Category: Studio News

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am an architect with a passion for the study and practice of traditional, classical, and modern residential architecture. I grew up in the New York City area, met and married my high school sweetheart and have three amazing children, two of which are grown, and one is currently in high school. Although architecture touches almost every aspect of my life, my second passion is cooking – I love to share meals with my family and friends!

2. Tell us about your architectural design journey. How did you get started and how did you get here?

My architectural journey started way back in the first grade! I saw a picture of the Taj Mahal in a book about India – I remember being captivated by it; I began to draw it and study its shapes and interesting

forms. I have continued that process of drawing and studying architecture to this day. I was introduced to the work of Purple Cherry Architects through social and print media. The beauty and elegance of the projects and the visions that Cathy and her team have created inspired me instantly.

3. How would you describe your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is rooted in the study of architectural history. I love learning from the masterworks of the past; often solutions for design problems can come from this inspiration. I love the axial arrangements of Beaux-Arts architecture, and because of this I try to incorporate longer and thinner compositions into my design work. It creates connections through rooms and infuses natural light to all aspects of the plans.

4. How do you work with a client to understand their needs?

To truly connect with a client, you have to be a dedicated listener. Listening carefully to their thoughts, ideas, vision, and dreams creates a magical relationship where beautiful designs can be brought to life! I also hand sketch while we are meeting to quickly test ideas and design concepts.

5. What is the best advice you have ever received (either personally or professionally)?

Treat every person you meet as if they are the most important person in the world.

6. What inspires you?

Architecturally, history and older homes of the past inspire me. They have so many interesting and quiet lessons to teach if you slow down, pay attention, and listen. Personally, I am inspired by my family and my faith.

7. What is your favorite architectural design book?

To an architectural book collector, this is an impossible question to answer. But if I had to choose, there would be two: A Monograph of the Work of Mellor, Meigs & Howe from the 1920’s and Robert A.M. Stern Buildings and Projects 1987-1992. A Monograph of the Work of Mellor, Meigs & Howe is so amazing and it teaches me something every time I open it! They brilliantly combined elements of English country houses and French farmhouses into picturesque and uniquely American compositions. Robert A.M. Stern Buildings and Projects 1987-1992 was my first and most important book in my architectural collection. The work depicted had such a profound impact on me and taught me about so many architects that were inspirational to Mr. Stern — I will be forever grateful for his inspiration and in admiration for his talent and knowledge of history.

8. Which architectural design rule or concept do you refer to over and over?

While each project is unique, I think I try to create plans and elevations that are more linear or axial in their compositions. Thinner buildings have more picturesque rooflines and allow natural light to touch more of the plan. I also try to incorporate distinctive vertical elements that define important plan changes (such as stair towers and turrets). Porches tend to add layers of indoor/outdoor “rooms” which help anchor a house to the landscape and gardens.

9. In your opinion, what is one thing that will never go out of style?

Honest materials like real stone, real heavy wood timber, and slate roofs will never go out of style as they tend to look a little better as they age — the patina that makes you want to hand down a home to a future generation.

10. What are five things you can’t live without right now?

1. I love to read English literature, so any work from Dickens or the Bronte sisters. I am currently reading Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

2. Derwent Graphitint Pencils – I love sketching with them.

3. Moleskine soft cover plain journals travel with me everywhere.

4. National Hockey League playoff games. I am a huge fan of the New York Rangers!

5. Really good dark chocolate.

Every architect has probably had the experience of telling a new acquaintance they’re an architect, and being told, “I always wanted to be an architect, but I couldn’t handle the math.”

While it’s true that most architects have to take calculus in school, the reality of architectural practice is that there’s very little math involved, at least in terms of calculations or high-level mathematical concepts. What architects do need is a good understanding of three-dimensional geometrical relationships and the ability to envision a space and its component parts. While it may be related to geometry or trigonometry, this type of understanding also shares many concepts with the visual arts such as symmetry, balance, composition, and proportion having equal or greater weight than numerical precision.

Yet the misunderstanding of the role of math in architecture isn’t too surprising – many people never need to hire an architect, so their personal experience with the profession is limited. Also, architecture is a fairly small profession. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), whose membership consists of the licensing boards of the U.S. states and territories, reports 115,316 licensed architects in the United States in 2019. By comparison, there are over 600,000 Certified Public Accountants, 1.1 million medical doctors, and 1.3 million attorneys.

So what do architects really do? The simple answer, which almost anyone can give, is that architects design buildings. However, that seemingly simple word “design” encompasses a wide variety of tasks, which take many different forms throughout the design process. Far more than simply making the building look beautiful, designing is fundamentally the process of synthesizing multiple, sometimes competing (if not outright contradictory), needs and priorities into a single, harmonious building.

Early design sketches must balance relative room sizes and adjacencies, circulation patterns, views, functional relationships, and dozens of other factors to create a practical and pleasing design. As a design develops, the architect must respect the realities of construction, using materials and building systems appropriately to ensure the building’s durability and function. Architects must coordinate their own work with the work of consultants such as structural and civil engineers and other designers such as interior designers and landscape architects. Elements like structural beams and columns, heating and ventilation ducts, and piping systems must be incorporated into the building without causing conflicts with other systems and design priorities. Specialized systems such as lighting control and audio/video installations bring their own concerns that must be addressed. Building and zoning codes bring requirements to safeguard occupants and conform to desired patterns of development.

Architects have often been compared to the conductor of an orchestra, responsible for the oversight of numerous different groups of musicians. It’s a good analogy, since the architect is the one responsible for making sure the work of the different consultants, designers, and contractors comes together to create a finished project that meets all project requirements, whether they are visual, technical, or regulatory. Even if we do leave most of the math to the engineers…

Written by Alan Cook, LEED AP, Studio Director
Since 2014, Alan Cook has brought his passion, leadership, and expertise to Purple Cherry Architects. With a deep understanding of environmental design, coupled with over twenty years’ experience, Alan brings to each project a valuable interdisciplinary perspective. A graduate of Syracuse University School of Architecture, Alan has extensive experience with custom residential, historic preservation, adaptive reuse and commercial projects. He notes, “My passion for architecture is fueled by the fulfilling aspects of problem-solving combined with the delight of helping clients create homes of remarkable beauty and functionality.” Outside the office, Alan serves on the board of Girls on The Run Greater Chesapeake.

For many of us, dogs are much more than pets – they’re full-fledged, four-legged, furry family members. After welcoming a dog into your life, it can be hard to imagine arriving home without a wet nose and wagging tail greeting you at the door. But even the most dog-friendly homeowner recognizes that loving our canine companions can bring design challenges. Fortunately, skilled design can provide creative solutions, many of which will be appreciated by the two-legged residents as well!

Maybe the most difficult choice to make when bringing dogs into the home is the selection of flooring material. Dogs’ claws can be damaging to wood floors, particularly if the dog is a larger breed. Softer woods like pine are not advisable for a canine-inclusive household, however beautiful they may be. If more dense wood species are used, such as oak or walnut, damage to the wood itself can be minimized. Also, selecting the cut of the wood carefully will help: rift-and-quarter cut wood exposes less of the soft wood grain to the surface of the floor than plainsawn lumber of the same species.

Carpet can be subject to stains, but it can also help reduce wear on high-impact areas like stairs. A runner installed over wood treads can keep scratches from forming on a staircase. Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles are excellent choices for durable, cleanable, flooring materials in spaces where dogs spend their time. They also resist water damage if your dog, like mine, tends to walk away from the water bowl before swallowing. Grout in natural stone tile floors should always be sealed to reduce staining, although some very light colors may still show discoloration as time passes.

A great design solution is to designate an area of the home to house most of the dog’s needs in one location. This could include a spot for food and drink bowls; a kennel or crate if desired or a dog bed if not; storage for food and other supplies; a dog washing station; and a way to contain your pup while you’re away or company is visiting. Often, all of these functions can be combined with another favorite feature: the mudroom.

Making the mudroom a dog-friendly zone makes sense for many reasons. Dogs are often muddy or wet when they come inside, particularly at waterfront properties. Having an entrance with water-resistant floors provides a chance to get inside and cleaned up before tracking mud throughout the rest of the house. Cabinets and cubbies can store towels, leashes, food, and other dog supplies. In some cases, a linked series of spaces can provide an entrance, storage, and even laundry and dog-washing facilities in the same area, while still keeping the mess under control and out of sight.

A dedicated dog wash is another often-requested feature. This is essentially a dedicated dog shower, with the surface elevated above the floor high enough that the owner can comfortably wash the dog while standing. Tile wall and floor finishes and glass partitions can help contain splashing, and a handheld nozzle makes it easy to wash and rinse. Placed near a washer and dryer, this setup makes light work out of keeping a dog clean.

Many owners, however much they love their canine companions, still require a way to isolate their dog to a particular area from time to time. A great option for all but the largest (or most athletic!) dogs is a Dutch door. Closing the bottom contains the dog, without the sometimes-unsightly appearance of a temporary pet gate. Built-in gates are also available, which can either slide into a wall like a pocket door or lift up out of the way to be concealed in a door jamb.

While living with dogs can bring some specific needs and obstacles, it’s also true that both humans and canines like many of the same things: a place to come inside and get cleaned up after a day at the beach or in the woods; a comfortable spot to eat and drink; and a cozy space to sit and relax. Built-in benches and window seats can provide a charming spot for a comfortable moment’s rest and relaxation, whether you arrive on two legs or four. In the end, you may find that your pet’s favorite spot in the house is the same as yours.

Written by Alan Cook, LEED AP, Studio Director
Since 2014, Alan Cook has brought his passion, leadership, and expertise to Purple Cherry Architects. With a deep understanding of environmental design, coupled with over twenty years’ experience, Alan brings to each project a valuable interdisciplinary perspective. A graduate of Syracuse University School of Architecture, Alan has extensive experience with custom residential, historic preservation, adaptive reuse and commercial projects. He notes, “My passion for architecture is fueled by the fulfilling aspects of problem-solving combined with the delight of helping clients create homes of remarkable beauty and functionality.” Outside the office, Alan serves on the board of Girls on The Run Greater Chesapeake.

When designing a new home or remodeling an existing home, the decisions that often have the most visible impact are the ones made regarding exterior finishes. As custom residential architects, we begin these discussions early on in the design process because the decisions tie heavily into what style of home a client is designing and at what budget – whether it is Nantucket shingle style, a sprawling modern, or a classic Georgian. The selection of exterior materials can also impart a significant emotional reaction. Imagine how different a warm cedar shake exterior feels in comparison to sleek, white nickel gap siding.

Each style of home offers numerous choices of exterior finishes at varying price points. For example, a modern home could have synthetic paneling, wood lap siding and a stone veneer. A country retreat could encompass board and batten, lap siding, and painted brick. While wood is an incredibly beautiful living finish, it also requires regular maintenance, and increasingly, clients are requesting exterior finishes with minimal to no upkeep. After all, not many homeowners are interested in re-staining their house every five to seven years.

To help you understand the variety of exterior siding options available and what makes each unique, we will begin with a general overview of some of the more commonly used siding styles and then summarize the different types of siding materials as well as their characteristics.

Style

Lap or Clapboard Siding: Lap siding is horizontal siding with thin plank boards that overlap each other, creating a natural “rain barrier”. Clapboard typically refers to the same lap, but often more specifically has a bead or bevel at the bottom (although these two terms are often interchangeable). This style is possibly the most universally used and is typically found in Georgian, modern, traditional and even cottage-style homes.

Shiplap: If you have ever watched HGTV’s Fixer Upper, you know exactly what shiplap is! While very similar in appearance to lap siding, shiplap is comprised of horizontal boards that are butted together in the same flush plane. Historically, these are boards would have been found as a substrate for walls behind plaster or wallpaper or even on the exterior of a barn. They are butted flat ends and tend to have gaps between, as well as a channel that allows for overlapping to provide a “rain screen”. While you would traditionally see shiplap used in coastal, cottage or farmhouses, you can also find it in modern and transitional homes.

Cedar Shakes or Shingle: Cedar shakes and shingles are similar types of wood siding. The primary difference is that wood shingles are more precisely milled and uniform and shakes have a more irregular and hand split texture that some homeowners love. Shakes and shingles can be installed in a variety of ways, each of which offer a distinctive quality to the style of the home:

• Keyway: Vertical spacing between shingles lends visual interest and traditional appeal.
• Contemporary: Set tight and touching to add a smooth, uniform finish to modern designs.
• Even Butt: Creates a consistent, symmetrical line in keeping with newer styles.
• Staggered Butt: Adds character and dimensionality to a home’s finished appearance.

Nickel Gap Siding: Nickel gap siding is very similar to shiplap and lap siding. These thin plank boards run horizontally or vertically and have a small gap between the boards about the thickness of a nickel, hence the name. These thin plank boards are made with an interlocking “tongue and groove” profile on all four sides, so they don’t overlap at all. This also helps set the spacing and provide a uniform gap – a simple, beautiful detail that feels very modern.

Board and Batten Siding: Board and batten is similar to vertical nickel gap in that it is a series of thin plank boards installed vertically in the same plane with an intentional gap, but with the introduction of a batten that overlays on top of the boards covering the gap. Board and batten is commonly used on farmhouse or cottage style homes and is often incorporated into accent walls, backsplashes and fireplaces in modern and transitional homes.

Material

Commonly used siding materials include fiber cement, PVC, poly-ash, and wood.

Fiber Cement: Fiber cement is composite material made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers. It is mold/mildew resistant and resists bugs and insect damage. Fiber cement typically comes in lap siding, board and batten, shingle (lap form) and exterior trim. It has minimal expansion and contraction. While durable, it can be very fragile during installation and does have some clearance requirements to ground water. It is a very cost effective and low maintenance siding option.

PVC: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. The product is similar to fiber cement in that it is mold/mildew resistant, resists bugs and insect damage. PVC typically comes in lap siding, board & batten, shingle and exterior trim. It comes in full thickness products similar to wood as well as in vinyl siding and trim, which are typically found on production homes.

Poly-Ash: Poly-ash products are made with fly-ash, a by-product recovered from coal combustion. When fly-ash is combined with polymers, it becomes a durable material that is ideally suited for exterior siding and trim. Once installed, the material is resistant to moisture and bugs. Poly-ash is a great alternative to PVC and fiber cement – although it is slightly more expensive, it has significantly less expansion and contraction.

Wood: Wood is obviously a beautiful natural siding and trim material that has been used for centuries. Cedar is commonly used in shake or shingle applications; cypress and accoya are commonly used as siding. Some wood species such as cedar and cypress have a natural resistance to insects and are better protected from rot though all are prone to decay, mold and mildew. All wood types need protection by paint or stain and will require continual maintenance.

In the end, the siding of a house is akin to the clothing we wear. Our choice of clothes depends as much on location (a sweater and boots wouldn’t be comfortable in southern Florida) as well as the fashion statement we want to make. And of course, there’s the budget factor. But unlike our clothes, we can’t change our siding material easily. Even though we can change colors and accessories depending on the material chosen, most of us take a “one and done” approach to the exterior of our homes.

Much like a classic leather jacket, we want siding that looks good on day one and for many years to come.

Written by Doug Kuchta, RA, NCARB, Project Manager
With an architect father, and a childhood home often under construction, Doug Kuchta has long been intrigued by the technical aspects of how structures are built. A graduate from Morgan State University School of Architecture, Doug’s experience includes both commercial and residential projects. Always ready to roll up his sleeves, Doug explains, “When you can use architecture to overcome a challenging design situation and create something beautiful, purposeful, and balanced, it is amazing.”

An old song says “you’re never fully dressed without a smile.” While it might not be as catchy, it’s also true that no house is complete without an attractive and watertight roof. While we won’t quit our day jobs to write song lyrics, we will note that selecting the roofing material for a house is a decision that must be made keeping a multitude of factors in mind.

Not only is the roof’s appearance often a primary visual element of a house’s design, but the weather-tightness and longevity of a roof is a major concern for the homeowner. Many good options are available and each material has its own benefits and drawbacks that should be considered.

Asphalt Shingles: The most common and cost-effective roofing material, asphalt shingles are much improved from the basic three-tab or strip shingles that were common years ago, which are still used on lower-cost homes. Typically called “architectural” or “dimensional” shingles, heavy-duty asphalt shingles are made with multiple layers of asphalt, giving them a thicker edge and more pronounced shadow line than strip shingles. This manufacturing method allows the shingles to be shaped to resemble wood or slate roofs, creating an attractive visual texture. Manufacturers offer a huge variety of textures and colors, allowing asphalt roofs to complement almost any palette of materials. Warranties are commonly 40-50 years, with lifetime warranties available from some companies. Asphalt is effective across a large range of roof slopes and can be used on pitches as low as 4/12, with some manufacturers allowing even flatter pitches. Although some color fading can be expected, the appearance of an asphalt shingle roof doesn’t greatly change over its lifetime.

Wood Shakes and Wood Shingles: A classic traditional building material, wood shakes are appropriate for Shingle Style, colonial, and Nantucket-style architecture. When used with wall shingles or clapboard siding, they provide a timeless appearance. As a natural material, they are not a good choice for extremely arid areas with a high probability of fires. The most common wood used in roofing shakes and shingles is cedar, although redwood is used as well. Shakes are made by splitting logs, and are most often left with the rough split faces showing to create a more regularly shaped product.

Wood shingles are sawn on both sides, are thinner than shakes and are butt and square. A properly installed and maintained wood roof can last 50 years. One of the most attractive features of a wood shake or shingle roof is the naturally weathering finish. Not every homeowner appreciates or wants the appearance of a natural material with a “living” finish that changes over time, but for those who are seeking the look of that traditional weathering, wood shakes or shingles roofs are unmatched. The initial cost of a wood shake or shingle roof can be three to four times as much as asphalt shingles. Because wood roofing is subject to decay, it must be carefully installed so that it can breathe, most often over a ventilated underlayment.

Metal Roofing: Most metal roofing used residentially is standing seam, although flat seamed roofing is used on very low slopes or complex curved surfaces. Standing seam roofing is typically made from aluminum, steel or copper, although less frequently other metals such as titanium can be used. Aluminum’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it an excellent choice for marine environments where salt can accelerate corrosion. Steel roofing tends to be slightly less expensive than aluminum, and it can be coated with either zinc (galvanized) or a zinc/aluminum alloy (galvalume), or it can receive a painted finish to provide protection to the metal – infinite color options are available. Copper roofing can be left unprotected, since the natural oxidization of the metal creates a natural protective coating called patina.

The patina naturally develops over time, changing from the bright finish of a new penny to a dark bronze in just a few weeks, ultimately turning to a pale green color after months or years of weathering. Since metal roofing has been used for centuries, it can complement almost any architectural style. It is forgiving of low slopes, particularly when flat seamed. While steel or aluminum roofing costs around three to four times as much as an asphalt shingle roof, and copper roofing even more, its life span can be 50-100 years. Metal roof installers must take care to use compatible metals throughout a roofing installation, since placing dissimilar metals against one another can degrade metals through a process called galvanic corrosion, drastically shortening a roof’s life.

Natural Slate: One of the longest-lasting roofing materials, slate has a long history as a building component. Most often used in traditional architecture, slate gives an impression of permanence and quality to any structure. That long life comes at a price, as a slate roof can cost up to three times as much as a metal roof. Since slate is a type of stone, slate roofing tiles weigh far more than any other roofing option, and that great weight must be accounted for during the structural design of a home. The flashing used with a slate roof is likely to be the weakest link in the roofing system, so the installer should pay careful attention to detailing and installation to ensure the entire roofing system lasts as long as the slates themselves.

Regardless of style or budget, every house needs a reliable and beautiful roofing system.  Selecting the right material for the job will help keep a smile on the owner’s face for years to come.

Written by Alan Cook, studio director at PCA

If you are a follower of PCA posts on social media, you will see everything from exciting project updates, to blogs filled with interesting tidbits, to fun-filled event pictures and so much more! You will also see posts about various team members, in the community, giving back—something that PCA holds near and dear to its heart! One of the most long-standing philanthropy efforts you will see from time to time is the firm’s involvement at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. The keyword in that statement is “firm”. While we have various members involved in all sorts of volunteering efforts throughout the region, all members of the firm are participants in Ronald McDonald House at some time or another.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities were established to create, find, and support programs directly related to improving the health and well-being of children and their families. If you visit one of the many Ronald McDonald houses in the country, you will find pediatric patients being treated for various medical reasons. Some behavioral. Some physical.

PCA has been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore for over 15 years. What do we do, you ask? Every other month on one Tuesday evening, we gather the forces! Co-workers, friends, family, even some vendors like Chesapeake Tile and Marble, all jump on the highway, fighting rush hour traffic, to make dinner and dessert for all the families staying at the house. This is a tradition that Cathy Purple Cherry started and the rest of PCA jumped onboard truly loving and embracing it!

In spring 2019, the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore moved from its location near Lexington Market to Aisquith Street across town, allowing it to double its capacity in a new 60,000 square foot state of the art building. The new house provides a brand new kitchen with all new appliances, induction cooktop, commercial dishwashers, and storage for all visitors. One of the neatest features is the rooftop terrace that PCA was able to experience one night after cooking dinner. The comfortable outdoor seating, fire pits, and water features truly create a place where families can go between hospital visits to seek a little bit of respite. There can be up to 100 individuals staying at the house. Look at some of the great spaces!

People often say that the Ronal McDonald House is “the house that love built”. This is only supported more by the oversized 26’ heart on top of the building that lights the way for anyone who stays or volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. In addition to the heart that you can see for miles, the patients, their families, and volunteers have also left their own mark. The house calls them “hope stones”- containing messages of hope and encouragement, all captured through installations near the elevators. Even local artists donated over 250 pieces to decorate the house in the house’s “All You Need is Love” project.

PCA has first-handedly seen the greatness that the Ronald McDonald House provides. The house really provides comfort to patients and families going through difficult times. Recently, the PCA gals took a Towson University student, also a patient, out to get her nails done! Another fun connection, one of our beloved clients was the co-chair of the fundraising campaign for the new house.

We are just one of the many organizations that support the Roald McDonald House. We have made great friends with patients, staff and other volunteers and they have all truly inspired us. They remind us to always keep fighting, do well, and that God has a plan.

Do not think you will only find us in the kitchen!  We have also had team members participate in the annual Red Shoe Shuffle, a 5K Run/Walk to help support the house. If you are a runner, lace up those running shoes! This annual run happens early spring, starting and ending at the house! This year, the new house means a new course! Take a look at the Red Shoe Shuffle page for details. Who knows… maybe you will see one of us there!

5K not your thing? That’s okay! You can still join us in support of the Ronald McDonald house. Be sure to check the website for all volunteer opportunities or join the PCA team one night for dinner?!

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA