GOOOAAAL!

GOOOAAAL!

FIFA World Cup 2026™️ kicks off today. Weather you call it football, soccer, or even fútbol, the excitement has reached a fever pitch, with more than 5 million tickets already sold according to FIFA. According to Forbes, “the 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest sporting event in history, engaging over six billion people.” That’s roughly three-quarters of the world’s population!

The SweisKloss-designed outdoor kitchen and dining area at this charming Carthay Square Spanish-style home makes entertaining a breeze. 

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Laura McMahon
Celebrating Antoni Gaudí

Celebrating Antoni Gaudí

Love his work or hate his work, you have company. His admirers have called him a visionary while his critics have found him chaotic. His work has been described as whimsical while others see it as overwhelming. Whatever you think of his work, it is distinctive. It has left an enormous cultural and visual mark on Barcelona, and has shaped the city’s architectural identity. Next week will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

The SweisKloss-designed outdoor kitchen and dining area at this charming Carthay Square Spanish-style home makes entertaining a breeze. 

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Laura McMahon
New York City’s Hidden Architectural Gems

New York City’s Hidden Architectural Gems

This month, New York City celebrates its 400thAnniversary. In May 1626, Peter Minuit formally purchased the island of Manhattan from the local indigenous Lenape People for $24 and created the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam. (Real estate prices have never been the same since!)

The SweisKloss-designed outdoor kitchen and dining area at this charming Carthay Square Spanish-style home makes entertaining a breeze. 

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Laura McMahon
Spotlight of the Month: Outdoor Entertaining

Spotlight of the Month: Outdoor Entertaining

This coming Monday is Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer. For many, it means backyard barbecues, alfresco dining and lounging under the stars.

The SweisKloss-designed outdoor kitchen and dining area at this charming Carthay Square Spanish-style home makes entertaining a breeze. 

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Laura McMahon
With Gratitude

With Gratitude

In honor of teacher appreciation week, SweisKloss’ design team celebrates the mentors and teachers who inspired and encouraged them along their architectural journeys.

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Laura McMahon
Spotlight of the Month: A Statement Shower

Spotlight of the Month: A Statement Shower

More than just a slab, the dramatic natural stone featured in this en-suite bathroom is a statement piece. In this newly built SweisKloss design and constructed custom home, the bathroom is transformed into a high-end spa-like space centered around this striking marble.

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Laura McMahon
Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

As we celebrated Earth Day yesterday, April 22—a day that promotes environmental stewardship—efforts to protect wildlife and ensure their ability to roam safely are gaining momentum, reflected in the increasing number of wildlife crossings across the country. As urbanization expands cities and roads, animals’ habitats are being squeezed, limiting their ability to find food, shelter, mates, and escape from threats.

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Laura McMahon
Water, Water Everywhere

Water, Water Everywhere

As Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.”  The poem illustrates the interconnectedness of all living things. And at the heart of that is, you guessed it, WATER.

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Laura McMahon
Vertical Gardens are Creeping Up Around the World

Vertical Gardens are Creeping Up Around the World

From density issues to climate concerns, vertical gardens are sprouting up around the globe as a solution to modern day challenges. With urbanization and increasing limited space in cities, designers, architects and landscapers have turned their green thumbs to unused vertical spaces. In addition to the visual appeal, vertical gardens support eco-friendly living and help create a more sustainable community.

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Laura McMahon
Back to the Future: Ancient Construction Techniques Get a Modern Update

Back to the Future: Ancient Construction Techniques Get a Modern Update

From the Great Wall of China to the Roman aqueducts, structures built with ancient construction techniques and materials have endured thousands of years. The modern reinterpretation of these timeless construction strategies in the interest of sustainability and affordability can be seen in projects around the globe.

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Laura McMahon
Despite its Name, Death Valley is Alive

Despite its Name, Death Valley is Alive

A rare super bloom is unfolding in Death Valley, with the desert floor awash in color. Recent fall and winter rains have triggered long-dormant wildflower seeds to spring to life turning the normally barren landscape into fields of yellow, purple and pink.  “Park officials said the super bloom only happens about once every ten years,” according to ktla.com and the news of it has traveled all over the world.

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Laura McMahon
And the Oscar Goes To…

And the Oscar Goes To…

Who can forget King Kong scaling the Empire State Building far above the streets of New York?  Didn’t you want to kick up your heals and dance watching Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling twirl under the stars at Griffith Observatory in La La Land?

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Laura McMahon
Spring Break

Spring Break

March means school’s out for Spring Break. But history class doesn’t need to end just because you’re on vacation. These interesting hotels have transformed turn of the century train stations, converted factories and adapted prisons into extraordinary places that are architecturally striking and chock full of history. Happy Travels!

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Laura McMahon
LA’s Iconic Midcentury Modern Homes

LA’s Iconic Midcentury Modern Homes

Palm Springs just wrapped up its two-week celebration of Midcentury Modern (MCM) architecture, art and culture. Don’t worry if you didn’t have time to drive to the desert to enjoy the tours and open houses. There are plenty of stellar examples of MCM architecture and stylings right here in Los Angeles. These residences have put LA on the MCM map.

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Laura McMahon
Gold, Silver, Bronze … and Green

Gold, Silver, Bronze … and Green

At the time of writing this newsletter, Italy has a lot to celebrate with 9 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze medals at the Winter Olympics, but we’re more excited about celebrating the host country’s green accomplishments. Milano Cortina 2026 reflects Italy’s commitment to host a sustainable and environmentally responsible Winter Olympics.  They have designed many of the Games around existing venues, created an Olympic Village that will be repurposed into the community, and are relying on clean energy.

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Laura McMahon
Where to find Energy, Vitality and Adventure this Chinese New Year

Where to find Energy, Vitality and Adventure this Chinese New Year

This coming Tuesday, February 17th, is the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse. The horse gallops in with vibrant energy, symbolizes adventure and vitality, and is considered confident and independent. Visitors to Los Angeles’ Chinatown may enjoy a myriad of festivities to celebrate the New Year, as well as explore architectural splendors.

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Laura McMahon
Changing the Game for Women’s Sports

Changing the Game for Women’s Sports

This Sunday, the Seatle Seahawks and New England Patriots will face each other in Super Bowl LX at Levi Stadium. Built in 2014 in Santa Clara, CA, the stadium is home to the San Franciso 49ers, has a seating capacity of 68,500, has 9,000 club seats and 174 suites. The stadium is undoubtably a mega facility, hosting other entertainment giants such as premier soccer teams like Manchester United and global stars like Taylor Swift. And now, there is a new stadium on the horizon, one specifically for women’s sports.

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Laura McMahon
Architectural Album Covers that Rock

Architectural Album Covers that Rock

This Sunday, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Kendrick Lamar, among other musicians will contend for Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards. That got me thinking, or rather nostalgic, for album covers of my youth – Springsteen’s American flag (and backside) on Born in the USA, Prince on his motorcycle on Purple Rain, and the baby on Nirvana’s Nevermind.

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Laura McMahon