THE DETAILS THAT CHANGE EVERYTHING
imagine Not Knowing
At first glance, this staircase appears as though it was always meant to be here.
What isn't immediately apparent is that the original architectural drawings would have sent the stair directly across the large window, significantly impacting both the natural light and the architectural presence of the space.
As I developed the interior elevations and began studying the stair in three dimensions, I realized something wasn't right. The conflict between the stair and the window had gone unnoticed through the architectural process, but once identified, it became impossible to ignore.
When the issue was raised, the initial response from the all was that there was no viable alternative. The stair could not clear the window without major impacts to the second floor landing. The only solution, I was told, was to allow it to hang below the opening.
I wasn't convinced.
Rather than accepting the limitation, I rolled up my sleeves and began drawing. Through a series of studies and revisions, I developed a concept that allowed the stair to gracefully curve around the window while maintaining comfort, code requirements, and visual balance. Once the concept was proven, we collaborated closely with the stair team to refine and engineer the final design.
What began as a problem became the defining architectural feature of the home.
Today, the sculptural staircase preserves the window, maximizes natural light, and creates a dramatic focal point that draws the eye upward through the space. More importantly, it stands as a reminder that great design is often the result of asking one more question, exploring one more possibility, and refusing to settle for "it can't be done."
