Principal Cathy Purple Cherry and her team consider themselves creative servants. Through active listening and step-by-step communication, they respond to clients’ emotional and physical relationship with their space. Detailed planning, flexibility and creativity are key to delivering awe-inspiring homes.
What specialties set your firm apart?
We offer full architecture and interior-design services, developing projects in advanced software so clients can explore homes in real time through a 3D viewer. We bill based on time spent, not on a percentage of the cost of construction.
What inspired your career path?
I was raised within a fine arts-oriented environment; my mother was a performing artist and my father was an engineer. From age 12 I was drawn to being in a design-related profession.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
I do not find any aspect of my work to be challenging, I feel that everything is a journey and an opportunity to learn and grow.
What is the secret to a successful project?
You have to listen to your client well, supporting them through the design journey and respecting their budget.
Purple Cherry Architects
410-990-1700
purplecherry.com
Experts at Rockville Interiors guide customers through the showroom’s extensive gallery of fashion-forward fabrics, which represent the most exclusive mills from around the world. Once fabrics are selected, staff members help clients design custom window treatments, reupholstery, slipcovers, pillows and headboards to complement their homes. When plans are in place, technicians make on-site measurements and artisans craft every project by hand, using the most luxurious linings and sturdiest stitching. Finally, finished designs are professionally installed, ensuring a perfect fit.
5414 Randolph Road, Rockville, Maryland 20852 - 301-424-1900 - rockvilleinteriors.com
After the emergence of modern furniture and interior design on New York’s scene, Theodores was founded in 1969 to bring contemporary furniture to Washington, DC. Today, its 11,000-square-foot showroom remains on the cutting edge, showcasing a number of domestic and European brands. Taking inspiration from both fashion and design, Theodores’ buyers frequent major furniture fairs to bring a fresh, original eye to the company’s mix that includes products by Gamma, Cattelan, Arketipo, Saba, Thayer Coggin, Tonelli, Bontempi, Bonaldo, Della Robbia and more. Theodores also offers complete interior design services.
2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20007 - 202-333-2300 - theodores.com
Gramaco’s founders launched the company to showcase beautiful ornamental stone from their native Brazil. Today, Gramaco not only offers a wide array of Brazilian stone in its 45,000-square-foot showroom, but also exquisite granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, quartz and porcelain slabs from around the globe.
One new product on offer is Atlas Plan’s porcelain slabs from Italy, in large, slim formats ideal for countertops and walls; porcelain pavers are coming soon as well. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to assist customers; the showroom also features a work area where designers can meet with their clients.
8730 Greenwood Place, Suite C, Savage, MD 20763 - 240-456-0030 - gramaco.com
Collaborating with both established and up-and-coming designers, Ligne Roset produces furniture, lighting and accessories for the entire home at its factory near Lyon, France. Homeowners and trade professionals can peruse the company’s entire collection at its Washington, DC, showroom located in Upper Georgetown. The showroom spotlights such iconic pieces as the 1973 TOGO sofa, along with striking new designs including the IPANEMA sofa and the RUCHE high headboard bed—both known for their sensuous lines and high level of comfort. Experienced staff members provide full design services.
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007 - 202-248-3312 - ligneroset-dc.com
When Hamiltons Sofa & Leather Gallery was founded in 1987, their mission was to provide quality merchandise and excellent customer service. The family-owned company still abides by this vision today, with four showrooms featuring the area’s largest selection of the most customizable quality furniture brand names. Offering hundreds of styles and endless fabric or leather selections, Hamiltons’ talented design staff will guide you through creating the room of your dreams. Customers desiring instant home décor gratification can choose from an extensive selection of in-stock furniture and get delivery as soon as next-day.
Tysons • Chantilly • Falls Church • Rockville • hamiltonssofagallery.com
Consumers can find furniture for every room of the house, along with rugs, lighting and accessories, in Belfort’s 150,000-square-foot showroom. Featuring a wide selection of major brands at leading prices, Belfort also offers customizable artisanal pieces and the region’s largest selection of American-made furniture. The emporium puts a premium on creating a pleasant shopping experience; guests enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and design services are available. For every furniture delivery it makes, the company plants a tree.
22250 and 22267 Shaw Road, Dulles, VA 20166 - 703-406-7600 - belfortfurniture.com
McHale Landscape Design creates a three-story, outdoor-living area with waterfront views
An elaborate pool scape with a serpentine waterslide proves the perfect spot for summertime fun
Fine Landscapes creates an elegant, welcoming pool scape for a home in McLean
Symmetry and a simple palette create a refined, elegant garden
State of the Art Landscape designs an elegant backyard escape complete with a pavilion and pool
A garden in the Bahamas makes the most of a small lot with hardscape and lush plantings
