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Holon: Architecture Studio Your architecture design partner for your residential or commercial projects.

09/25/2026

Can AI design your house?

It can make a very convincing picture, but that picture is not necessarily a coordinated or buildable design.

For this video, I started with actual architectural models and asked AI to create realistic renderings without changing the architecture. The results were polished and useful, but they also began reinterpreting rooflines, windows, structural elements, stairs, and connected spaces.

Those changes are not just cosmetic. They can affect structure, drainage, cost, code compliance, and how the house actually works.

I absolutely use AI in the design process. It is a powerful tool for exploring materials, visualizing possibilities, and helping clients understand an idea.

I just use it as a design tool, not as the designer.

A lot in a small footprint.A shop.An apartment above.A walkout basement.From the outside, it’s a simple form. Behind it ...
09/22/2026

A lot in a small footprint.

A shop.
An apartment above.
A walkout basement.

From the outside, it’s a simple form. Behind it are decisions about stairs, structure, garage doors, grading, and how each space works with the others.

As the builder put it: “Very simple, package a lot into a small footprint.”

Swipe through to see how the drawings and construction come together.

Simple form. Thoughtful decisions. A lot of purpose.

“Very simple, package a lot into a small footprint.”That’s how the builder described this project, and I think he nailed...
09/22/2026

“Very simple, package a lot into a small footprint.”

That’s how the builder described this project, and I think he nailed it.

It may look like a simple building, but there’s quite a bit happening inside: a shop, an apartment upstairs, and a walkout basement.

Getting those spaces to work together meant thinking carefully about the stairs, garage doors, structure, access, and the way the building meets the sloping ground. Along the way, we were even able to coordinate the stair openings in a way that eliminated a steel post and footing.

I love projects like this. They’re a reminder that good design isn’t necessarily about making something complicated. Sometimes it’s about making a lot of things work together so the finished building feels simple.

Here’s a look at the design process and how the project is taking shape.

Five projects. One Friday.Two initial consultations.Two projects under construction.One quick stop for a few more measur...
09/19/2026

Five projects. One Friday.

Two initial consultations.
Two projects under construction.
One quick stop for a few more measurements.

And almost nothing about the five projects was the same.

One started with the question: what can this property become?

Another owner already knows what they want and needs help turning that idea into something buildable.

One is a complex custom home requiring coordination between timber framing, conventional framing, engineering, consultants and trades.

Another is being transformed as much by grading, retaining, parking and site work as it is by the changes to the house.

And at the last one, a few additional measurements matter because on a constrained lake property, sometimes a few inches really can change the answer.

That’s a pretty good snapshot of architecture in practice.

Different sites. Different stages. Different needs. Different problems to solve.

And one very full Friday.

Five projects. One Friday.Yesterday turned into one of those days that captures just how different this job can be from ...
09/19/2026

Five projects. One Friday.

Yesterday turned into one of those days that captures just how different this job can be from one project to the next.

I started at a tiny lakefront property tucked between a steep hillside and the water, talking through the big-picture question: what can this property become?

The next owners are much further along. They already have approvals, a variance and a strong idea of the addition they want. They don’t need someone to start over. They need help refining their idea and turning it into something that can actually be built.

Then came two projects under construction.

One is a complex custom timber-frame home involving significant coordination between consultants, engineering and trades. During the site visit, I found framing that didn’t match the construction documents, which is exactly the kind of thing you want to catch before the work gets covered up.

At another project, much of the transformation is happening outside the house. Grading and retaining are creating a much better driveway and parking area while opening up more usable lawn.

The final stop was considerably less dramatic: a few additional measurements on another constrained lake property. But sometimes a few inches really do change the answer.

That was Friday.

Design. Documentation. Coordination. Construction. Site work. Field verification.

Five very different projects and five very different problems to solve.

And that variety is one of my favorite parts of being an architect.

09/17/2026

Want your lake house ready for next summer? Start planning sooner than you think.

Before construction begins, there may be surveys, approvals, design, engineering, permits, and contractor scheduling to work through. Those steps can take months, depending on the project.

If there’s a summer you don’t want to lose to construction, start with the date you want to be finished and work backward.

That’s when you should call your architect.

You don’t need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.You might just know something isn’t working...
09/16/2026

You don’t need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.

You might just know something isn’t working.

Maybe you need more space. Maybe your house doesn’t fit the way you live anymore. Maybe you’ve found a property and aren’t sure what’s possible.

Renovate? Add on? Build new? How much space? Where should it go?

That’s enough to start.

Part of our job is helping you understand the possibilities, ask the right questions, and figure out which direction makes sense.

You don’t need to bring us the solution.

Bring us the problem. We’ll help figure out what it can become.

You don’t need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.You might just know something isn’t working...
09/16/2026

You don’t need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.

You might just know something isn’t working.

Maybe you need more space. Maybe your house doesn’t fit the way you live anymore. Maybe you’ve found a property and aren’t sure what’s possible.

Renovate? Add on? Build new? How much space? Where should it go?

That’s enough to start.

Part of our job is helping you understand the possibilities, ask the right questions, and figure out which direction makes sense.

You don’t need to bring us the solution.

Bring us the problem. We’ll help figure out what it can become.

You don't need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.Maybe you need more space. Maybe your house...
09/15/2026

You don't need to have your project figured out before you call an architect.

Maybe you need more space. Maybe your house isn't working for your family anymore. Maybe you've found a property and aren't sure what's possible.

Renovate? Add on? Build new? How much space do you really need? Where should it go? What will it cost?

Figuring those things out is part of the process.

We look at the site, zoning, existing conditions, priorities, budget and possibilities. Then we start testing ideas and figuring out which direction makes sense.

You don't need to bring us the solution.

Bring us the problem. We'll help figure out what it can become.

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