TRG Architecture

What was your journey into the world of design?

I went to a liberal arts college and really wanted to major in art, but my parents didn’t think that was practical. So I took as many art and art history classes as I could while majoring in English Literature! I spent the first decade after college working in journalism—spanning two daily newspapers in Massachusetts, a stint as a freelance writer, and a position as a staff writer for a trade magazine in Palo Alto. A couple years after arriving in the Bay Area, we bought a total tear-down of a house in Burlingame and decided to fix it up ourselves, literally pounding nails and running wires and pipes with our own hands. My specialty was tile setting: I absolutely adored it and got rewarded with a diamond-blade tile saw for my 27th birthday! It took us seven years, including landscaping, to finish this project. I was still working full-time for the trade magazine when my husband Randy Grange, who was working for an architecture firm in San Francisco, won first place in a national design competition. The publicity gave him the boost he needed to branch out on his own. In January, 1995, we officially established TRG. In the early days we were focused exclusively on architecture, but soon enough, our clients started asking for help with the interior design and I gradually waded in. With my background in art, the experience gained with our own home, and the consulting on colors, cabinets, and lighting I’d provided for friends over the course of the intervening years, it was a natural transition. I picked up a ton of coursework and eventually earned a certification in Kitchen Design (CKD) and Interior Design (CID). Today TRG Architecture + Interior Design has a staff of 18, half interiors and half architecture.

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  Credit: Nelson O. Photo
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  Credit: R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)

What are some current trends in kitchen design that you’re most excited about?

I love that homeowners are becoming more open-minded about not packing every inch of every wall above a countertop with cabinets! This allows for flexibility in the aesthetic composition of the kitchen, giving more space to show off a stunning marble backsplash, an impactful sconce, or simple visual relief—all of which help a kitchen feel more comfortable and inviting.

Marble in the kitchen used to be a no-no, but sealers that warranty against staining and etching have changed all that. Now clients can have that gorgeous Calacatta without the worry! Opening the door to an entire new family of stunning natural stones has brought so much added joy into kitchen design!

The rise of induction cooking. I’ve had an induction cooktop in my Burlingame kitchen since I remodeled it in 2008. The goal for my eco-friendly kitchen was to be as energy-efficient as possible. I made sure to talk with a number of professional chefs before pulling the trigger. I was reluctant to pass up the gas flame, but I will never turn back. Not only is induction cooking a healthier technology (no harmful emissions of nitrogen dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide, and methane), it’s also super responsive. About 90% of the energy used goes directly to the food you are cooking, compared with about 40% for gas. Control is very precise—you can maintain a super-low, consistent simmer with no worry about a sudden breeze extinguishing your flame; you can turn the heat down on a bubbling stew and the result is instantaneous; and if you put water in a kettle to boil, the kettle will be whistling before you’re back in the kitchen.

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  Credit: Bernard André Photography

How do you stay updated on the latest kitchen design trends, and how do you incorporate these into your projects?

I review every design magazine that comes through the door here at TRG, including kitchen-focused publications. I’m also a member of the NKBA and take advantage of their events and continuing education units. Being active in the San Francisco Bay Area design community brings us into contact with what’s cutting edge in the world of design. Some of the best ideas come from outside the kitchen—for example, furniture design inspires cabinetry, and simple details like a ½" reveal between cabinets and countertops can have a big impact in the context of the entire kitchen.

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  Credit: R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)
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  Credit: R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)
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  Credit: R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)

What is the most challenging aspect when designing a kitchen?

Design challenges are fun and keep you on your toes, but working with a couple that does not agree can add difficulty to the equation. Suddenly you realize you are playing the role of marriage counselor!

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  Credit: PR. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)
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  Credit: R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)

Do you have a favorite part of the design process?

I love meeting new clients and getting to know their interests and needs. I also love playing with new finishes and fixtures to get just the right look. It’s so rewarding to visit my clients in their homes afterwards. One of my clients remarked after their whole-home remodel, “It’s like us, only so much better!” This is probably the best compliment we could ever receive.

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  Credit: Nelson O. Photo

In kitchens, there are seemingly endless options, do you have a preferred appliance dealer you know and trust? What do they need to do well and what keeps you going there?

Atherton Appliance has always been our go-to dealer. I remember being impressed with the showroom when I first saw it, so that’s what drew me in. Once I started bringing clients and specifying through Atherton, the other advantages became clear. Mike Placido was super responsive with specs and quotes, following up swiftly after client visits and providing a speedy turnaround on any questions we had. This timeliness is critical, given all the details we have to juggle throughout the house. At this point Mike and I have worked together for over 20 years!