Author Archives: colinmcstravick

Manzanita

This Mediterranean estate is the creative genius of Arnn Gordon Greineder. Set on a three and a half acre site in Los Altos Hills, the main house is complimented by a guest house/cabana, a perfectly placed infinity pool, a small vineyard and a working wine cave. Sophisticated systems, beautiful interiors and magnificent views combine to make this estate truly one-of-a-kind.

Architect: Arnn Gordon Greineder
Landscape Architect: Todd R. Cole Landscape Architecture
Designer: Fisher Weisman Interior Design & Wheeler Design Group
Photographer: Nick Vasilopoulos
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 12,000

La Verna

Graham Architects and Ann Lowengart Interiors designed a complete interior renovation on this Peninsula residence which incorporated white oak distressed hardwood floors throughout the home. The finish carpentry turned out beautifully, and includes a new library with custom made cabinets and high gloss paint, custom made office cabinetry and new custom stairs. Wallpaper, wainscoting, Lutron lighting system and fireplaces with antique stone mantles added to the designer touches.
Architect: Graham Architects
Designer: Ann Lowengart Interiors
Photographer: Paul Dyer
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 3,057 sq. ft.

Carolands

After decades of neglect and the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, all the windows and exterior doors, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems in the Carolands 65,000 square foot mansion needed to be replaced. PCH was honored to be chosen to take on the difficult and delicate task. In seismically repairing the historic chateau, we preserved its historic features, including the ornamental plaster and imported French paneling. We also returned the 78-foot high atrium (the largest enclosed space in an American residence) to its former prominence. In saving the mansion from the wrecker’s ball, we proved that extensive expert renovation can take place while maintaining original architectural integrity. Read more in Architectural Digest.

Architect: Page & Turnbull Architects, Taylor Lombardo (ballroom)
Landscape Architect: Martin Lane Fox
Designer: Mario Buatta
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 65,000

Fairview

Working with award-winning architect Andrew Skurman, we constructed an estate that was reminiscent of a French country villa yet equipped with all the modern conveniences. From the custom arched dormers that punctuate the main roof to the French doors that lead out to the grounds, our creative innovation and exacting attention to detail paid off in a big way. Within two months of completion, the breathtaking estate was chosen as the location of a celebrity wedding. But even more important, the couple we built it for call it home.

Video: An elegant welcome by Andrew Skurman

Architect: Andrew Skurman Architect
Landscape Architect: Todd K. Cole Landscape Architecture
Designer: Steven Volpe Design
Photographer: Matthew Millman
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 14,200

ICAA Julia Morgan Award

ICAA Julia Morgan Award

San Francisco, May 2018 – PCH’s Pacific Heights Victorian project was awarded the 2018 Julia Morgan Award for interior design and decoration. It was recognized for a bold, yet timeless approach to Classicism. By bringing renowned designer Atelier Ugo Sap’s vision to life, PCH delivered on the client’s request for something different. Integrating modernism with twenty-first century technology, we added distinctive features throughout the three-story Pacific Heights Victorian, from hand-painted hardwood flooring to exquisite custom-plastered ceilings.

Battle of the Chefs

Battle of the Chefs

PCH President, Bryan Murphy, along with other San Francisco Bay Area leading architects, builders, interior designers, landscape architects and top industry partners participated in the Battle of the Chefs 2018 Iron Chef Culinary Competition put on by Luxe Interiors + Design and Riggs Distributing. Bryan showed off his cooking skills along with his teammates, Bill Darcy (NKBA), George Brazil (SagreraBrazil Design), Jeff Goodwin (BAR Architects), Annie Cheung (NOON Home), and their team leader, Chef Ivan Dubriwny from Riggs Distributing. Spectators were there to cheer on their favorite teams while the competition unfolded throughout the evening. The teams were all competing for bragging rights of the Luxe Master Chef title. In true Iron Chef fashion, the fast-paced kitchen competition was brimming with culinary adventure and fun. As each team faced off in the timed culinary competition, the ingredients were kept secret until the competition began and each team worked together to create their most impressive appetizer, entrée and dessert. A lucky panel of judges got to taste the dishes and vote for their favorites. Everyone in attendance enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the lively competition!