What factors do you consider when siting a house so that its natural surroundings are paramount?
Our approach to siting a house is always based on the particulars of that site. Our goal is for the home to feel rooted, inevitable, timeless. We search for aspects of the site that stimulate creativity, whether they be views, topography, landscape features or micro-climate factors like prominent winds, harsh sun, extreme temperatures or precipitation. Often, aspects of the site that might be considered limiting—a narrow lot or extreme slope, for example—become a point of departure for a beautiful architectural response.
Sustainability is critical. Pursuing passive strategies, such as the orientation of a house relative to the sun’s path, can save both first and life-cycle costs. Passive strategies can easily rival mechanical or electrical systems. —Alick Dearie, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C, Grid Architects PC, Annapolis, Maryland.
Builder: Joseph Braun, No Worries Carpentry, Great Cacapon, West Virginia.
When building near the bay, what factors should homeowners consider to prevent delays or setbacks due to permitting issues?
When building on a waterfront lot, it is critical to consult with the proper professionals to ensure that the permitting process goes as seamlessly as possible. A civil engineer and architect should be engaged to determine allowable building area based on critical-area requirements and waterfront setbacks. Additionally, a soils engineer should be consulted to determine the elevation of the water table, as this may have a bearing on the type of foundation required for the structure and the ability to construct a lower level due to potential limitations regarding mechanical and electrical codes.
With professional help, unwanted surprises can be avoided and homeowners can maximize the allowable size of their house and ensure its optimum location. —Andrew Lehner, Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland
Architecture: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Kevin Campion, ASLA, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Annapolis, Maryland.
How does designing the interiors of a waterfront home differ from the way you design spaces in other locales?
In my view, there is no real difference in designing a waterfront home versus other locales. I might incorporate more coastal accents, colors of the sea and lighter fabrics, but the same areas of importance always apply. I start by learning how the client will live in the space. Then I design the layout in AutoCAD, taking into account all focal points—including water views. I try to marry function and comfort in every design, regardless of location. Lastly, selections of fabrics, finishes, lighting, and artwork are made with an understanding of the client’s likes and dislikes.
Coastal style is popular because of its fresh, calming palette, but achieving that style is possible in any locale. The process is the same in all designs, regardless of a water view. —Wesley Thompson, Simply Wesley, Annapolis, Maryland
Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Washington Metro Chapter gathered at the Lutron Experience Center in Washington, DC, on September 26 for their annual awards celebration. Judges from ASID chapters in Arkansas, Louisiana and New Hampshire reviewed the entries for this year’s competition, entitled “2017 Design Transforms Lives Competition.” For the first time, the award categories combined both commercial and residential design. Photos of the winning projects are shown above.
Presented by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, the Maryland Building Industry Association and the Washington Metropolitan Sales and Marketing Council, the 2017 GALA (Great American Living Awards) celebrates achievements in categories ranging from architecture and interior design to sales and marketing. Candidates submitted portfolios that were split among three teams of judges, each including an architect, a builder, and a marketing professional.
The GALA ceremony was held on October 5 at the McLean Hilton Tysons Corner. Winners in the custom-builder categories are spotlighted above. The remaining award-winners will be featured in the January/February 2018 issue of Home & Design.
Home & Design and Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction hosted a garden party at a new custom home in Oakton, Virginia, on September 12. Guests toured the residence designed by Kohlmark and Sandra Meyers Design Studio, and the two-acre landscape designed by Surrounds’s Howard Cohen.
The 10th annual DC Design House opened with an elegant preview gala on September 28. Featuring 23 spaces transformed by local designers, the Potomac show house is open through October 29; proceeds benefit Children’s National. dcdesignhouse.com
On August 25, Gramaco and Home & Design hosted a festive carnival complete with Brazilian food, specialty drinks and samba dancers. The party took place in Gramaco’s Savage, Maryland, showroom, a local source for granite, marble, quartz and other stone surfaces.
Home & Design celebrated the launch of its September/October Architecture issue with a party at Marble Systems on September 7. Guests mingled and perused the showroom’s vast array of stone and surface offerings.
This issue marks the 10th year H&D has spotlighted a group of young local designers producing outstanding work in firms of their own. After meeting this professionals-to-watch at BoConcept in Georgetown for interviews and portraits, we’re proud to share their work. We predict you’ll be seeing more of these rising stars.
Paul Miller
Laura Fox
Byron Risdon
Sallie Kjos
Katie DeStefano
Describe how a project reached a boiling point and you came to the rescue.
“Recently, we were brought in after a new custom-build project stalled because the clients were unsure of the selections the builder—who they felt had not grasped their taste and vision—was making. We were challenged with translating what they wanted and making selections quickly to keep the project on schedule. We were able to speed up the process using sources the builder did not know. In the end, we gave the owners exactly what they wanted.” —Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
What was the most challenging collection you’ve organized for a client and how did you display it?
“My clients had a collection of artifacts from an archaeological dig on their property prior to construction. I was intrigued—but to my dismay, the artifacts turned out to be shards—file boxes of buttons and other bits. I discarded everything except some blue-and-white pottery pieces, old keys, primitive buttons and tools. I had the pieces dry-mounted and framed and added photography of the site. A gallery wall now tells the property’s story.” —Marlene Dennis, Marlene Dennis Design
What’s the secret to creating timeless décor?
“Very few timeless rooms are created by following trends. It is better to start with the needs of the space and the things you love; that combination will produce a home you never tire of. Layers are necessary for timeless décor: furniture that blends, captivates and is never jarring; color and pattern that create a lovely composition; and textures and contrast, which bring a sense of balance.” —Skip Sroka, ASID, Sroka Design Inc.
Why is working with an interior designer more affordable than not?
“Working with a designer can ensure you get it right the first time, and get pieces that you’ll want to keep for the long haul." —Carmel Greer, AIA, LEED AP, District Design
How does color influence the way a space makes you feel and why is it so important?
“We talk about colors being warm or cold, dramatic or calming, because each color triggers a subjective response—especially when you’re experiencing it for the first time. Color is the foundation upon which other elements of an orchestrated space are decided and built.” —Lori Duval, J&L Interiors
"Color is very effective in delivering the mood of a space, and can transform your environment. It's important because it has the ability to create ambiance and set a tone. It's truly an essential element of effective interior design." —Vicky Lal, Vicky Lal Interior Design
How do you avoid sensory overload when choosing fabrics and wall coverings?
“I usually choose a signature fabric or wallpaper with elements that allow me to pull out colors and coordinating textures, and develop options for furnishings and accessories from there. Once I find a key pattern and color, I am halfway there. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the design process.” —Katalin Farnady, Allied ASID, Farnady Interiors
What is your favorite way to jumpstart a project/find inspiration?
“I get a sense of my clients’ likes, dislikes, wants and needs. This usually gives us a good starting point. But my favorite thing is when I find something that my clients have a connection to—artwork that reminds them of their recent travels, a color palette that conjures a wonderful memory or a pattern that reflects their culture.” —Charles Almonte, AIA, ASID, Charles Almonte Architecture | Interior Design
How can a client and designer best establish open channels of communication?
“Effective and frequent communication and collaboration between client and designer is THE focal point of the design process. On day one, my clients and I agree on all style preferences, processes and expectations to ensure no surprises—cost- or design-wise. Great communication allows for an exquisite design!” —Rachel James, Rachel James Interiors
"Open communication is vital to ensure all parties consistently agree, and this happens through meetings (on site or at the firm), email and phone conversation. Direct and honest discussions are imperative concerning the client’s budget and services being rendered by the designer and firm. An understanding of these subjects will result in a happy client." —Sun Lee, Washingtonian Interiors
What is a common misconception about working with a designer?
“That a designer will impose his or her own style versus interpreting the client’s vision. Typically, designers use one of two methods: They interpret the client’s taste or offer their own signature look. The former means the client’s style is the creative focus. The latter focuses on the designer’s style—which is great if the homeowner has hired them for that look." —Paula Grace Halewski, Allied ASID, Paula Grace Designs
How do you help clients visualize what a finished space will look like?
“We start by asking clients how theywant to experience the space. Is it used mostly at night or during the day? By kids or adults? Should it feel cozy and moody or bright and airy? What feelings should the room encourage in the people who use it? The answers to those questions influence our recommendations and choices." —Kirsten Anthony Kaplan, Haus Interior Design
How do you help clients edit their furniture and art?
“In one case, a client had so much pottery we couldn’t see the forest for the trees. We built 11 pedestals so they could exhibit 11 pieces at a time, then rotate the rest. The client loved the idea and said it was like constantly having new pieces, or like seeing old friends again.” —Jamie Merida, Bountiful Interiors
What is your biggest pet peeve about design-related reality shows?
“I think design shows often depict a false reality in terms of the work that goes into a design project. I’ve had clients say they used a show like ‘Property Brothers’ to come up with a realistic budget—and it was $10,000 less than it would be in our area. Also, the timeframes are unrealistic and clients are taken aback by how long a project actually takes.” —Paola McDonald, Olamar Interiors
How do you ensure everything is scaled properly?
"Ensuring proper scaling in a room is somewhat intuitive. Measuring each item carefully is the first task. Then the goal is to mix things up to create a blend of pieces with a little “tension” in the arrangement." —Susan Gulick, Susan Gulick Interiors
APRIL 19, 2017—Home & Design toasted the publication of its May/June issue with a party at B&F Ceramics in Fairfax. Guests browsed kitchen and bath displays and enjoyed an evening of networking
APRIL 20, 2017—The National Kitchen & Bath Association Baltimore-Washington Chapter held its annual Design Awards presentation at Bethesda’s Pooks Hill Marriott. Home & Design sponsored the awards. To see the winning entries click here.
MAY 4, 2017—Guests celebrated Closet Factory’s grand opening in Vienna, Virginia, at a festive reception. The new showroom features a wide array of ideas and solutions for creating perfectly organized spaces.
One crisp morning last fall, Michael Weiss joined friends on a boat trip to Baltimore. After breakfast in Fells Point, they headed for the Inner Harbor. “I was struck by the diversity of the skyline, which combined old and new architecture as well as commercial and residential buildings,” says Weiss, a Silver Spring, Maryland, photographer who also happens to be a NASA engineer. “The sky was especially clear that day, so there was a nice contrast. I was piloting the boat, but had to take a camera break to capture the harbor.”
At a gala event on February 18, held at the Pooks Hill Marriott in Bethesda, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter announced the 2016 Contractor of the Year (COTY) Awards, given to a wide range of remodeling and custom-building projects in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. An independent panel of judges reviewed 114 submissions to select the winners in 34 categories. Home & Design, a media sponsor, gave one of the winners its Award of Excellence for exceptional design. The following pages list the winners; three outstanding projects are featured beginning on page 158. All award-winning projects can be viewed on the chapter’s website, narimetrodc.org.
HOME & DESIGN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BOWA.
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $30,000 TO $60,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; MERIT: Lofft Construction Inc.; FINALIST: Remodel Virginia, LLC; HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $60,001 TO $100,000
GRAND: CARNEMARK systems + design; MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $100,001 TO $150,000
GRAND: Gilday Renovations; MERIT: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; FINALIST: Finesse Design Remodeling.
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN OVER $150,000
GRAND: P.A. Portner Inc.; MERIT: WINN Design + Build; FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $25,000
GRAND: TriVista USA, LLC; MERIT: Karma Home Designs.
RESIDENTIAL BATH $25,000 TO $50,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders. FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL BATH $50,001 TO $75,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; MERIT: Superior Home Services, Inc.; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL BATH $75,001 TO $100,000
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; MERIT: Daniels Design & Remodeling; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL BATH OVER $100,000
GRAND: Berriz Design; MERIT: BOWA; FINALIST: Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR UNDER $75,000
GRAND: Levine Group Architects + Builders, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR $75,000 TO $150,000
GRAND: Karma Home Designs; MERIT: Finesse Design Remodeling; FINALIST: Wentworth, Inc.; HONORABLE MENTIONS: Bowers Design Build, Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR OVER $150,000
GRAND: Anthony Wilder Design/Build; MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR ELEMENT UNDER $30,000
GRAND: Landis Architects/Builders; MERIT: Merrick Design and Build, Inc.; FINALIST: Superior Home Services, Inc.
COMMERCIAL INTERIOR
GRAND: Superior Home Services, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL ADDITION UNDER $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; MERIT: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL ADDITION $100,000 TO $250,000
GRAND: Heltzelhaus, Inc.; MERIT: Merrick Design and Build Inc.; FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL ADDITION OVER $250,000
GRAND: Anthony Wilder Design/Build; MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR UNDER $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR $100,000 TO $200,000
GRAND: Alco Products Company, Inc.
RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR OVER $200,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build.
ENTIRE HOUSE UNDER $250,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; MERIT: Remodel Virginia, Inc.; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
ENTIRE HOUSE $250,000 TO $500,000
GRAND: Remodel Virginia, Inc.; MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; FINALIST: Remodel Virginia, Inc.
ENTIRE HOUSE $500,001 TO $750,000
GRAND: WINN Design + Build; MERIT: Landis Architects/Builders.
ENTIRE HOUSE $750,001 TO $1,000,000
GRAND: TriVista USA, LLC; MERIT: DE | design, llc.
ENTIRE HOUSE OVER $1,000,000
GRAND: BOWA.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS UNDER $15,000
GRAND: TriVista USA, LLC; MERIT: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL RENOVATION/RESTORATION
UNDER $250,000
MERIT: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
RESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL RENOVATION/RESTORATION
$250,000 AND OVER
GRAND: Thomas Archer, LLC.
RESIDENTIAL DETACHED STRUCTURE
GRAND: Harry Braswell, Inc.; MERIT: KohlMark Group.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/OUTDOOR LIVING UNDER $60,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/OUTDOOR LIVING $60,000 AND OVER
GRAND: Berriz Design; MERIT: Wentworth, Inc.; FINALIST: TriVista USA, LLC.
BASEMENT UNDER $50,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
BASEMENT $50,000 TO $100,000
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; MERIT: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes; FINALIST: Michael Nash Design Build & Homes.
BASEMENT OVER $100,000
GRAND: Anthony Wilder Design/Build; MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.; FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
