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Construction wrapped in summer 2024, and Lawler's parents send him regular texts about how much they love their new home. "Our goal with our clients is always to get invited back, and with my parents, that's thankfully the case,

Architect Fareez Giga deploys a suite of custom built-ins to upgrade a 715-square-foot flat for a bibliophile and a passionate cook.

A simple arch pattern was used throughout the apartment, adding subtle style to a simple material palette.

Slatted wood was used for the living room entertainment center in order to conceal an air conditioning unit while letting air pass through. The wood pattern continues in the rest of the piece for consistency.

The kitchen's white oak cabinetry was given oval-shaped brass handles from CB2.

The existing black granite kitchen countertops were initally kept, but floor damage from an upstairs apartment's water leak prompted the couple, while choosing new floors, to also add white quartzite countertops.

The white oak material palette continues in the bedroom, and the arch motif extends to curved edges on the shelves and a nightstand, to fit next to a door.

From their first conversation with Giga, Janey emphasized the importance of shelving for her book collection.

By using one material, white oak, throughout the apartment from built-ins to flooring, and maintaining the same distinctive curvy geometry, Giga's design creates a simple, elegant look

The apartment benefits from large windows, which combines with the light-toned oak and quartzite to create an apartment that glows.

The ceiling and built-in storage wall in the bedroom are fabricated from American white oak, while the opposite wall and floor has the same grayish-white tone found in the rest of the apartment.

Floor Plan of St-Pierre by La Firme Architecture

Clad in muted tones and softened by subtle textures, the guest bathroom carries through the home’s understated aesthetic, with just enough detail to feel luxurious. A custom Corian cabinet in Seagrass and a Gessi Tortona faucet add a refined, modern touch.

The Bookstabers designed the concrete art piece above the fireplace themselves.

There is more tall-ceiling space in the expanded second floor, including the master bedroom.

In Portland, Oregon, a culinary couple called on architect Michael Howells to raise the roof, revamp the floor plan, and spice up the kitchen.

"One of my favorite moments in the house is the window above the vanity in the guest bath,