jls design

02/20/2026

https://fb.watch/FomKvnvzz3/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e

01/29/2026

I can’t quite put my feeling to words with regards to this latest development. The Kappe Residence, near and dear to my heart is for sale.

The Kappe Residence on Brooktree was more than a home to Ray and Shelly (& family), more than a super-significant work of 20th century uniquely American architecture, it represents the pivotal manifestation of my professional and personal development. No pun intended, but it represents to me the foundation of my professional and by default my person being.

With the passing of Ray in 2019 and Shelly in 2025, it was inevitable (which I’m sure Ray would agree with) that life should move forward and we should all evolve. In kind, this stalworth exploration of space, structure, artistic interpretation, and environment fused together in the most elegant manner should also evolve and be appreciated / utilized by others.

While part of me is despondent with the concept that someone other that Ray and Shelly shall inhabit this amazing space, the other part knows that Ray would want it to continue on.

As a close co-worker, ( that shared the space with me, during my time working in this amazing space) noted, Ray, Shelly, and the Kappe Residence will always be “inextricably bound together”!. I and all of those privileged enough to be graciously welcomed into the warm glow and comfort of this masterpiece, will be for ever touched and better for the opportunity.

This 4157 square feet Single Family home has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It is located at 715 Brooktree Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA.

06/27/2025

Hello Everyone:

Please come join us for the annual Truckee 4th of July Parade celebration and viewing from the front porch & sidewalk of jls design (@10374 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA)

Start your holiday morning off with the pancake breakfast at the fire station, run off those calories from the fire station to commercial row in the "Firecracker Mile Run, and drop by jls design to replenish yourself with some 4th of July cheer and some unofficial front row parade judging (10:00 am).

There is a Free Shuttle.

We would love to see you. Come find a spot and enjoy the festivities, or just stop by to say hello. Feel free to bring beach chairs, sunscreen, and anything that keeps you cool in the sun.

jls design hopes that you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday.

06/16/2025

Reno Basecamp Residence

A design which accentuates the Owners’ affinity for the outdoors and northern Nevada’s unique landscape. In lieu of being guided by any preconceived “style” the home is a site generated response to the Owners’ needs, aspirations, and desires to maximize the benefits of building on a site with spectacular views north to downtown Reno, southwest to vaulting views of Mt. Rose, and intimate views across the ArrowCreek golf course. Like the basic elements of good photography, the home design focuses on intimate courtyard-esk interior / exterior main space in the foreground, it opens graciously to mid-ground views across the alluvial fan topography and captures numerous vignettes of the spectacular background vista.

The abundance of glass to the north and strategically to the south maximizes the views and assists in fusing the indoor and outdoor spaces. Functional forms strategically establish a split-level plan which nestles into the existing topography effectively conforms the Owners utilization. Tailored around the use, the design allows comfortable daily living for 2 and easily adheres to influxes of visiting family and friends.

Also see https://photos.app.goo.gl/nwUAT1HRGAi3rZXz9 for more images

10/29/2024

Another recently photographed jls design project:

Located in the Shaffer’s Mill development on the outskirts of Truckee, this refined mountain getaway aims to fuse the natural mountain environment with the requested programmatic spaces while at the same time maximizing the families engagement with the surrounding landscape. Yet still providing the required protection from the varying and ever challenging elements of nature.

For the full web album visit https://photos.app.goo.gl/DYXHwUScXKSbAG349

10/15/2024

We finally have professional photographs of a recently completed project. Please feel free to
look additional photos of the Holcomb Rusted Ranch House at the following link as well.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/f7h6eMoTuv6PC6sX7

(Forgot to point out this is an actual “ranch house” not just in name. Family of four, pets, cows, currently boarding horses, plenty of equipment, and additionally primarily heated and coolers with with Geo-exchange ground source heat pump and solar power)

09/27/2024

I will forever be indebted to Ray and Shelly for the personal and professional knowledge, support and opportunities that they graciously shared with me. Additionally the unequaled opportunity to work in their iconic home obviously shaped my career in significant ways.

I can’t express how grateful I am.

06/28/2024

Hello Everyone:

Please come join us for the annual Truckee 4th of July Parade celebration and viewing from the front porch & sidewalk of jls design.

Start your holiday morning off with the pancake breakfast at the fire station, run off those calories from the fire station to commercial row in the "Firecracker Mile Run" (9:45 am), and drop by jls design to replenish yourself with some 4th of July cheer and some unofficial front row parade judging (10:00 am).

There is a Free Shuttle.

We would love to see you. Come find a spot and enjoy the festivities, or just stop by to say hello. Feel free to bring beach chairs, sunscreen, and anything that keeps you cool in the sun.

jls design hopes that you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday.

04/07/2024

Late SCI-Arc founder Ray Kappe’s Keeler House design has hit the market in Pacific Palisades, California, for $12 million. The split-level, 4,142-square-foot Post and Beam design was built over four and a half years using Kappe’s nearby personal residence as its model. A rich palette of...

12/30/2023

Happy New Year from jls design!

(Sneak peak of Arrowcreek Morman Tea Residence Reno, Nevada)

10/07/2023

https://www.nevadaart.org/event/brdi-presents-architect-finn-kappe/

Architect Finn Kappe discusses the style and aesthetic of his own architectural practice, and that of his modernist father Ray Kappe, in this edition of the Black Rock Design Institute (BRDI) lecture series. *Doors open at 5 pm with hosted beer. Program begins at 6 pm.