Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd. In-floor radiant heating is a wonderful upgrade that adds comfort and a subtle sense of luxury. And investing in a high-quality shower system, such as a Speakman fixture, is always worthwhile because it’s something you use every single day. barbarahawthorninteriors.com, 703-241-5588 PHOTO: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography

Andrea Maaseide, Casa Millie Choose finishes and fixtures that feel right, not just look right. The way a faucet sits in your hand or tile feels beneath your bare feet matters more than you might think. casamillie.com, 571-459-2136

Hannah Goldberg, Hannah Charlotte Interiors Bringing in a fresh set of eyes can reveal surprising opportunities—the same space can often work harder and more beautifully with a bit of creative thinking. When selecting plumbing fixtures, begin with the architectural language of the home. The most successful pieces feel sculptural yet restrained, with details that elevate the design without overwhelming the space. hannahcharlotteinteriors.com PHOTO: Jenn Verrier

Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors Invest in architectural upgrades like custom millwork, integrated lighting, recessed niches and thoughtful trim details. Layering natural materials such as honed stone, warm wood and timeless metals brings depth and warmth. Incorporate dimmable lighting and concealed storage to maintain serenity. bonnieammoninteriors.com, 703-778-57

Sarita Simpson, Interior Matter We gravitate toward natural stone for countertops and backsplashes—materials like marble, quartzite and limestone. Natural stone brings depth, movement and subtle variation that simply cannot be replicated, and those organic qualities add a quiet richness to the space. interiormatter.com, 202-900-3818

Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC I designed this primary bath in Brookeville, Maryland, to deliver the ultimate luxury experience,” reveals Laura Fox of Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC. “We positioned the tub to fully capture the stunning views, complemented by a striking Visual Comfort chandelier. The space is wrapped in elegant porcelain marble and accented with charcoal trim, creating a refined and serene retreat.” laurafoxinteriordesign.com PHOTO: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Catherine Troxell, Grace Thomas Designs gracethomasdesigns.com PHOTO: Christy Kosnic Photography

Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH ​interiorsbylh.com, 571-334-6476 PHOTO: Christy Kosnic Photography

Becky Wetzler, Haus Interior Design hausinteriordesign.com, 240-907-7465 PHOTO: Keyanna Bowen | STYLIST: Limonata Creative

Joyce Pearl, Interior Concepts, Inc. interiorconceptsinc.com, 410-224-7366 PHOTO: Stylish Productions

Ann Gottlieb, Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC anngottliebdesign.com, 571-771-9357 PHOTO: Angela Newton Roy Photography

Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors jamiemerida.com, 410-819-8666 PHOTO: Robert Radifera

The Design Collective DC (DCDC) is a dynamic network of interior designers and industry professionals dedicated to advancing collaboration, professional growth, and design excellence across the Washington, DC region. The organization bridges emerging and established talent, creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and growth.

Through curated events, educational programming, and strategic partnerships, members gain access to valuable resources that help them grow sustainable practices and stay ahead in an evolving industry. DCDC strengthens the connection between designers and the public, highlighting the importance of working with experienced, qualified professionals.

Member Highlights & Opportunities

• Curated networking events that foster meaningful industry connections
• Educational programming and panel discussions with design leaders
• Business development resources for emerging and established designers
• Opportunities for collaboration across trades and disciplines
• Community-building initiatives that support a strong local design network

What’s Ahead
DCDC continues to expand its impact with an upcoming Spring/Summer networking series, new panel discussions focused on business growth and design trends, and expansion of membership and strategic partnerships throughout the DC design community.

Learn more about membership and upcoming events by visiting designcollectivedc.com and follow on Instagram at @designcollectivedc

The change to daylight saving time this month welcomed sunlight into the dinner hour—a perfect excuse to take the last meal of the day outside. Here are three spaces perfect for springtime al fresco dining, imagined by local designers for houses in Maryland and Virginia.

For this Arlington, Virginia, house designed by New York firm Resolution: 4 Architecture, Washington, DC–based landscape architecture firm Moody Graham created a large dining area in the courtyard. Read more about the project, featured in our September/October 2022 issue. Read More… PHOTO: Allen Russ

As part of a garden renovation for a Mediterranean-inspired house in McLean, Virginia, Washington, DC–based landscape architecture firm Oehme, van Sweden fashioned a dining terrace with bluestone surrounded by crape myrtle. Read more about the project, featured in our May/June 2024 issue. Read More… PHOTO: Andrea Hanks

Two Virginia design firms, landscape architects Horn & Co. and Lauren Liess Interior Design, collaborated to imagine a gravel terrace surrounded by hydrangeas and roses for a 1905 landmarked property in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Read more about the project, featured in our May/June 2025 issue. Read More… PHOTO: Allen Russ

Great America Living Awards 2025

Grand Award: Custom Home of the Year and Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000

About this project
Near the heart of Great Falls, Virginia, this transitional French country home features a coated brick exterior, high-contrast windows and a large front porch. The home’s clean architectural design includes an open floor plan, abundant natural light, high ceilings and multiple fireplaces, creating a luxurious, contemporary feel.

Special Features

• A gourmet kitchen, screened-in loggia and outdoor cook space and dining gazebo are an entertainer’s dream
• The main-floor owner’s suite features a large en-suite bathroom, his & her closets and a morning bar.

About Us
Celebrating 17 years in business, JMAA provides client-oriented custom homes throughout Washington’s metro region and beyond. Our projects range from renovations/additions and jewel-box cottages to grand estate homes. Designing each home around our client’s lifestyle, we help make dreams a reality.

James McDonald Associate Architects P.C.
703-757-0036
jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com

Catherine Troxell, Grace Thomas Designs gracethomasdesigns.com Photo: Robert Radifera

Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH ​interiorsbylh.com, 571-334-6476 Photo: Christy Kosnic Photography

Becky Wetzler, Haus Interior Design I love the flexibility of built-ins customized to suit a client’s unique needs. They’re timeless and add so much character to a home. Adding fun hardware and integrated lighting are the cherry on top. — Becky Wetzler, ASID Allied hausinteriordesign.com, 240-907-7465 Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors barbarahawthorninteriors.com, 703-241-5588 Photo: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography

Courtney Griffin, Interior Concepts, Inc. interiorconceptsinc.com, 410-224-7366 Photo: David Burroughs

Ann Gottlieb, Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC A well-organized space can decrease stress and improve efficiency. The first step is careful planning to use the maximum amount of available space. If that means you have to move or change a door, then you move or change a door. —Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C anngottliebdesign.com, 571-771-9357 Photo: Angela Newton Roy Photography

Andrea Maaseide, Casa Millie casamillie.com, 571-459-2136

Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors bonnieammoninteriors.com, 703-778-5755

Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors jamiemerida.com, 410-819-8666

Hannah Goldberg, Hannah Charlotte Interiors Organized spaces foster a sense of calm and control. I create pieces that feel integrated into the architecture of a space. A thoughtful mix of open and closed storage maximizes practicality and beauty. — Hannah Goldberg hannahcharlotteinteriors.com Styling: Stylish Productions | Photo: Robert Radifera Photography

Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC It’s important to take an inventory of what you want to store and include a buffer for future growth. By default, we usually build in at least 20 percent more storage space than what’s currently needed. — Laura Fox laurafoxinteriordesign.com

Sarita Simpson, Interior Matter A well-designed home office can have a positive effect on the quality of work as well as on inhabitants’ wellbeing. Our rules of thumb include assessing technology for power locations, taking inventory of storage needs and understanding workflow. The result is a beautiful and inspiring space with a place for everything. —Sarita Simpson interiormatter.com, 202-900-3818

These pages list the residential winners of the 2025 Excellence in Landscape Awards, sponsored by the Landscape Contractors Association of Maryland, DC and Virginia. Four projects are spotlighted beginning on page 84.

DECADE AWARDS

• Fine Earth Landscape—Colorful Family Resort, Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Fine Landscapes—Innsbruck, Complete Landscape
(Design Build).

• McHale Landscape Design—Hunters Mill Residence,
Residential Maintenance.

HERITAGE AWARDS

• Fine Landscapes—Rockland Terrace, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Sharon, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• McHale Landscape Design—Ballantrae Farms Estate,
Residential Maintenance; Dividing Creek Residence, Residential Maintenance; Seneca Residence, Residential Maintenance; Spring Hill Residence, Residential Maintenance; Tred Avon River Residence, Residential Maintenance; Twin Shields
Residence, Residential Maintenance.

GRAND AWARDS

• D. A. Dunlevy—A Beckoning Backyard in Bethesda, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Horn & Co.—Kenwood, Outdoor Living Area.

• McHale Landscape Design—Cypress Creek Residence,
Outdoor Living Area; Severn River Residence, Residential
Maintenance; Woodlea Mills Residence, Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Planted Earth—McLean Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Northwest DC Hillside, Outdoor Living Area; Terraced Garden at Rockwood, Outdoor Living Area.

• Rossen Landscape—DC Modern Sanctuary, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).
• Surrounds Inc.—Druid Modern, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Mashie Residence, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Artful Escape, Outdoor Living
 (Design Build). 

DISTINCTION AWARDS

• Backyard Bounty—From Pool to Pollinators, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Colao & Peter Luxury Outdoor Living—Aldie Oasis, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Waterford Creek Resort, Outdoor Living (Design Build). 

• D. A. Dunlevy—Where Old Charm Meets Modern Elegance, Featured Project. 

• Ed Ball Designs—Multi-Level Outdoor Retreat, Outdoor
Living (Design Build). 

• Fine Landscapes—Arbor, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Sparger, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Midvale, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Stanmore, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Hometown Landscape & Lawn, Inc.—Washington Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Luxury Living In Laurel, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Kane Landscapes, Inc.—Bellissimo Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Gondy Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Schroder Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Live Green Landscape Associates—Klein Residence, Outdoor Living Area. 

• McHale Landscape Design—Bloomfield Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Chase Creek Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Franklin Park Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Royal Oak Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Vienna Residence,
Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Rossen Landscape—Great Falls Family Fun, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Surrounds Inc.—Ferry Hall, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Shelton Drive, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Windy Hollow, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Acacia Residence, Outdoor
Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Compact, Complete, Captivating, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Precision in the Garden, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

HONORABLE MENTION

• Fine Landscapes—Split Creek, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Green Scapes Unlimited Inc.—Sunset Views, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Capital Oasis, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Woodfield Outdoors—At-home Pool Resort, Featured Project.          

Spotlight on Winning Landscaping Projects

On September 27th, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Washington Metro Chapter announced the recipients of its 2025 Design Excellence Awards at a black tie gala held at the historic Mayflower Hotel. The winning residential projects are listed below. 

The chapter also honored Mary Douglas Drysdale with its Monuments of Design Award, which recognizes an interior designer whose work has made a global contribution to the industry while elevating the design profile of the DC area.

Residential, Single Space 

Diane Taitt, ASID Allied, De Space Designs LLC. Project: The Lounge. 

Residential, Kitchen or Bath

Andrea Small, DCDC, BID, The Adored Nest. Project: Modern, Nature-Inspired Primary Bath. 

Residential, 5,000 Square Feet or Less

Teass \ Warren Architects.
Project: Dupont Revival.

Residential, 5,001 Square Feet and Above

Krista Shugars, ASID Associate,
KD Designs Custom Interiors.
Project: Charthouse. 

Commercial or Residential, Adaptive Re-Use of a Building or Space

Jennifer L. Johnson, ASID Allied,
Jennifer L. Johnson LLC. Project: Historic DC Co-op Restoration. 

Each year, a panel of building-industry professionals chooses nominees for the Great American Living Awards. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, last year’s GALA Awards—held on October 8th in McLean—honor excellence in new-home architecture, interior design, sales and marketing in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

The 2025 jury reviewed 249 entries; the following list includes winners and awards of merit in residential design, architecture and custom-building.

CUSTOM HOME OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Arnon Meadow—James McDonald Associate Architects | Gulick Group

HOME OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Château de Rêve—The Building Group, Inc. | James McDonald Associate Architects

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Under 100 Home Sites: District Towns at St. Elizabeths East—The Knutson Companies | Wiles Mensch | Lessard Design

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

DETACHED HOME (on lots under 7,000 square feet)

$700,000 to $849,999: The Stavanger III at Hazel Run Glen—K. Hovnanian Homes

$1,000,000 to $1,499,999: Konni at Parkside Village—Toll Brothers

$1,500,000+: Rouse at the Grove at Dominion Hills—Toll Brothers

DETACHED HOME (on lots 7,000 square feet and over)

$400,000 to $499,999: The Quincy II at Heritage Shores—Brookfield Residential
| Devereaux & Associates

$500,000 to $599,999: The Canterbury at Estates of Tuscarora—K. Hovnanian Homes

$850,000 to $999,999: Torrey at Hampstead—KTGY | Atlantic Builders

$1,000,000 to $1,399,999: Sorrento 2.0 at Glenn Dale Estates—Mid-Atlantic Builders

$1,400,000 to $2,999,999: Virginia Street—James McDonald Associate Architects | ACG Custom Homes  

$3,000,000 to $4,999,999: Churchill Road Model—Green Valley Custom Builders | Green Valley Design Group  

$5,000,000+: Château de Rêve—The Building Group, Inc. | James McDonald Associate Architects

ATTACHED HOME

Under $400,000: The Skyline at Snowden Bridge—Brookfield Residential | Pinnacle Design & Consulting, Inc.  

$400,000 to $499,999: The Hemingway at Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge—Brookfield Residential | Devereaux & Associates, P.C.

$500,000 to $599,999: Edmond at Commonwealth Place—Lessard Design | Toll Brothers

$600,000 to $699,999: Louis Model at Commonwealth Place—Lessard Design | Toll Brothers

$700,000 to $849,999: Bellamy at Northpark Lofts—KTGY | Tri Pointe Homes

$850,000 to $999,999: The Lillian at Farmstead District—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

$1,000,000 to $1,399,999: The Chatfield at Reservoir District—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

$1,400,000+: The Nottingham at Northside—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

MULTI-FAMILY

New Construction, Mid-Rise

The Lowell—Lessard Design | Winthrop | McWilliams Ballard

New Construction, High-Rise

The Iris—CBG Building Company | MRP Realty | Moya Design Partners | Greystar

New Construction, Mixed-Use

Atwell on Spring—KTGY | Bozzuto

Why do you love a good porch?
The front porch of our Great Falls home creates a welcoming entrance and a place to watch the sunset through the trees while sipping a glass of wine. It also visually grounds the home and integrates it with the landscape.

Most memorable hotel getaway?
Made up of multiple row homes, The Pulitzer is the quintessential Amsterdam hotel. It’s quirky, Old World and enjoyable.

Favorite iconic chair?
I’ve always been a fan of the Mackintosh Chair. It’s a sculptural work of art; its lines and form frame a formal dining room with elegance.

Fashion passion?
I enjoy watches from brands like Breitling and TAG Heuer. In my collection, I’m most fond of Breitling’s Superocean, which has a clean, bold face and classic styling.

Home & Design unveiled its Winter 2026 issue with a soirée at Kohler by GROF in Bethesda on January 15th. Guests mingled and explored the showroom’s stylish kitchen, bath and closet displays.