Second Look
A Birge Clark Home Reimagined in Palo Alto
When this 1925 Birge Clark–designed home in Palo Alto first came on the market, it did not immediately sell. Despite its architectural pedigree, the house had seen few updates over the decades, and much of the interior still reflected mid-20th-century changes. For a real estate developer who toured the property early on, hesitation gave way to curiosity and, ultimately, commitment.
Taking a second look revealed the home’s underlying potential. As a developer, the new owner understood that the success of a complex renovation depends on assembling the right team and trusting a shared vision. With that in mind, he engaged Fergus Garber Architects, led by Catharine Garber and Jillian Langley, along with interior designers Kristin Rowell and Bailey Peters, general contractor Pete Moffat, and landscape architect Collin Jones.
The goal was clear. The homeowner wanted the residence to feel like a beautifully updated historic flat in London, one that honors its original architecture while feeling contemporary, comfortable, and timeless.
Preserving the Past While Transforming the Interior
Because the home is historically significant, the street-facing Spanish Colonial façade remains largely intact, with only minor additions and refreshed finishes completed in accordance with local guidelines. From the exterior, the house retains its familiar presence on the street.
Inside, however, the transformation is dramatic. Dark, compartmentalized rooms were opened up to create light-filled spaces better suited to modern living. While the front door and stair location remain, much of the interior was reimagined. The result is a home that feels new without erasing its architectural roots.
Throughout the renovation, the team asked a guiding question: how might Birge Clark have designed this house if given different priorities for contemporary life? That thinking informed decisions about layout, circulation, and gathering spaces.
A Home Designed for Living and Entertaining
Entertaining became central to the new plan. The great room and loggia are now key social spaces, designed for year-round use. In the dining area, an antique table is paired with contemporary seating, reflecting the owner’s appreciation for an old-new, high-low mix. Personal pieces, including a Biedermeier chest and artwork by Nathan Oliveira, were thoughtfully integrated to give the home a layered, collected feel.
Architectural continuity was maintained through details such as window and door proportions, which echo original elements found elsewhere in the house. Subtle plaster detailing references historic ornamentation without feeling heavy or decorative. The overall approach is understated, creating spaces that feel welcoming and livable rather than formal.
Long-term comfort was also a priority. Key daily spaces, including the primary bedroom suite, were placed on the ground floor, allowing the home to function well now and into the future.
Reimagining the Landscape
Indoor-outdoor living played an equally important role. To unlock the site’s potential, the architects removed a centrally located garage and relocated it to the side of the lot. This shift allowed the backyard to be re-envisioned as a cohesive outdoor environment.
Landscape architect Collin Jones designed a series of outdoor rooms organized around a central fountain set within a grid of grass and limestone pavers. A pool and bocce court flank the lawn, while a new open-air pavilion and pool house provide places for shade and gathering. At the front of the home, a large clay pot planted with a Mediterranean fan palm serves as a sculptural entry element, complemented by custom steel gates that quietly reference the home’s original wrought-iron details.
The result is a historic Palo Alto residence given new life through thoughtful renovation. Rooted in its past yet fully aligned with contemporary living, the home reflects the power of taking a second look and investing in architecture that honors both history and possibility.
Original article by Anh-Minh Le