Outdoor Aerie
An extensive design by Fine Landscapes enhances the new Tysons Financial Institution Headquarters Campus.
This award-winning urban mixed-use landscape encompasses two ground-level public parks with entry designs for existing and proposed buildings, plus specialized bio-retention planters for storm water management, outdoor terraces on the sixth and seventh floors and extensive green roofs.
The park areas include an amphitheater with a sail canopy and granite seat walls; a synthetic turf panel; and raised fountains for sound attenuation. Walkways are made of concrete pavers in varying colors and specialty soils, plantings, irrigation and site furnishings have been installed.
The design accommodates a large outdoor dining space with canopy. The main entrance features a monumental sculpture and radial paving patterns that complement the curvature of the building. Native and adapted plants provide four-season interest and storm-water management.
FACTS + STATS
Fine Landscapes, Ltd. specializes in imaginative and luxurious outdoor designs. With over 40 years of experience in creating intimate outdoor spaces, we tailor any outdoor space to fit your individual style.
21558 Stonetree Court, Sterling, Virginia 20166 703-421-7441 • finelandscapes.com
Relaxing by the Occoquan • Cascading waterfalls create a sense of serenity • Secluded oasis by the pool • Shade pavilion for rest and relaxation
Contact: 703-421-3666 • stateoftheartlandscape.com
Walnut Hill Landscape CompanySouthgate Residence • Large Ipe deck for entertaining and dining • Simple yet colorful plantings provide interest and texture • Tranquil sound of falling water soothes the soul
Contact: 410-349-3105 • walnuthilllandscape.com
Outdoors With Style • All brick wood burning fireplace • Gourmet outdoor kitchen with granite countertops • Covered outdoor living without sacrificing luxury
Contact: 410-833-9640 • livegreenlandscapes.com
Scapes, Inc.
Serenity • Pool designed for exercise and relaxation • Clean, classic paver pool deck • Lighting surrounds to set the mood for entertaining
Contact: 410-867-6909 • scapesinc.net
Kane Landscapes Inc.Relaxation for Everyone • Custom Pavilion with Ipe flooring • Large multi-level stone masonry patios • Lush plantings with a golf course lawn
Contact: 703-803-3146 • kanelandscapes.com
Wheat’s Landscape Design + ConstructionSylvan Retreat • Forested property improved by large plantings • Outdoor living with custom arbor and pool • Open yet intimate, perfect balance
Contact: 703-641-4790 • wheats.com
Fine Earth Landscape Inc.A Bethesda Retreat • Pool and spa with swim-up bar/outdoor kitchen • Equinox pergola provides an open or closed roof • Wet cast stone patio with AstroTurf inlays and blade fireplace
Contact: 301-972-8810 • fineearth.com
Botanical DecoratorsA Private Retreat • Dual pool houses contain a bath and a kitchen • Central arbored sitting area with fireplace • Deep cobalt blue pool is both elegant and inviting
Contact: 301-948-6625 • botanicaldecorators.com
Jennifer Horn Landscape ArchitectureMaryland River House • Profusion of meadow plantings define property • Pavers are interspersed with creeping thyme • Native black-eyed susans, coneflower add color
Contact: 202-573-7581 • jh-la.com
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.Paradise in Potomac • Stone retaining walls create changes in elevation • Four unique entertaining areas blend seamlessly • Pavilion and fireplace extends outdoor entertainment
Contact: 240-375-2049 • mchalelandscape.com
Colao & PeterLuxurious Modern Tranquility • Infinity pool and hot tub • Custom imported limestone paving • Elegant LED color changing lighting accents
Contact: 703-553-0123 • colaopeter.com
Surrounds Inc.Naturalistic Pool/Spa • Natural boulder outcropping with waterfalls • Custom glass tile negative edge spa • Colorful plantings including Limelight Hydrangeas and Caryopteris
Contact: 703-430-6001 • surroundslandscaping.com
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter announced the 2019 Contractor of the Year Awards during a ceremony at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia, on February 9. The awards go to remodeling and custom-building projects in DC, Maryland and Virginia; this year, judges reviewed 124 submissions in 38 categories. Media sponsor Home & Design gave its Award of Excellence to a project by Winn Design+Build. A list of the award-winning projects appears below and can be viewed on the chapter’s website, narimetrodc.org.
Home & Design Award of Excellence
Residential Bath under $25,000
GRAND: Kingston Design Remodeling
MERIT: Bowers Design Build
Residential Bath $25,000 to $50,000
GRAND: Smiley Renovations
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: Abbey Design Center (for two projects)
Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: Karma Home Designs
FINALIST: Abbey Design Center
Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders
Residential Bath over $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
Residential Kitchen under $30,000
GRAND: Abbey Design Center
MERIT: Abbey Design Center
Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: KBR Kitchen & Bath
FINALIST: Balaton Builders
Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000
GRAND: Balaton Builders
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT Spectrum Design + Build
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
Residential Kitchen over $150,000
GRAND: BOWA
MERIT: Spectrum Design + Build
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Interior under $75,000
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
MERIT: Finesse Design Remodeling
FINALIST: Merrick Design and Build, Inc.
Residential Interior $75,000 to $150,000
GRAND: Wentworth, Inc.
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Interior over $150,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders
FINALIST: Smiley Renovations
Residential Interior Element under $30,000
GRAND: TriVistaUSA
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
FINALIST: Tabor Design Build, Inc.
Residential Interior Element $30,000 and over
GRAND: Merrick Design and Build, Inc.
Commercial Interior
GRAND: TriVistaUSA
Residential Addition under $100,000
GRAND: Smiley Renovations
Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000
GRAND: Tabor Design Build, Inc.
MERIT: Kingston Design Remodeling
FINALIST: Hayes Construction Corporation
Residential Addition over $250,000
GRAND: Hopkins & Porter Construction, Inc.
MERIT: Wentworth, Inc.
FINALIST: CARNEMARK design + build
Residential Exterior under $100,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000
GRAND: Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.
MERIT: CARNEMARK design + build
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
Residential Exterior over $200,000
GRAND: Daniels Design & Remodeling, Inc.
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: TriVistaUSA
Entire House under $250,000
GRAND: Commonwealth Home Design
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: Karma Home Designs
Entire House $250,000 to $500,000
GRAND: Atlas Moran Construction
MERIT: Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.
FINALIST: Winn Design+Build
Entire House $500,001 to $750,000
GRAND: Lauten Construction Company, Inc.
MERIT: Atlas Moran Construction
FINALIST: Winn Design+Build
Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Entire House over $1,000,000
GRAND: BOWA
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration under $250,000
GRAND: Finesse Design Remodeling
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and over
GRAND: Landis Architects/Builders
Basement $50,000 to $100,000
GRAND: Abbey Design Center
MERIT: Anthony Wilder Design/Build
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Basement over $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
Commercial Specialty
GRAND: Casaplex, LLC
Residential Detached Structure
GRAND: Atlas Moran Construction
MERIT: Hopkins & Porter Construction, Inc.
FINALIST: Heltzelhaus, Inc.
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living $60,000 and over
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
MERIT: Spectrum Design + Build
FINALIST: Anthony Wilder Design/Build
Universal Design—Bath
GRAND: CARNEMARK design + build
Universal Design—Kitchen
GRAND: CARNEMARK design + build
Universal Design—Entire House
GRAND: Bianco Renovations, LLC; Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc. (tie)
Planted Earth was hired to handle all components of an outdoor living area, including drainage, bed preparation, plantings and irrigation, as well as pool and outdoor-kitchen construction. The team installed 20-foot Nellie Stevens holly as a screen, 16-foot crape myrtle, yellowwood, willow oak, softened by hydrangea & viburnum. Approximately 50 three-foot boxwood were installed to create a hedge in the front yard and thousands of perennials completed the garden. “The owners have young children and often entertain,” says Planted Earth principal Chris Vedrani. “Their new garden and pool provide weekend entertainment in a beautiful spot for the whole family.”
PLANTED EARTH LANDSCAPING INC
410-857-4744 — plantedearthlandscaping.com
A family hired Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes to install a new screen porch and below it a bath-house changing area in the backyard of their Clifton, Virginia, house. The project encompassed the construction of a bridge from the main sun deck into the screen porch with attractive custom made gated doors.
Principal Sonny Nazemian and his team cleared a wooded area to ensure that sunlight would reach the pool. They excavated a 25-by-35-foot portion of the property by four feet to accommodate the porch structure, which spills down steps to a flagstone patio.
The weather-protected screened porch offers space for dining and entertaining; it features stone-look porcelain tile, a bead-board cathedral ceiling and both recessed and pendant lighting.
Design Features
Sonny Nazemian, C.I.D., CR, CKBR, GCP, UDCR, is the president and CEO of Michael Nash Design Build & Homes, which caters to all outdoor living space projects in Northern Virginia.
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
8630-A Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
703-641-9800 — michael-nash.com
Live Green was hired to install a landscape for homeowners who had torn down an existing house in order to build their “forever” home. Working with a landscape architect, Live Green created an extensive patio with a fireplace, a water feature and lighting. The company then landscaped the whole property.
The sloped lot meant that stone retaining walls had to be constructed in a tiered design that incorporates the water feature and allows for plant beds that introduce color and interest. The bluestone patio contains the fireplace, made of stone that matches the retaining walls; it offers gathering space where the owners can entertain.
Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC
410-833-9640 — livegreenlandscapes.com
Clients hired Shorb Landscaping to transform their bland, builder-grade landscape—front and back. They requested a gracious and welcoming approach to the house. In the backyard, they opted to retain their existing pool but demolished and reconstructed the pool deck. Natural-cleft flagstone was used for the pool decking. A pergola with fabric shade provides much needed relief from the hot summer months. Arborvitae trees and tall Skip laurels screen the property and robust plantings throughout are suited to the scale of the house. Pots with colorful annuals adorn the pool area, offering seasonal interest.
Shorb Landscaping, Inc.
301-897-3503 — shorblandscaping.com
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture was hired by clients in the Bahamas to design a functional, private garden on a very small lot surrounded by water. Ed Ball and his team were able to create circulation within the diminutive spaces and make them feel bigger than they actually are, while also linking the property to the water via steps down to the dock.
“We used vertical lines in our design and allowed the adjacent properties to expand the views beyond the property lines,” Ball explains. The plant and material palette features ficus, neem trees and coconut palms framing stepping stones and coral stone, textured-concrete steppers. Strips of synthetic lawn and driveway pavers in the driveway add an unexpected layer of visual interest.
Design Features
Based in Reston, Virginia, Ed Ball Landscape Architecture has been in business for 11 years. Owner and principal Ed Ball executes 20 to 25 projects per year.
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture
1800 Jonathan Way, Apt. 614, Reston, Virginia 20190
703-433-1863 — edballlandscapearchitecture.com
Collaborating with Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Scapes, Inc., transformed a vintage property on the Magothy River. The dramatic redo encompassed outdoor living spaces, paths, plantings and lawn areas. It also incorporated native ironstone to create a unique look throughout. “Our masons matched the home’s original ironstone façade with new ironstone retaining walls, steps and columns so it would look as if it all was done at the same time,” says principal Jeff Crandell. Clean-lined Pennsylvania flagstone treads, patios, walkways and capstones complement the rustic ironstone.
The plantings are a mix of boxwood, hydrangea and roses, with masses of perennials and grasses. The landscape is designed to frame the house while ensuring its visibility from the water. The homeowners can relax and entertain with ease.
Design Features
Scapes, Inc., is a landscape design-and-build company providing a full range of custom design services while specializing in the construction and planting of outdoor living spaces.
Scapes, Inc.
Annapolis, Maryland
410-867-6909 — scapesinc.net
While renovating and adding onto their 1960s center-hall colonial in Vienna, Virginia, homeowners contacted Rob Tilson, FASLA, PLA, to create multiple outdoor-living areas on their two-acre lot.
A swimming pool and tennis court anchor the new landscape design. Tilson designed a covered veranda and dining area overlooking the pool, as well as a patio big enough for seating beside the tennis court. He resolved major drainage issues in the backyard. Working with the architect to ensure a seamless look, he selected hardscape materials and colors for the landscape that would complement the house. “I enjoy working with clients with a variety of tastes and styles,” Tilson says. “I believe a well-executed landscape design begins with great collaboration with my clients.”
Design Features
For more than 28 years, State of the Art Landscape has been designing, installing and maintaining a wide range of different landscape styles for our discerning clientele.
State of the Art Landscape
101 Executive Drive, Suite F, Sterling, Virginia 20166
703-421-3666 — stateoftheartlandscape.com
The homeowners teamed up with Fine Earth Landscape to create an extensive garden design complete with a swimming pool and spaces for garden benches.
There are many features of this garden that combine to make it a joy, but the spectacular displays of white flowers set this garden apart. Whether it is the Natchez crape myrtles, Annabelle hydrangeas and tree form pee gee hydrangeas in the back or the Zumi white crabapples and pleasant white azaleas in the front, it is just amazing that a garden can be so beautiful with just one flower color.
All of the bed lines and construction elements were designed with crisp clean lines. The flagstone terraces and walkways are all rectangular and symmetrical. The crushed stone driveway is lined with Belgian granite blocks. The fountain is set in the center of a symmetrical flagstone patio. The owners even decided to forgo an automatic pool cover as they wanted to enjoy the view of their beautiful pool all summer long.
Design Features
Specializing in residential design and hardscape construction, Fine Earth has been in business for more than 40 years and has received more than 100 regional and national awards.
Fine Earth Landscape
16815 Budd Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837
301-972-8810 — fineearth.com
Wheat’s was hired to overhaul a small backyard in Northwest DC containing a large pool that dominated the space. Designer Joshua Dean replaced it with multifunctional zones that include a play lawn, an appropriately sized pool and a covered patio.
The property is bordered by fastigiate European hornbeam. The veneer on the covered patio is sandblasted marble and details include a natural gas grill from Al Fresco; fans by Haiku Home; phantom screens; Infratech ceiling heaters; dimmable LED lighting from FX/Luminaire; and a Pebble Fina pool finish.
“This garden enables outdoor living at its best,” says Dean. “The family plays sports for emotional well-being. On evenings and weekends, they eat dinner in the covered area and watch TV.”
Design Features
Wheat’s is a landscape design, construction and maintenance firm providing services ranging from full-scale landscape renovation to weekly maintenance. Wheat’s simplifies your life.
Wheat’s Landscape Design + Quotes for Construction
8620 Park Street, Vienna, Virginia 22180
703-584-7970 — wheats.com
Homeowners hired Groff Landscape Design to transform their basic backyard into a resort-style entertainment space where they could get away from their hectic life. This redesigned backyard includes a fully functioning outdoor kitchen with adjacent seating areas and a fire-and-water feature that can be controlled via mobile device.
Groff’s design team selected native plants, maximizing the recreation (lawn) space and ensuring minimal maintenance. They matched patio flagstone and cultured veneer stone with the home’s exterior so the space feels like a natural extension of the home. A large granite countertop provides plenty of space for drinks and entertaining. This has become the destination for many happy gatherings and is designed to grow with their family.
Design Features
Groff is a residential landscape design and construction firm that prioritizes happy clients and fine craftsmanship. We craft both design and installation, bringing your vision to life with no surprises.
Groff Landscape Design
3100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22201
703-999-8225 — grofflandscapedesign.com
Clients hired Michael Prokopchak of Walnut Hill to transform an aging property in Annapolis. The project entailed renovating a pool; creating a deck; reorienting and replacing the driveway to improve parking and incorporate lush plantings to complement the architecture of the home.
“The design was conceived to have the least impact on the local waterway,” says Prokopchak. “Native plantings offset the increase in lot coverage, while hardscape is designed to meet impervious requirements. Having a firm grasp of the local permit requirements ensured that we could stay one step ahead.” Plantings provide year-round color and texture. Pennsylvania bluestone crisply defines the front stairs, walkways, pool coping and wall caps.
Design Features
Walnut Hill specializes in distinctive residential properties serving Maryland, Washington, DC, and the Eastern Shore. Our mission is to provide exceptional value, unparalleled craftsmanship and service.
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
1563 St. Margarets Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21409
410-349-3105 — walnuthilllandscape.com
Clients with a secluded property hired Kane Landscapes to design and implement an extensive landscape plan for their new home. Kane’s Alan Blalack, RLA, ASLA, and his team handled the landscape architecture, permitting, construction as well as grading and the extensive plantings. Materials include Techo-Bloc paver driveway accents and pool decking paired with natural Shenandoah boulders and Carderock stone retaining walls throughout the property; the large Trex composite deck boasts custom made pillars and railings. “The landscape now welcomes the owners home with a beautiful entrance drive and colorful plantings,” says principal Josh Kane. “In the backyard they can relax in privacy or entertain large gatherings in an environment that offers everything from a pool and spa to vegetable and cutting gardens and even a sports court.”
Design Features
Kane Landscapes, Inc., an award-winning landscape architecture, build and management company, has been serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Potomac, Maryland for 28 years.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
105 Douglas Court, Sterling Virginia 20166
703-803-3146 — kanelandscapes.com
Homeowners who built an addition on their house wished to emphasize the front entrance, which the alterations had obscured. They asked McHale Landscape Design to construct a complementary landscape that would incorporate a water feature and aquatic life.
“We created a feature that includes two separate ponds, one indoors and one out,” says Steve McHale, who headed the project. “They’re designed to look like the water is flowing through the wall of the house.”
Perennials, including liriope, pulmonaria, astilbe, mazus, coral bell, fern and ajuga, enhance the water feature. “The ponds are the clients’ number-one hobby,” McHale relates. “They enjoy feeding and watching more than 30 koi that have thrived there over multiple generations.”
Design Features
McHale Landscape Design is a high-end residential design/build firm with landscape, masonry, construction and maintenance divisions. About 225 people work out of its five locations.
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
6212 Leapley Road, Upper Marlboro Maryland 20772
301-599-8300 — mchalelandscape.com
The staple for a luxury bathroom is marble. Most often, classic white Carrara with gray veins is the best selection. Installed in a variety of patterns—from classic herringbone and basketweave to horizontal running bond—it can create a beautiful “rug” on the floor or “art” on the walls. A stunning faucet and tub in polished nickel from Kallista, Rohl or Waterworks will stand out against the marble, while a large rain showerhead offers the sensation of an island waterfall. John Richardson crystal light fixtures and wall mirrors with wide bevels say pure luxury.
- Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, CAPS; Purple Cherry Architects
Laura Fox
Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC
laurafoxinteriordesign.com
@laurafoxinteriordesign
People enjoy the experience of staying in a luxury hotel because the hotel baths have all the accoutrements: plush mats and towels on a heated bar; a cozy robe; incredible textures; exotic marble; and beautiful vanities outfitted with the perfect “jewelry.” All these elements can create a feast for the eyes and senses. I try to incorporate this feeling into every bathroom renovation I do.
-- Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC
Kori Keyser, ASID
Keyser Interiors, Inc.
KeyserInteriors.com
#KeyserInteriors
To create a luxurious bath, the tub and shower must be tailored to the owners’ needs. A tub should offer light, sound and bubble massage, while the shower should feature body sprays and a rain showerhead—creating a relaxing spa experience every day.
-- Kori Keyser, ASID; Keyser Interiors, Inc.
Melanie Whittington
Whittington Design Studio
whittingtondesignstudio.com
instagram.com/whittingtondesign
703-533-3705
Laura Hildebrandt
Interiors by LH, LLC
interiorsbylh.com
@interiorsbylh
571-334-6476
A luxurious bathroom starts with a heated floor under beautiful tiles. A stand-alone tub enables you to forget your troubles as you soak—as does a large steam shower equipped with multiple showerheads and a seat for relaxing and enjoying the mist. Easy access to bath products and thick, plush towels ensures that the space is both enveloping and functional.
- Laura Hildebrandt, IFDA, NKBA; Interiors by LH, LLC
Barbara Hawthorn
Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
BarbaraHawthornInteriors.com
703-241-5588
Photo: Geoffrey Hodgdon photography
Gina Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimmons Design Associates
Fitzsimmonsdesign.com
facebook.com/fitzsimmonsdesign
410-269-1965
