Project Overview
Strong vision. Made better.
The clients came in with a strong material vision and a contractor who'd told them it was all buildable. Some of it wasn't. We sorted that out in week one and built a version that was better than what they'd originally specified.
The original spec had marble countertops — a reasonable aesthetic choice that would have struggled under their actual cooking patterns. We made the case for quartzite. The fireclay sink was always right. The unlacquered brass fixtures were a conversation — we talked through what the patina would look like in two years, five years, ten. They chose it knowingly. That's how it should work.
Location
San Francisco, CA
Scope
Full Kitchen Gut & Rebuild
Duration
8 weeks
Change Orders
1 (client-initiated)
Service
Kitchen Remodel
How We Built It
Process
Discovery
Reviewed the existing spec list. Flagged three material conflicts before demo started — including a marble countertop spec that wouldn't hold up to their cooking pattern. Client appreciated the honesty; we moved to quartzite.
Materials
Quartzite over the original marble spec — better for their use pattern, comparable aesthetic. Fireclay apron-front sink. Unlacquered brass: we talked through the patina trajectory and they chose it knowingly. Porcelain floor tile instead of the original hardwood extension — better for the zone.
Build
8-week build. One change order — a client-initiated coffee station addition in week three. Everything else tracked to the original schedule and budget.
Finish
Two punch list items at final walkthrough. Both closed within a week. Client signed off.
What We Built With
Materials
Countertops
Leathered quartzite, 2cm
Sink
Apron-front fireclay, 33"
Fixtures
Unlacquered brass, bridge-style
Cabinets
Custom painted shaker, full inset
Backsplash
Zellige tile, handmade, matte
Floor
Porcelain tile
Gallery
Have a Kitchen Project?
Tell us what you're envisioning. We'll tell you honestly what it takes to make it happen.