Landscape architect John Gutting had begun to revive the grounds of his daughter’s home in historic Chestertown, Maryland, but, sadly, was unable to design the second, most ambitious phase of the project. After Gutting passed away in 2006, the family hired landscape architect Miles Barnard to tackle the job while respecting Gutting’s design vision and dedication to indigenous plants.
The project scope was complex, especially given that the lot measured a mere half-acre. Designed to complement a renovation to the house, the new landscape plan would include a pool makeover, the design and construction of a pool house and the creation of a drainage system to capture rainwater. It also called for new garden gates, brick walls, cedar fencing and a lighting plan. “Our goal was to create a biologically diverse, indigenous landscape with quality materials consistent with the house, enhance privacy and create functional space,” Barnard explains.
The homeowners now enjoy al fresco areas for dining and showering, space to sunbathe and a pool house with a kitchen and bath—amidst native plants including Sweetbay magnolia, dwarf fothergilla and Black-Eyed Susan.
“The lush landscape feels like an oasis in downtown Chestertown,” says Barnard. “A space should look good, but it’s most important for it to feel good and have a sense of spatial security.
MILES BARNARD'S TRADE SECRETS:
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: D. Miles Barnard, ASLA, RLA, South Fork Studio Landscape Architecture, Chestertown, Maryland. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: Anthony’s Flowers and Landscaping, Chestertown, Maryland. POOL RENOVATION: Masten Pools, Greensboro, Maryland. PHOTOGRAPHY: Allen Russ.
It was a trade-off: A run-down, poorly constructed house, circa 1969, was located on a spectacular site in Bethesda. The owners were forced to either raze or remodel their home when burst pipes rendered the place uninhabitable; zoning constraints and a goal of preserving existing trees made them opt to remodel. They called on Amy Gardner of Gardner Mohr Architects to create a space that would answer their wishes for a modern, energy-efficient abode with a strong connection to the outdoors.
“The position and orientation of the house were ideal for views and passive solar and natural ventilation, as well as the creation of secluded outdoor spaces,” Gardner says. Located on a sloping lot, the home had a tree house feel to it that the owners wanted to preserve. Gardner and her team designed a whole-house overhaul that would “improve the general building fabric and systems, extend the sense of living outdoors to all seasons and add strategically, staying within the original footprint.”
Doors and windows were enlarged and, in most cases, relocated to capture views. New porches and decks forge a connection to the outdoors, while the new, modern kitchen and baths—including a master bath that cantilevers over the south deck like a tree house—add convenience.
In the interest of preserving the existing structure, Gardner and her team removed, refinished and reinstalled the cedar siding using a rainscreen assembly. Next on the list: a landscape plan that will preserve the wooded site while creating an oasis of native species and a bird garden.
RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE: Amy Gardner, AIA, LEED AP, Gardner Mohr Architects, Silver Spring, Maryland. CONTRACTOR: Charlie Berliner, Berliner Construction, Annapolis, Maryland. PHOTOGRAPHY: Jim Tetro.
AMY GARDNER'S TRADE SECRETS:
What was your vision for this project?
To create various outdoor spaces for clients and their guests to enjoy, each with distinct features for entertainment and relaxation. Just as a home has defined rooms, we wanted this landscape to include special spaces for cooking, dining, gathering around a fire and relaxing in the shade.
What shaped that vision?
The client’s main priority was to be able to entertain large parties. By creating several separate “rooms,” we gave his guests options for gathering. The large composite deck provides two outdoor areas; beneath the deck, an outdoor room encompasses a rain-capture system, stained cedar ceiling with fans and recessed lighting.
What are your favorite features?
The kitchen and dining area include a grill with side burners, sink, refrigerator, rotisserie and commercial-grade pizza oven. Perhaps the most impressive feature is a custom-made, weather-resistant concrete table that is set into the patio. This table was personally selected by the homeowner to accommodate large dinner parties.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
Josh Kane
703.803.3146
kanelandscapes.com
What was your vision for this project?
The clients decided to demolish their house and build a new residence with a modern, green design. Through The Garden developed a master plan for all the landscaping with the goal of reflecting the linear lines of the architecture and providing a natural setting.
What shaped that vision?
The decision to mimic the natural feel of the owner’s existing property by exclusively using natural stone for all the hardscaping. The hardscaping elements reflect the linear, modern design of the architecture through the walls, steps and rectangular patios, which are finished with rectangular flagstone. The linear texture and natural materials of the garden seamlessly blend with the architecture to create a harmonious continuum.
What are your favorite features?
The granite fountain at the front entrance creates a very distinct look with natural stone finishes carrying over into the structure’s stone veneer. Natural stone continues on the outdoor patios, creating a wonderful indoor/outdoor room.
Through the Garden, Inc.
Mike Yeomans
800.724.9008
landscapeasart.com
What was your vision for this project?
To create a dual-level living space separating the parking area from the main living/ lounge space. The lounge space includes a raised-hearth fireplace and adjoining seat wall and a pergola with ceiling fan. The lower level includes a grilling station and room for 20 guests; it doubles as off-street parking.
What shaped that vision?
The client has a moderately sized city home and wanted to maximize the outdoor living space for his private enjoyment as well as for entertaining. The everyday lounge space with fireplace and media center includes an outdoor television and speaker system. The fireplace allows the space to be used year-round.
What are your favorite features?
The combination of the wood and masonry materials and the attention to detail make the space intimate, rich and warm. I particularly appreciate the oval-shaped patio with its diagonal brick-and-flagstone pattern, which allows the stone seat wall to seamlessly follow the curve of the patio.
Gardenwise, Inc.
J. Mark White, ASLA
703.243.5982
gardenwiseinc.com
What was your vision for this project?
To create a modern outdoor entertainment space without abandoning the home’s traditional style. Though the backyard is narrow, we needed to design several elements including a pool, spa, fireplace, kitchen, seating for guests, integrated sound and lighting systems and space for a TV cabinet. They also wanted privacy from three neighboring homes.
What challenges did you encounter?
The biggest challenge was the space itself. The lot offered one narrow access point, so the installation process required a lot of logistical planning between trades. Ultimately, tight spaces can result in the most exciting and photogenic designs due to the concentration of fun features being integrated into the landscape.
What are your favorite features?
Fire elements—including a gas fireplace clad in stone and two copper gas lanterns—give this garden a unique sensibility. Other interesting features: up-lit flagpoles illuminating one end of the pool and a custom stone kitchen with a large grill and beer tap.
Inviting Spaces
Greg Powell
703.740.7022
inviting-spaces.com
What was your vision for this project?
This project features clean lines and an adherence to a simple color and materials palette. Accented by a sharp contrast of textures, from rough building stone to smooth travertine, a modern pool house with a soaring roof frames the pool area and a large outdoor kitchen is located nearby.
What challenges did you encounter?
The project’s tight timeline. We started design work in fall, the permitting process was completed over the winter and construction began in spring. We completed the job in nine months, including the coordination of the pool house and pool construction. We sourced beautiful plants and stone and refined every detail.
How does this project demonstrate your firm’s capabilities?
We conceptualized a project with several architectural elements, developed an integrated design for the pool house and landscape, then collaborated with KohlMark Group to detail the structure—all in a shorter period than would have seemed possible.
Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction
Howard Cohen, RLA
703.430.6001
surroundslandscaping.com
What was your vision for this project?
We collaborated on the design and build of this Miles River waterfront property. Our vision was to create a distinct property with an emphasis on superior craftsmanship of design features, while balancing it with the simplicity of the Eastern Shore community.
What challenges did you encounter?
The sloped site required precise grading. We set up a grid for spot elevations that were checked with a laser level every 15 feet to ensure perfectly sloped grades. Additionally, the pool was located outside the 100-foot buffer and was offset to preserve the views of the water from the house.
What are your favorite features?
The masonry work on the front entry drive distinguishes this property from others. This custom stone blend was created specifically for the client using Pennsylvania weatherface fieldstone. The masonry depicts a compass rose constructed with lilac flagstone; as requested by the client, the compass accurately points true north.
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Kevin & Steve McHale
301.599.8300
mchalelandscape.com
For 51 years, KohlMark Group, an award-winning firm of architects and builders, has shared its clients’ passion for well-crafted architecture as a way to enhance quality of life. KohlMark Group strives to deliver an integrated design and construction experience that consistently exceeds clients’ expectations in terms of quality and value.
KohlMark Group
5206-B Rolling Road
Burke, Virginia 22015
703-764-1200
kohlmark.com
Rill Architects is respected for projects that incorporate an understanding of the way their clients live. The Rill team helps clients get the greatest value from their projects by applying a deep knowledge of design coupled with the latest technologies, materials and finishes. The team collaborates to help clients with all decisions so their homes suit their personalities, lifestyles and budgets.
What qualities should an architect bring to a renovation project?
A good architect should be able to bring his or her knowledge and experience. With many years of renovation projects under our belts, we are able to navigate the process from design through construction, identifying potential issues before they become larger problems.
How can you help homeowners achieve their dream home on a budget?
We are great listeners. Once we fully understand the clients’ wants and needs, we can prioritize on where best to splurge and where to save.
What are the most important factors in the client-architect relationship?
Trust is number one. Clients can be sure that we will provide them with a beautiful, functional home that meets their needs and that makes them excited to come home each day.
What is your role during the construction stage?
We work with the contractor and client to ensure the project is being built as designed, and help guide the client through the process to ensure that all their hard work comes to fruition.
What shifts are you seeing in how people use their homes?
The kitchens and family rooms remain the hubs. Formal living and dining rooms are less important while a central gathering room is often the most discussed space.
Rill Architects, PC
4833 Rugby Avenue, Suite 501
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301-656-4166
rillarchitects.com
Price Range of Finished Projects: $10s of thousands to millions
Year Established: 1987
Employees in Firm: 8
AV Architects + Builders is an award-winning architect-builder of custom luxury homes and major renovations that has been in business in the Washington, DC, area since 2001. The firm offers a unique, integrated design-build process that ensures the clients’ dream stays alive through the entire build phase and is fully realized in the finished home.
What shifts are you seeing in how people use their homes?
There is a great need for homeowners to find tranquility at home. Rooms that offer relaxed entertaining, gourmet cooking and outdoor living have become must-haves in today’s modern homes. Rooms that are rarely used have become obsolete.
How do you help homeowners achieve their dream home on a budget?
Everyone has a budget. Whatever yours is, we want to maximize its potential and give you the most for your investment. We require our clients to invest in professional design services to achieve their dream home.
What qualities should an architect bring to a renovation project?
A client once called us “solution builders,” and this is very true. Renovation projects are driven by multiple problems in a home and the search for a master solution tailored to the client. The key is to solve the problems economically on paper rather than during construction when costs are high.
How does the site inform your design?
The site is everything when it comes to developing a concept plan for a home; it’s the make-or-break factor. A consideration of sun orientation, wind direction, topography and great views is fundamental to the creation of a functional and beautiful home.
AV Architects + Builders
9903 Georgetown Pike, Suite 201
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
703-865-5065
avarchitectsbuild.com
Price Range of Finished Projects: $250,000 to $3.5 million
Year Established: 2001
Employees in Firm: 6
A design-oriented architecture firm that uses its design and market experience to move clients’ projects from concept to reality. Additions, remodeling projects and brand new custom and semi-custom homes are designed with the client’s lifestyle in mind. Our technical drawings match the quality of our designs, showing our thorough knowledge of today’s best building practices and codes.
What qualities should an architect bring to a renovation project?
An architect should bring the ability to hear the client’s wishes and budget, and to see how to add or to update a house while working within its inherent possibilities--—to see beyond the existing walls and structure and help the client.
What is your role during the construction stage?
The scale of the project dictates our involvement. We provide construction administration services to review the construction quality versus the approved drawings.
How can you help homeowners achieve their dream home on a budget?
No matter how small or big the project, there is always a budget. We design projects to meet a budget range, using the proper design scope/ layout and finish materials.
What shifts are you seeing in how people use their homes?
Covered indoor/outdoor spaces are increasingly popular. In recent custom homes the formal living room has been replaced by a larger library space. The informal home office off the kitchen has become as important as the mudroom.
How does the site inform your design?
The site and lot dictate a lot of information. Orientation, views, grading and light influence possible design solutions.
James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
9909 Georgetown Pike, Suite 204
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
703-757-0036
jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com
Price Range of Finished Projects: $70,000 to $6 million
Year Established: 2009
Employees in Firm: 8
The talented team at Anthony Wilder Design/Build creates custom architecture with artful flair. We strive to realize the company’s vision of inspiring clients to build their dreams by delivering the ultimate design/build experience. With over 35 years’ experience in architecture and construction, the team at AWDB creates unique spaces that are decidedly different because they reflect the individuality of each client.
What are your goals when embarking on a new project?
To help the client visualize and define the project; to create a design that meets the client’s needs and desires; and to provide originality and a strong design aesthetic.
What are the most important factors in the client-architect relationship?
Unequivocally, communication and trust; it is a deep, high-stakes relationship requiring a strong partnership between architect and client. The most successful relationship occurs between two effective communicators: an architect who loves what he/she does and a client who has faith in the designer.
How do you help homeowners achieve their dream home on a budget?
An architect has the ability to collaborate with clients and develop a realistic budget that respects their concerns and desires. The experienced architect can also maximize value by implementing novel ideas that are both pleasing and budget-conscious.
What shifts are you seeing in how people use their homes?
We have seen a shift away from formal living and dining rooms to more informal spaces like eat-in kitchens that are open, integrated and geared toward everyday use. We also see an increased desire for outdoor gathering spaces, often with such elements as fire pits and water features.
Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
7913 MacArthur Boulevard
Cabin John, Maryland 20818
301-907-0100
anthonywilder.com
Price Range of Finished Projects: N/A
Year Established: 1995
Employees in Firm: 36
Sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association, the annual Custom Builder Awards honors quality construction, architecture and design by custom builders and remodelers in the Greater Washington, DC, region.
Following is a list of all 2013 MNCBIA winners.
Speculative Home 3,500 to 5,000 square feet
Gold—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Builder: Miller Homes. Photography: Edgar Artiga
Silver—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
Builder: The Building Group Inc.
Speculative Home 5,000 to 7,500 square feet
Gold—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
Builder: Artisan Builders. Photography: Artisan Builders
Silver—Washington Metropolitan Homes
Architect: Claude C. Lapp
Speculative Traditional Home
Gold—Carter, Inc.
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Speculative Transitional Home
Gold—Carter, Inc.
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Custom Home under 3,500 square feet
Gold—Douglas Construction Group, LLC
Architect: Claude C. Lapp
Custom Home 3,500 to 5,000 square feet
Gold—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Silver—Castlewood Consulting, LLC
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Bronze—Chuck Sullivan Homes
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Custom Home 5,000 to 7,500 square feet
Gold—GTM Architects
Builder: Gibson Builders, LLC.
Silver—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
Builder: The Building Group Inc.
Bronze—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Builder: Sandy Spring Builders, LLC
Custom Home 7,500 to 12,500 square feet
Gold—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC
Architect: Scott Broughton Architects, LLC
Silver—GTM Architects
Builder: Gibson Builders, LLC
Bronze—Carter, Inc.
Architect: Claude C. Lapp
Traditional Custom Home
Gold—Three Brothers Land Company, Inc.
Architect: Claude C. Lapp. Photography: Real Tour Inc.
Silver—Three Brothers Land Company, Inc.
Architect: Claude C. Lapp
Whole House Renovation Under 2,000 square feet
Gold—Federalist Builders LLC
Architect: Federalist Builders LLC.
Whole House Renovation Over 2,000 square feet
Gold—GTM Architects
Builder: Gibson Builders, LLC.
Silver—Douglas Construction Group, LLC
Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
New or Remodeled Kitchen
Gold—BOWA
Architect: BOWA.
Throughout the Baltimore-Washington region, experienced local architects apply their vision and expertise to a wide range of custom-home designs and renovations. Via the following links, some of the region’s top residential architects share insights and advice on creating living spaces that are functional and timeless.
Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
Experienced landscape architects and designers throughout the Baltimore-Washington region apply their vision and expertise to a wide range of projects, including pools and water features, inviting gardens and outdoor entertaining areas. Via the following links, some of the region’s top professionals share insights, advice and philosophies to help homeowners create outdoor spaces that meet their needs and budgets.
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Kevin & Steve McHale
Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction
Howard Cohen, RLA
Inviting Spaces
Greg Powell
Gardenwise, Inc.
J. Mark White, ASLA
Through the Garden, Inc.
Mike Yeomans
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
Josh Kane
