposing a free-standing rustic garage into a guest house. I am busy making sure that all of the elements come together seamlessly. Still refining the design for a closet…

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  • selecting bathroom fixtures, tile, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Dealing With the Process of Selecting Bathroom Fixtures and Tile

    In my previous post I wrote about a master bath renovation as work in progress. Since then, we have settled on a layout and are in the process of selecting bathroom fixtures and tile. It’s a good opportunity to test the plan while focusing on nitty-gritty. The agreed-upon layout features a brand new shower and…

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  • master bath, dressing area, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Reconfiguring Master Bath and Dressing Area

    Recently, potential Alla DIY Ally clients reached out to me, wondering if I would be able to give them a hand with a master bath and dressing area remodel project. They are considering a complete makeover of an outdated space and are open to new possibilities. Having emailed pictures of a sunken tub and narrow…

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

    Making a Film as a Constructive Way for Transcending Pain

    Last Friday I flew to Chicago for the sole purpose of attending a screening of a short film my younger daughter Nastasya, an aspiring filmmaker, wrote and directed. Moreover, my older daughter Mia, an aspiring actress, played the main character in it. For both of them, this project is an epic achievement on many levels….

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  • architect on demand, advice without strings

    Alla DIY Ally: Providing Architectural Services Online

    I came up with the concept of providing architectural services online when my younger daughter was leaving home for college. She graduated in June of 2017. Wearing a hat of Alla DIY Ally has been fun.

    Read More Alla DIY Ally: Providing Architectural Services OnlineContinue

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  • get to know
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