Top Tips for the Perfect Workspace and Environment

Trends in workplace design

Trends in workplace design by Borelli Architecture

Throughout the year, we like to keep our clients up to date on business and architectural design trends.  And this news posting is yet another opportunity to share a business story that was recently posted in the Reno Gazette Journal re: American’s could be working from home until spring of 2022.

Above you will see a home that our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe is working on as we speak.  You will see that within this design, we have included some key features to keep the home/work environment light, bright, and efficient as well.

Our favorite part of this particular ‘workspace design’ includes a porch and a large sliding glass door that offers some spectacular lake views. In addition to the desk component, you will see that we have added ‘room to relax,” a good sound system, and plenty of storage to keep the area fresh and tidy.  All of which are assets that came to play within the RGJ story.

I’ll now share some of their insight (see information in italics) about workplace statistics and a few tips on how to keep the ‘art of working at home’ working for you in 2022.

How long will the ‘work from home’ directive last? 

When the coronavirus outbreak first erupted and workers were told to pack up their desks and prepare to do their jobs from home, many companies assumed they’d uphold that arrangement for a handful of weeks. Back then, no one could’ve predicted that 18 months later, a large chunk of the U.S. workforce would still be working remotely.  Earlier this summer, big-name companies started firming up plans to have staff members return to office buildings – some on a partial basis, and some on a full-time basis. But then, the delta variant hit, and since then, those same companies have had to walk back their plans and postpone their reopenings.

Facebook, for example, is delaying its office return until January of 2022. Apple initially postponed its reopening to October but has since moved it back even further to match Facebook’s timeline. And now, it’s looking like remote work easily has the potential to last two solid years.

Tips to  ‘feel right at home’ while working at home

Give yourself a break.  We have found that our team can get so focused on designing mountain homes that we forget to breathe.  As such, ew now set alarms every half hour to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses – so to speak.  It never ceases to amaze me how a short break can help one’s mind regroup.

Save some ‘body’ time.  Within our architect design firm, we work with several of the region’s finer new communities.  And many times were are on site.  During that time, we make time to get out and take a short walk in between meetings.  Be it on the links at Clear Creek Development in Carson City or throughout the beautiful neighborhood of St. James’ Place in Reno, NV, there’s always an excellent opportunity to stretch the legs and take in the mountain scenery.

Schedule an actual lunch break.  Back in the day, when we worked in our office, there was always someone talking about where they would go for lunch.  Today, it’s a bit different as our kitchen is steps from our interior design firm and architect company in Nevada.

Get comfy, yet not too comfy.  Article after article that we read about tips for the perfect workspace and environment note that wearing sweats and t-shirts may be comfortable, they apparently have a way of making humans too lazy.  One article actually noted that the best thing to wear is pants with a tight waistband. It reminds us to keep away from the tempting snacks and daily pizza routine.

Top tips for an ideal workspace design.

Above you will see a home that our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe is working on as we speak.  You will see that within this design, we have includes some key features to keep the home/work environment light, bright, and efficient as well.

Our favorite part of this particular ‘workspace design’ includes a porch and a large sliding glass door that offers some spectacular lake views. In addition to the desk component, you will see that we have added ‘room to relax,” a good sound system, and plenty of storage to keep the area fresh and tidy.

If you have been working from home and feel like it’s time to remodel your office, or other spaces throughout your home, our team at Borelli Architecture would be happy to share some of the ideas that we have already implemented in properties throughout Incline Village, Truckee, Lake Tahoe, and the greater Reno/Carson City region.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Examples of Homes with Remodeled Gas and Wood Stoves

Wood and Gas Stove Remodeling Tips

Every year at Borelli Architecture, we seem to have clients who seek our ideas on how to remodel their homes to upgrade their gas or wood stoves.   As this is a popular subject, and with winter already in full focus at Lake Tahoe, we decided to share some of the h0mes we have remodeled to include an upgraded wood and/or gas stove.

Below you will find a few examples.

Wood and Gas Stove Remodeling Tips

Wood Stove Upgrade, Remodeled Lakefront Home

In the far corner of this lakefront property, you will see a classic old wood stove that served its purpose for many years.  Within the larger photo, you can see what a beautiful difference a home remodel can make to the ambiance, as well as the value, of this Crystal Shores condominium in Incline Village, NV.  Our Borelli Architecture firm in Lake Tahoe worked with our clients to ensure their vision of a “living room with a mountain style” came to life.

To see additional photographs of this lakefront home remodel in Lake Tahoe, follow this link.

Gas Stove Remodel Ideas

Here is another fine example.  In the photo on the far left corner, you can see that there was no fireplace at all.  Through our architectural design services in Tahoe, we completely changed the ambiance of this home on Dee Court in Incline Village.  The gas fireplace is now a centerpiece of the Great Room which serves as the main gathering area for the family during the winter months, and all year long.

For more insight about the other rooms that we remodeled throughout this home in Incline Village, click on our website now.

Fireplace Remodeling Ideas

Above you will see one more example of what a simple home remodel can make when you include a cozy gas (or wood) fireplace.  The owners of this condominium in Incline Village selected this fireplace for two reasons:  warmth, and as an accent to their mountain-themed living room.

So where do you start to find the best selection of gas or wood stoves in Lake Tahoe?  First and foremost, we always encourage our clients to “Keep the money on the mountain” for whatever they are looking for.  When it comes to stoves?  Go see Randy at Woodstove Distributors on the main drag in Incline Village.

When you are ready to take a look at all the options that are out in the market for replacing your wood or gas stove, and thinking about a home remodel in Lake Tahoe, feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture to get your vision underway.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

How To Get A Permit to Build A Boat Dock or Buoy Mooring in Lake Tahoe

This past year it seems like the world moved to Lake Tahoe to enjoy the lifestyle that comes with living and working throughout the High Sierra.  Within this ‘dream-like lifestyle,’ comes visions of working in the morning and heading out on the Lake for an afternoon of wake surfing or waterskiing.

As one who has lived here for over 30 years, and designed lakefront homes at Lake Tahoe, this lifestyle is real and very doable.

However, slipping out onto the crystal clear waters from your own boat dock doesn’t come easy for those who have purchased a Lakefront home and want to add a pier and/or buoy mooring just outside of one’s home office.  Living within the Lake Tahoe Watershed comes with from pretty stringent rules – all for good reasons – to keep the Lake as pristine as it is today.

To secure a permit to build a boat dock or get a mooring is like winning the lottery, yet can be done.

Within the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s website is a section that will help you to better understand the steps one must take to POSSIBLY secure a permit to build your dream dock.  Here are some highlights from their website.

All moorings including buoys, boat lifts, and boat slips are subject to annual registration fees paid through this system. New moorings require a TRPA permit and existing moorings must be registered and/or permitted through the Phase 1 process below.

Allocation of New Moorings

As part of the Shoreline Plan, TRPA may permit up to a maximum of 2,116 additional (new) moorings. Allowable moorings include buoys, boat lifts, and boat slips and are distributed through the following pools:

  • 1,486 private moorings (buoys or boat lifts)
  • 330 marina moorings (buoys or boat slips)
  • 300 public agency moorings (buoys or boat slips)

New mooring allocations will be released in accordance with TRPA Code of Ordinances 84.3.2.E.4: a maximum of fifteen (15) percent of the available moorings from each of the three pools can be allocated annually.

Eligibility Criteria

Private moorings

Single-family parcels:

  • Up to two moorings per parcel; existing moorings count towards maximum moorings allowed
  • Littoral – single-family parcel must adjoin or abut the high water elevation of Lake Tahoe
  • Best Management Practices (BMPs) Certificate – The littoral parcel must have a BMP Certificate of Completion prior to entering the mooring lottery. You can check the BMP compliance status on the TRPA Parcel Tracker. For more information on BMPs or to request assistance from TRPA’s Stormwater Management Program, please visit tahoebmp.org or call the BMP hotline at (775) 589-5202.

In addition, private moorings must comply with all eligibility, capacity, mitigation, development and location standards of TRPA Code of Ordinances Chapters 80-85, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Located outside a Stream-mouth Protection Zone
  • Boat lifts: one per parcel on an existing pier, up to four
  • Mooring buoys:
    • At least 50 feet from another mooring buoy (50-foot grid spacing for buoy fields)
    • At least 20 feet from adjacent littoral parcel projection line boundaries
    • Buoys not in buoy fields: No greater than 600 feet lakeward from elevation 6,220 feet Lake Tahoe Datum, as measured horizontally, or no farther lakeward than elevation 6,210 feet Lake Tahoe Datum, whichever is less
    • Buoy fields: No greater than 600 feet lakeward from elevation 6,220 feet Lake Tahoe Datum, as measured horizontally, and does not exceed the maximum buoy field size (derived from littoral HOA parcel dimensions)
On behalf of our team at our architect firm serving Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV, we are here to help you build the home of your dreams, be it on the lake, golf course, or high atop the High Sierra.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Architectural Trends for 2022

Contemporary Home Designs

Contemporary Home Designs

Every year we enjoy the opportunity to share our insight into the trends in architecture.  Today, we are looking into the future of home design and have a few things that we are seeing that are consistent requests from our clients within our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV, and throughout Lake Tahoe.  As we get closer to 2020, we will continue to keep our eyes on the trends.  Yet in the meantime, here are few very clear concepts that are very much in demand.

Environmentally-sound

Whether our clients are connecting with us to remodel their home at the Lake or on the links, or have just purchased a property in the prestigious communities of Clear Creek Tahoe in Carson City or St. James’ Village in Reno, NV, the vision is clear:  home design must take the environment into consideration – inside and out.  From recycled materials to re-purposed wood and metal, all of the options should come into play within the design process.

Clean and Contemporary

Take a look at our last blog that showcased a home that is under construction in Incline Village.  You will notice the ‘mountain modern’ design that has become very popular in 2021 and we expect that to continue.  It’s a fresh and natural look that blends into the environment.  A new and particular trend is our clients’ interest in designing and building smaller homes; this is a big switch from the mega-mansions that used to pop up all over our community, and

Open Space

With families ALL living at home, space – and multipurpose areas – have become the primary discussion before any of the other details are discussed.  Think:  Great Room, Private Offices, Gym, Outdoor Kitchens, etc.

Room to Relax

What was once one’s vision of the bathroom has been completely turned upside-down.  Today it continues to serve its original purpose yet is designed with a plethora of comfort features.  It’s where one can escape the busy household and slip into a steam shower, spa, and have an adjoining massage room as well.

Cost Conscience

Many of our clients are keen on the costs of construction, lumber prices in particular, and have asked us to consider new/different options for building the home.  It is not unusual these days to see the use of iron and aluminum – more so than ever before

Minimalism

All combined, the future of home design looks bright and light with simple styles and sensible use of materials inside and out.

Seasoned Advice

In closing, whenever you have questions about the future of home design, or just want to talk to an architect who has been in the business for many decades, feel free to contact us at any time.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Mountain Modern Home Designs Trending in Lake Tahoe

Mountain Modern Home Design by Borelli Architecuture in Lake Tahoe

 

Mountain Modern Home Design by Borelli Architecuture in Lake Tahoe

As the world seems to be flocking to the High Sierra for all the right reasons, our designers at Borelli Architecture are seeing a dramatic increase in the appeal of the Mountain Modern home design in and around Lake Tahoe.

Right now, we are working on a project in the higher elevation of the prestigious community of Incline  Village, NV.  The photo pictured above is the rendering of a 4,600 square foot contemporary residence. In addition to the spectacular lake views, the property affords a setting that deserves expansive windows and natural exterior materials that include cedar siding, Ledgeston, and standing seam metal roofing.

The inside reflects the owners’ desires to live a comfortable, year-round lifestyle.  Located on the lower floor is a large, two-story kitchen/dining/living area that opens up to a partially covered outdoor living area. The master bedroom suite and den are also located on the lower floor.

Upstairs was carefully planned and designed for company – which is a must when you live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!

The upper floor has three guest bedroom suites, a kid’s bunkroom/TV room, and a workout room that can also double as a guest bedroom suite.

If you are thinking about building or remodeling a home in the mountains, and have a specific interest to locate an architect firm in Lake Tahoe that designs mountain modern homes, we welcome the opportunity to show you our portfolio.

Feel free to reach out at any time for a complimentary consultation.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

New Take Care Tahoe Offers Eco-friendly Things to Do in Tahoe

Take Care Tahoe Things to Do

Take Care Tahoe Things to Do

Every once in a while we spin away from our trends in architectural design, or new resort communities in Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City, and this post is no exception.

Today we are sharing a really cool new website that the Tahoe Fund has created for locals and visitors alike.  We share this as the site includes almost endless ways to get out and enjoy our backyard.  From birding on the North Shore, to underwater clean-up efforts, or simple hikes led by Eco-specialists who will teach you about our sensitive environment, it’s a super year-round resource.

Here are some highlights that we thought would be of interest to you:

Take Care Tahoe ~ Within this section you can learn about fire preparedness, where to recycle your sleds, bear activity, and more.

Events in Tahoe ~ Coming to Tahoe?  Bored at home?  Click into this section to see what events are going on in your neck of the woods.  Like to bird hunt?  Seeking a hike with a fundraising twist? Got the feel to join in on a community clean-up day?  Look through the calendar to find something new to do in Tahoe.

Visitor and Community Centers in Tahoe – I never really thought about how many visitor or community centers there in Tahoe yet once you chime in to this section, you may be amazed as well.

But wait, there’s more! 

Take Care Tahoe is a collective group of more than 50 organizations that love Lake Tahoe and want to see more people connect with this beautiful natural environment. They developed their website to make it easier for you to find fun and interesting ways to learn more about Tahoe.

Or better yet, as our architect firm in Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Reno has lived and worked throughout the High Sierra for over 30 years, we have some good local insight about where to go and what to do in Tahoe, and then some!

Contact us at any time for our personal suggestions!

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Golf, Ski Communities in NV Continues to Thrive

Clear Creek Tahoe Community Illustration

Back in 2018, ago we posted our first news announcement about the west’s newest tax friendly golf and ski community that was underway in Carson City, NV.  It’s amazing how time flies … and today our team at Borelli Architecture has several projects underway in this burgeoning resort community.

Within that article we noted its amenities that are are now in full operation and open to Clear Creek Tahoe’s neighbors:

Picture if you will … the mountain setting and impressive amenities that come to those who live in the popular Martis Creek community in Truckee, CA … are now mirrored in the tax-friendly state of Nevada, with a nationally-acclaimed golf course designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, PLUS a private beach house and pier on the edge of Lake Tahoe.

Clear Creek Tahoe Home In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Douglas County, Nevada

Today, we are working on several design concepts for our clients who have purchased property on the East side of the Sierra – and a short scenic drive from our architect firm in Incline Village, NV.

All of which are taking full advantage of the pine, mountain, and golf course settings that are all a part of the community’s environment.

The photo above is a sample of what is to come in the Clear Creek neighborhood.

Just a short, scenic drive north is another popular community, St James’ Village,  that touts its close proximity to golf and ski resorts.

St. James Village, In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Washoe County, Nevada

This custom single-story residence in the gated community of Saint James Village, south of Reno, Nevada is currently in the design stage and scheduled for construction in the fall of 2021.

It is 4,350 square feet with two 2-car garages and has a large covered outdoor living area that wraps around three sides of the building as well as a detached gazebo structure. The residence has a large kitchen/dining/living area which opens up to the outdoor living spaces and two guest bedroom suites in addition to the spacious master bedroom suite. The design maximizes views of Mount Rose to the west and Washoe Lake to the south.

If you have recently purchase land in the Reno, Carson City, Truckee or Lake Tahoe, and would like to discuss your design ideas, our architect firm in Reno Lake Tahoe is ready to make your vision come true.

Contact us at any time for a personal consultation.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part Two)

Within my most recent news posts, I started to share some top tips on how to decide what kind of home you want to build.  And within that story I promised I would continue to share additional idea on how to get started to build a home.  So here are more tips from our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe, CA.

What is your budget?  Depending on where you have purchased your property, the costs per square foot will vary – a lot!  Check with your real estate agent for comps on home building prices.  With the recent pandemic, we have seen a tremendous rise in interest in building a home in Nevada (Carson City in particular).  Construction costs are increasing with the demand.

Who will finance the project?  If you need to secure a loan you certainly need to research a lender before the shovel goes into the ground.  Be sure to shop around and when you have made your decision, be sure to have your lender offer a pre-approval so you can get started sooner than later.

What is your timing?  Mirroring my last statement, as the world discovers the benefits that come with living in Nevada, and/or the High Sierra, our general contractors have not been this busy in a long time.  The sooner you can work with an architectural firm like ours that services Nevada and California, the better.

How familiar is your home designer to your home’s environment?  Just because you have a final drawing does not mean you are done.  Within our firm that designs mountain and golf course homes in Lake Tahoe, we offer a list of additional services that come with the pleasure of living in a resort area.  Those services include:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning

How familiar is your architect to local building regulations? When one has selected to build or remodel a home within the High Sierra and its surrounding counties, there is a lot more to the building process that meets the eye.  For over 30 years,our  Borelli Architecture team has remained on-top of the environmental and county regulations.  Within our services, we also offer professional assistance with the following projects:

  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Services

Will you need an interior designer to help you design the inside of your home?  Our team offers the professional assistance of Kelly Borelli Interiors located in Incline Village, NV on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Kelly Borelli Interiors has been providing exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients in for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle to the most contemporary California seaside estate, Kelly works with each of her clients in conjunction with our own design team, to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect and every home deserves.

In closing, if you have any questions whatsoever about how to get started, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.  We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

 

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

 

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part One)

One of my friends has recently purchased a lot at Gray’s Crossing in Truckee.  And throughout the entire process, he continued to reach out to our architecture firm that designs homes in Truckee and Lake Tahoe for advice on the ‘next steps.’  I thought you might appreciate this blog about the “Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build” as the subject is fresh in my mind.

Research first.  Designing and building a home is more than how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. that you want or need within this significant investment.  As the old saying goes:  Your Home is Where Your Heart Is.  This classic statement identifies the fact that in addition to yourself, there may be others that have input as to what their desires may be.  When all is said and done, it should reflect the lifestyle that works for all involved.

What style do you like?  For this particular property, Borelli Architecture certainly will recommend that the home takes advantage of its golf course setting.  And with that said, we’ll be sure there is plenty of room for the golf cart in the garage!  As Gray’s Crossing is also within a mountain community at a higher elevation, we will include the appropriate standards for heavy  and take the weather into consideration as well to take advantage of the sunshine at the same time.

What key attributes does your ‘dream home’ really need?  Lots of windows to take in those golf course views?  And expanded porch for summertime entertaining?  How about ‘open space,’ privacy, and in today’s virtual world, how many ‘office spaces’ or ‘small classroom areas’ do you need? A mud room? We say ‘yes’ to that all the time as when one lives in Truckee, the community just begs for all to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Think about the ‘not so obvious.’  What kind and how much storage area do you really need?  Does every bathroom need at tub? How about all those skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and golf clubs … do you want a special place within the home or garage to store your year-round toys?  And what about boat storage?

Think about the future, a lot!  Our friends are just about to retire and plan on living the rest of their life here in the High Sierra. One of their main goals is to build a split-level home that has a lower level that includes a guest suite, small kitchen, and recreation/living area.  This concept works well today for extended company and will be ideal when and if they ever choose to have live-in help.

So that is a start.  In my next news post I’ll be providing more advice about the steps one needs to take when deciding to build a home.  In the meantime, if you are interested in buying a lot at Gray’s Crossing, here are a few nice options.  And be sure to click back into my last posts in January to learn more about land and property for sale in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and beyond.

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060