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

    Trendy or Timeless? Don’t Forget Scale & Proportions. Part Two

    I am feeling better compared to last week. Not able to visualize the massing — confused by how various pitched roofs came together — I made a crude model to assist myself. And finally, I got on the right track. Big or small, the most important design rule is to pay attention to the scale…

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  • trendy, timeless, style, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Trendy or Timeless? But It’s Not About Style! Part One

    I am nervous: adding to an existing house. In my opinion, the addition, instead of blending in, has to be distinctly autonomous. Making it trendy, reminiscent of everything else around, is safe. However, design is not about applying a style. The new has to work with the existing and the end result should be timeless.

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  • plan, sections, elevations, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Start With a Plan, but Don’t Forget About Sections and Elevations

    As Alla DIY Ally, I advise my clients to start with a plan. Next, as soon as there is a basic layout is in place, to consider the three-dimensional qualities of the space by drawing sections and elevations.

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  • creative process, custom-built, IKEA, kitchen, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    My Creative Process: IKEA Kitchen That Looks Custom-Built

    I’m on a mission to help a friend and do it as efficiently as possible. It’s a personal quest. How quickly can I plan an IKEA kitchen that looks custom-built? Since this blog has become something of a journal, I’ll record the stages of the creative process as it unfolds.

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  • guest house, pool house, gallery, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Guesthouse Doubles as Pool House and Gallery

    I am back from New York. As anticipated, it was a productive trip. I’m inspired by the opportunities of the new project in Bridgehampton, “a former whaling and farming village.” Will gladly share many details as the design process moves along. It involves remodeling and adding to a traditional shingle-style house on a ¾ of…

    Read More Guesthouse Doubles as Pool House and GalleryContinue

  • outdoor shower, rooftop, pool deck, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Considering an Outdoor Shower on a Rooftop Pool Deck

    I’ve written about a beautification project I am working on. One of the areas I will be remodeling is the rooftop pool deck. To make it more of an amenity and cultivate spa-like experience, the client suggested incorporating an outdoor shower.

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  • space planning, renovation, conceptual questions, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Before Renovation: Space Planning & Conceptual Questions

    A message from a new client in Miami made my morning: “Hello, Alla. I am so happy I came across your website – thank you for offering your services.” She was very smart to consult an online architect and address space planning or conceptual questions before taking on a renovation project. Obviously, when someone  says…

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  • rainwater harvesting, runoff, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Addressing Runoff With Rainwater Harvesting Tanks

    I am working on a project, in the scope of which we have to address rainwater runoff from the new roof. My client suggested using rainwater harvesting tanks.

    Read More Addressing Runoff With Rainwater Harvesting TanksContinue

  • transformation, shed, 3-car garagearchitect on demand, advice without strings

    Transformation of a Shed or a 3-Car Garage

    Okay, okay. You are probably tired of hearing about my garden. Let me tell you about the transformation of the garden shed/3-car garage instead. Located toward the back of the site, that’s where all the garden paths lead — away from the pressures of the city life, through a blue door.

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  • garden, architecture, structure, lighting, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Garden Architecture: Structure, Circulation, Lighting

    Architecture of a garden? Let me explain. First, there is nothing but an enormous Fig Tree. Eventually, on the same spot, a water-wise enchanted oasis appears. Yes, its structure, circulation, and lighting are designed with practical functions in mind. But it has a higher purpose.

    Read More Garden Architecture: Structure, Circulation, LightingContinue

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Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
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Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
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  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
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  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
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