by Steven Hershberger | Sep 4, 2011
The master bath was a design challenge due to the relatively small size, and the fact that we needed to fit in closet space as well as a functional bathroom. Rather than squeezing in a bathtub, we decided to stick with a walk in shower. A floating vanity is designed to allow the eye to
by Steven Hershberger | Aug 24, 2011
The all-important kitchen was even more so in 753 Fairmont St. Because of the open floor plan it was designed to be an anchoring element for the entire front room without becoming overpowering or ostentatious. To accomplish this, we chose a contemporary flush slab door style for the main cabinetry in a dark stained oak
by Steven Hershberger | May 1, 2011
Our client had very specific instructions for our design team for the lower-level powder bathroom: “Design and build a space that inspires conversation.” Initially this seemed like a strange request, but it began to make sense as our client explained her motivations further. Being a big entertainer, the powder bath (located adjacent to the kitchen
by Steven Hershberger | Mar 24, 2011
One of the distinct advantages of the design/build model is that most, if not all of your design is done in-house. This means that projects are designed with the end goal in mind: a beautiful space that is both buildable and functional. It’s easy to design something that is functional in theory and extravagant on
by Steven Hershberger | Jan 28, 2011
Constructing a water-tight shower pan and drain is an art, but is arguably the most important step when installing a tiled shower during a bathroom renovation. Grout joints between tiles are not watertight, so water will inevitably leak through these joints to the shower pan below. Therefore, the shower pan must have a system whereby
by Steven Hershberger | Jan 24, 2011
Designing accessible master bathrooms on both the first and second floors at 753 was of particular importance to our clients as they have an elderly in-law who is confined to a wheelchair. Therefore, our design team recommended curb-less showers for both master bathrooms. One of the main concerns with a curb-less shower is controlling water
by Steven Hershberger | Dec 27, 2010
During the design process our design team and client considered a number of different flooring layouts and materials. Initially, the homeowner was interested in marmoleum in the kitchen, hardwood in the living room and halls, tile in the bathrooms, and a thick jute carpet in the bedrooms. Eventually this idea was abandoned for hardwood flooring
by Steven Hershberger | Dec 27, 2010
The party wall separating the two units at 753 Fairmont Street from the adjoining residence was constructed with a double row of bricks and mortar. As was the case throughout the house, this wall was finished originally with a thick layer of plaster which we removed near the beginning of the remodeling project with the
by Steven Hershberger | Oct 1, 2010
Although water resistant sheetrock is an acceptable covering for walls exposed to a limited amount of moisture (above a kitchen sink and bathroom ceilings and walls), it should not be used in areas that will be subjected to heavy wetting, as it will eventually disintegrate. These areas include but are not limited to shower stall
by Steven Hershberger | Sep 30, 2010
During any remodeling project there are aha moments. For lack of a better definition, an aha moment can be an abrupt period of clarity where “all the pieces fall into place” or, “a light bulb suddenly flashes on in your head.” Typically, the first aha moment during the actual construction phase of a project occurs once