Melissa A. ToopsA Collection of Design

Works in Architecture

S I N G L E / T W O F A M I L Y

Kinnaird St Residence, Cambridge, MARenovation- Single Family 1 DU

Master Suite Renovation, Newton, MARenovation: Single Family 1 DU

S I N G L E / T W O F A M I L YTABLE OF CONTENTS

Appleton St Residence, Boston, MA Renovation-Single Family 1 DU

TABLE OF CONTENTSS I N G L E / T W O F A M I L Y

Firm: Khalsa Design, Inc.Role: Project Manager/Designer Owner/Client: Private DeveloperStatus: CompleteYear(s) Completed: 2012-2013Programs Utilized: Revit, CADProject Summary: In-depth zoning analysis was required to determine an as-of-right scheme to maximize the lots potential and the client s return on investment. An extensive knowledge of the Zoning Ordinance was required to complete this project along with traditional wood frame construction detailing.

Zoning Analysis Site Plan Zoning Analysis Diagrams

Kinnaird St Residence, Cambridge, MARenovation- Single Family 1 DU

The existing structure is a non-conforming building on a non-conforming lot, and the zoning ordinance allows specific alterations on the basis they are not more detrimental than the existing non-conformity. While we were seeking an as-of-right permit, we were still required to prove our additions meet the zoning ordinances restrictions in a series of meetings with staff officials. Due to the complexity of the additions requested, I created a 3D model highlighting the additions proposed and called out the corresponding zoning ordnance which allows that given addition. This graphic medium was extremely successful with city officials, and became the new standard graphic for the office on all as-of right drawing sets.

Building Section

DW

LIVING ROOM19'-6" X15'-6"

KITCHEN13'-0" X14'-10"

DININGROOM

13'-8" X11'-2"

DECK

BENCH

CL

CL

TV

FOYER

FIRST FLOOR:922GSF

UP

MASTERBEDROOM

18'-0" X11'-0"

BEDROOM15'-11" X11'-9"

WIC4'-5" X 8'-7"

MASTERBATH

5'-9" X8'-1"

BEDROOM12'-1" X11'-2"

BATH8'-5" X5'-0"

CL

LIN

DECK

CL

W/D

SECOND FLOOR:942 GSF

UTIL.

WIC

DN

Existing Exterior

Existing Interior

Existing First Floor Proposed First Floor Existing Second Floor Proposed Second Floor

Revised InteriorThe decision to transform the existing dilapidated two family home to a single family home came about as the conversations between the developer, the architect and the broker revealed the highly desirable neighborhood and the low inventory for high end single family detached homes. Therefore, this project would maximize its success as a spacious single family home instead of the typical cramped two family that can be found in the area.

The renovation for this project included lifting the existing structure to remove and place a new foundation, dropping the first floor level to increase the floor to ceiling height of the first floor, and the addition of several new dormers and a second floor addition adding much needed square footage and a quality to the bedroom levels.

My role in this project spanned from initial unit layout to the creation of permit drawings, to coordination in the field during construction. This was the first of many projects we completed with this developer, and this project set the tone for fostering an amazing relationship with a quality developer.

Revised Exterior

Firm: Sergio Modigliani Architect C/O Khalsa DesignRole: Drafter/Project InternOwner/Client: Gill-Pokross FamilyStatus: CompleteYear(s) Completed: 2012Programs Utilized: RevitProject Summary: Attention to detail was heavily required in this master bathroom renovation in this high-end single family home. Multiple schemes were worked through with the client, with a variety of price points to meet their evolving needs.

Master Suite Renovation, Newton, MARenovation: Single Family 1 DU

Option One Option TwoExisting Plan

Option Three Option Four

I worked closely with Sergio Modigliani, an Architect my firm collaborates with, who primarily designs high end residential renovations. For this project the owners wanted to address their outdated master bathroom as well as a storage problem commonly present in older homes. We initially produced seven schemes, ranging from a simple upgrade to an entire overhaul and reworking of their master bathroom.

Final Scheme

The final scheme that was chosen increased the footprint of their current master bathroom slightly, allowing for more storage inside the room, as well as the design of wall to wall storage units in the bedroom itself.

Revised Interior

Existing Interior

Unlike developer based projects, this renovation required a high level of detail in its design, from material selection to tile grout line coordination, to custom cabinet detailing. No aspect was left un-detailed. Due to the high level of attention, construction went smoothly with very few additional sketches or RFIs required.

Revised Interior

Existing Interior

Detail Section At Sink

Appleton St Residence, Boston, MA Renovation-Single family 1 DUFirm: Khalsa Design, Inc.Role: Project Manager/DesignerOwner/Client: Creek Square DevelopmentStatus: In ConstructionYear(s) Completed: 2014-2015Programs Utilized: Revit, CADProject Summary: This is a five story brownstone in the historic South End district that required a complete gut rehab, including the addition of a roof deck and rear decks.

Construction Photos

Basement Garden Level

Construction Photos

First Floor Second Floor Third Floor

Bostons South End neighborhood has become an aggressive market, properties for sale are few and far between, so when this developer came to us to design a gut rehab of a single family row house, we jumped at the chance!

I worked hand in hand with the developer to maximize the marketability of our layout. The final layouts include an open concept kitchen-dining on the garden level, living room and parlor on the main level, a nanny suite in the basement and bedrooms on the upper levels.

Building Section For Historic Commission Roof Deck Review

New Roof Deck Opening View of Boston From New Roof Deck

We also proposed the creation of a roof deck. All exterior work completed in the South End district requires historic commission review and sign off. The developer and myself met with city officials several times to coordinate the replacement of all the windows and the creation of a roof deck. In order to protect the street-scape, decks are required to meet more strict setback requirements so they remain unseen from the street level.