
DNM Long-Form

The DNM Video Blog
Welcome to the first DNM Architecture video blog! Moving forward, we hope you enjoy this additional way of examining our projects, including commentary directly from

New Rules Mean Adding an ADU to Your California Home is Easier Than Ever
Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs may seem like a very new and different type of housing, but the term ADU actually refers only to the

Architect Lexicon: Inform
Like all professions, architects share a jargon that can be confusing to clients and other mortals. Many words are useful and inevitable shorthand that improve

Formed by the Land
Just north of San Francisco, a long-vacant lot was defined by a V-shaped, natural drainage swale through its center, effectively dividing the land in half.

Architect Lexicon: Challenge
CHALLENGE. OPPORTUNITY. OBSTACLE. We often say that we don’t like problems, but, in fact, we can’t live without them. More precisely, we can’t make a

DNM Architecture is Part of the 2030 AIA Commitment.
Becoming a 2030 signatory is a commitment to addressing one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century and becoming a leader in fighting climate

Views From A Sonoma Hillside
David was a dream to work with. He really listened to our descriptions of what we wanted including a modern aesthetic. We went through multiple

Portfolio, Perspective, and Process
I attended a lunchtime seminar about firm marketing sponsored by the AIA a couple of months ago and learned something! But, that’s not the only

What Is Architecture?
Profound, cynical or silly, it is relevant to me; perhaps it will be for you as well. It is in no particular order and I

Potential in Palm Springs
This gorgeous, albeit currently unbuilt, DNM Architecture-designed home recalls the beauty of 1950’s Desert Modern style and brings it to the 21st century with better

The Value of an Architect
Through education, training and experience, an architect is the one professional person who is equipped to guide you through the design, permitting and construction of

200 Years Ago, and Architects Were Already Cynical!
In 1806, Benjamin Henry Latrobe wrote to Robert Mills, “The profession of architecture has been hitherto in the hands of two sets of men. The

Mid-Century Modernized
When Lise and Vincent decided to move on from the successful vineyard and 5,600 square foot home in Sonoma, they felt it was time to

Distinguishing Profession From Business
Recently, I was reminded of a good article by Richard Farson, a former AIA Public Director, from arcCA, the journal of the AIA California Council.

Architecture That Resonates
If your home can’t do this, maybe it is time to consider a new home or remodel! First, we define our spaces. Then, our spaces

Creativity, Beauty, and Morality
Creativity, Beauty, and Morality are the three standards by which every work of art – including architecture – should be evaluated. To understand and apply

Experiments in Design
The home of this architect and artist couple is a continuously evolving laboratory. +Read the DWELL article then come back for a longer look. Architect

What services should I expect the architect to provide?
The services provided by architects and their consultants can vary according to numerous factors, such as the project type and complexity, the client’s needs, the

How much does an architect cost?
Contact Us Now For Your Estimate! Hiring an architect is expensive, but not as expensive as not hiring an architect! By helping you anticipate, evaluate

Selecting an architect
Architectural firms come in many types and sizes and are not all appropriate for your project. Most firms specialize in only a few project types.

Should I use an architect?
Your local building department may require you to hire a registered architect or engineer, but there are also many advantages of working with an architect

Must I use an architect?
Anyone who uses the title “architect” or offers architectural services must be licensed or “registered” in the state in which they are offering the architectural