Materials
At the core of truly elevated architecture lies a thoughtful material palette: materials that not only look beautiful but feel deliberate underfoot, in the hand, and in the light. We guide clients toward the finest manufacturers and suppliers, while respecting budget realities—because high-quality design need not be luxurious only in cost, but rigorous in intent, substance and experience.
Material selection matters deeply. It is where concept becomes reality. It is where the curve of a floorboard, the grain of a plank, the warmth of a glass frame, the geometry of a paver, the shadow and light of a surface all collaborate to shape how a space is perceived and felt. Good materials do more than decorate—they perform. They age gracefully, they respond to touch, they anchor the human presence in the architecture. Their manufacturing quality — milling precision, finish consistency, structural integrity, durability — underpins how a space endures, how it feels, how it invites.
My approach is always: lead with design, but let the materials dictate how concept is refined. That means choosing providers who share a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and integrity. And just as importantly, being flexible: we are happy to work within your budget while ensuring the outcome remains distinguished and tactile. Because at the end of the day it’s how you feel in the space—not how much you spend—that defines success.
Below are the key material categories we most often specify, and the select manufacturers we recommend:
Hardwood Flooring & Decking
Plank Hardwoods – Based in the Los Angeles and Ventura County region, Plank Hardwoods offers “the best quality flooring” across hardwoods, wall and ceiling cladding, and decking. They emphasise sustainable sourcing and curated aesthetics. Plank Hardwoods Flooring and Decking+1 Their collection of decking includes globally harvested hardwoods such as Ipe, Red Balau, Golden Balau, Borneo Mahogany and thermally-modified ash, selected for durability and visual richness.Plank Hardwoods Flooring and Decking
Why it matters: A well-chosen hardwood or decking material brings texture, warmth and a sense of human scale. When each board is precision-milled and carefully finished, you feel it underfoot and appreciate its longevity in years to come.
Windows & Glass Doors
LaCantina – As a pioneer in large-opening door systems, LaCantina focuses on sliding, folding and swing doors that redefine indoor-outdoor living. Their systems combine performance, strength and symmetry, engineered for expansive openings and refined design. lacantinadoors.com+1 Their multi-slide systems merge architectural minimalism with robust hardware and glass engineering. lacantinadoors.com+1
Why it matters: The moment you open a large glass door system, you change the character of a space. The feel of the frame, the precision of movement, the quality of glass—all contribute. High-end door systems become transformational features, not just functional gaps to the exterior.
Cladding
TimberTech – TimberTech Cladding, offered by AZEK Exteriors, delivers the aesthetic of rich, natural wood while eliminating the constant upkeep of traditional lumber.azekexteriors.com+1 Its advanced PVC rainscreen solutions come in a variety of colors, textures and profiles, and are designed to meet rigorous fire-resistance and performance standards.TimberTech & AZEK for Safer Designs
Why it matters: Exterior surfaces define first impressions and long-term performance. A well-specified cladding material stands up to weather, retains its character, and frames the architecture with clarity and durability. The tactile grain, shadow lines and precision installation of high-quality cladding elevate a building’s presence.
Pavers
Belgard – Belgard is a leading manufacturer of concrete pavers, slabs, retaining wall systems and outdoor hardscapes. Belgard+1 They have a broad palette of textures, colors and formats for terraces, driveways, rooftops and landscape hardscapes, backed by technical support and design resources.Belgard Commercial
Why it matters: The exterior ground plane often sets the tone for a home’s architecture. The way pavers meet the threshold, the consistency of color across the courtyard, the tactile stepping experience—all matter. Premium pavers create an elevated foundation for outdoor life.
Summary
In sum, our material strategy is guided by three enduring principles: feel, performance, and value. We select materials that invite you in, perform without compromise, and respect your budget. The manufacturers above represent our standard benchmarks—of those we recommend most frequently for their commitment to quality, design integrity and functionality. We are always, always happy to explore alternative suppliers or value-driven options that still meet our standards for detail and durability.
If you would like to review sample palettes, walk through the tactile differences between wood boards, glass frames and paver selections, or explore custom material sourcing, I can guide you through the process. Our goal: to craft spaces that are as sensorially fulfilling as they are perfectly composed..