Kris spent over four years overseeing the renovation and expansion of the Swick family residence in Pasadena. After one earlier expansion, the property was disjointed and dull with a large expanse of undeveloped land. Kris worked closely with the client (his parents) to renovate and expand the home, optimizing the layout and unifying its aesthetic. He designed the architectural renovation and new construction, interior architecture, landscape architecture, furnishings, and decoration. He produced renderings and construction documents for the client and collaborating installers, contractors, and architects. He also managed a general construction crew of 4 – 6 skilled tradesmen day-to-day.

The addition was built on the southern side of the house, facing the large lot. The curbside of the house was built along the northern edge of the lot, in violation of modern setback restrictions, and could not be expanded or altered. Since this section of the house had modestly-sized windows and relatively low ceilings, the most private rooms (including bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage) and utilitarian amenities were clustered within.

The addition features oversized wood frame doors and windows that illuminate the large new rooms designated for entertaining and recreation. This new southern façade connects the main living spaces more seamlessly with the rest of the property and affords expansive views (towering oak and pine trees in the foreground and Pasadena in the background). 

The expansion carried out by the previous owners included a double height entry and living room. The entry was moved to the west side of the house, and the door was replaced by a reading nook and large window. Kris redesigned this room to become the library, featuring towering architectural-scale bookcases and an antique pulpit, installed for readings and lectures. Oversized parallel-laminated engineered timber beams support the shelves, mounted pulpit, reading room benches, and antique furnishings embedded within the bookcases. 

The kitchen features continuous leathered granite countertops with extra large four inch aprons to match the four inch thick parallel- laminated engineered timber beams that frame appliances and provide storage above the counters. The countertops continue upward to provide a full-wall backsplash, covering the entire rear wall of the kitchen. A vaulted aluminum decorative ceiling complements the stainless steel appliances and xtures. 

The oversized central island in the kitchen features a thirteen-foot long dining counter, made from translucent honey onyx lit from within. The beverage counter faces the dining counter, surrounded by more storage framed in parallam beams. 

The master bedroom suite of custom furniture is framed in poplar, with ample built-in storage. The scraped oak ooring continues up the wall around the geometric headboard, which itself is divided into four lighted quadrants and four upholstered quadrants in patchwork cowhide leather. The wall facing the bed features a vanity counter and oating shelving over the arrayed windows. 

The master bathroom’s his-and-hers verde marble carved sinks are surrounded by built-in green onyx lit panels and cabinetry. The oversized steam shower room is separated from the rest of the bathroom by glass and a central bench. It contains mirror bathtubs and showers, in front of a curved iridescent glass tile accent wall.