At TBS Design Gallery, we believe great design is born from collaboration. That’s why we’re proud to feature our partnership with visionary architect Malika Junaid of M●Designs Architects on the celebrated “Casa Reimagined” project. Recognized by the AIA Silicon Valley Home Tours, this stunning home is a perfect example of sustainable luxury, blending meticulous craftsmanship with a deep respect for the environment. We sat down with Malika for an inspiring conversation about the creative vision behind this landmark home, her design philosophy, and what makes her one of the most sought-after architects for leaders in Silicon Valley.
My journey into architecture began very early. I was always an artist—drawing, sketching, and painting from a young age—and naturally thought I’d become a professional artist. My family thought the same. Growing up in Pakistan, we traveled often to Europe, which was such a contrast—rich with history, architecture, and culture. I became fascinated by how history could be read through buildings, especially during visits to museums. In seventh grade, after hearing stories about great architects like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, I decided I wanted to become an architect, even though I didn’t fully understand what that meant. It wasn’t until I graduated and entered the profession that I realized architecture is far more than design—it’s also about listening, counseling, coordinating, and balancing needs. In my early career, I noticed that the firm I worked for was strong in design but less focused on truly hearing clients. I wanted to create a practice that paired our design sensibility with a deep commitment to client collaboration. When my principal retired, it became a natural moment to launch M•Designs Architects with my business partner, built on the philosophy of listening to clients and creating unique spaces tailored to them.
Casa Reimagined is dear to me not just because of the design, but because of the clients—they are truly wonderful people. Initially, they were content with the general layout, especially the bedroom wing, but the house felt dated, disconnected from the outdoors, and didn’t match their style. With a young family, they wanted visibility, interaction, and a lifestyle centered on connection. We advised keeping the roof structure intact to avoid major tax and cost implications, and instead focused on transforming the home within its existing framework. Over time, our role expanded beyond design. Due to issues with their contractor, we stepped in as project managers and support partners, helping guide the project to completion. This deeper involvement built trust and turned the process into a true team effort, making the home all the more meaningful.
Our approach was to “disturb less, create more.” We reimagined the home almost entirely without altering its core structure, prioritizing sustainability and retaining what worked. This included enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection, which became a defining feature. We worked closely with a talented landscape architect to integrate the main house with an ADU—built before ADUs were trendy—and create a seamless flow between spaces. Custom touches, like a waterfall fountain audible from multiple rooms, enriched the sensory experience. The combination of the ADU component, the strong indoor-outdoor relationship, and the sustainable remodel set the project apart for the AIA tour.
As architects, we deeply value dependable partners—and with TBS, that trust is absolute. It’s not about financial partnership, but about quality, service, and accountability. TBS consistently delivers top-notch craftsmanship, often prioritizing quality over profit. They stand behind their work, taking responsibility and making things right if issues arise, which is rare and invaluable. Their service is exceptional, both with us and our clients. We can bring them unique ideas and know they’ll execute beautifully. While that level of delivery isn’t for everyone, for the right clients it’s worth every penny—and the feedback we get confirms why we continue to recommend and collaborate with them.
Two challenges stand out today. First is cost volatility—materials, tariffs, and labor shortages make it difficult to predict budgets from the start of design to construction. We address this by involving contractors and vendors early, guiding clients to make key decisions before construction begins, and carefully planning procurement to avoid delays and surprises. Second is navigating increasingly complex city processes. Remote work among city staff has made approvals less predictable, and permit timelines have stretched by 30–40%. We now tailor proposals by city and prepare clients for longer timelines. Ultimately, it’s about staying organized, learning from every project, and approaching each as a team effort with our clients.
We’re fortunate to work with clients who seek creativity and innovation. Right now, my biggest aspiration is integrating technology into homes in meaningful, productive ways—cutting through the noise to find what truly benefits the client. One project in Los Altos Hills captures this perfectly. It’s a hillside home with green roofs, ADUs tucked into the landscape, and a design that functions as a sanctuary for local wildlife, including owls and bats already on site. Working closely with a scientist client, we’re incorporating advanced automation, water management, and sun-tracking systems, while planting native species to support butterflies and pollinators. It’s both a design experiment and an environmental commitment, and I can’t wait to see it completed—blending into the earth, evolving over time, and standing proudly as both architecture and living landscape.