GFDI is an award-winning and distinguished boutique firm located in the region of the nation’s capital. Company founder Alice Busch runs the celebrated firm alongside her business partner, Lucas Trunnell—who also happens to be her son. An experienced design team, they integrate European panache with a contemporary sensibility in high-end residential designs that rely on their expertise in architectural detailing, pre-construction and interior design. The principals at GFDI create distinguished and timeless designs to suit the tastes of even the most discerning clientele.
Great Falls Distinctive Interiors Inc.
703-858-7688
gfdii.com
It starts with a conversation. You share your ideas and wish lists: a formal dining area for entertaining as few as two or as many as thirty; a family room to suit both a toddler and a teenager; a beach house with stunning views for much-needed weekend escapes. From there, it’s a creative journey of collaboration between you and the contractors and architects. Headed by principal Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interiors will tend to every detail of your project, from initial conception to final installation, in order to turn your ideas and wish lists into reality.
Kristin Peake Interiors, LLC
103-A West Edmonston Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20852
301-545-0441
kristinpeakeinteriors.com
Dahlia Design was founded in Washington, DC, in 1995 as a residential design firm. Since then, it has grown to include commercial projects, product design and large-scale event design. Headed by principal Dahlia Mahmood, the team engages deeply with every aspect of a project, from interiors and kitchen and bath design to architecture and landscaping. The firm’s dedication to excellence and quality has built a trust among high-profile clients nationally and internationally, while its immaculate designs embody sophistication and innovation, reflected by a top-notch staff of craftsmen and designers.
Dahlia Design, LLC
866-236-0439
dahliadesign.net
What regulations should homeowners keep in mind when designing a landscape project in a critical area?
One limiting factor in Maryland is that there is a buffer that prohibits the construction of any kind of structure within 100 feet of the water. Homeowners must also consider the rules governing impervious cover, which refers to any kind of surface that water can’t penetrate, including driveways, pathways, terraces and pools. In Maryland, only 15 percent of a property can be impervious on lots of a half-acre or larger. While this is a challenge, there are solutions. For example, decks don’t count as long as there’s a quarter-inch gap between the boards.
—Mike Prokopchak, ASLA, Walnut Hill Landscape Company, Annapolis, Maryland
When building near the bay, what factors should homeowners consider to prevent delays or setbacks due to permitting rules?
Waterfront projects are among the most challenging but rewarding that ILEX has done over the years. Many states’ critical area laws have become stricter recently. When working within the critical area buffer, ILEX recommends that clients work with a civil engineer to meet with officials and review their project before investments in construction drawings are made. These preliminary meetings of the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) include the planning/zoning staff, health department and others who will ultimately be reviewing building permit documents. If everyone discusses the existing site as well as what is being proposed, issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently and the team can move forward to make the client’s dream a reality.
—Dirck K. Bartlett, ILEX Construction Inc., Easton, Maryland, and other locations
Architecture: Dale Overmyer, AIA, Dale Overmyer Architects, Washington, DC. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie, courtesy Dale Overmyer, AIA/Architect
How do you design a waterfront house to evoke its setting without it becoming overdone or trite?
The best rule of thumb for any design—including those on the waterfront—is to stay classic. Keep the major pieces you select simple and straightforward; you can always add touches and reminders of the moment through decorative elements. For example, change up accessories and pillows to reflect your current flair or preference.
I have designed many waterfront homes over the years and have found that people make the mistake of being afraid to cover even one inch of their windows. Water views can be framed by window treatments, and in fact, they will actually warm and enhance them. It’s like looking at a beautiful green lawn for years and years until it becomes monotonous. Even a water view can become like that, eventually.
—Arlene Critzos, Interior Concepts, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland
One January morning, photographer Geoffery Hodgdon awoke to this magnificent sunrise on Herring Bay Watch, 20 miles south of the Annapolis. "The Chesapeake is often frothy in cold weather, but this morning it was unusually still," he recalls. "I couldn't get the camera set up fast enough." Evidently, Hodgdon's timing was perfect, as he points out: "The image is completely un-retouched—this is exactly how it came out of the camera."
Describe the challenges and rewards of designing waterfront architecture, specific to the bay.
I have found that the rewards far outweigh the challenges when I’m designing a home on waterfront property. These sites have an inherent sense of place, and capturing and enhancing their unique features is what directs a great design. Framing views, integrating outdoor spaces, organizing rooms around natural daylight, preserving privacy and ensuring multiple fronts that open to the water—these factors add up to a composition where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. To protect their uniqueness, waterfront properties also come with layers of complex environmental and zoning regulations. Thoroughly understanding these rules and regulations allows architects to take opportunities not initially obvious to those with less experience.
—Marta Hansen, AIA, LEED AP, Hansen Architects, Annapolis, Maryland
It’s hardly a surprise that Nambé—known for its sculptural tableware and accessories—would someday introduce pieces that evoke the beauty of undulating sea life. The company has done just that with the Oceana Collection, designed by Wei Young.
Young’s bold, modern forms are organic and pure. They include the Coral Salad Bowl crafted from acacia wood and the Clam Chip & Dip duo—a perfectly shaped wooden half shell with a metal dip bowl resting within. The stainless-steel Venus Seafood Platter (above; $150) is the perfect vessel to cosset shucked oysters; handily, the collection also includes the Oceana Oyster Knife (above; $20). A playful Lobster Cracker shaped like a free-form fish and long, finely contoured Seafood Forks marry form and function.
Items in the collection are priced from $20 to $200 and will be available in stores on August 1. For online orders or retail locations, visit nambe.com.
Home & Design celebrated the launch of its March/April 2014 issue with a reception at Belfort Furniture in Sterling, Virginia. Guests socialized and perused the many collections on display in Belfort’s expansive showroom. They also had a chance to sample wines from Loudoun County-based Stone Tower Winery.
Photos by Bob Narod and Melody Rush.
Home & Design celebrated the launch of its January/February 2014 issue with a reception at Architectural Ceramics’ new location in Chantilly, Virginia. To mark its grand opening, Architectural Ceramics hosted a “rave” dance party in its adjacent 6,000-square-foot warehouse in conjunction with the event.
Photos by Bob Narod and Melody Rush.
Home & Design celebrated the launch of its November/December 2013 issue with a party at Bray & Scarff’s newly renovated Rockville showroom. Guests had a chance to peruse the latest appliances and meet many of the designers whose work appeared in the special City issue.
Photos by Bob Narod and Melody Rush.
The condo market in downtown DC is flourishing, with empty nesters trading sizable, single-family homes for a streamlined, urban lifestyle. In response, a housing boom has begun in hip, up-and-coming neighborhoods that are quickly gentrifying to accommodate the influx. Here’s a list of on-trend neighborhoods, along with an update on what condos are already in each of them and what’s in the works. The list does not include condos that are currently sold out, or projects scheduled for completion after 2014. Prices are included wherever possible.
SHAW
The Centrie at 435 R Street, NW
Previously called Four Thirty Five Condominiums, The Centrie is a four-story condo project by Community Three Development for which sample floor plans are now available. The project—currently under construction—will convert a vacant lot and an adjacent building into 18 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units, plus 11 parking spaces nearby. Delivery is projected for spring 2014; pricing is expected to be in the $300,000 to $430,000 range. thecentrie.com
BLOOMINGDALE
McGill Row
Two four-story brick buildings house 38 units at 2201 Second Street, NW, in the LeDroit Park neighborhood. Built by Miller Development. Prices start at $250,000 for a studio. mcgillrow.com
Parker Flats at Gage School
This renovated historic DC public school at 2035 Second Street, NW, offers 92 loft-style units in a restored 1904 building with a 2007 addition. The renovation was designed by Bonstra | Haresign Architects and developed by Urban Realty Advisors. Though the building has sold out, a two-bedroom unit priced at $395,000 is available at press time. kw.com
PETWORTH
The Jefferson
Twenty residences remain unsold at this 5401 Ninth Street, NW, condo location, which offers Deco-style one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with landscaped, glass-block courtyards and terraces. One-bedrooms start at $189,000. jeffersonpetworth.com
The Otis
The Otis at 809-811 and 812 Otis Place, NW, is now offering 36 one-bedroom units for under $300,000. Developed by FORTIS and designed by PGN Architects.theotisdc.com
14th STREET CORRIDOR
Central Union Mission
The site of the Central Union Mission at 1350 R Street, NW, will hold a 51-unit condo of lofts and duplexes; the project broke ground this past summer. Designed by Eric Colbert and developed by Alturas Real Estate Interests, LLC. No website available yet.
14th and Corcoran Streets, NW
Hickok Cole Architects is designing a 40-unit residential project at 14th and Corcoran Streets, NW, a site currently occupied by a Zipcar parking lot and developed by Z-Tek, LLC. Scheduled for completion in 2014. hickokcole.com
1400-1404 14th Street, NW
Abdo Development has plans for a 30-unit, six-story mixed-use building at the corner of 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW, with ground-floor retail and a second-floor office space. abdo.com
Boundary Heights
BlackRock Development LLC’s Boundary Heights condominiums at 1421 Florida Avenue, NW, boast eight roomy, two-bedroom units in a six-story building, each with its own private terrace or rooftop deck. Prices start in the $600s. boundaryheightsdc.com
H STREET CORRIDOR
Woolworth Condominums
This 16-unit condo at 1115 H Street, NE, by Wall Development, is nearing completion. The units will deliver in late 2013 with prices in the $300s. woolworthcondosdc.com
The Maryland
Valor Development is currently increasing the size of The Maryland (formerly called The Maia), located at 1350 Maryland Avenue, NE, from 49 units to 84. Construction on the condo project, designed by PGN Architects, is underway. The building will have one- and two-bedroom units. valordev.com
301 H Street
Capital City Real Estate has a 25-unit condo project scheduled for delivery in 2014. Architect Norman Smith designed the six-story building, which will include one- and two-bedroom residences and 5,000 square feet of retail capcityre.com
CAPITOL HILL
The Bryan School Lofts
This 40,000-square-foot historic landmark building at 1315 Independence Avenue, SE, was restored and converted to 20 luxury lofts by Abdo Development. The Bryan School (circa 1906) features soaring ceilings and massive windows. Prices start at $499,000. abdo.com
The Condos at Edmonds School
Ditto Residential has partnered with CAS Riegler to convert a 1903 school into 20 luxury condos at 901 D Street, NE; in the parking lot next to the school, four townhomes have been built in the same classic style. Prices start in the $500s. edmondsschooldc.com
CITY CENTER DC
This 10-acre, 2.5 million-square-foot mixed-use neighborhood development by Hines is bordered by New York Avenue and H, 9th and 11th Streets, NW. It will boast 216 condos, more than 60 shops and restaurants—including one featuring three-star Michelin chef Daniel Boulud—and apartments and offices. The Residences at City Center encompasses two separate towers designed by Foster + Partners. Scheduled for delivery in late 2013. citycenterdc.com
WASHINGTON, DC
Addison/Ripley Fine Art
Contemporary works by local and national artists. November 15 to January 11, 2014: Wolf Kahn: paintings and works on paper. 1670 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; 202-338-5180; addisonripleyfineart.com
Carroll Square Gallery
Through November 22: “National Eyes of History,” winners of the first-ever White House News Photographers Association’s national political photography contest. 975 F Street, NW; 202-347-7978; carrollsquare.com
Connersmith
Abstract art and Realism. 1358 Florida Avenue, NE; 202-588-8750; connersmith.us.com
Cross MacKenzie Gallery
Local and national ceramic artists, painters, photographers, potters and sculptors.November 8 to December 11: “China Paintings,” oils by Leslie Parke. December 13 to January 8, 2014: “Small Worthy Works,” a group show of small treasures. 2026 R Street, NW; 202-333-7970; crossmackenzie.com
G Fine Art
Promotes international art, pushing the boundaries of traditional media. 1350 Florida Avenue, NE; 202-462-1601; gfineartdc.com
Guarisco Gallery
19th- and early 20th-century European and American paintings and sculpture. 1120 22nd Street, NW; 202-333-8533; guariscogallery.com
Heiner Contemporary
Introducing a variety of artists to the region. November 15 to January 6, 2014: “CURIO,” a contemporary twist on 16th-century display cabinets. 1675 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; 202-338-0072; heinercontemporary.com
Hemphill Fine Arts
Works of emerging and established artists. Through November 27: “Represent” showcases 90 works by 30 artists who have helped build and enrich the gallery, in celebration of its 20th anniversary. 1515 14th Street, NW; 202-234-5601; hemphillfinearts.com
Industry Gallery
A showcase of contemporary design that turns industrial materials into high-concept furniture. 2100 M Street, NW; 571-293-1740; industrygallerydc.com
Long View Gallery
Contemporary American painting, sculpture and jewelry by regional and nationally known artists. Through November 24: Tony Savoie. November 28 to December 31: Amy Genser. 1234 9th Street, NW; 202-232-4788; longviewgallerydc.com
Morton Fine Art
A combination of traditional gallery space and mobile pop-up galleries in unconventional locations. November 8 to 29: “Ghost Stories,” a solo exhibit by Laurel Hausler. December 14 to January 8, 2014: “Guardians,” new paintings by Kesha Bruce. 1781 Florida Avenue, NW; 202-628-2787; mortonfineart.com
Parish Gallery
Showcases contemporary visual arts by both African-American and local artists. 1054 31st Street, NW (Canal Square); 202-944-2310; parishgallery.com
Touchstone Gallery
Artist-owned gallery of contemporary works. November 1 to 24: “Through A Different Lens” explores member artist perspectives in photography and other media. 901 New York Avenue, NW; 202-347-2787; touchstonegallery.com
Zenith Gallery
Paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more, available in person and online. November 15 to December 28: “The Strange World of Cassie Taggart,” oil paintings, giclées and sculpture. 1429 Iris Street, NW; 202-783-2963; zenithgallery.com
VIRGINIA
Allen Levy Studios
Abstracts exploring color, light and luminosity. Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, Building 5, Studio 511, 9601 OX Road, Lorton; 703-786-6045; allenlevystudios.com
ArtSquare
Combines Gallery 222, King Street Studios and the Loudoun Academy of the Arts to showcase local art. 12 Cardinal Park Drive, SE, Leesburg; 703-777-8043; loudounartsquare.org
Berkley Gallery
Traditional American sculpture and paintings. 40 Main Street, Warrenton; 540-341-7367; berkleygallery.com
Broadway Gallery
Fine art and custom picture framing gallery with frequent events and seminars. 5641 B General Washington Drive, Alexandria; 703-354-2905; broadwaygalleries.net
Color Wheel Gallery 65
Representing the region’s premier artists. December 16 to 30: Judith Peck, one woman show. 1374 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; 703-356-6345; cwgallery65.com
The Torpedo Factory Art Center
Three floors of galleries and studios. David Cochran: commissioned family portraits and murals. Studio 317; 703-684-7855. davidcochran.com. Greg Knott: photography. Studio 3; 202-255-3222; gregknott.com. 105 North Union Street; 703-838-4565; torpedofactory.org
MARYLAND
Adah Rose Gallery
DC-area art is showcased, plus “non-artist,” in-gallery art creations including music and poetry. November 14 to December 28: “The User Name Sense of a Self” showcases the works of John James Anderson and Mei Mei Chang. 3766 Howard Avenue, Kensington; 301-922-0162; adahrosegallery.weebly.com
Gallery 44
International artwork and extensive framing selections. 9469 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City; 410-465-5200; gallery44.com
Marin-Price Galleries
November 2 to November 25: “Hennessy & Hennessy,” an exhibit of landscape oil paintings. November 30 to December 24: “William Woodward,” depictions of everyday life and landscapes. 7022 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; 301-718-0622; marin-pricegalleries.com
McBride Gallery
Paintings, bronze sculpture, original graphics and sepia photography. Through November 17: “Oil Painters of America,” a juried show. 215 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-267-7077; mcbridegallery.com
Merritt Gallery
Diverse collection from traditional to contemporary. November 7 to 16: “Dennis Sheehan: Capturing a Moment,” showcasing traditional landscape paintings. December 5 to 21: “Bob Dylan: Drawn Blank Series,” original paintings and limited editions on paper. 5445 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; 301-564-4447; merrittgallery.com
Pam Foss Fine Art Gallery
Contemporary Modernist sculpture and paintings. November 2 through 23: “Women’s Rights: An Artist’s Perspective.” November 25 through January 26, 2014: an exhibit of gallery artists’ work. 202 South Talbot Street; St. Michaels; 410-745-0400; pamfossfineart.com
Renaissance Fine Art
Traditional and contemporary works on canvas, paper and in sculpture. November 7 to 16: “Anke—Where Dreams Meet Reality” displays Surrealist works by Anke Schofield. December 5 to 14: “Urban Abstraction: Siddharth Parasnis, 2013,” displays abstracted urban landscape paintings. Village of Cross Keys, 88 Village Square, Baltimore; 410-484-8900; renaissancefinearts.com
Shereen’s Exquisite Fine Art Gallery
Representing local and national artists. 216 N. Market Street, Frederick; 301-351-8671; shereensfineartgallery.com
South Street Art Gallery
Contemporary artwork emphasizing the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Shore regions. 5 South Street, Easton; 410-770-8350; southstreetartgallery.com
Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Washington Metro chapter gathered on September 25 for their 2013 awards celebration at the JANUS et Cie showroom in Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley. A jury that included chapter members and Home & Design staff judged the competition; their comments, along with photos of award-winning projects, are shown below.
Residential: Multiple Spaces. Honorable Mention:
Therese Baron Gurney, ASID, Baron Gurney Interiors. Tred Avon River House. Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
Jury comments: "The designer's restrained approach to the interiors and furnishing plan made the project a success."
Residential: Detail/Small, Unique Space.
Lorna Gross-Bryant, ASID, Savant Interior Design. DC Design House 2012, Study. Photography: Angie Seckinger
Jury comments: "The designer transformed a dark, dreary room paneled in knotty pine into a sophisticated, bright study."
Residential: Multiple Spaces.
Therese Baron Gurney, ASID, Baron Gurney Interiors. Apartment 24. Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
Jury comments: "This renovation gutted a Kalorama apartment and created clean, organized spaces throughout."
Commercial: Corporate Office.
Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK). Design Team: Donna Sharpe, ASID; Catherine Heath; Jyoti Patel; Bo Kim; Whitney Loke. National Cancer Institute. Photography: Jim Tetro
Jury comments: "Living walls breathe life into the lobby and backlit burl wood panels evoke nature."
Commercial: Detail/Small Space.
Katherine Vernot-Jonas, Allied ASID, Katherine Vernot-Jonas Designs, LLC. John Katinas and Manindra Acharya, Katinas Bruckwick Architecture. Special Care Practice. Photography: Bruce Morgan
Jury comments: "This neuropsychology office creates a fun and engaging environment for children and their families."
Residential: Kitchen and Bath.
Design Exchange, Inc. Design Team: Carolin M. Schebish, ASID; Kayla Weiner, ASID. Eisinger Master Bath. Photography: Eric Taylor
Jury comments: "The designers beautifully reflected their clients' appreciation for art, craftsmanship and nature."
Commercial: Health Care/Long-Term Care or Clinic.
Perkins+Will. Design Team: Tama Duffy Day, FASID; Jamie Huffcut; Taylor Sill; John Jenkins. Children’s National Medical Center at their Northern Virginia Regional Outpatient Clinic site. Photography: Prakash Patel
Jury comments: "This updated space vastly improves patient experience through the use of positive distraction."
When Ian Williams of Encore Custom Audio Video was asked to install a Crestron home automation system in a new house in Leesburg, part of the job was to design a state-of-the-art media room on the lower level. His clients, who wished to entertain there, specified a luxurious space that would accommodate as many as 20 people.
Because the room was irregularly shaped “getting that many people into it was not possible,” Williams recalls. He devised a way to fit 16 by using 10 theater seats and six bar stools along a granite countertop at the back.
With help from interior designer Diana Johnson, Encore gutted the existing space. A bulkhead in the ceiling was concealed by peripheral soffits, and three-dimensional, interlocking ceramic tiles by ModularArts were installed on the ceiling; they also clad the decorative columns around the room.
Williams used computer analysis to determine speaker location, screen size, seating height and distance from the screen. Four subwoofers with dedicated 1000-watt amplifiers produce the sound, while fabric-covered, acoustical wall treatments reflect, diffuse or absorb it depending on their size and location.
Each seat has an unobstructed view of the 110-inch screen, which has dual masking capability to allow for different aspect ratios. An automated Lutron curtain system can conceal the screen, while eight lighting zones—more than 40 light sources—include gimbals that swivel to illuminate the screen.
HOME THEATER INSTALLATION & DESIGN: IAN WILLIAMS, ROI-certified, CEDIA Member, Encore Custom Audio Video, Chantilly, Virginia. INTERIOR DESIGN: DIANA JOHNSON, Ashburn Interiors LLC, Chantilly, Virginia. PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER EVANS.
IAN WILLIAMS'S TRADE SECRETS:
