Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Steve Waldron & Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA; Pristine Acres
What were the goals of this project?
Our clients wanted a total backyard solution with multiple options for outdoor gathering and entertaining.
Describe spaces that are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining.
A second-level pavilion with a fireplace spills out to a deck located atop a lower-level dining area. A raised spa and a pergola with a fire feature anchor one end of the 20-by-40-foot swimming pool. Each area has its own function and visually harmonizes with the other spaces.
What inspired the feel of the property?
A theme of “modern farmhouse meets beach getaway.” The materials and plantings were selected to create that seaside feeling while still matching with the home’s modern farmhouse style. The travertine pool deck, bordered by flagstone, is accented by miscanthus adagio grasses reminiscent of the beach. Vertical marble and porcelain surfaces add interest.
Pristine Acres
877-333-5651
pristineacres.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Alan R. Blalack, RLA, ASLA; Kane Landscapes, Inc.
What were the goals of the project?
The family wished to have outdoor areas where they could spend more time together.
What spaces are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
We added a pool, spa and soccer field—all designed to feel intimate, but with plenty of space for entertaining. A two-story deck off the home’s main living area was replaced with an airy solarium.
Share your aesthetic and functional vision for the project.
To ensure a sense of intimacy, we created several “rooms” that allow guests to mingle throughout the property. Lush shade plantings connect the landscape to its wooded surroundings.
What hardscape materials did you use?
The pool patio is Techo-bloc with pool coping and wall caps of thermal-treated bluestone. The solarium and stairs are clad in Azek.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
703-803-3146
kanelandscapes.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Emily McHale Pike, McHale Landscape Design
What were the goals of the project?
Clients on the Severn River in Annapolis tapped McHale Landscape Design five years ago to replace their existing pool and pool cabana with a new vanishing-edge pool and pool house, complete with a kitchen and guest bedroom.
What spaces are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
With water views and the home’s architecture in mind, we created picturesque spaces for entertaining, lounging, eating and cooking poolside year-round. We also provided guest quarters, decks for morning coffee and sunning and a fire pit—all facing the river.
What hardscape materials and plantings did you implement?
We installed ipe decking, flagstone pool coping and walls made of ashlar-cut natural stone. Wetland, native and ornamental plantings feature shrubs such as hydrangea, boxwood, nandina, deutzia and abelia as well as perennials including daylily, astilbe, hosta, carex and ornamental grasses.
McHale Landscape Design
301-599-8300
mchaleandscape.com
Every two years, the Washington Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art holds a design competition recognizing fine classical work in the region. The awards are named after John Russell Pope (1874-1937), a New York-based architect who designed significant classical buildings in Washington, DC, including the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art. After a jury of experts selected this year’s winning projects, the chapter announced the 2023 awards at a gala held on April 28 at The Sulgrave Club in Washington. The winning projects are listed below; for more information, visit classicist-washington.org.
Residential Renovation
Fairfax & Sammons Architects. Hatton Grange Farm, Scottsville, Virginia.
Landscape Design
Arentz Landscape Architects LLC. Sycamore Point, Easton, Maryland. Builder: Winchester.
Commercial Design
David M. Schwarz Architects. Rosewood Le Guanahani, St. Barts.
Residential, New Construction Under 8,000 Square Feet
Franck & Lohsen Architects, Inc. The Waterfowl Residence, Bluffton, South Carolina.
Artisanship
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest, Virginia.
Ecclesiastical Design
Harrison Design. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, Northfield, Massachusetts.
Institutional Design
David M. Schwarz Architects. Zeppos College at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Urban Design
J. E. Schram Architect. L’ Ecole de la Cour, Lake Arthur, Louisiana.
Historic Preservation
Kimmel Studio Architects. Cloverfields, Queenstown, Maryland. Builder: Lynbrook of Annapolis.
Interior Design, Commercial & Institutional
McCrery Architects. Hoynak Banquet Hall, Hillsdale, Michigan.
Home & Design toasted the launch of its Summer 2023 issue on June 21st with a festive event at AjMadison in Tysons. Guests mingled over light bites and explored the showroom’s array of cutting-edge appliances.
 | Barbara Hawthorn |
 | Arlene Critzos |
 | Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas |
 | Kirsten Anthony Kaplan |
 | Bonnie Ammon |
Accolades:
Share your firm’s background.
BHI is a boutique luxury firm, in business since 1984. We work on projects requiring multiple phases over years, so we typically accept only a few new ones a year; we currently have more than 13 high-end projects in progress.
What is your business philosophy?
Of paramount importance are honesty, transparency, innovation and functionality. The process should be fun for everyone.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Hearing from clients about how our work has transformed the way they experience their home. Many of our clients have worked with us before and continue to work with us whenever—and wherever—they relocate.
What sets your firm apart?
Our level of originality and creativity integrated with expert organization and responsiveness. We recognize that our ultimate reward is the client’s happiness, both with the process and the result.
Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, LTD.
barbarahawthorninteriors.com
Accolades:
Talk about your background.
I worked for Thomas Pheasant before launching BAI in 2016. I have a staff of four completing projects ranging from redecorating to renovations and new construction.
What sets your firm apart?
Our knowledge of construction, architecture and materials enhances our clients’ experience and allows for a solid outcome. I have a background in finance that helps me know when to spend and when not to; in fact, I’m often part of contract negotiations with the builder or remodeler.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Seeing my clients’ tears of joy during the big reveal of a new space is my favorite thing. I love being a designer because it truly makes a difference in a person’s life.
Bonnie Ammon Interiors
bonnieammoninteriors.com
Accolades:
How long have you been in business?
Twenty years. With a full-time staff of three, we are deliberately small, so that we can ensure consistent, high-level attention to each project.
What inspired you to become a designer?
I love the creative and analytical thinking this job requires. For me, it’s a perfect mix.
What is your business philosophy?
We truly believe that great interiors transform lives!
What sets your firm apart?
We excel at guiding clients through complex decision-making; having decades of experience makes a difference. We enjoy handling behind-the-scenes issues to make the experience fun for our clients.
Haus Interior Design
hausinteriordesign.com
Accolades:
Share your firm’s background.
I bring more than 20 years’ experience and extensive technical skills to my role in project management, design and construction. With a staff of four, Interiors by Design completes 30 to 40 residential, commercial, and multifamily projects annually.
What is your aesthetic and how do you accomplish your goals?
My design style is transitional leaning toward soft contemporary. We deliver innovative, budget-conscious designs that enhance our clients’ lives.
What inspired you to become a designer?
Born in Trinidad and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I attribute my passion for colorful, elegant interiors to my childhood among lavish summer retreats.
Interiors by Design, LLC
interiorsbydesignmd.com
Accolades:
What inspired you to become a designer?
The fusion of styles, colors and textures I saw while traveling the world have influenced my artistic sensibilities. I love to bring a sense of global sophistication and cultural depth to my work.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Creating captivating spaces that also enhance lives. Seeing a space transformed and witnessing the joy it brings to those who get to live in it is so fulfilling.
What sets your firm apart?
We have a tailored, client-centric approach. Our in-house warehouse and installation team ensures a seamless experience from concept to completion.
Interior Concepts, Inc.
interiorconceptsinc.com
 | Historic CharmEisenbrandt Companies |
 | Makeover MagicHeartland Design and Remodeling |
 | Surface StyleMarble Systems |
 | Open + AiryLobkovich |
Eisenbrandt Companies was asked to renovate and enlarge a dated primary bathroom in a historic Baltimore home. “The owners wanted enough space to accommodate a double vanity and a large shower,” recounts designer Carly Eisenbrandt, who co-opted a hidden closet in the hallway to make room for the shower.
Our design vision was traditional, “to keep with home’s architecture,” says Eisenbrandt. All trim was hand reproduced to match existing woodwork throughout the house, and a classic palette combines new Calacatta marble, chrome plumbing fixtures and glass shower enclosure to complete
the look.
About Us
Eisenbrandt Companies is a high-end residential design/build firm with a passion for construction and design. Located in the northern Baltimore area, the design and production team provides a boutique experience in custom remodels, renovations and additions, taking on 10 to 12 projects a year.
Eisenbrandt Companies
eisenbrandtcompanies.com
410-513-9079
Homeowners in Arlington tapped Heartland Design and Remodeling to renovate their kitchen and primary bath. They envisioned the kitchen as the hub of the home, hosting family and friends as well as serving day-to-day needs.
A central island anchors the plan, which combines DuraSupreme cabinetry and quartz countertops with a ceramic-tile backsplash. A butler’s pantry creates storage and additional workspace. The new primary bath is tranquil and functional, with a dark-stained double vanity, a freestanding Signature Hardware tub and a glass-enclosed shower. Chrome fixtures are by Kohler and Kingston Brass.
About Us
Serving Northern Virginia for more than 37 years, Heartland specializes in kitchens, baths, basements and additions. A staff of 30 brings decades of experience and a commitment to providing the highest level of quality, care and craftsmanship.
Heartland Design and Remodeling
heartlanddesign.com
703-369-3000
