Monthly Archives: December 2011

Creative Spaces

The April 2011 Children’s Support League Home Tour showcased our upper Piedmont formal Mediterranean home remodel. A dining room wall was opened to transform a dark galley kitchen into an elegant spacious kitchen and to allow entertaining to flow to the living room.

To complement the home’s stately interiors, the hand carved island has the feel of an Italian antique chest and the copper hood echoes the lines of the living room fireplace. The flush-face frame wall cabinetry resembles stand-alone furniture and is topped with leather finished granite counters, which suit the overall classic look of the kitchen. The upper cabinets feature leaded glass with Gothic arched lights, inspired by the arched openings of the house.


Approved in Piedmont!

In September 2011, seven townhomes designed by Jarvis Architects were approved by Piedmont’s Planning Commission and City Council to replace the old Linda Avenue PG&E substation adjacent to the Oakland Avenue bridge. These four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath homes are 2400sf on three floors above garages and resemble a small village around a courtyard. A park and school are located just up the street and convenient shopping is nearby.

This project marks Piedmont’s first multi-unit residential development and was approved with glowing comments from the Commissioners and Council members. Words like ‘clever’ were used to describe the projects minimal impact to the neighborhood. They also noted the unique character of each home within the singular village concept. Piedmont is known for its exhaustive public review process, but the superb design carried the day with full support from the City.

South elevation

2011 Orinda Mayor’s Award

This December Jarvis Architects received a Mayor’s Award of Excellence in Architecture for one of their recent remodel projects in Orinda. It was a real collaboration between the owners Susan and Howard Warner, the builder Kirk Wall of Orinda, and the Jarvis design team of Cindy Chan and Robin Pennell. Once home to exercise legend Jack LaLane, the house had undergone a number of discordant remodels and additions, none of which followed the original mid-century ranch style. With thoughtful input from all members of the design team, the offending work was removed and the plan simplified, creating spaces that flow together seamlessly and naturally while connecting with the spectacular deck, landscape and views.

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