David Small Designs

DSD THROUGH THE DECADES⁠
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This home was designed in 2004.⁠
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More than 20 years later, it still reflects a principle that remains central to our work today.⁠
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Design is about bringing order to chaos. Every project begins with a complex set of conditions: property nuances, zoning regulations, a client’s program, budget, buildability, and countless competing priorities. That challenge becomes even greater when working with an existing structure.⁠
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This home began as a modest raised bungalow. The goal was not simply to make it larger, but to completely reimagine its architectural character while respecting the constraints of the original building.⁠
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The transformation introduced a new hierarchy of forms, replacing a low horizontal roofline with a composition of gables that creates presence, scale, and visual interest. Stone detailing grounds the home at its base, while shingle cladding, deep overhangs, substantial trim, and carefully proportioned windows establish a timeless Craftsman-inspired character.⁠
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The garage was integrated seamlessly into the overall composition rather than reading as an addition. Layered roof forms, articulated massing, and a welcoming front porch create depth and shadow, giving the home a richness that evolves throughout the day.⁠
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What appears effortless in the finished result required years of experience to see through the complexity of the existing structure and imagine what it could become.⁠
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The best renovations aren’t about erasing what was there before.⁠
They’re about seeing the potential hidden within it and bringing clarity, order, and beauty to the challenges that already exist.