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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…

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organizing, ideas, beautification, lobby, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

Organizing Ideas: Beautification of a Lobby

I have to admit. My work schedule is getting more demanding. In the spirit of multi-tasking, this blog has become a platform for client meeting prep. Thus, I’d like to share my process of organizing ideas for a potential project. It involves a beautification of a lobby, a roof deck with a pool, and a…

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balcony screen, heat gain, privacy, architect on demand, advice without strings

Designing a Balcony Screen to Address Heat Gain and Privacy

I was recently hired by a condominium association to come up with a functional solution — a balcony screen — to address lack of privacy and extreme heat gain as experienced by the homeowners with units facing the internal courtyard.

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organizing space, synthesizing practical with sublime, architect on demand, advice without strings

Organizing Space: Synthesizing Practical with Sublime

Every morning before getting up, I reach for the roller shade, open it up, and soak in the view of my secret garden. In the previous post, I wrote about its architecture. I’d like to elaborate on the topic and talk about organizing space with a plan. In my opinion, it’s the process of synthesizing…

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establishing hierarchy, plan, section, architect on demand, advice without strings

Establishing Hierarchy in Plan and Section

This week my focus is on establishing hierarchy in plan and section as I’m helping a client in New Mexico who is DIYing an “outbuilding” that will serve as his private gallery and art studios.

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customizing IKEA, wall-mounted organizer, architect on demand, advice without strings

Customizing IKEA: Wall-Mounted Organizer

I’ve written about my garage conversion frustrations. I also discussed at length my plans to install Sunnersta mini-kitchen by IKEA. Now that the project is completed, I’m happy to share one of my customizing-made-affordable efforts — a wall-mounted organizer.

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entryway, foyer, tips, architect on demand, advice without strings

A Few Tips on Designing an Entryway or Foyer

A DIY Ally client wrote: “Alla, I have another project for you. We need a defined entryway. Not a grand foyer but something fitting of the inside of the house and the beautiful location. Can you give me a few tips?”

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aligning, centering, architect on demand, advice without strings

The Importance of Aligning & Centering

As DIY Ally, I never get tired of emphasizing the importance of aligning and centering. Last week I wrote about helping a client to design a reflected ceiling plan. This week’s installment is a sequel to that post.

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displaying, organizing, continuity, architect on demand, advice without strings

Displaying and Organizing While Creating Continuity

My living room and adjoining dining room are abundant with the artwork by our daughters. But there’s nothing random about what I’m displaying. There’s a sense of continuity, a cohesive connection between all of the pieces. The organizing element, the theme of this curated installation is Human Beings. On view, there are sculptures, drawings, paintings,…

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space planning, foyer, architect on demand, advice without strings

Space Planning 101: Creating a Functional Foyer

This week’s blog post falls into the category of “keeping it organized.” So, I feel perfectly justified talking about space planning. Creating a functional foyer is the first step in organizing space thoughtfully.

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Get to know

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  • DIY like an architect
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  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
    • accolades
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  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
  • get inspired
    • kid-focused design
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    • blog
  • get in touch