When Annapolis-based Timberlake Design/Build began life 12 years ago, the firm already had plenty of experience to draw from: Sister company Timberlake Homes—with whom it shares an office—has been building custom homes for 50 years. “We have their expertise and personnel to fall back on if we need them,” explains company president Dave Lunden, who’s been at the helm of the design/build division since its inception.
Timberlake Design/Build focuses on a combination of custom homes, renovations and additions but eschews smaller projects like basements, baths and decks. “Our sweet spot is really large-scale renovations,” observes Lunden. “They are most rewarding because that’s where we get to be miracle workers. The homeowner has an emotional connection to the home before we start and we can get them to where they say, ‘I would never have believed my house could turn out so well.’”
Timberlake’s staff of five includes operations manager Lunden, two project managers, an estimator and a sales manager. The design/build process begins with a “scope of work” document 10 to 15 pages long that details everything with fixed prices. “It puts certainty into the process,” says Lunden. The design team then selects the right architect—someone who will understand the clients’ vision and be able to work productively with them. The firm taps subcontractors with whom they have long-standing relationships to work under the auspices of the company, and supervises each project from start to finish. “We like the design/build process because it helps the client make realistic choices and lets us manage the budget so there are no surprises,” Lunden says. “It makes for a better, more seamless product. Timberlake takes pride in its attention to detail.”
A recent project incorporated universal design into a Bethesda home. The owners wished to create a safe environment for their special-needs child to navigate without detracting from the charm of the space. Features included state-of-the-art technology, a stair rail that pivots to become a gate and a secret passage that connects rooms via a movable bookcase. “The project was a treat all around,” Lunden says. “We were able to get them into a beautiful home that worked for their needs.”
The majority of Timberlake’s business occurs through referrals, and repeat clients are the norm. “Our philosophy is to put the customer first,” Lunden says. “We like to say, ‘On time, on budget and most important, with care.’ We don’t want just happy clients, we want disciples.”
FACTS & STATS
Timberlake Design/Build completes 15 to 20 projects per year. Two to three of them are custom homes and the rest are large-scale renovations and additions.
SPECIALTIES
The firm's projects are located mainly in central Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard and Prince George's Counties. They also do work on the Eastern Shore.
INQUIRIES
Timberlake Design/Build, 888 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401; 443-837-3131; timberlakedb.com
Members of the AIA Northern Virginia chapter gathered on June 12 for their annual design awards celebration at 1812 North Moore, a new LEED-certified office building designed by Davis Carter Scott, Ltd., in Rosslyn, Virginia. After an opening reception, the awards were announced. A jury of Minneapolis architects judged the 2014 competition, which included 155 submissions. Their comments, along with photos of winning residential projects, are excerpted on these pages; a listing of non-residential winners follows. To view a winners’ gallery, visit aianova.org/DA14.
"A carefully done period architecture that brought this house back to life.” —Jury comment
JURORS’ CITATION (for Restoration Efforts)
Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.
Flemish Revival, Washington, DC.
Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
“A lovely way to save an existing house. The proportions are wonderful; the inside is light and airy.” —Jury comment
AWARD OF MERIT
Muse Architects
The End of the Road, Bethesda, Maryland
Photography: Erik Kvalsvik
“This house is very urban, very constrained, but very livable...quite an accomplishment to achieve all those elements.” —Jury comment
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
NOC Conversion, Washington, DC.
Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
“Very sophisticated details, including the screen wall and wood panels...are one of a kind.”—Jury comment
AWARD OF MERIT
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
Overlook Road House, Washington, DC.
Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
“There is that next level of composition and detail done in an elegant way that holds throughout.” —Jury comment
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
Riggins House, Cabin John, Maryland
Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
“The architect took what was an extremely difficult site (very small) and turned that weakness into its strength.”—Jury comment
AWARD OF MERIT
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
Komai, Alexandria, Virginia. Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
“The interior detailing and the interpretation of ‘boxy’ into the details are great.” —Jury comment
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
4 Springs Lane, Rappahannock County, Virginia
Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
“The bookcase is an amazing element...the warmth and texture of this two-story space was a master stroke.” —Jury comment
JURORS’ CITATION (for Interiors)
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
Brandywine House, Washington, DC. Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
“Skillfully done because the modular aspect did not dictate or hinder the form...really shows what modular can do.”—Jury comment
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
bm Modular One, Bethesda, Maryland
Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
“A charming project lovingly restored.”—Jury comment
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (historic)
Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.
The Samuel Noakes House, Winchester, Virginia
Photography: Nathan Webb, AIA
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Herlong Award
MATTHEW STEPHENS, POWERS BROWN ARCHITECTURE
Sugar Land Veteran’s Memorial, Sugar Land, Texas
Awards of Excellence
SHINBERG LEVINAS
Eagle Academy, Washington, DC (Institutional)
PERKINS+WILL
Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Disputanta, Virginia (Institutional)
HICKOK COLE ARCHITECTS
Allsteel, Washington, DC (Commercial Interiors)
MULVANNYG2 ARCHITECTURE
Fuzhou Strait Intangible Cultural Ecological Park, Fuzhou, China (Conceptual | Unbuilt)
Awards of Merit
DBI ARCHITECTS, INC.
GetWellNetwork, Inc. (right), Bethesda, Maryland (Commercial Interiors). Photography: Eric Taylor
GENSLER
Confidential Communications Firm, Washington, DC (Commercial Interiors)
Jurors’ Citation
QUINN EVANS ARCHITECTS
Sherman Building Reconstruction, Washington, DC (Historic)
AIA Northern Virginia 2013 Design Awards
Sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association, the annual Custom Builder Awards honors quality architecture, construction and remodeling projects in the Greater Washington, DC, area. Following is a list of all 2014 MNCBIA winners.
Custom Contemporary Home
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC.
Architecture: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect.
Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie.
Custom Transitional
GOLD—MILLER/Custom Builders.
Architecture: GTM Architects.
Photography: Geoffrey Hodgdon.
SILVER—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC.
Architecture: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
Speculative Traditional
GOLD—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC.
Builder: The Building Group, Inc.
Photography: Bob Narod.
SILVER—Chuck Sullivan Homes.
Architecture: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
BRONZE—Three Brothers Land Company, Inc.
Architecture: Claude C. Lapp.
Custom Home under 3,500 feet
GOLD—Douglas Construction Group, LLC.
Architecture: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
Photography: Doug Monsein.
Custom Home 3,500 to 5,000 square feet
GOLD—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
Builder: PKK Builders.
Photography: Stu Estler.
SILVER—Rill Architects. Builder: Rill Architects.
Custom Home 5,000 to 7,500 square feet
GOLD—MILLER/Custom Builders.
Architecture: GTM Architects.
Photography: Kenneth M. Wyner.
SILVER—Chrisler Homes, LLC.
Architecture: Raoul Lissabet.
BRONZE—Castlewood Consulting, LLC.
Architecture: Castlewood Consulting, LLC.
Custom Home 7,500 to 12,500 square feet
GOLD—The Block Builders Group.
Architecture: Donald Lococo Architects.
Photography: John Cole Photography.
SILVER—Laurence Cafritz Builders.
Architecture: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
BRONZE—Castlewood Consulting, LLC.
Architecture: Castlewood Consulting, LLC.
Speculative Home under 3,500 square feet
GOLD—Douglas Construction Group, LLC.
Architecture: Claude C. Lapp.
Photography: Doug Monsein.
Speculative Home 3,500 to 5,000 square feet
GOLD—Mangan Group Architects.
Builder: Cosgrove Enterprises.
Photography: John Mangan.
SILVER—Washington Metropolitan Homes.
Architecture: Claude C. Lapp.
BRONZE—Washington Metropolitan Homes.
Architecture: Claude C. Lapp.
Speculative Home 5,000 to 7,500 square feet
GOLD—Jeffco Development Corp.
Architecture: Sutton Yantis Associates Architects.
Photography: Nik Tyler, MPI Photography.
SILVER—Bethesda Builders, Ltd.
Architecture: GTM Architects.
Whole Condo Renovation over 2,000 square feet
GOLD—Mangan Group Architects.
Builder: Bell Builders.
Photography: Kenneth M. Wyner.
Whole House Renovation over 2,000 square feet
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC.
Architecture: Atrium Design Group.
Photography: Jonah Koch.
SILVER—Mangan Group Architects.
Builder: Shawn Bernard Construction.
BRONZE—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC.
Builder: Brookmont Homes.
New Kitchen
GOLD—James McDonald Associate Architects, PC.
Builder: The Building Group, Inc.
Photography: Bob Narod.
Remodeled Kitchen
GOLD—Jeffco Development Corp.
Architecture: Dimond-Adams Design Architecture.
Photography: Nik Tyler, MPI Photography.
New Bathroom
GOLD—Chrisler Homes, LLC.
Architecture: Chrisler Homes, LLC.
Photography: Bob Narod.
JNO Designs is a residential interior design firm offering services that include space planning; paint, fabric and furniture selection; and home staging. Founder Nkem Okwu believes that “every room should be a statement about relaxation, an escape from the everyday grind, as well as being a functional, beautiful, timeless place that the homeowner can be proud of.” Nkem uses color, patterns, shapes and textures, as well as African and European influences, “to create a livable, lovable space.” JNO Design’s philosophy is reflected in the firm’s brand name: R.E.S.T, which stands for Relax.Escape.Sensual.Timeless.
JNO Designs
818-426-8832
restbyjno.com
Special Promotion
Vicky Lal Design LLC is a lifestyle design firm based in Potomac, Maryland. Founded in 2000, VLD specializes in residential and commercial projects, from renovations to new construction. Principal Vicky Lal and her team listen carefully to clients’ requirements, identifying design goals and then making recommendations to ensure a look that will suit their lifestyle and reflect their vision. Lal is known for creating sophisticated, elegant and timeless spaces. With an incomparable eye for detail and color, she supervises projects from design through construction with the single goal of complete customer satisfaction.
Vicky Lal Design LLC
240-988-4350
vickylaldesign.com
Simply Wesley is an Annapolis-based, full-service interior design firm. Owner Wesley Thompson has been in the business for more than 10 years, designing homes and building relationships in Baltimore and Annapolis, as well as in DC and Virginia. Her collaborative, hands-on approach allows her to hone in on clients’ needs on projects large and small. From working with architects and builders and doing AutoCAD design to the selection of furnishings, fabric and lighting, Thompson brings passion and energy to each project, making the process seamless and fun.
Simply Wesley
443-994-6757
simplywesley.com
Elizabeth Reynolds Interiors, LLC has been helping to transform houses into dream homes for more than fifteen years. By carefully listening to and observing clients, she interprets what aesthetic and function will make them most comfortable and why. Then her training and experience in interior architecture kick in, allowing her to create unique and beautiful spaces that are not trendy or catalog-driven. Reynolds specializes in pre-construction planning; lighting; fixture and furniture specifications; custom upholstery; window treatments; and art and antiques. Her work has been published in Southern Accents and The Washington Post.
Elizabeth Reynolds Interiors, LLC
703-470-6606
elizabethreynoldsinteriors.com
Principal Mark Sommerfield founded MWS Design in 1998. His projects span the U.S., contributing to a cross-cultural design vocabulary. Sommerfield, who has a degree in civil engineering and an MBA, began as a furniture designer and maintains a workshop in San Francisco, where his team of artisans fabricates custom furniture for clients. MWS is an accredited, LEED Green interior design firm handling turnkey new construction, renovations and furniture and fixture design. The firm practices a collaborative approach and fosters a bespoke aesthetic that is both intuitive and ingenious.
MWS Design
202-488-5575
mwsdesigndc.com
Founded in 1979, Interior Concepts, Inc., designs a broad spectrum of projects, from family homes, beach houses, mountain retreats, large flats and estates to corporate headquarters, world-class golf clubhouses and international hotels and embassies. ICI has worked throughout the United States and across the globe.
“Our strength lies in how we approach each project, with systematic order,” says principal Arlene Critzos. “We never begin without understanding the client’s needs, budgetary and quality expectations and timing.” Critzos’ design vision developed from living, studying and traveling overseas.
Interior Concepts
2560 Riva Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-224-7366
interiorconceptsinc.com
Principal Melissa Broffman of full-service residential design firm Melissa Broffman Interior Design feels that a project’s success depends on how well it highlights the expertise of the designer and, more importantly, speaks to the personality of the client. Broffman captures a one-of-a-kind look that goes beyond the retail sameness of today’s home furnishings market. Her clients’ ideas, photos and family heirlooms often provide inspiration. “It’s all about making a house a home,” Broffman says. “If I can realize my clients’ vision and delight them with the results, then that’s a job well done.”
Melissa Broffman Interior Design
703-536-5409
melissabroffmaninteriors.com
Creating a beautiful and functional home environment is a personal journey, and Andrea Houck is honored to guide that process for clients. From conception to completion, the client’s style and lifestyle inform her designs. With her innate sense of color, scale, balance and rhythm, Houck can envision a finished space before beginning work and puts her clients at ease with detailed presentations and a careful process. “I ensure up front that we all share the same vision,” says Houck, who has been “creating spaces you will love” for more than 14 years.
A. Houck Designs, Inc.
703-237-2111
ahouckdesigns.com
Barbara Hawthorn has 30 years of experience doing award-winning, residential and commercial interior design, project management and urban planning. Her timeless designs mix modern, comfortable furnishings with fine art, antiques and innovative lighting. Her firm’s designs have been featured on HGTV and in national and regional media. Hawthorn was named 2011-2012 Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women and serves in the Women’s Leadership Group for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. She also works with charities dedicated to children’s literacy and the arts.
Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd.
703-241-5588
barbarahawthorninteriors.com
There’s a reassuring signature to homes designed by Susan Gulick. From new residences to houses imbued with years of history, Gulick’s projects all reveal the vision of a gifted designer who understands the power of easy-going elegance—and brings it to life with exceptional materials, craftsmanship and insightful understanding of her clients’ needs. “I love a look that’s clean,” Gulick says. “A retreat for soothing relaxation. But I’m also a realist. Life is about whirlwind schedules and all kinds of lifestyles. Homes must work. Aesthetics must also yield to practicality.”
Susan Gulick Interiors Ltd
1142 Walker Road, Suite E
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
703-674-0332
susangulickinteriors.com
Syntha Harris-Wendel is the award-winning designer and founder of StoryBook Rooms (SBR), a residential interior design firm based in Potomac, Maryland. SBR tailors its designs to the needs and desires of each individual client. The firm’s approach is to connect people with place in a beautiful home environment that personally reflects its occupants. Comfort and function are essential components, with practical details carefully considered and orchestrated. Every project is a true collaboration between client and designer, with tastes and budget kept firmly in mind.
Storybook Rooms, LLC
301-365-6900
storybookrooms.com
KMD Interiors is a full-service interior design studio specializing in new construction residential projects. Principal Karen Germond collaborates with builders, architects and homeowners to simplify the design process. The firm’s attention to detail, deadlines and budget combined with on-site support sets it apart. “Our clients typically are in the midst of lifestyle changes—empty nesting, retiring, upsizing or downsizing or designing a vacation home,” says Germond. “We help them transition and design a new space, solving the unique challenges of moving from one home to another.”
KMD Interiors
Leesburg, Virginia
571-257-2467
kmdinteriors.com
Sroka Design prides itself on collaborating with clients, architects, builders and landscape designers. The firm’s goal is to tailor each interior to the client. With 27 years of experience, numerous awards and coverage in a host of publications, principal Skip Sroka and his team have the resources to make dreams come true. Building and renovating a home can be daunting, but Sroka Design shoulders the work and helps clients navigate the process—all while making it a fun experience. As Sroka explains it, “We remove the worry and get the job done.”
Sroka Design Incorporated
202-734-3920
srokadesign.com
