design hub in h-town /

A small storefront with a sign that reads 'ARMAZEM! design' in black letters on a white background. Behind the storefront is a tree with some leaves fallen, and a tall brick clock tower beside the building. The reflection in the large windows shows a street scene, and there are steps and a railing in front of the entrance.

  • Scope: commercial interiors + facade treatment

    Location: Houston, TX

    Year: 2025

  • Tucked within the streets of Houston’s Montrose district, just a breath away from the city's vibrant downtown, a timeless building weathered by a hundred years of history finds new life as an atelier of Italian design. This century-old structure, with its rustic brick walls and aged wooden floors, carries with it a soul too precious to erase. Rather than renovate it into sterility, the design sought to revive and reframe its spirit, weaving contemporary elegance through its timeworn bones.

    The vision was clear: to craft a space that didn't feel like a showroom, but a home, an intimate dialogue between architecture and artistry. The layout unfolds gently, inviting visitors to explore a story told through curated kitchens, sculptural custom furniture, and poetic lighting. The heart of the space is the existing fireplace which was lovingly reimagined with a sleek bookshelf wrapping around it, becoming a hearth not just of warmth, but of culture and design.

    The material palette evokes a quiet sensuality of earth, richness, and texture. Soft ochres, deep charcoals, and the honest warmth of oak harmonize against the exposed brick, creating a moody yet grounded atmosphere. The centerpiece is a minimalistic stainless steel double island kitchen balanced with wooden pantries, echoing both restraint and indulgence.

    With a long, narrow footprint, the design demanded delicacy to preserve visual rhythm and openness. Solid walls gave way to a choreography of sliding, bifold, and fixed glazing, creating a feeling of continuity and motion. Light oak wall paneling flows throughout, concealing doors to mop sink and bathroom while framing the wet bar and stands in contrast to the dark-stained floors and ceiling.

    The showroom’s office anchors the center, ensuring ease of movement across the linear plan. Italian closets are displayed with reverence and their detailing showcases a testament to precision and potential. The façade was entirely reimagined with a large picture window welcoming natural light and sightlines, allowing the entry kitchen and lounge area to extend their allure to the street.

    The project is more than a display of luxury products as it is a celebration of memory and modernity, where a historic building embraces its next chapter with grace. A home for Italian craftsmanship, showcased in a home setting.

  • A.d: Jon Fante, Frank Jose, Marcel Menegolla

    Architect: LO Architecture

    Contractor: CLTD Construction

    Photography: Laurie Perez

Hand-drawn architectural plans and sketches of a building, including floor layout, elevation views, color notes, and annotations in black ink on white paper, with labeled dimensions, entrance, and design notes.
A selection of interior design materials including wood, stone, fabric, and paint samples displayed on a dark marble table.
Floor plan of a house showing rooms labeled with numbers and a legend mapping each number to room type, including living room, kitchen, dining room, walk-in closet, office, hearth room, wet bar, powder room, storage, Italia kitchen, and foyer.

renderings /

  • Modern kitchen and living room interior with island, bar stools, dining area with pendant lights, seating area with armchair, and wood accents.
  • Modern dining area with a white table, six gray chairs, hanging spherical pendant lights, large windows, brick walls, and wooden accents.
  • A modern building with large windows and a sign that reads 'ARMAZEM.design,' surrounded by stairs and a tree, during sunset.
  • Modern living room with brick walls, large windows, white sectional sofa, white armchair, wooden floor, potted plants, and decorative elements.
  • Modern living room with black ceiling beams, a brick fireplace, empty built-in shelves, and minimalist furniture including two gray armchairs, two white coffee tables, and a large floor lamp.
Modern kitchen with stainless steel countertops, wooden and glass shelving, and a large glass vase with green plants.
Modern living room with beige sofas, a coffee table with a white orchid plant, a black metal room divider, and a brick fireplace, featuring wood accents and an open kitchen in the background.
Living room with a black brick fireplace, beige sofa, white coffee tables, and dark-colored bookshelves with decorative objects and books.
Modern interior space featuring exposed brick walls, large windows, and a contemporary dining area with a marble table, upholstered chairs, and hanging spherical pendant lights.
Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, black marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, brick accent wall, and wooden flooring.
Modern industrial kitchen with stainless steel countertops and appliances, wooden cabinets, and brick wall accents.