SE 18th Primary Suite

Architect: Katherine Garber
Designer: Three Thumb
Structural Engineer: Miller Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Photographer: Fairbuilt Design Studio

  • Tucked into Southeast Portland, this project involved a modest yet impactful 36-square-foot addition that transformed the homeowners’ existing primary suite into a thoughtfully designed retreat. The creative couple worked with architect Katherine Garber and designer Dylan Tibbetts of Three Thumb Design to reimagine their space with personality and function.

    The addition, built with a basement-depth foundation, allowed for an expanded bedroom and the introduction of a new primary bathroom. Inside, custom-crafted elements take center stage: a white oak headboard wall, built-in bookshelves, and a cozy upholstered reading nook showcase ClarkBuilt’s precision craftsmanship. Custom shelving integrated into the headboard and surrounding the reading nook highlights the couple’s collection of cookbooks, pottery, and vintage finds—personal touches that make the space distinctly their own. The finishes—1.5” oak flooring, white oak cabinetry, and Zia tile—layer warmth and texture, creating a refined yet inviting feel.

    Despite the project’s small footprint, its details presented technical challenges, from complex casework to the careful installation of delicate tile. Through collaboration and care, the ClarkBuilt team delivered a distinctive, elevated primary suite that perfectly reflects the homeowners’ creative spirit and appreciation for craftsmanship.

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