As a deadline-driven journalist, I am addicted to the buzz of information, the adrenaline rush of last-minute multitasking. Like many busy professionals, I have succumbed to the siren call of productivity. But am I really more productive? Possibly so, but at what cost? Read more
A few of the architects who attended the Reinvention 2004 conference offer their feedback on how it went. Read more
When we first conceived of “Reinvention 2004: The Next American House” early last year, we envisioned a small event, hoping to attract 100 architects who were passionate about improving mainstream house design. Apparently, the time was right to do this because we closed the doors at 300 people—our maximum capacity at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Read more
Within days of the tsunami that swept away coastal villages across Southeast Asia last December, tens of thousands of people flooded the phone lines of relief organizations to pledge money and volunteer to help with the cleanup. Read more
Hidden behind a 7-foot-tall, free-floating headboard is a small passage to a simply sybaritic master bath. Its spare design belies the decadent offerings contained within the 270-square-foot space. Read more
Preparing elaborate meals for an audience of friends, family, and even strangers is a major pastime for the owners of this Austin, Texas, home. Read more
Philip Johnson's Glass House is often cited as his best building. While it was completed before Mies van der Rohe's house for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, it is generally considered derivative of that project, even though the all-glass house was hardly invented by Mies. Read more
A 47-year-old architect who owns a six-person firm in the Midwest is worried that her second-in-command is going to leave and start his own business. Her 15-year practice, which she incorporated five years ago, specializes in high-end residential remodeling, so she spends a lot of time training employees and hiring the right mix of personalities. Read more
At 150 square feet, Big Ten Burrito is a tiny space. But the Ann Arbor, Mich., eatery carves out an identity with some deft design moves by local firm PLY Architecture. Read more
When Jeff Kovel left his first job in Telluride, Colo., little did he know the log cabin motif would reappear later in his career. After nine years spent working on hip, contemporary residential and commercial projects, the Portland, Ore.–based architect designed Doug Fir, a restaurant, lounge, and music venue heavy on hunting-lodge imagery. Read more
The ascent of the big-box retailer hasn't been kind to elite writing instrument makers like the A.T. Cross Co. But as part of its rebranding and repositioning strategy, the company hired Boston architect David Hacin's firm to design a prototype store for its products. Read more
if clothes can make the man, then without a doubt products help dress a house for success. It doesn't matter whether the material or product you select is expensive or economical, only that you choose deliberately, tailoring it carefully to the spirit and function of the building you design. Read more
archi-tectonics: WetStyle's Collection Cube sinks are fabricated from a refined polyester resin composite containing a combination of natural and synthetic aggregates. Units can be installed in both undermount and above-counter applications. Read more
archi-tectonics: Dornbracht's line of faucets come in cast brass and all feature ceramic disk valves. Read more
archi-tectonics: Boffi's line of kitchen and bath furnishings include streamlined basins and sinks in limestone, ceramic, and stainless steel. Read more
archi-tectonics: 3form's resin-based architectural panels are free of volatile oragnic compounds, solvents and emissions. Panels can be had in 4-by-8-and 4-by-10-foot sheets up to an inch thick. Read more
kieran timberlake associates: Green Roof Blocks are modular metal blocks that measure 2 feet square and reduce stormwater runoff. Read more
kieran timberlake associates: Rhinezink panels are clad in zinc and can be used in both interior and exterior applications. Read more
kieran timberlake associates: InterfaceFlor tiles are made from recycled nylon and can be returned to the company for recycling after use. Read more
vetter denk architecture: Polygal 100 percent recyclable polycarbonate sheets are multi-walled sheets that provide high thermal insulation controlled daylight transmission, and UV protection. Read more
vetter denk architecture: Häfele's flat aluminum pulls come in a silver-colored anodized finish, as well as chrome-plated, black and gold-colored polish. Read more
vetter denk architecture: Chicago Faucets' 445-CP bathroom faucet features solid brass construction and an adjustable center for easier installation. Read more
vetter denk architecture: Roseburg's hardwood plywood features an okoume wood veneer and is available in pre-finished panels with a UV top coat. Read more
tigerman mccurry architects: McElroy Metal's raw galvanized steel siding is ideal for projects near the great lakes or the ocean because it is both sturdy and practical, according to architect Margaret L. McCurry. Read more
tigerman mccurry architects: CertainTeed's asphalt shingles can be mixed and matched in various color schemes, as opposed to trying to disguise the shingles as something other than asphalt. Read more
tigerman mccurry architects: Duravit's Starck 2 toilets are equipped with wash-down or washout flushing and come in both wall-mounted and floor standing models. Read more
albertsson hansen architecture: Viking's ranges come in gas, dual-fuel, and electric models, with convection baking and porcelain covered cast-iron grates. Read more
albertsson hansen architecture: Dutch firm Royal Mosa manufactures traditional ceramic, metal, and glass tiles such as Trocadero glazed ceramic tiles, shown here in classic white. Read more
albertsson hansen architecture: Marvin Windows' line of products feature 4 9/16-inch jambs, a range of wood interiors, and clear insulating glass. Read more
cutler anderson architects: Hard 2 Pole shingles withstand 130-mph winds, have a high insulation value, and are a renewable resource. Read more
cutler anderson architects: CableRail from Feeney Wire Rope & Rigging, is made from 1/8-inch-diameter stainless steel cable and QuickConnect-SS fittings. Read more
cutler anderson architects: Davis Colors' concrete color pigments can be mixed into wet concrete to make its tone more vibrant. The product is available in granulated form, liquid pigments, and ready-mix bags. Read more
cutler anderson architects: Reveal Designs partnered with architecture firm Cutler Anderson to design this sandblasted stainless and wood door handle. The lever suits passage or entry doors. Read more
wheeler kearns architects: Solera from Advanced Glazings is a high-performance translucent glass glazing system that is suitable for vertical and overhead applications. Read more
wheeler kearns architects: Strongwell's Extren composite structural shapes and plates can be used to reduce thermal bridging. The products come in many shapes and are made from fiberglass reinforcements. Read more
wheeler kearns architects: Expanko cork floating flooring is laminated with medium density fiberboard and available in 12-by-36-inch planks or a range of tiles in dimensions up to 12 by 36 or 24 by 24 inches. Read more
wheeler kearns architects: American Hydrotech's roof garden system provides stormwater management, improves a building's energy efficiency, processes airborne toxins, and re-oxygenates the air, the manufacturer says. Read more
stelle architects: Arcadia sliding aluminum doors and windows offer architects flexibility by mixing different sizes and types of windows together. Arcadia's line of products can be finished in dark bronze or clear anodized and painted bronze or white. Read more
stelle architects: Dansk Eternit's corrugated concrete roofing is made from cellulose-reinforced cement board and can withstand high winds and corrosion, making it ideal for coastal projects. Read more
stelle architects: Luceplan's Solar Bud is a solar powered exterior light fixture that automatically turns on as the sun sets. It is 0.6 inches in diameter and 15 inches in height, and it can be easily stuck into the ground. Read more
shope reno wharton associates: Tischler und Sohn offers windows in an array of species and configurations, including this mahogany casement window. Read more
shope reno wharton associates: Fairfield Woodworks takes the wood left over after veneers are sliced off and recycles it into wainscoting and other trim materials, such as this graduated horizontal hallway treatment made from old growth Douglas Fir. Read more
shope reno wharton associates: Icynene's soft foam insulation system is a water-based material that is sprayed into a cavity and then expands to 100 times its original volume. Read more
shope reno wharton associates: Paris Ceramics antique limestone floors are reclaimed from old stone floors then cleaned and formatted to fit into modern homes. Read more
shope reno wharton associates: Temple-Inland's eco-friendly 95-to-99-percent recycled content drywall offers the same price and performance as normal drywall, according to architect Allan Shope. Read more
good architecture: Dover custom wood windows feature insulated glass and two layers of weather stripping, while the custom wood doors have laminated cores. Read more
good architecture: LaCanche Ranges come in several sizes with removable searing grills and griddle plates, plate-warming cabinets, and external rotisseries. Read more
michael mcdonough architect: Winter Panel's structural insulated panels are composed of foam insulation sandwiched between two sheets of oriented strand board and ranges between thicknesses of 4½-to-6½-inches. Read more
michael mcdonough architect: Trus Joist's TimberStrand engineered products are made from laminated strand lumber and are free of knots, the company says. Read more
michael mcdonough architect: Smith & Fong bamboo flooring is made from laminated strips of what is essentially a grass and comes in unfinished or pre-finished formats measuring 3¾ by 75 inches. Read more
michael mcdonough architect: Benjamin Moore's Pristine Eco-Spec paints are low-odor, water-based paints and are available in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss. Read more
mj neal architects: Peterson's oversized aluminum doors have the ability to mix fixed glass with operable panels and come with a 5-year warranty. Read more
mj neal architects: Tuflex uses recycled rubber from tires to make its flooring. Square tiles come in 2 ft.-by-2 ft. sections. Read more
stuart cohen & julie hacker architects: Pella's Architect Series windows have mortise-and-tenon construction, exterior-grade glue, and metal fasteners. Read more
stuart cohen & julie hacker architects: Designer Doors' standard line of garage doors include solid 1 3/8-inch Douglas fir frames, polystyrene insulation, and Western red cedar or medium density overlay plywood fronts. Read more
stuart cohen & julie hacker architects: Waterworks' faucets feature authentic European design and detailing, along with solid brass construction and ceramic disk cartridges. Read more
stuart cohen & julie hacker architects: The Estate Collection of lock and levers from Baldwin Hardware features solid forged brass knobs that are pick-resistant, saw-proof, and kick-proof, the manufacturer says. Read more
ms-31: Milgard's aluminum sliding patio doors come with low-E glass and mechanically joined corners that stay square and dry. Read more
ms-31: Roppe rubber flooring tiles can be used to absorb and reduce noise and are made from recycled tires. Read more
ms-31: Avonite's Studio Collection Frosted Glass solid surfacing emulates glass, concrete and metal and comes in a range of textures and colors. Read more
ms-31: Stainless steel siding from Ideal Mechanical is durable and low-maintenance, according to architect Sebastian Mariscal. Read more
graybeal architects: Richlite's paper-based surfacing is made from resin-treated paper that is pressed and baked into solid sheets. The material resists heat and stains, according to the company. Read more
graybeal architects: Sandhill Industries' glass tiles are offered in numerous colors and sizes and are made from 100 percent recycled material. Read more
graybeal architects: Le Décor lime plaster from TransMineral USA is made from natural lime and is free of acrylics and resins, the company says. Read more
graybeal architects: Vitraform's colored sinks are made from a double layer of laminated glass and come in two shapes and 12 colors. Read more
graybeal architects: McNichols' perforated metal comes in various hole patterns, gauges, materials, and sizes. In this case, architect Doug Graybeal incorporated it into a stair rail. Read more
nagle hartray danker kagan mckay penney: Penofin's Brazilian Rosewood oil penetrates wood, hardening and protecting individual fibers. Read more
nagle hartray danker kagan mckay penney: Pittsburgh Corning's glass block comes in an assortment of patterns, shapes, and sizes and can be utilized to allow light into spaces while maintaining privacy. Read more
nagle hartray danker kagan mckay penney: Architect James L. Nagle often uses lead-coated copper on home exteriors to make fireplace enclosures. Read more
nagle hartray danker kagan mckay penney: Sub-Zero's refrigerator drawers can be integrated completely into the cabinetry and fitted with matching custom fronts. Part of Sub-Zero's 700 series, the drawers are 27 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and come as a set of two drawers that can be configured in any combination of refrigerator and freezer. Read more
michael g. imber, architect: Ann Sacks' glass mosaic tiles come attached to 12¾-by-12¾-inch netted sheets and work for pool surrounds and interior applications. Read more
michael g. imber, architect: Deep Landing's handcrafted light fixtures have a “twist that indicates a new look for our generation,” says architect Michael G. Imber. Read more
michael g. imber, architect: Hardware Renaissance's hand-forged strike-bar spring latches “create a fun interaction between user and home,” according to architect Michael G. Imber. Read more
michael g. imber, architect: Farrow & Bell has used a raw material formula for its paints and wallpapers for more than 100 years and its paints' pure pigments emit very low VOC levels. Read more
siegel & strain architects: PrimeBoard wheat straw engineered with formaldehyde-free, emissions-free synthetic resin produces a lightweight board that the company says is harder and more moisture resistant than other particleboards and MDF. Read more
siegel & strain architects: Headwaters Resources fly ash cement comes from waste produced by coal-fueled power plants. Read more
siegel & strain architects: U.S. Greenfiber's Cocoon insulation is made from recycled newspapers and can be sprayed in wet or blown in dry. Read more
muse architects: G-U Hardware's Lift/Slide hardware system's parts are made from steel and zinc die casting. According to architect Stephen Muse, it permits the “effortless opening of multiple sets of large pocket doors.” Read more
muse architects: Lennox Hearth Products' Superior TM-4500 prefabricated box and flue is one of the largest in the industry, according to the manufacturer. The 45-inch-wide clean-faced product features a realistic brick interior. Read more
muse architects: Bevolo's gas and electric antique-style lights are fashioned from copper and brass and may be custom-made or adapted from some of the company's popular designs. Read more
albertsson hansen architecture: Ikea cabinets feature ¾-inch-thick particleboard, aluminum and tempered glass doors, and nickel-plated hinges. Read more
The kitchen is one area where hopes spring eternal and infernal. Today's wealthy homeowners want tremendous function, jewel-like dazzle, and flawless craftsmanship in this hardworking room. That's why you may need an ace up your sleeve for these lavish projects: the European-style kitchen system. Read more
Cascading racks present each label clearly as the innovative Wine Captain drawers glide open and reveal a total of 43 bottles. A removable caddy lifts out for convenient transfer of three bottles to table or fireside. Each drawer maintains its appropriate temperature between 40 and 60 degrees. Read more
All stainless steel interiors contribute a commercial edge to Perlick's new residential wine cooler. The freestanding version is also clad in stainless; built-in models are finished with galvanized steel. More than 48 bottles fit into the 24-inch-wide unit, which can expand to a substantial 72 inches with optional refrigerator and freezer inserts. Read more
The Chateau Collection 6SMOD wine and beverage refrigerator stands 68 inches tall, doubling the shelf space of undercounter models. In addition to standard quiet compressors, digital display controls, glide-out racks, recessed interior lighting, and UV-resistant glass doors, the model can be configured three ways. Read more
Uncharged liquid crystals form random patterns to obscure the privacy glass on the GE Monogram Wine Reserve. Or, with an electrical charge, the crystals align so light can pass through and put the 57 bottles in view. Freestanding or built-in units feature unfinished cherry shelf fronts that can be stained to match existing cabinets. Read more
Red, white, and rosé all keep their cool in KitchenAid's Tri-Zone wine cooler. Up to 48 bottles rest comfortably as three different temperature zones are simultaneously maintained behind the ultraviolet tempered glass door. Select black, white, or stainless trim. Read more
A brushed stainless steel frame with polished chrome trim and Dacor's signature handle give the Epicure WineSteward its distinguished air. Top-mounted controls enhance the streamlined look. Reversible doors offer easy access. Seven full-extension wine racks hold up to 57 bottles. Read more
Frank Lloyd Wright's first client in Los Angeles, the eccentric oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, didn't just want a house. She wanted a locus for the local theater community and a center for public art and gardens. Although her ambitious scheme was never fully realized, it did result in a residence that is itself a work of art. Read more