Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens, Art Gallery, & Sculpture Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Carter House x Studio Yuda
Carter Avenue | East Nashville | Studio Yuda
This unconventional, minimalist, modern marvel of a home on Carter Ave feels like a well-kept secret — serene and understated, tucked back and away on an unassuming side street in an East Nashville neighborhood, a few blocks from my own home. It’s unlike its neighbors, it’s recessed into privacy, and strikes a balance of aesthetics both bold and understated. It’s discreet without being shy, with strong geometric shapes, clean lines, and natural materials that lend an organic warmth to its upscale presence. It feels well-integrated into the landscape, with earth-toned accents complementing the surrounding greenery, where simplicity and elegance coexist effortlessly.
A vibrant cherry red mailbox marks the address, with a long gravel driveway that snakes down the property line. A curious, small wooden studio sits to the side, its cube-like form adorned with a singular porthole window that teases glimpses of the artful interior—a vibrant pop of golden yellow hinting at the creativity within. High above and beyond the studio, large, airy, sundrenched windows peek over the 15 foot tall facade of soft ivory brick and flood the interior with natural light. Every element of the design feels intentional and harmonious.
As my Jeep rolls up and crunches the gravel beneath the tires, I enter an architectural oasis of serenity and minimalist design. I’m here at high noon, just as the south facing sun gives its strongest kisses. An afternoon thunderstorm is rolling in while it is 98° outside in the middle of August and I’m trying to avoid a sunburn. The swimming pool, tucked on the back north side of the house, eagerly awaits the overhead sun for its most vibrant warmth. Minimal, thoughtful, and playful landscaping is sprinkled across the property. I tread lightly down the stone path in the grass to unveil the front door, as a gorgeous, unobstructed entryway unfolds before me into the courtyard, brimming with late-summer blooms, before the soaring wooden threshold. A single wrought iron chair and a weeping cherry tree invite moments of solitude, contemplation, and sun salutations.
Around back, a secluded and spacious yard is shaded by the outstretched branches of a single, massive generations-old oak tree. A rectangular swimming pool extends from the house, creating a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors. Lounge chairs, white umbrellas, and wildflowers evoke sensations of relaxation poolside, once again finding balance in new corners.
This homestead brings me so much peace in my small time in its presence. It feels as if it should exist in a sprawling landscape, perhaps nestled into the foothills of a desert with mountains rising beyond the backyard. Yet here it stands, tucked into a bustling urban neighborhood, surrounded by ranch homes from the 1950s, bungalows from the early 20th century, and budding new builds abound. I hope this home inspires fellow neighbors to pause, take in its powerful aesthetic, and get curious about the possibilities of your own home. It’s a reminder that architecture is for us, to live and exist within and around.
Architectural Photography at Podere Rombolino, Italy, with Mike Kelley, APALMANAC, & Doublespace
I had the spoiled privilege of studying architectural photography under the legendary wisdom of Mike Kelley (@mpkelley_), APAlmanac (@apalmanac), and Doublespace (@2spacephoto) at Podere Rombolino in Val D’orcia, Tuscany, Italy, in April of this year. 🇮🇹 A truly unparalleled and unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly shape my life and work moving forward.
Eleven photographers united together from across the globe, and convened at the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence, Italy, where we were summoned to either to a night in Paradiso (Heaven) or Inferno (and I was in Hell, twice). Come morning, after indulging in buttery croissants, fresh meats, cheeses, and juices from the breakfast buffet, we piled into black minivans racing down the Italian highways to our dreamscape villa. Arriving nearly carsick, our stomachs were soothed and comforted upon arrival as we were welcomed with homemade panzanella and fresh, Tuscan pizzas. Together we chased sunrise and sunset, and feasted like royalty, with three sumptuous meals per day by our incredible and gracious private chef and culinary master of the kitchen in the villa. We exchanged knowledge and shared our living and working experiences over fresh espressos by morning and bottles of wine by night, while exploring every inch of the villa, photographing its beauty from top to bottom, as collaboration flourished and we shared perspectives, insights, and points of view.
The villa was our homestead for three solid days, never once leaving the property (and never desiring to do so). We all slept peacefully in our own spacious bedrooms, all uniquely designed and differently appointed. I won best hand and was treated to the honeymoon suite where I had North, South, and West facing views of the surrounding valley landscapes out my windows from where I laid on my bed. My very own balcony overlooked rolling hills with volcanic mountain views out my doorstep. The sunset-chasing infinity pool below that overflowed onto the western hillside served more purpose as a reflection pool (or cold plunge, for some!) during this eye-opening experience.
I’ll return to these images and memories for the rest of my days 🌞
“The incomparable Podere Rombolino in Val D'orcia, Tuscany, was essentially restored from a crumbling ruin to one of the most incredible projects I have ever photographed. A lesson in timeless design mixing the contemporary and classic by @ilaria_miani_studio.”
- MIKE KELLEY
@mpkelley | mpkelley.com
“Endless vineyards and olive groves rolling over the hills. Iconic cypress trees standing tall. That golden Tuscan sunlight glowing over it all. It's like being in a fairytale! The kind of place that forces you to slow down and savor every moment. An absolute feast for the senses.”
- ALON BARHOM
@alonbarhom.photographer | alonbarhom.co.il
📍Podere Rombolino
Tuscany, Italy
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