A Collaboration Sensation

Pacific Heights Remodel With a New Kitchen and a Classical Rear Facade

In 1996, our client John Williams invited us to remodel his landmark Pacific Heights home. While the project touched nearly every part of the residence, its most significant transformations were a rear façade remodel, a completely redesigned kitchen and a new primary suite.

To create the suite, we combined two bedrooms and added a balcony with classical detailing - Doric columns, a full entablature, and a balustrade - over a projecting bay at the dining room below. The kitchen was enlarged by removing an eat-in area and reimagined around a long island with seating. Vertical casement windows stretch from countertop to ceiling, a butler’s pantry adds functionality, and three linear skylights flood the space with natural light.

This was truly a team effort. We partnered with kitchen designer Ken Burkhardt on finishes, cabinetry, and appliances; with noted Bay Area landscape architect Penney Magrane on the terraces and garden; and with celebrated interior designer Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson on the bathrooms and upper-level built-ins.

Two decades later, Mr. Williams asked us back to design a ground-floor unit and offices behind the garage. Though Mr. Williams, Mr. Burkhardt, and Mr. Hutchinson have since passed on, their contributions left an indelible mark on the home - and on us. Collaboration remains one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. We’ve included photos of the home’s façade and grand staircase, which we did not design, to provide context for our contributions.