The Problem:
A couple came to me with a penthouse that had stunning views but a layout that made no sense. They wanted an open floor plan without sacrificing privacy for their teenage kids. A classic case of “Can we have it all?”
My Approach:
Open doesn’t have to mean open season on privacy. I used soft barriers—pivoting wooden screens and sliding glass doors—to create zones that could shift between open and intimate. It was all about flexibility.
The Vision:
The skyline was the star, so I designed the central living area as a “light canyon,” opening up panoramic views. For the kids’ rooms, I added playful window placements that offered “sneak peeks” of the city without compromising their privacy.
The Technical Details:
We reworked the plumbing and HVAC systems to make room for a larger kitchen island—the heart of family gatherings. Motorized blinds allowed them to control light and privacy effortlessly. One of my boldest moves was a floating mezzanine library with glass floors, connecting the master suite to the living room without blocking the views.
The penthouse is now a masterpiece of adaptability—and, if I’m honest, one of my personal favorites.
