My first independent custom home - the commission for which I won in a design competition. The layout of the floor plan adeptly addressed the client's desire for easy day-to-day living while taking maximum advantage of views throughout the house. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

The lack of transparency through the entry is intentional and contributes to the surprise views that can be seen from nearly every room in the house. The narrow valley and mountains appear once you've walked in the front door and around either side of the monolithic fireplace/water feature. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

Lots of south-facing view windows and separate patios outside each main living/sleeping space. The house steps back in plan to conform to the shape of the lot's building pad. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

Lots of south-facing view windows and separate patios outside each main living/sleeping space. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

Landscaping separates patios outside each main living/sleeping space. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

The master bedroom's lanai and private patio. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

Desert mountain view south toward Pala. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

The daylit greatroom from the kitchen, with the monolithic fireplace and great views. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

The daylit kitchen with breakfast nook off to the lower left. The kitchen features lots of storage, a large island with bar seating, classic work triangle zones, and a generous walk-in pantry. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA

The front door opens to the back of the monolithic fireplace that features a waterfall. Pala-Temecula House, Architecture Firm: MS|Architecture, Designer: Micah D. Smith, AIA, Builder: Steve Bochinski, Location: Pala, Ca., Year built: 2003, Photography: Micah D. Smith, AIA