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  • construction supervision, contractor, alla diy ally, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Communicating With a Contractor Is Part of Construction Supervision

    Sorry, I haven’t been posting. Was teaching my DIY Like an Architect workshop at Art Center last two weekends. Besides, this project in NY is keeping me very busy. Performing construction supervision remotely — discussing every little detail with the contractor over the phone in addition to emailing a lot of drawings and instructions. Most…

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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…

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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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  • planning, tiny, bathroom, kitchenette, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Thoughtful Use of Space: Planning a Tiny Bathroom & Kitchenette

    A generic statement, such as: “In this bright white modern space, the architect used clean lines, a minimalist palette, and simple shapes to create…” can succinctly describe my intentions for a tiny bathroom and adjoining kitchenette I am in the process of planning. Although it sounds formulaic, it’s anything but. Trends come and go; the…

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  • sauna, bathroom, storage, relaxation, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Sauna Bathroom: Providing Enough Storage & Relaxation

    This smallish bathroom is designed to feel as large as possible. It doubles as an entryway to a sauna and has to feel like a sanctuary, a space to unwind. A room for relaxation, it is supposed to be used by a few people at a time. And most importantly, there should be enough storage.

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  • 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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Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
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Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
  • Kid-Focused Design
  • Idea books
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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