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Purple Cherry Architects has been fortunate to design houses in many different styles and at a range of scales, from grand estates to small getaways, from traditional to contemporary, and just about everything in between. If there is one architectural element that occurs more than any other, it must be the great room.

By definition, a great room is simply a large, open space that houses the primary living functions of a house, most often including the living room, dining room, and kitchen functions.

In contrast to historic houses, which typically isolated each of these functions within its own separate room, contemporary designs frequently group them together to create the largest single volume of space in the house. This common area – or core – functions as the center of activity in the home, both for everyday activities and when entertaining.

Several changes in lifestyle have contributed to clients’ desire for a communal living space in the center of the home. Cooking, once the responsibility of servants and done far from the primary living spaces, is now shared among the members of the family, who naturally want to stay close to others when preparing meals.

Modern entertaining has also become more casual. Rather than serving full meals at a formal dining table, today most people want visitors to gather around the kitchen island as they cook, maybe with the television on at the other end of the room. A great room incorporating the kitchen, an eating space – either more formal, with a designated dining table, or relaxed, maybe with comfortable stools around a second kitchen island – and a seating group focused on a fireplace or television (or both!) creates the perfect space for gathering people together.

For houses with great views, whether of water, mountains, or landscape, the great room can maximize residents’ access to and experience with the vistas. Many of the important activities of day-to-day life will happen in and around the great room, so placing the space where it captures the best views allows occupants to experience the view, whatever activity they may be doing.

The large, open space of the great room also allows views through it from other spaces, providing exposure to the landscape from connected spaces throughout the house.

Of course, nothing enhances a great room more than access to a fantastic outdoor patio, deck, or screened porch that creates a strong connection to the outside environment. Such outdoor amenities expand the living space of the house outward – sometimes almost doubling the space of the great room – and are particularly appreciated when entertaining large groups.

Flexibility is one of the keys to the great room’s popularity and success. Although the kitchen, dining, and living area make up the most common combination of spaces in a great room, they are by no means the only possibilities. Clients who prefer a formal dining room may choose to create it within a defined space, either connected to or totally remote from the great room, depending on the character of the space they want to create.

An informal dining or breakfast room can also be incorporated, creating different dining experiences within the same general area of the house.

Those who dislike clutter may prefer to hide the primary kitchen prep area, with its appliances and storage requirements, in a back kitchen, leaving the main kitchen and living area as a comfortable refuge free from such distractions.

For the increasing number of individuals working from home, a home office can be incorporated into a great room, either within the main volume of the room or as a semi-private alcove. In addition, many other supporting spaces often surround the great room to provide additional functions. Pantries, butler’s pantries, and back kitchens are natural accessory spaces, which house many necessities while keeping them out of sight. Similarly, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and home offices often find their place near the great room.

Regardless of the style of the architecture or the scale of a house, a beautiful and functional great room that combines many of the most-used spaces into a stunning and welcoming core of a home is a feature almost any homeowner will value and appreciate.

Written by Alan Cook, LEED AP, Associate
Alan’s architectural designs are infused with an interdisciplinary perspective gained over two decades in the field. His broad experience and passion for environmental design, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and commercial projects enhance every residential commission. To help clients create beautiful homes that exceed expectations, Alan relishes the complexities that translate aspirations and vision into a unified result. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Alan also holds a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture. He has worked with Purple Cherry since 2014. Outside of the office, Alan serves on the board of Girls on The Run Greater Chesapeake.

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A window seat is exactly what it suggests: a built-in seat located adjacent to a window. Sadly, many window seats end up unused and collecting dust for a number of reasons. Yet, when thoughtfully designed, a window seat can offer fantastic functionality, can be incredibly comfortable, and can serve as a beautiful and timeless design element.

Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when planning for and designing a window seat.

Function
Whether you are designing a new home or renovating your existing home, functionality is important. Our spaces should not only be beautiful, but should serve a purpose, as well. Case in point: window seats can be more than just a pretty nook – they can also house drawers for blankets or pillows or be surrounded by built-in bookshelves for added shelf space. While storage may be the ultimate function, window seats can be a terrific solution for hiding unsightly radiators, duct work, or structural beams, when necessary.

Comfort
While a window seat may have a valid storage function, it is equally important that is designed to be comfortable for its main purpose: sitting! If it isn’t comfortable, it will not get used. Too often, window seats do not have adequate cushions or require leaning up against a window with no support. While space constraints may not allow you to address all issues, there are steps that can be taken to increase the overall comfort level. Incorporate plush cushions, pillows, and blankets to add extra coziness to the space. If space allows, incorporate a sloped back to lean against for added comfort. And if space allows for a deep windowsill, consider making it large enough to double as a guest bed for even more added value. Creating a window seat big enough to also serve as a bed also means that it can be valuable for multiple generations – your children can use it as a reading nook, your children’s friends can sleep on it during future sleepovers, and your grandchildren can sleep on it one day when they visit with their parents.

Timelessness
Design trends come and go, so creating a window seat that will remain timeless through the fads will ensure it will be used for years to come. Finishes such as paint, light fixtures, and even hardware can be easily swapped out as time goes on, but the trim and millwork details are permanent, so you will want to consider those elements carefully: you don’t want too much or too little. Too little trim can make the space feel sterile, while too much millwork can feel over the top or even dated. Of course, in addition to the overall style of the window seat, its function and comfort will contribute to its timelessness.

While each window seat is unique due to the space it is housed in, taking these points into consideration when planning will help to ensure your window seat is functional, comfortable, and as timeless as possible. What elements can you incorporate to make the space as successful as possible? As for me, I have been gathering some ideas for my future window seat, but don’t tell my husband…we have a few other projects to finish before we add “window seat upgrade” to our home improvement list.

By: Ashley Babaian, Associate
A graduate of The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning, Ashley concentrated her studies on Sacred Architecture. In addition to her love for residential architecture work, she also focuses on Purposeful Architecture, Purple Cherry’s non-profit division, where she specializes in designing environments for individuals with special needs. Passionate and energetic, Ashley is also committed to her community, serving as a board member of the Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Chesapeake Kids program. She actively volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Habitat for Humanity Choptank, and the Anne Arundel County SPCA.

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When imagining a traditional pool house, one might envision a practical little structure comprised of a small bathroom/changing room, pool equipment storage, and potentially a little covered seating area. Historically, the pool house’s main function has been very utilitarian, which could also make it very unexciting. However, the practical pool houses of yesterday have evolved into dreamy structures that now serve as the central hub of modern outdoor living, offering a truly full-service experience.

In addition to meeting functional requirements, today’s pool houses offer both indoor and outdoor lounge spaces with stone fireplaces, conditioned spaces with foldaway glass walls creating the ability for year-round use, full kitchen and dining spaces accommodating everything from lunch for the kids to full farm-to-table meals, built-in gourmet grilling centers with entertaining features such as pizza ovens and ceramic smokers, outdoor fire pit, and full scale bar spaces taking the form of anything from a rustic barn to a modern sports bar aesthetic. To create a truly experiential space for friends and family to gather, some pool houses are also designed to accommodate pool tables or ping pong tables, home gyms, and guest suites, and can also be supported by a bocce ball court, croquet court, pickle ball court, or playground space.

The beauty of today’s pool house is that it is also designed to withstand natural wear and tear – we incorporate durable stone and tile flooring, Sunbrella fabrics, and outdoor furniture designed to handle the elements. That said, the real power of a pool house is that it relocates the messier elements of fun activities away from the more delicate interiors of the main house, and in doing so, helps to protect the home and keep it clean. So, kids can spill away, the dogs can run about, and you don’t have to disinvite that one guest after another red wine incident.

Creating a destination experience on your own property through the development of a multi-functional pool house can transform how you entertain and even how you utilize and interact with your surrounding environment. A well-designed structure can create a delightful retreat from your main living spaces, offering its own unique views on the surrounding landscape, creating indoor/outdoor living opportunities in warm weather, and keeping cabin fever away in the colder months.

So, when dreaming about your future home or home projects, don’t overlook the potential of how a thoughtfully designed pool house can positively impact how you entertain and experience your property through all four seasons. And I should mention, you don’t even need the pool.

By: Brian Milbury, Associate
Brian has practiced custom residential architecture for nearly 30 years, designing distinctive homes in locations throughout the country. Prior to joining the firm, he owned a Chicago-based architecture practice for two decades, where he oversaw all aspects of fine home design and construction. Brian, who earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Miami, loves the creative challenges brought forth by residential architecture and believes good design comes from understanding scale, proportion, precedent, and most importantly, the client’s vision.

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Simple is rarely easy. There’s almost always an underlying effort needed to create architectural designs that are understated and peaceful. Often the results of this effort are intentionally hidden or unnoticed.

Designing simply is the active pursuit of creating calmness in a home’s organization and emotional experience – a calmness achieved through balance. Balance not held to in an overbearing, rigid sort of way but in a clear, straightforward expression of space.

Designing for calmness and balance includes a range of techniques. Sometimes it’s seeking out symmetry, sometimes it’s uniformity (and the intentional from break it), and sometimes it’s rhythmic. It doesn’t necessarily mean unadorned or lacking detail, but it doesn’t mean overly decorative either. It’s not pure form or pure function. Simplicity in design is always contextual, centered, and unified.

It all sounds very serious, and to us, it is. But designing in these terms is at the same time so enjoyable because it requires us to challenge every move we make. Burrowing down to find the essence of a space, a need, or an aesthetic is just good, clean fun!

So how do we successfully create designs that achieve calmness through balance? First and foremost, we seek out the right homesite on the property; with the driver often being view. We place such a high priority on siting a home properly because doing so enhances and affirms our experience and appreciation of a place. No matter what form a home ends up taking, our connection to our surrounding environment is powerful. It brings on a sense of excitement and escape as we make our return, curiosity and wonder as we explore, and serenity and comfort when we settle back in. This is true of our everyday experiences and our getaways.

This complex spectrum of feelings is chaotic, so we seek out ways to make sense of it all. Our purpose as architects is to help find the calm in the storm. Ironically, sometimes taking in that storm as it rolls in may be the answer. It may be morning coffee with the sunrise coming over the mountains; or even our children or grandchildren running through a meadow after a day’s play. Whatever it is, it is our strong belief that the orientation of our homes helps us find the orientation within ourselves, or maybe even a reorientation from time to time.

We buttress that search for a sense of calm and simplicity with one of logic. We love to make sense of things – as architects, we’re in a constant pursuit to find and express order. We seek out clean lines and sequences as we link spaces together. We massage those spaces to find balanced openings for passages, symmetry around centers, rhythm in spacings, and the right placement of apertures to the world around us (it always comes back to views!). We stretch and pull not only in conceptual ways, like finding the right proportions of volumes and masses, but also in very tangible ways like the arrangements of windows and doors on a façade. The best compliment we ever receive is when someone walks into a space and says, “This just feels right!”.

The final punctuation for a simply designed home is the consideration of materials and finishes. We achieve the most comprehensive design when the exterior and interior concepts are unified. When you approach a home that’s of a particular design aesthetic it can be jarring to walk through the front door and have your expectations for the continuation of that style to be halted. A coordinated approach between exterior and interior colors, textures, scales, and shapes plays into our sequential experience of a place – how we see, approach, arrive at, and enter a home.

We aim to connect all of these points with a harmony of high-level and detail-oriented design choices that together result in more than just good architecture. It creates in a respite from our worries, something to look forward to, something to return to. Something that just makes us take a deep breath and say “ahhhhh”.

Written by Carmine Cafiero, Associate, AIA, NCARB, WELLap
Carmine believes that good design and successful projects are the result of effective listening and solid collaboration. He combines lessons learned from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design with expertise in and passion for sketching, virtual reality, and BIM. Carmine’s multifaceted approach skillfully translates a client’s vision into clear, inclusive designs that are supported by comprehensive construction documents.

The post Simplicity in Design appeared first on Purple Cherry.

I am an architect with a true love for designing beautiful residences. I moved to Annapolis from Chicago, where I ran my own boutique architecture firm for 21 years, producing high-end residential and multifamily designs throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. My wife Tracie is an interior designer, and we have two children in grade school. My other passions are oil painting landscapes and photography.

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

I started my design journey in Miami, right out of college, designing homes in the constraints of that unique climate and aesthetic. I then found myself in the Midwest, designing in the more traditional and historic character of Chicago. Over the years, my work has branched out nationally and in the Caribbean, with every coming year bringing a new path, more design knowledge, and deeper experience under my belt. My architectural design journey is always evolving, building on every design I’ve created before.

3. How would you describe your design philosophy?

I would describe my design philosophy as rooted in traditional precedent, with a focus on creating updated environments for today’s lifestyles, with open, well-lit spaces that enhance the way my clients live. I believe that experiencing a well-designed space can always make your day better.

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

I truly feel it’s important to listen more than you speak. As a project takes shape, I want my client to grow in the journey as well, resulting in a home that truly meets their needs. It is also important for me to take into consideration my past designs, what I learned from seeing how they are lived in, and the learnings of my overall life experiences. A great example of this is raising children – this experience has been immeasurable in understanding how to develop design solutions that create successful family spaces.

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

The best advice I ever received was to always be yourself – both in your designs and in your life – and to be an advocate for both your client’s budget and their dreams throughout the journey.

6. What inspires you?

I am inspired by historic design details found in older homes that have stood the test of time and provide a glimpse into the craftsmanship of bygone eras, and the evolution of new takes on our built environment that reimagine the architecture that we live in.

7. What is your favorite architectural design book?

Coming out of Chicago, I have always been fascinated with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, not only for his designs, but more importantly, for the awe of realizing just how ahead of his time he was. The Frank Lloyd Wright Monograph Series is a fantastic book series showcasing his work. Unfortunately, it is out of print, but I am always looking for copies that come up for sale!

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

While there are plenty of tested guidelines that have stood the test of time, I feel proportion and scale are elements of design that if applied correctly, will carry through to the successful detailing of any style of architecture. When people look at structures they don’t like but can’t quite pinpoint why, it is often the misuse of these elements that are the underlying cause of the unease.

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

I feel that symmetry is the one thing that will never go out of style. There will always be an opportunity in architecture to bring order and balance to chaos.

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

The five things I currently can’t live without are my family, for whom I am making this journey, a good book I can get lost in at the end of a day, virtual meetings, which have brought us all a new way to more easily connect to a global market, my iPad, which has become an indispensable design tool, and steamed blue crabs, my favorite food!

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Tell us about yourself!
I am originally from the suburbs of Baltimore, splitting my summers between the Delaware beaches and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I grew up surrounded by family heirlooms and and my mother’s exuberant flair for maximalism, where “more is more” was never enough! I have a love of bright colors and patterns and strive to bring the same joy into each of my projects.

Tell us about your design journey. How did you get started and how did you get here?
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The Art Institute, I took an internship at a small boutique firm in Baltimore where I was inspired by the historic homes of Roland Park, the preservation of their unique qualities, and the endeavor to be true to their traditional origins.

From there, I held roles in the merchandising of showrooms and retail stores and ultimately transitioned to a corporate role, designing for a high-end furniture and fabric vendor. It was during this time that I fell in love with the design process and couldn’t get enough of it! Being surrounded by luxury textiles, avant-garde wallpaper, and more furniture frames to select from than I knew what to do with, I realized my passion was for residential design, where I could bring my knowledge of pattern layering, mixing of scale, and love of color to my clients’ homes.

How would you describe your design ethos?
More is more, is more!

How do you work with a client to define their needs? What questions do you ask to determine the final look and feel of a space?
I first want to understand how my clients plan to use each space – do they love to entertain? Or do they enjoy spending time with family conversing or gathering around a large screen to watch the game? How do they live their daily life, are they the type of family that wants to snuggle with their pet on the sofa, or are they lovers of red wine? These are all aspects that will inform how furniture should be laid out, the size and scale of each piece, and the fabric selections.

I am a firm believer that it is so important to balance comfort with design details. Although I enjoy encouraging my clients to go above and beyond in their design decisions, I want to make sure that they are not afraid to actually use the space either. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?
Life if not a dress rehearsal. You have to work hard for what you want, go after your dreams, and learn from your mistakes.

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me… it could be an outfit of someone walking down the street, the décor of a beautiful restaurant, the way the light hits the side of a building, or a piece of artwork from a local artist.

Which design “rule” or idea do you refer to over and over?
There are no rules. Design a space that makes you happy and that you want to live in everyday! I make an effort to design each space specifically to the needs of the client, balancing design and function. Each space should feel curated, lived in, and welcoming – just like your favorite pair of denim. To achieve this feeling, I like to balance the new with the old.

Any tried-and-true design advice?
You can never have too many pieces of “legged” furniture in a space, and always watch the size and scale of your furniture!

In your opinion, what’s the one thing that will never go out of style?
I truly think that blue and white décor will never go out of style. Think blue and white ginger jars, a classic navy blue sofa, and the crispness of fresh white linens. Blue and white have been a staple in the design industry for years and will continue to be for years to come. This aesthetic does not fit a “trend” that will stamp in time when a space was designed, but rather will always be classic and timeless.

What are five things you can’t live without right now?
Dirty martinis, my poodle puppy Jonathan, my monthly subscription to Elle Décor and Veranda, my iPad, and the smell of the air just before it snows.

The post Q&A with Purple Cherry Architects’ Director of Interior Design appeared first on Purple Cherry.

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. 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.

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When you were a child, did you ever wish there was a secret room or passageway in your house? Perhaps a place where you could sneak away from your parents telling you to clean your room or walk the dog? Or maybe you envisioned a special place where you could spend time with your friends or curl up read a book. The concept of a “hidden gem” space is quite appealing.  

In all of our custom home designs, we seek to create a residence that is not only functional, but also includes beautiful spaces – or hidden gems – that create an “ah ha!” moment, spaces that take your breath away. Here are a few examples of our hidden gems.

In our Aqua Terra residence, built by Pyramid Builders, the Owner’s office is beautifully appointed with a raised fireplace, glass top conference table, brilliantly backlit built-ins, and miraculous views of Harness Creek.  While the built-in cabinet may look like simple shelving, it is actually a hidden door leading to a secret room. Pyramid Builders, who engineered and hand fabricated the door in their woodshop, gave us further insight into its creation: “As with any hidden door, the key to success is minimizing the size of the reveals and utilizing proper hardware. In order to achieve the seamless design, the door was constructed of a 2 ¼” flush flat panel door with Rixon pivot hinges that was then clad with wood panels that match the size, proportions and detailing of the adjoining built-ins. Behind the hidden door is another door with a lock for security.” Truly a space where beauty meets function.⁠⁠

In our Eastern Shore Grandeur estate, built by GYC Group, the secret might be a little more noticeable, but just as fun nonetheless. The residence’s two-story custom bar, complete with Douglas fir trusses, white horizontal nickel gap, and Denison Lanterns from Currey and Company, includes a secret passageway accessible only from behind the bar. The passageway leads to a two-foot-wide brick staircase that descends quickly, creating drama as it takes you to a basement containing an extraordinary 20’ by 40’ brick barrel-vaulted wine room and wine cellar. A hidden gem, indeed.

Incorporating these whimsical details – or “surprise and delight” moments – into our custom home designs is something that we take great joy in. We’d love to hear what your vision is for your own hidden gem!

Written by Ashley Babaian, Associate
A graduate of The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning, Ashley concentrated her studies on Sacred Architecture. In addition to her love for residential architecture work, she also focuses on Purposeful Architecture, Purple Cherry’s non-profit division, where she specializes in designing environments for individuals with special needs. Passionate and energetic, Ashley is also committed to her community, serving as a board member of the Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Chesapeake Kids program. She actively volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Habitat for Humanity Choptank, and the Anne Arundel County SPCA.

The post Hidden Gems appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Many clients who come to an architect for a custom home are doing so for the first time. The process of conceiving a design, creating construction documents, and building the house can seem daunting and unfamiliar to many people. One aspect of design that some clients might be unfamiliar with is the architect’s use of consultants such as civil and structural engineers or landscape architects.

The construction of a building, even a relatively small one such as a single-family house, is a complex process that is subject to a variety of laws, regulations, and building codes, and requires a high degree of expertise across a breadth of knowledge. An architect helps to control this complexity by working alongside consultants who have specialized knowledge in one or more subject fields necessary to bring the project to completion. A bit like the conductor of an orchestra, the architect relies on consultants’ professional knowledge within their field of expertise, and coordinates the work of all members of the design team to ensure that each specialist’s work fits together to create a successful project!

While the requirements for each project are different, the most frequent consultants for an architect to work with on custom residential projects are civil engineers, structural engineers, and landscape architects.

Civil engineering for residential architecture deals primarily with the disturbance of the earth. This can take several forms, such as excavations for foundations or basements, site grading to ensure proper drainage, creation of structures such as rain gardens or cisterns to control and manage rainfall and runoff after storms, and the design and installation of septic systems. In some areas, such as the Critical Area of the Chesapeake Bay (all land within 1,000 feet of the shoreline of tidal or nontidal waters), extensive regulations govern the amount of disturbance allowed, the amount of lot coverage or impervious surface allowed on a lot, and the amount of forest coverage than can be removed. Placement of septic systems and wells, where required, must also conform to health department and other regulations. Civil engineers work with architects to design all of these systems, as well as connections to underground utilities such as public water, sewer, and natural gas.

Structural engineering addresses the design of structural members such as beams, columns, and foundations. Engineers calculate the loads from the structure’s own weight as well as applied loads such as snow, wind, or people and furnishings within the structure. Requirements for the strength of members and the amount of deflection that is acceptable are set by building code and the architect, and the engineer designs the structural system to meet the project requirements. While the structural engineer’s work is usually covered up and hidden from view in the completed building, properly designed structural systems ensure the house’s safety, longevity, and performance.

Landscape architects work closely with the architect and the civil engineer, since their work also addresses the site. The landscape architect is responsible for the design of the outdoor elements of a project, which might include plant selection and layout, the design of hardscape areas such as patios, walks, and site stairs, and designing other outdoor amenities such as swimming pools, piers, or tennis courts. They have expertise in plants that grow well in the project’s climate, and can recommend planting methods, bed preparation, and maintenance programs to help ensure successful growth.

As a microcosm of our specialized world, the design and construction field benefits from teams of professionals bringing their expertise together to address the multitude of factors that contribute to the successful realization of a projects. Engineers and landscape architects apply their talents and experience across a variety of fields to architectural projects, helping to achieve the best outcome for each project!

Written by Alan Cook, LEED AP, Associate
Alan’s architectural designs are infused with an interdisciplinary perspective gained over two decades in the field. His broad experience and passion for environmental design, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and commercial projects enhance every residential commission. To help clients create beautiful homes that exceed expectations, Alan relishes the complexities that translate aspirations and vision into a unified result. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Alan also holds a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture. He has worked with Purple Cherry since 2014. Outside of the office, Alan serves on the board of Girls on The Run Greater Chesapeake.

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In architecture, as in life, context is everything. Especially so when it comes to the relationship between a home and its views of the surrounding environment.

Whether a home is along a coastal byway, on a mountain ridge, or nestled into the countryside, the power of “the view” seen from within looking out creates an emotional connection between us and the environment we are surrounded by. Experiencing a stunning view enhances our appreciation of a place. That is why we as architects treat the placement of the windows with the same level of attention as the placement of a piece of art.

We focus intently on this unique characteristic of “view” because it is just that – an element that makes one property distinct from another, one that makes it inherently personal. Writing about the design of a home in these terms sounds like an architect’s dream: esoteric and abstract. In reality, designing with view in mind comes down to a few simple, functional considerations.

Orientation. How does a home position itself in relation to important views, landmarks, features, and sunlight patterns? No matter the scenario, arriving at the decision to highlight certain views always starts by asking, “Where are the best views, and what is the most important view to you?” Sometimes it’s a key focal point such as a mountain gap or a bay inlet. Sometimes it’s an expansive vista. Sometimes it’s obvious to everyone. Other times it’s very personal and needs to be discovered.

Once those baseline determinations are made, questions about the preferences follow. Does the great room want to be bookended by other spaces, creating a focused view to the outside, or should it be open on multiple sides to create a wide view? Should the primary bedroom look out to a favorite sculpture?  The answers come from the client and are responded to by the architect, and from there we all negotiate hopes and dreams within the site’s opportunities and constraints.

Alignment. How do certain parts of a home relate to one another in order to highlight view? Fusing portions of a home together in specific ways can help elicit certain feelings and shape the way we experience a space. While the combination of design elements and sequences are virtually endless, there are a few examples that are ubiquitous. A front door and foyer with a direct line of sight to the backyard view and beyond creates surprise and delight and promotes a sense of welcome. A long hallway feels less unending with a view of the destination – literally the end is in sight. Even the mundane task of dishwashing feels less tedious when the sink looks out to a garden.

Individuality. What about the property is special? Understanding the distinct quality of a place and its surroundings is typically one of the most active and personal conversations we have when we first discuss views. Are there long views to distant horizons, medium views to valley lowlands, or short views to important structures? Are there eyesores to be avoided (almost always yes, even if not admitted)?  Are there high points that will help see over tree lines? Are there family memories rippling in an old pond in a clearing? Internalizing and prioritizing those responses provides a rallying point for everyone to align to as the project develops.

We believe that good architecture is always connected to its surroundings. It should also never get in the way of a good view; in fact, it should only enhance the nature that surrounds it. Discussing early and often how a home is designed to best take in its unique and important surroundings helps transform a house on a lot into a home that offers memorable and emotional experiences. Both for its residents and for those just passing by.

Written by Carmine Cafiero, AIA, NCARB, WELLap

Carmine believes that good design and successful projects are the result of effective listening and solid collaboration. He combines lessons learned from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design with expertise in and passion for sketching, virtual reality, and BIM. Carmine’s multifaceted approach skillfully translates a client’s vision into clear, inclusive designs that are supported by comprehensive construction documents.

The post Room with a View? Yes, Please. appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Anyone who has ever seen Scarlett O’Hara make a dramatic entrance, sweeping down the curving stairs of an antebellum mansion, knows the dramatic impact of a staircase. Less well known is the power of stairs to help set the character of an interior, provide a focal point of architectural interest, or entice a viewer into exploration of a space. Although most of us don’t live in houses as grand as Tara, stairs are a uniquely interesting architectural element that have a profound effect on the design of a space.

Despite the simple functional purpose of connecting stories or levels within a building, stairs have a lot going for them that contributes to their impact. First, stairs allow us to defy gravity. In every other room of the house, we can only move horizontally along the floor, but a flight of stairs gives us the ability to move on the vertical axis as well. Ascending toward an upper floor with light spilling down from a skylight above, following a narrow, winding stair down to a hidden wine cellar, or viewing a gathering space from above – moving through three dimensions gives us perspectives and experiences we wouldn’t ordinarily feel.

Second, no matter how tall the flight, stairs are uncommonly scaled to the human body. Treads are sized to comfortably support the foot, while risers reflect the length of our strides. Handrails sit at hand height to provide balance and assistance, and are sized and shaped to comfortably fit our grip. What’s more, the rhythm produced by repeating treads and balusters is appealing and provides visual interest. All of these factors make stairs feel approachable and comfortable, as well as beautiful and dramatic.

However, as long as the stair meets functional and ergonomic requirements, the available options in stair design and materials are practically limitless. Whether your stair is traditional or contemporary, every choice in design and finish can affect the character of the stair and the space it occupies.

One of the fundamental choices is whether the stair is open, with space visible below the stair, or closed, with walls below. While the choice can be affected by functional considerations – a closed stair can hide a closet or a less attractive stair to an unfinished basement – it is also a main driver of the character of the stair within the space. A closed stair feels solid, opaque, and grounded, while an open stair evokes lightness, transparency, and vertical movement. An open stair connecting three or more floors creates a dramatic shaft of light and space through a building, allowing rare vertical connections between stories. Open risers, which allow views through the stair itself, dematerialize the stair’s appearance, contributing to a feeling of maximum lightness and delicacy.

Material selections are nearly infinite, and each decision creates its own ripple effect of personality and appearance. Wood is a predominant material for stair design in both classic and modern houses, although grand mansions of the Gilded Age sometimes included carved limestone or marble, and avant-garde designers might stack irregular stones or arrange polished slabs on invisible supports to create steps. Wood handrails can be as ornate as an intricately carved Victorian walnut balustrade or as simple as a smooth maple ribbon with a natural oiled finish. Combinations of materials can create striking contrasts of color, texture, and transparency, where solid blocks of timber seem to float weightlessly alongside crystal glass panels with a fluid wooden rail.

Metal can be used in innumerable ways, from handcrafted wrought iron balusters evoking old-world elegance to laser-cut sheet metal stringers suitable for the most high-tech installation. Art nouveau floral patterns, industrial chic I-beams with exposed bolts, or layered metal mesh creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow – all can be incorporated into stairs suitable for any style or environment.

Although often overlooked, stairs provide a valuable opportunity to break away from the expected and create a memorable architectural element. Small tweaks to materials or designs can transform the simple means of moving between floors into a centerpiece of a space.

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.

The post An Examination of the Humble Stair appeared first on Purple Cherry.

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.

The post Architects Don’t Do Math appeared first on Purple Cherry.

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.

The post Four-Legged Design Trends appeared first on Purple Cherry.

1. Exercise your patience.
Believe it or not, paint is one of the last decisions we make – and it is usually one of our clients’ first questions at the start of the design process! Just like how you can box yourself into a corner, you can box yourself into a design by choosing a paint color too early in the process. By choosing an exact paint color and designing around this color, you limit the design possibilities. We strive to have a general sense of a client’s desired color palette for direction but we do not select exact paint colors until after most of the other interior selections have been made. We then have our pick of thousands of beautiful colors to compliment a design.

2. Do your research – it’s worth it.
To repeat ourselves – do your research, it’s worth it! Do you lean towards warmer or cooler tones? Maybe you love the simplicity of a white wall or you are all about the drama with a bold pop. Pinterest, Houzz, and design publications are helpful tools in discovering what you are naturally drawn to. The next question is – do you see yourself living in a space like the image? You may be drawn to be certain photos but after further thought may have an emotional reaction to the “feel” of the space. Color and tonal quality can affect our mood. Many people love the look of gray tones, which have become quite popular in the last few years, but when they envision living in a gray space, they may feel differently. You may realize you prefer warmer tones over cooler tones even if in the gray family!

3. Understand transitions.
Understanding the architectural layout of your home and how paint colors transition is critical. Further, understanding the volume of the space and the orientation to natural light is significant. Our architectural and interior design teams understand the importance of these transition areas and how paint colors will transition to one another and to the light. In the increasingly popular open concept floor plan, these transitions are key and lead to us specifying fewer paint colors to avoid open sight lines with multiple paint colors. Our eye senses interruption when design elements, including paint, do not flow throughout an open space. We aim to have your eye carry seamlessly throughout your home so it picks up on all of the beautiful moments.

4. Don’t forget trim and ceilings.
Many times, we recommend painting the trim and ceiling in the same color but in different sheens (stay tuned for sheen advice below). Going back to transition, knowing how the trim tracks from space to space or even within a single space is crucial. It is not uncommon for us to specify the same trim and ceiling color throughout an entire house. This provides a level of continuity as you move throughout your home. This approach is frequently taken in the heart of the home – the kitchen. If you love a timeless white kitchen (which many of our clients do), you will appreciate the continuity of the cabinetry matching the trim color. 

5. Utilize the existing color palette.
How do you select colors from here? Use the design elements and materials in the space! When we work through the design process, we select materials that tonally come together to create a holistic design. This means that the color palette is already set when it comes to selecting that perfect paint color! Our cabinetry finishes, fabrics, and rugs all influence the direction. Still wanting a bit of color? Pop a pale blue or a fun wallpaper on your ceiling to compliment your palette. One of our “go-to” collections is Benjamin Moore’s OC collection. Check it out!

6. Brush up on sheen.
Paint sheens are fairly straightforward if you keep a few guidelines in mind. There is a general rule of thumb: the higher the sheen, the higher the shine. And in turn, the higher the shine, the more durable and wipeable that surface is. More durable, sounds like a no brainer? A higher gloss sheen will also highlight any potential imperfections in your drywall. Last tip before you dive into sheens: check with your manufacturer for the differences in sheen. There are subtle differences between manufacturers.

PCA Cheat Sheet:

• Flat paint = No Shine
• High Gloss= All Shine
• Eggshell, Satin, & Semi-Gloss = In between Flat & High Gloss

Ceilings and trim are also fairly straightforward. We recommend flat for drywall ceilings and semi-gloss or satin for trim. Semi-gloss has been traditionally painted on trim for many years, but we are seeing a trend towards the lower sheen of satin. This sheen level provides that perfect amount to highlight the beauty of the trim profile but at a lower level of gloss.

Our “wet areas”, the bathrooms and laundry rooms, need durability against potential moisture while also avoiding the look of a high gloss sheen. As a broad stroke recommendation, an eggshell or a satin wall paint sheen will give you that extra bit of protection without the “glare” of a high gloss sheen.

7. Sample, sample, sample (and sample again).
Bigger is better! Larger format samples allow you to see the color – a 5’x5’ area should do the trick! If you are able to sample on multiple walls within a space, do it. Color can change throughout a space and light is key. If you can, live with the color and feel it. Better yet, look at the color when you will be using that particular space the most during the day or evening. And remember, you may need more than one round of samples and that is okay! Color is an important aspect of the design.

We hope you find these tips useful!

The post Interior Paint Selection 101 appeared first on Purple Cherry.

With the pace of modern life seemingly increasing all the time and the boundaries of the nine-to-five work day expanding with unceasing electronic communication, who doesn’t sometimes feel the need to escape to a peaceful oasis of serenity for a relaxing interlude? Fortunately, that escape can be just around the corner with a well-designed, spa-like bath in your home. Far from the cramped, utilitarian spaces many of us remember from childhood bathrooms, a luxurious custom bathroom can be spacious and bright, and as soothing or dramatic as your imagination can make it.

The finish materials have an outsized impact on the character and mood of any space, and luxury baths are no exception. The need for water resistance around tubs and showers naturally leads to using tile floors, although wood floors are suitable for, and often used in, powder rooms. Within the world of tile, though, the options are practically limitless. Natural stone can run the gamut from glossy marble to rustic travertine. Water-cut stone mosaics provide intricate patterns and colors. Porcelain and other ceramic tiles are available in every color and shape imaginable. Large-format tiles give a sharp, modern feel to a space, while porcelain planks can mimic the appearance of weathered wood. Stone slabs and tile can be used as wall finishes as well, as backsplashes, wainscoting, or full-height finishes. The use of an unexpected material, such as irregular, natural stone or pebble-like tiles, can add a dramatic touch to a composition.

Our moods respond dramatically to color, so the material and color palette should combine to set a comforting tone. Many clients are attracted to soothing blues, grays, and earth tones, which have a calming effect and can be combined with a variety of accent colors.

Bringing natural light into any space makes it more inviting, and if you’re fortunate enough to have a beautiful view from your bath, you’ll want to be sure to take advantage. Nothing could be better than lounging in a comfortable soaking tub with a view of the water.

The bathtub is naturally one of the centerpieces of a spa-like bath. Although platform tubs can be a beautiful solution, the current trend is very much toward free-standing tubs. The classic claw-foot bath is still around, but now it can be had with fun design features like chrome feet, which add interest.

Other free-standing tubs look more like modern sculptures than bath fixtures, with shapes ranging from classical to organic to geometric. More and more synthetic materials are being used in the manufacture of tubs, which help to reduce the weight from the cast iron of yesterday, and also help retain the warmth of the bath water. If simply soaking isn’t your cup of tea, tubs are available with whirlpool jets, bubble massagers, and chromatherapy.

The shower is the other major amenity in a luxe bath, and like the tub, you might be surprised at the variety of fixtures and features to choose from. Multiple shower heads, waterfall heads, rain heads, hand sprays, and body sprays can be combined to give the user anything from a gentle spring rain to a full-blown monsoon. Steam showers provide the ultimate relaxing spa experience. Finally, curbless showers are becoming more popular in high-end homes, and are easier and safer to enter, allowing people to stay in their home even if they lose mobility.

Finally, don’t forget the delightful little details than can add so much to the bathing experience. Heated floors can easily be installed under tile floors to provide a comfortable warmth underfoot on a chilly morning. Towel warmers, either installed in a drawer or wall-mounted as a towel rack, offer that just-out-of-the-dryer feeling every day. And if you want soothing music while you soak, or to catch the morning traffic report as you start your day, you can integrate audio and video components into the space. Just be careful – you may never want to leave!

Written by Alan Cook, studio manager at PCA

The post Spa Living at Home appeared first on Purple Cherry.

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

The post Choosing the Right Roofing Material appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Once upon a time, new clients would come to architectural design meetings with piles of magazines or stacks of binders stuffed full of photos, each one representing an idea. A concept. A possibility.

And every so often, an inspiration.

Sometimes, a client finds just the right image: a picture that evokes a feeling or a mood that somehow calls to them. It may not be a specific design feature, or color, or style of window, but something about the image conveys a feeling. It may be the way the afternoon light falls on clapboard siding, or the orderly spines of books arrayed on built-in shelves. Whatever it may be, that feeling, that sense that this is what my house should feel like, can serve as a sort of compass for a project, a way of making sure to stay on course.

Of course, it’s hard to find that one special image; an element of serendipity often comes into play. The best approach is to simply look at a lot of pictures. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns in what you’re attracted to, and that deep feeling of being just right can emerge from the overall sense of a collection of photos.

While some clients still prefer to gather their images with paper and scissors, the internet – specifically sites such as Houzz and Pinterest – has made a nearly infinite volume of imagery easily available. Search functions allow you to quickly locate images of particular interests, whether styles of architecture, applications of a material you love, or combinations of colors.

Algorithms for each site will even make suggestions based on past searches, allowing you to find variations on an idea that may not have occurred to you otherwise. Of course, this may lead you into searching and scrolling for hours – but that can be fun too.

But the best part of these sites may be the ability to organize the images you find. Sort by style, feature, color, component – whatever method you choose, you can group photos so they can easily be found and shared with the design team. As the design evolves, clients and architects alike can refer to these images again and again. Some collections may be important references early in the project when the overall design and style is being set, while others are useful later on for selecting finishes, colors, and details.

When reviewing your imagery with the architect, be sure to explain as clearly as you can exactly what in the photo appeals to you. It’s not always the most prominent or important thing in the picture, and you might be surprised how easy it is for two people looking at the same image to focus on entirely different aspects. Imagine the confusion if you were attracted to the color of the siding, but your architect was looking at the proportions of the windows. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, it pays to be sure everyone is listening to the same phrases.

When that happens, and the elements culled from thousands of images coalesce into a new, unique design that captures that amazing feeling of being just right – images can, almost by magic, turn into inspiration.

Written by Alan Cook, studio manager at PCA

The post Inspiration from the Internet appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Imagine sitting on a screened porch overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, enjoying the autumn breeze while watching the kids catching crabs off of the dock just below. This is just one of the breathtaking scenes that will be offered at our new Centreville Estate’s guest house.

We previously divulged some exciting details of the nearly-completed main house, but in this post, we will to focus on something a little smaller – the Guest House. This two-story, three-bedroom home may be subordinate in scale to the main house, but its unique design and warm interior finishes ensure a memorable visit for guests for years to come.

While the guest house shares some of the same features as the main house – Hardie Artisan® siding, Cushwa Brick porches, Bevolo exterior lanterns and Loewen windows – we took the opportunity to add a few different design elements. In lieu of white windows in white siding with white trim, the windows are instead charcoal, and the porch wraps around the entire house. Other notable exterior features include two decks that flank the upstairs bedrooms and incorporate Chippendale railings, and built-in benches with coat hooks on either side of the front doors.

Upon opening the Nantucket Blue front door, guests enter into a bright foyer with transoms above cased openings, and pegs on the horizontal nickel gap wall for coats and jackets. The flooring is one of the foyer’s most exciting features. Through Chesapeake Tile and Marble, we selected an exquisite gray brick floor in which a herringbone pattern is inlaid in a solider course perimeter with rotated detailing at the cased openings.

Beyond the cased opening, more gray brick leads guests to a beautiful open riser staircase built by Warren’s Wood Works in nearby Easton, MD. The white oak treads of the magnificent stairway are three inches thick and, with open risers, allow natural light to spill into the foyer.

The railings and balustrade reflect the home’s nautical surroundings. This simplistic handrail travels from the basement to the second floor where it dies into the wall with a Bunny Mellon-like curve. The balustrade includes polished chrome Hinckley boat cleats, which are centered on each of the treads. A dock line runs from the handrail to the tread, creating a boating-inspired cleat hitch at the tread. Lighted, built-in bookcases ensure the open space still feels cozy.

We ensure the guest house kitchen feels like a modern farmhouse with industrial and nautical influences by incorporating thoughtful details. The kitchen contains high-gloss, lacquered flush overlay cabinets by Lyndon Heath Cabinetry and under-counter appliances supplied by Appliance Distributors Unlimited (ADU), both of which give the kitchen a modern feel. White cabinets are accented by a thick wood countertop and open wood shelving supported by and steel brackets. The custom range hood by Range Craft and the seating island with custom zinc coated table further extend the industrial tone.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is designed to maximize the expansive water view, ensuring guests experience the vista both when entering the room and while resting in bed. However, the entrance to the bedroom is centered, just as the water view is. Our solution is a freestanding, six-foot tall wall that serves as the “bed wall”. Unfortunately, a solid nickel gap wall would block the view as guests enter the bedroom, so we designed “interior windows” that allow visitors to see clear through the wall to the water beyond.

What is the next structure we will cover from this breathtaking Eastern Shore property? In the future, we’ll feature the open air pool house with mahogany barrel ceiling, the timber-framed Barn, and the Carriage House.

Stay safe and be well.

Builder: GYC Group LTD
Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

The post A Guest House to Remember appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Philanthropy, purposeful, non-profit, and special needs – these are all likely terms you have heard associated with Purple Cherry Architects for years. That is because the work we do is not limited to just the residential work that you may see at Purple Cherry. However, it is those projects that allow us to do the purposeful and non-profit work that really touches your soul.

For example, in 2013, Purple Cherry was blessed to be awarded the job of designing a 14-bed inpatient care center at the new Hospice of the Chesapeake Campus in Pasadena.

The building is designed in a “T” shape, allowing each room to face beautiful gardens designed by Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, full of water features, meandering paths and benches for families to make use of while spending the last days with a loved family member. Once inside, patients and their families are treated to rooms that truly “felt like home”, due to thoughtful interior design by TM Design & Associates. Also inside the new structure is a series of community spaces – a kids’ room, a family room and a reflection room. Many visitors’ favorite space, the reflection room was designed to provide families with some respite or a more intimate place to have a discussion with the chaplain.

One of the key features of the reflection room is the artwork. A series of four panes of glass painted by Sally Comport of Art at Large hang in front of the windows, filtering the light into the room and representing the seasons – seasons of the year, seasons of life, seasons of whatever a visitor may interpret them to be.

While we could go into great detail regarding the efforts and team members that went into the design and construction of this facility, one thing is certain – it would not have been possible without the giving heart of all who donated to the Hospice’s Caring for Life Campaign, whether monetarily or via services or in-kind donations.

On that note, the Hospice Annual Gala, its largest fundraising event of the year, was recently rescheduled to July 18^th, 2020 due to the COVID 19 outbreak. Given the highly infectious nature of the virus, and the population the Hospice serves, this was the right call.

The good news? This means that there is still plenty of time to donate or even purchase a table, like Purple Cherry Architects did.

If you’ve never attended the Gala, rest assured it is a night to remember. After being greeted by the friendly faces of Hospice and its volunteers, guests are guided towards a step and repeat banner for a brief photo session, after which they join a cocktail hour to mingle with friends and browse the silent auction items laid throughout the room.

Previous silent auction items have included a signed jersey from a local professional sports team, a weekend getaway to St. Michaels, or a game night experience at Mission Escape Rooms .

During the seated dinner portion of the evening, guests hear stories about Hospice and its mission, and listen to heartfelt stories from individuals who have been positively and directly affected by Hospice of the Chesapeake. After dinner, an exciting live auction is held and the dance floor is opened – once of the PCA team’s favorite activities.

If you would like to donate or be a part of this year’s festivities, visit the Hospice of the Chesapeake Gala website to learn more. We hope to see you on the dance floor!

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

The post Hospice of the Chesapeake: Caring for Life appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Purple Cherry Architects was excited to take on a new challenge when we were offered the opportunity to design a 3,400 square-foot urban condominium. A client for whom we had recently designed a custom waterfront home wanted to create a spacious and stylish retreat in Baltimore’s thriving Harbor East neighborhood, in a new multi-use building containing retail, apartments, and condominiums.

After taking over a space that had been originally divided into three smaller units, the owner asked the PCA team to design a unique living space that took advantage of the sweeping views of the Inner Harbor and Key Bridge. We responded with a design that placed the luxurious master suite at one end of the long unit and the guest bedroom with ensuite bath at the other end, ensuring privacy for the owner and guests.

Between the private areas, the public spaces unfold along a fully glazed wall with panoramic views and private balconies. The modern kitchen is open to the dining and living areas beyond, creating a dramatic open great space with a gracious proportion that is rare in a multi-family building. The ceiling height was increased in the living room by introducing a tray ceiling, creating visual interest and highlighting the importance of the space. Cove lighting provides an accent and creates a relaxing ambiance, allowing the full-height stone fireplace with brass accents to shine.

Adjacent to the open living space, but slightly separated and defined by built-in cabinetry and a second tray ceiling, the home office contains possibly the most dramatic feature of the project- a six-foot by eight-foot granite and quartz stone slab set into a wall. Illuminated from behind to allow the breathtaking veining of the stone to shine, the slab from Gramaco appears at times like a giant fireplace, warming the space with an exhilarating glow.

A fully equipped, mirrored home gym provides a workout space for the owner at any time. Post-exercise, a spacious steam shower beckons from the elegant marble-tiled master bath.

Purple Cherry Architects was fortunate to provide interior design services for the project as well as the architectural design. As this was the second project we had completed for this client, we felt we understood the client’s taste, but the design aesthetic for the condominium project was much more modern and urban than the previously completed country house. Having the chance to work with the same client on two projects with such different moods was an unusual opportunity, which we were grateful to have. Our architectural and interior design teams worked with the owner on all aspects of the design, from furniture, rugs, and fixtures to colors, tile designs, and custom cabinetry and millwork.

The project came together beautifully, with the architecture and interior design elements combining to create a truly one of a kind oasis of serenity and comfort in the heart of a busy city.

Written by Alan Cook, studio manager at PCA

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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

The post Ronald McDonald House: The House that Love Built appeared first on Purple Cherry.

You may wonder, who is Pantone and why do they select a new color each year? The answer to that first question is they are a color consulting enterprise. In addition to selecting the Pantone color of the year, The Pantone Color Institute is the business department within Pantone that forecasts color trends globally, influences the top fashion runway colors, and provides guidance to companies on color to build their brand. For over 20 years, they have influenced the product development of several industries from home furnishings to fashion to graphic design. Their reach influences many of the products we see each and every day.

Human beings have a certain connection with color. It invokes emotion, nostalgia, and reflection. In what can feel like at times a chaotic world with the influx of technology, the intent behind the color selection is to induce a sense of tranquility. Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone, issued her thoughts on the 2020’s color: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of vast and infinite evening sky. Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our living; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”

As we build a new era, Classic Blue instills a sense of serenity with this classic hue. The deep blue is reminiscent of nature and has frequently been described as the sky at dusk. Our local landscape has been impactful to the approach and overall design of our custom homes – from inside out. Nestled on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis has provided us a perfect haven to explore the current blues of today. The bay is imprinted on many of us, and blue color palettes can be found in many local residences. We are hard pressed to find a home we have worked on that does not have a shade of blue. From tinting the back of a custom built-in for that “pop” to painting a pair of beautiful French doors, we look to elevate our client’s homes with these subtle nuances by utilizing color.

In this busy world we live in, it is easy to gravitate towards colors that promise a sense of peace. With that being said, our Charlottesville, VA office comes immediately to mind. Annapolis may be the origin of Purple Cherry Architects start, but our principal, Cathy Purple Cherry’s, love of the “mountainscape” has propelled us into this picturesque town. Blue may come to mind when thinking of Annapolis, but with its calming nature, this hue blends well with the serene countryside.

This deep blue hue is easily applied across different finishes, materials, and textures. The use of this impactful blue can be applied through the selections of fabrics, wallpapers, and even millwork finishes. Seen in our Eastern Shore Country Manor project, the artful use of the blue patterned fabric in contrast to the beautiful craftsmanship of the crisp white mantel and ceiling treatment provides a clean and orderly space for clients to rest, while the blue butler’s kitchen creates excitement for the user!

In, conclusion, PATONE 19-4052 is a beautiful addition to a long standing 20-year tradition. We look forward to seeing what this new era brings! For a peak at the last five years of Pantone colors, see below!

The post Announcing the Pantone Color of 2020 appeared first on Purple Cherry.

A Meme is a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by online users. They have taken over the internet! We all have seen them and likely sent them a time or two. Have you seen the ones about Architecture? We get a few good laughs in ourselves. Especially the ones about architecture school! Go ahead and Google away “Architecture school memes”. With some of the memes out there, it makes you wonder, if people really know what Architects do or what it takes to be one? You’re about to find out in an 800 word or less blog post!

Architecture School – In order to become a licensed Architect, you must have a professional degree from an accredited university. There are two more traditional paths to achieve this. Path (1): A 4-year Bachelor of Science (or Arts) in Architecture, plus a 2-year Master of Architecture. Path (2): A 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. How you get there can vary. Some may start at a 2-year school then transfer. But, as long as you have a Master of Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture in the end, you are on your way. At PCA we have a diverse group that come from schools like Catholic University, Morgan State, SCAD, Syracuse, UMD, Virginia Tech and a few more.

Intern Years – NCARB is the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards. If you want licensure, you must go through them and their requirements. One of the requirements is “Architecture Experience” hours. Or simply put, intern hours. Now, don’t confuse an Architectural Intern with a college or high school intern that is working for the summer, etc. An architectural Intern is a college educated individual with a professional degree. Some would say they are an entry level architect. Typically, the intern hours work out to be approximately 3 ½ years. But you’re not done yet. It’s a process!

Licensing Exams – The Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) is a grueling series of exams that an individual must go through as their final steps to achieve licensure. Over the years, it has morphed into what it is today. When Cathy Purple Cherry took her licensing exam, she took 8 exams over 4 consecutive 12-hour days. For Alan Cook, it was 9 exams that could be taken in any order. Then it was reduced to 7 exams, and more recently 6. Now, you don’t have forever to take them. NCARB issues you a rolling 5-year clock. All must be completed and passed in that time or they start dropping away and you have to start retaking them. Once you pass them, all that is left is the paperwork to licensure!

One of the plus sides to the steps towards licensure is that certain jurisdictions allow these steps to overlap, so be sure to check! For instance, you could start earning your intern hours once you are a junior at a university, and you can take your exams while you are completing your intern hours. However, they all have to be completed to get licensed. So if you pass your exams before your experience hours are done, you have to still complete the hours.

People will choose all sorts of architecture to practice. Everything from government work to commercial to residential and even nonprofit. At PCA, you know it’s primarily residential with some Purposeful (non-profit/special needs) and small scale commercial sprinkled in.

At PCA, we believe in giving our staff various professional opportunities. Everyone does a little bit of everything. If you are fresh out of school, we don’t limit you to only doing one task. We challenge you to do more. As your experience grows, you will begin coordinating with the consultants, sitting in client meetings, running your own projects and before you know it, you will be the senior level designer that helps manage younger staff and get into the intricacies of shops drawings, building construction, etc.

PCA works as a team! There are younger staff members and more senior staff members on all projects. This helps keep the cost down for our clients too! If you have ever been in a PCA office, you will notice it’s an open studio environment. This is done intentionally so no one works in silos. This connectivity promotes even more learning. We also take advantage of this strategy with our interiors department. Having our interior designers share the studio allows for an even more cohesive design and integration in terms of furniture, fixtures, finishes, treatments, etc. from the early stages of planning.

Okay, so we’re a little over 800 words. And while people always enjoy a good laugh from the memes, now you know a little bit about the true process behind the Architecture. Don’t believe everything that’s meme’d!

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

The post What do you Meme? appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Architectural design is not a job when you are a passionate architect who loves your profession. Rather, it is a design process that starts with the conceptualization process and ends with a complete design drawing submission and 3D presentation model. This process usually starts when the client or owner brings their ideas to an architecture firm. The firm takes these client visuals and verbal wishes and designs a structure with all appropriate zoning and code standards to suit a particular site. From the initial client inquiry through to project completion, a good architect is dedicated to helping a project succeed while taking the time to listen carefully to their client’s needs, conduct necessary research and explore options.

This is when the exciting design journey begins! An architect can walk you through any part of the design and building process. From helping find the right property, guiding the building orientation, providing plan options through sketches, displaying design views through computer technology, assisting in contractor award, overseeing construction, and selecting final colors, fixtures and furnishings, an architect can bring the “fun part” of the design journey to the forefront. They allow you to imagine opportunity and help you to see potential conflict in old living patterns. They are true problem solvers while creating amazing works of art.

Initial Introduction/Consultation. This is where the client and a member of the design firm (typically the business development manager) discuss the client’s needs and budget. The client shares information regarding their project such as general vision, design intent, and desired architectural style and/or details. After this, the principal architect helps the clients understand their goals and identify next best steps.

Site Visit. The site visit allows the design team to learn more about the client’s project. It also allows the client the opportunity to “interview” the firm. From the start of each project, architects believe in cultivating a positive client-architect synergy. The site visit is the next step in building this important relationship.

After this phase, a Letter of Proposal and AIA contract is provided. The Letter of Proposal defines the firm’s understanding of the project and provides related potential architectural fees.

Kick-Off Meeting/Programming. Once the client has reviewed, signed and returned the Letter of Proposal and the AIA contract, a Kick-off Meeting to discuss project details is scheduled. During this working session, the programming of the home with related room sizes is developed and images that speak to the client’s preferences and inspiration are shared. The design team sketches room relationships and diagrams to create visuals that help illustrate the client’s intent. Houzz and Pinterest accounts are typically shared by the client so that the design team fully grasps the client’s tastes through inspiration imagery.

Schematic Design. This phase includes the freehand concept sketch of floor plans and exterior elevations. This is a collaborative process in which the design team is very sensitive to client input and approval. Having a well-developed client wish list in place, as well as having both the client and architect fully engaged in the process, helps to expedite this phase and minimize the cost related to initial concept sketches.

Design Development & Construction Documents. During this phase, the project information is loaded into the firm’s design software in order to develop the construction documents and the 3D Revit model for the project. The construction documents include plans, elevations, sections, framing, detail and specifications. Everything needed to build the home.

At the client’s request, a design team can assist with final color selections and finish schedules; kitchen cabinet design or assistance; tile selections and pattern design; assistance with selection of all countertop materials; assistance with selection of flooring; assistance with selection of all lighting and plumbing fixtures; selection of furniture, upholstery, accessories and window coverings; and selection and placement of artwork. The firm can also provide designs for interior custom built-ins.

Coordination of any Related Consultants. During this phase, the design team can assist with the coordination of any additional consultants that may be needed for the client’s project such as Civil and Structural Engineers, Landscape Architect, Interior Designer, Lighting and A/V Consultants.

Permit Filing. At the client’s request, once the construction documents are complete, the team can coordinate all building permit applications for the project.

Bidding Assistance. At the client’s request, the design team can assist with the bidding process including preparation of the bidding documents, distribution of documents to bidding contractors, and selection of the bidding contractor through the review of references, portfolios, and final bid submissions.

Construction Administration. At the client’s request, the design team is available to support the construction process in a variety of ways: interior design assistance such as the final selection of finishes and materials; developing millwork details such as replace mantels, bookcases/built-ins and ceiling treatment details; site visits with the client and/or the Contractor; review of applications for payment; review and negotiation of change orders; coordination of all field questions; preparation of Contractor’s final punch list; and issuance of Substantial Completion certificate.

The skills of an architect can be all-encompassing or very limited. When the journey is truly successful, architects are the creators of places and spaces that evoke joy, inspiration and contentment. We at Purple Cherry Architects are truly motivated to have incredibly successful outcomes – for our clients, for our designs, and for the contractors that make what we draw on paper become a reality.

The post The Design Process appeared first on Purple Cherry.

As anyone knows who has been through a complex construction project, thousands of decisions large and small must be made to bring a design vision to reality. From major decisions like style, size, material, and location to the infinite variety of fixtures, finishes, appliances, and colors, everything must be picked from the variety of options available. But what about custom components, things that must be designed rather than picked from a catalog? Many of these items are designed in great detail using a collaborative process between architects and fabricators using shop drawings.

Generally, shop drawings are detailed working drawings that describe a building’s components to the high level of detail required for fabrication. Highly visible elements such as cabinetry are designed using shop drawings, but concealed systems such as structural steel, roof trusses, and heating and ventilation systems are designed the same way. The process progresses from general information to incredibly specific details, with input from many members of the design team coming together to reach a conclusion. Let’s take the example of a master bathroom design to examine how it works.

The architect works with the client to understand their requirements and desires: One vanity or two? How big is the shower? Platform tub or free-standing? Gradually, more detail is introduced: Do you want doors or drawers in the vanities? Are there cabinet towers above the countertop, or medicine chests built into the wall? Is there a separate makeup vanity built at a height to sit at? The answers to all these questions are synthesized into the architectural plans and interior elevations, which show the locations and sizes of all the components in the room, as well as their shape and character. Depending on the complexity of the design, the scale and budget of the project, and many other factors, these architectural drawings may be computer modeled or sketched by hand. But still more questions must be answered before the cabinet shop can begin building the vanity and trim components.

At this point, the architect will turn over the architectural drawings to a cabinet fabricator for further elaboration and development. The fabricator will use the architectural drawings as the basis for creating their own more detailed drawings: the shop drawings. These will usually be drawn at a larger scale than the architectural plans, which allows more detailed information to be included, covering both the appearance and the construction methods that will be used. Exactly how wide are the stiles and rails on the cabinet doors? What molding profiles are used in the different areas? Do drawers have dovetailed joints? Are the shelves adjustable or fixed?

When the shop drawings have been developed, they are submitted to the architect for review and approval. The architect examines the drawings to ensure, first, that the drawings match the design intent of the architectural plans. This could be verifying the sizes, the location of functions such as pull-out shelves or electrical outlets inside drawers, etc. Then the additional detail added to the shop drawings will be reviewed. Moldings, panels, alignments, and finishes are checked to ensure that the final product will turn out as intended.

After reviewing the drawings, the architect will return the drawings to the cabinet shop, with any requested changes marked on them. If necessary, this process of drawing, reviewing, and commenting can be repeated until the final drawings are approved for production.

The great benefit of the shop drawing process is that it allows each member of the design team to add their knowledge and expertise to the drawings. The architect doesn’t have to be an expert in every aspect of cabinet construction or truss design, because the designers who are experts in those topics add that information to the drawings. The cabinet maker or truss designer doesn’t have to understand the entire design project, because the architect will ensure the design matches the overall design intent. By allowing all the members of the design team to focus on their own areas of expertise and distributing the work of producing all of the information that’s required, the shop drawing process helps to bring all the details and decisions of a large project to a stunning conclusion.

Written by Alan Cook, studio manager at PCA

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Many people think first of kitchens when considering interior cabinetry, but cabinets and millwork can be successfully integrated into any space in the home, and have an incredible ability to take multiple forms, adding function, beauty, and craftsmanship to an interior. Cabinetry is both functional and decorative, providing storage, concealing clutter, and displaying heirlooms while providing accent points to a space or completely setting the tone for an interior. While kitchens are necessary functional spaces as well as social hubs for many contemporary homes, kitchen cabinets can be beautiful design elements in their own right. Cabinetry and millwork can be used throughout the home for myriad uses, and can utterly transform the character of a house. Both of these elements help bring human scale to a space.

Dining rooms and butler’s kitchens, often near the kitchen and sharing some of the kitchen’s needs for storage of dishware, linens, and utensils, will often contain built-in cabinetry. In a formal dining room, care should be taken to distinguish the design of the cabinets from those in the kitchen. Changes in color or wood species, and adjustments to countertop height or cabinet depth can be used to make dining cabinetry more furniture-like.

In living rooms, one of the areas where millwork design can have the greatest impact is in mantels and fireplace surrounds. Because the size and prominent placement of a fireplace usually makes it a major element in a room, the design of a mantel exerts a powerful influence on the design of the entire space. Very often, the fireplace surround extends floor to ceiling, and can incorporate other elements such as TVs and bookcases into an extensive composition. Living room cabinetry can take many other forms as well, from bookshelves to window seats to wet bars.

Home offices, like kitchens, are both functional work spaces and beautiful rooms to spend time in. The scholarly ambience of a bookshelf-lined hideaway is something any bibliophile would want. If storage for files or homes for printers, scanners, or other equipment is desired, closed cabinets hide the mess of everyday life away behind closed doors.

Wall paneling is a purely decorative element, but it can completely surround the occupant in luxurious detail that is impossible to get any other way. Some of our most familiar archetypes involve paneling; think of a Victorian captain of industry in his dark walnut drawing room, or a family on vacation gathering around the table of a cheery coastal cottage with white-painted bead board walls. Although the specific personalities of those two rooms are very different, they are fundamentally defined by the texture and detail of the paneled walls.

Beams & coffers offer a level of elaboration and decoration to an often-underused surface of a room: the ceiling. An unadorned ceiling can feel boring and underwhelming, particularly in the large, open great rooms that so many clients desire. Adding beams or coffers to the ceiling plane creates visual interest and can help to organize the space and give it a comfortable scale. The detailing of the beams themselves can be adapted to any architectural style or room shape. In a French country house with a cathedral ceiling, the beams are shaped, with sharp corners and a warm stain. In a traditional home, the coffers are deep and wide, with ornamental crown mold applied at the ceiling and decorative beads along their edges. The weight and complexity of the ceiling ornamentation is an inextricable part of the design of the space.

For any room of the house or type of cabinetry selected, the details fundamentally drive the character and appearance. The level of detail and interest is one of the great benefits cabinetry brings into an interior, but since every detail has multiple different options, the number of decisions can feel bewildering. However, a few basic distinctions greatly influence the final appearance and character of a design.

Raised panel vs. Flat Panel?

Raised panel designs tend to feel more formal, and are often found in traditional architecture. The additional shadow lines created by the panel profile adds a gorgeous richness to the finished cabinetry that can be further elaborated by moldings or beading applied to the edges of the frame. Flat panel designs can tilt toward a modern look, although they are equally at home in a rustic or cottage-style design. Shaker flat-panel doors are incredibly flexible, working beautifully in many different styles, and they can be elaborated with the addition of shaped edges or textured panels.

A fundamental choice is between a transparent finish, which shows the color and grain of the underlying wood, and a painted or glazed finish. The choice of wood species is critical if it will be exposed under a stain, and the variety and beauty of the myriad wood species that can be used provides options for every taste. The richness of stained cherry or walnut gives a totally different feel to a room than a blond maple or a lime-washed birch cabinet. Apart from color, the grain pattern of different wood species is very different, with some species giving less contrast and grain pattern than others. Painted finishes allow a similar variety, allowing the choice of any color that can be mixed. Glazes and textures such as distressing can be layered on painted cabinets, and accent pieces such as kitchen islands can be painted in contrasting colors for a splash of excitement.

Throughout a house, cabinetry combines functional problem-solving with beauty and character. With creative thinking, it can add desired utility to any room and yet provide the stunning centerpiece to a home.

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Ever had a dream that you have been working towards your whole life? I am sure the answer is yes! One of the greatest experiences is to help someone’s dream become a reality. That is the beauty of residential architecture! A little over five years ago, a client came to us with a dream. A dream to develop a Centreville estate that he has been envisioning for the last twenty-five years on 100 acres of pristine waterfront property he had just purchased on the eastern shore of Maryland. Fun fact: this client found Purple Cherry Architects because he moved into a house we previously designed for an old client! Small world!

This multi-structure estate started how many new projects do, from the ground up. So first, what were the buildings? Next, how were they positioned on the site to each other?

Let’s begin with the main house. Well, that clearly gets the best view! Because who wouldn’t want that expansive water view! Well, okay, maybe someone who would rather a mountain view, but you get the picture.  And with that, the design began! In fact, the design of all seven buildings happened concurrently, making it even more fun. While there is a main house, pool house, guesthouse, garage, party barn, carriage house and sheep shelter (yes, you read right!), for this go-around, we are only touching on some fun key features in the main house!

Exterior Materials – Ever hear the expression “first impressions are everything”? Well, that bodes true for houses too! The proportion, texture and color should be carefully thought out as to not have one dominate over another. This house balances the beauty of James Hardie’s Artisan vertical and horizontal lap-siding with Cushwa handmade oversized brick to make a breathtaking house. But let us not forget the Intex millwork columns and railings, Boral trim, Loewen windows with Atlantic Premium shutters and yellow cedar shake roofs and copper accents!

Monochromatic Rooms – If you have never experienced a monochromatic room, I highly recommend it. And we do not mean an all-white monochromatic room, but a deep dark slate blue/gray. Maybe it has that one feature, say a limestone fireplace mantel from a manufacturer similar to Francois and Co. that stands out and is balanced by the Lyndon Heath custom cabinetry. This house gets two of those rooms!

Bar – The monochromatic rooms flank the billiards room that is just before the main bar in the house. This bar is a two-story space with custom Douglas fir trusses, lap siding, brick floor, timber frame and a secret staircase. The horizontal nickel gap boards, Douglas fir trusses, and shelf running high around the room all nod to a nautical feel. The millwork by Engrained Millwork and commercial appliances from EVI are all pieces that bring this room together. What’s also cool, if you are lucky enough to stay in the second floor main guest suite, is that there are interior windows that allow you to look into the bar and embrace all its beauty!

Wine Room – So, what’s with that secret staircase mentioned above? Well, you have to go back behind the bar to get to it. It will lead you down a narrow space into a twenty-by-forty Chicago-brick barreled-ceiling wine room. We could talk about this space for days. In fact, it seems to be everyone’s favorite place in the house. The first thing people want to do is go to the basement to see the wine room. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of the construction photos because words truly cannot do this room justice. The frame work for the barrel is stunning as is the brick barrel itself! All that brick, and the brick barrel hallways in the basement, all were laid by one EXTREMELY talented mason with two helpers!

We could go on for hours and talk about all the fun little features of this house, but some things need to be left as a surprise! Plus, in the future, we need to talk about buildings two through seven! Something to think about in the meantime is astounding how many people have been employed by this project over the past five years, including GYC Builders, Champion Hruby Landscape Architects and Lane Engineering that helped to make it all the buildings work in harmony! That is pretty darn special. And, it is all thanks to one man (our client) to whom we will always be grateful! God bless him!

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

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In terms of new directions from this market, we saw a strong continuation of current design trends from the past few markets. For example, the leading colors continue to be blush-pink and white-on-white.

Back to the 80’s. The 80’s are back in full force! The over-sized scale of furniture with light wood finishes coupled with pastel upholstery evokes a familiarity of past decades. Rounded forms can be seen throughout vendor lines with their rounded edges, shapely arms and curved back profiles. This is in sharp contrast to the straight lines and clean edges we have seen in furniture design for the past five years. There appears to be a “softening” being introduced into furniture design. This new direction united with a pastel color palette gave us some serious Golden Girls vibes!

Warm color palettes. When creating a design, we start with the color palette. Will the house have a gray and taupe base palette? Will it be cool or warm? Or better yet, will we be doing a combination of the two? (Yes, it can be done). The cooler gray scheme that has held the Pinterest audience captive for the past few years appears to be on its way out! Beige (can you believe it!), brown, and ivories are replacing the cooler gray hues. Highland House’s vignette showcases the execution of this trend, from the patterned neutral loveseat to the textured beige sofa and walls. Even right down to the beige pleated lamp shade!

Decorative lighting movement. Vendors who have traditionally not offered decorative lighting have expanded their lines to include this sought-after product. Chandeliers, pendants and sconces can greatly change the overall look and feel of a space. Natural fibers, brass and industrial fixtures were throughout market. The industry had its doubts that these distinctive looks would remain but they appear to be here to stay! The PCA team understands the importance of light and how it is dispersed and perceived. We fell head over heels for Visual Comfort’s new introductions! The clean but classic feel has a subtle nautical vibe, which pairs beautifully for many of our client’s homes.

Williams Morris has been revived! As the one of the leader of Britain’s Arts & Crafts movement, Williams Morris designed everything from textiles to interiors. This 19^th century designer and visionary is back and his designs can be seen gracing showroom walls, upholstery and even fashion! Several vendors have established collaborations and have put his distinctive patterns front and center. Selamat Designs, traditionally known for their natural and bohemian flair, has found clever methods to intertwine Morris’ iconic patterns into their current line. His pattern, Strawberry Thief, was inspired by the birds that flew into William Morris’ garden at his manor.

Predictions & continual trends. Many of the color palettes across the High Point Market were right in line with what we have seen in the last few market visits. The soft pinks, blushes and neutrals have remained and even morphed into the pastel color range. Who would have predicted that! In addition, the bright jewel tones in green, blue, pink and even orange are being paired with this warmer palette to add a pop of color. We predict a continued movement away from the cooler tones and a dive into the warmer color schemes.

Global trends continue with the use of natural details such as caning and rattan. The artisanal feel of pieces as well as the back-to-basics movement have proven both are here to stay. We saw this very same theme during our trip to the NY Now tradeshow over the summer!

In conclusion. Although we saw less foot traffic at this past Market, we certainly walked away feeling incredibly inspired and bursting at the seams with creativity! We’ve had the great opportunity to share the amazing finds with our clients and now have had the pleasure to share the same with you!

The post Fall 2019 High Point Market | Design Trends and Finds appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Talented architects see the big picture. They don’t just design four walls and a roof. They create total environments, interiors, and exteriors that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to live. Whether you are remodeling, doing an addition, or building your dream home from scratch—the great architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects help you end up with a beautiful project that meets your needs and works with both your budget and time frame.

Architects solve problems. Most building projects start with a want or need. “I need a larger kitchen for entertaining.” Or, “We’ve outgrown our home.” But how does that need or want get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space? That is what architects are trained to do—solve problems in creative ways. With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can come up with clever alternatives and options you might never think of on your own, such as—designing to age in place; designing to maximize views; designing to support daily living patterns, and so on.

Need more room for your growing family? An architect can show you how to expand your home so you don’t have to move. An architect can design a home that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? An architect looks for ways to make your project cost-effective.

An architect’s services are a wise investment for the money vs. an added cost to your project—which is often the misconception. Why?

• A well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects plan your project with you with your budget in mind. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made in the design development phase when three-dimensional Revit software is utilized—a cost-effective tool that also eliminates human error.  Changes made during the drawing phase are much less expensive than later on when construction is underway. Thorough drawings enable the contractor to accurately price and build your project.

• An energy-efficient home can save you money on your fuel bill. An architect can design a structure to maximize natural lighting & heating/cooling effects, thus reducing your electric bills over time.
• An architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs. Architects work to stay abreast of advances in lighting, finishes, flooring, paint, etc. Their familiarity with the full range of materials enables them to suggest the appropriate materials for your project.
• An architect is available to support the construction process in a variety of ways through construction administration: interior architecture design assistance such as the final selection of finishes and materials; developing millwork details such as replace mantels, bookcases/built-ins and ceiling treatment details; site visits with you and/or the contractor; review of applications for payment; review and negotiation of change orders; coordination of all field questions; preparation of contractor’s final punch list; and issuance of Substantial Completion certificate.
• Good design sells. A well-designed home is easier to sell and often has a higher resale value.

Architects can make your life easier. Let’s face it, building a new home is a long process that can, at times, get messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living in the space while under construction. The architect you hire looks out for your interests to ensure the process flows smoothly.

An architect is your advocate, designer, friend, family member and sometimes even a marriage counselor when a couple might not see eye to eye on design options! In the end, a good architect has the talent to take the element of fear or the unknown and make the design process an extraordinary journey!

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You know the name “Purple Cherry Architects”, but how well do you know “Purposeful Architecture”? If you google it, it’s the first thing that comes up. The logo looks strikingly similar to that of Purple Cherry Architects’ logo! That’s because Purposeful Architecture is a design studio within Purple Cherry Architects that specializes in “creating learning and living environments that inspire creativity and individuality in children and adults with special needs.”

Purposeful Architecture and Purple Cherry Architects are likely names that you have seen around the metro area for several decades. You have also seen them associated with local non-profits such as Hospice of the Chesapeake, Arundel Lodge, and the Ronald McDonald House just to name a few. But two plus years ago, Purple Cherry expanded into the Charlottesville area and with that, so did Purposeful Architecture.

While Purposeful Architecture has worked on non-profit projects, special needs schools, group homes, vocational day facilities, etc. from the Annapolis area all the way out to Utah, Arizona and even Saudi Arabia, one of the more recent non-profits pairings is with the Virginia Institute of Autism, or as we call it simply – VIA. Early in October, VIA hosted their Annual Gala, “A Galaxy of Possibilities”, to help kick off their fundraising campaign for their new Charlottesville facility to serve transitioning teens and adults with Autism into the community.

The evening was hosted by Castle Hill Cider near Charlottesville and silent auction Items lined the perimeter of the timber-framed hall as all the stars in the galaxy were shining just above attendees heads. Okay, so they were actually twinkle lights but we’re talking about a theme here!  Cathy Cherry, Ashley Marshall, and John Daly from our team were all in attendance! It wasn’t just the PCA team that supported VIA–our team was joined by some notable colleagues like Doug Croker of Ilex Construction, who has been working with PCA on various projects in Maryland and Virginia, and Alison Dickie the fabulous editor of Albemarle Magazine. The night went off without a hitch and was full of speeches, live auction items, dancing, laughing and even a little photo booth time. It was truly a night to remember with some great people for an even better cause.

With the gala in the past, the real work begins! The project is the renovation of an existing senior center on Hillsdale Drive. The use, materials and team all play a critical role in the redesign of this new space. One of the biggest things needing attention is the roof, but let me tell you a little bit about the other parts.

Individuals with autism can be more sensitive to sounds, smells, etc. It is key that the team at B&R Construction Services–the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers on the project–pays close attention to this when working through their design. Ever turn on the lights in a conference room and hear a buzzing or humming noise? That is a “no-go” in the world of special needs design! Switching out the noisy bright fluorescent bulbs for quiet warm 2700 kelvin LED bulbs can help to alleviate sensitivity.

When students need a break from all the commotion, they often need a secluded space to distance themselves from all the things causing stress. Thus why sensory rooms have been located within the four major classrooms.

In addition to these sensory rooms in the classrooms, VIA will also be building out the basement into a large vocational classroom that will be mocked up like an apartment. This gives the students and adults opportunities to learn how to clean, do laundry, cook, etc., all of which can help them get jobs out in the community and better their life experiences!

If they aren’t learning life skills in the model apartment classroom, they could be spending time in the VIAble ventures lab. What is VIAble ventures you ask? It’s a social impact program to develop small sustainable businesses tailored to give adults with autism jobs! The first venture – candle making. Who doesn’t love a good candle? Be on the lookout because their first inventory is coming soon!

As this project becomes more and more of a reality, we certainly cannot do it without the work of some of the other local consultants on the project like DMWPV Structural Engineers and Timmons Group for the exterior civil and garden work!

Want to learn a little more about what VIA is doing? Check out these links featured on the local Charlottesville news! Take a look at the Daily Press . Interested in other ways to get involved? Go to viaschool.org to read more and learn how. See you in Cville!

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

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Is there anything better than a house with a beautiful water view? Whether it be waterfront on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay or sitting on a sheltered creek, a home site with a view of water gives homeowners opportunities for unparalleled beauty. While a spectacular water view is one of the most important factors in design, other site characteristics should always be considered. Observe how the sun moves across the sky throughout the day. Morning light streaming into an east-facing bedroom might be just the thing for an early riser, while an owner who likes to sleep late might prefer a dark, secluded bedroom on the west side and a light-filled kitchen on the east. Owners inspired by the gorgeous pinks and oranges of sunset views will appreciate outdoor living spaces such as decks or porches facing west. If those amenity spaces can have both water and sunset views, so much the better!

The most fortunate waterfront sites have beautiful views all around, but many properties have much more scenic vistas in one direction. When one direction is clearly the most attractive, you must consider the relative priority of the spaces to determine which space gets the best view. Often the main living space containing the living room, dining room, and kitchen is given pride of place, since these spaces form the core of the house where residents spend most of their time. Within that space, consider the owners’ preferences- to some, looking from the kitchen through a beautifully furnished, seldom-used formal dining room to the shoreline beyond is a fantastic way to draw the beauty of nature into the house. Others, maybe those raising small children, or those who like to casually entertain with everyone gathered around the kitchen island on barstools, want the kitchen windows looking straight out at the water.

Less important spaces where residents don’t congregate, like closets, pantries, or mudrooms, can be placed in areas with no view of the water, or even be used to screen undesirable elements such as nearby neighbors.

If the house is high on a hill, the best view will be below you when you’re inside. Window sills must be placed low to avoid blocking views. Window heads must be placed to maximize views, and when windows are divided, such as when double-hung units are used, special attention must be given to the height of horizontal divisions. Nothing is worse than a badly-placed sash or mullion at eye level. Many window manufacturers now make wood windows with narrow, modern profiles that maximize the glazed opening, such as the Weathershield Contemporary Collection. And although they tend to be expensive, all-metal windows offer the narrowest profiles available and expansive glass area, such as Arcadia Custom luxury windows.

Porches, terraces, and other outdoor spaces associated with the house also must be considered in planning for views. While they benefit from water views themselves, they also affect views from adjacent spaces. Different clients have varying tolerances for viewing through screens, or even past columns supporting porch roofs. High-visibility screens are available from window manufacturers, and can be installed in porches as well, to significantly improve the ability to see through to the landscape beyond. If the site is wide enough, outdoor spaces can be placed alongside the house rather than between the house and the water, allowing unobstructed water views from the interior. However, an outdoor space that allows a room to be opened up and expand toward the water provides great flexibility for entertaining and an unmatched sense of extending the living space into the exterior.

If a swimming pool is desired, its placement also affects the view to the water. A pool sitting between the house and shoreline becomes a primary visual element. In the summer, the sparkling water accents the landscape design and entices people to come outside and lounge poolside. This suits those who want to see the pool from the interior when entertaining or to monitor the activity in the pool. In the winter, however, a covered pool lacks that charm, so some clients prefer to locate the pool in a less prominent location and give the area in the foreground of the view to beautiful gardens or terraces.

Divisions, or muntins, in windows are a matter of personal taste, with passionate advocates on both sides. Some owners want nothing to come between them and the view, and prefer narrow frame profiles and unbroken expanses of glass. While this tends to create a more contemporary appearance, it is suitable for a variety of architectural styles. On the other side, there are clients who appreciate the classic detail and sense of scale that divided lights provide, and feel that the divisions don’t create a bothersome obstruction. One current trend is painting window sashes and divisions a dark color, which gives a cool, modern vibe to the interior. Neither conclusion is wrong, but understanding which camp the owners fall into is important.

You may want to view straight through the house from the front door, seeing the water beyond and creating a dramatic “wow” moment as soon as you arrive. Fully glazed doors with wide sidelights or adjacent windows provide this sense of drama and maximize the openness and connection between the entrance and the living space. However, there are reasons to go in a different direction. Some clients want more privacy than a transparent entrance provides and don’t feel comfortable with large glazed doors. In that case, the revelation of the water view only after being invited into the house itself can provide its own sense of excitement and create a progression from the exterior world into the private realm.

A waterfront site has so many wonderful benefits, paying attention to the wide variety of details that come into play during design can help ensure that no opportunity is missed.

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Have you ever seen a house with a painted floor that looks like blue jeans? Or, walls so thick they accommodate multiple levels of sliding doors or shutters? Well, the PCA team surely has! Where may you ask? At the legendary Bunny Mellon estate in Upperville, Virginia.

Rachel “Bunny” Mellon is a name that often comes up when talking about Paul Mellon–her second husband, banking heir and art collector–and even her best friend, Jackie Kennedy. While Bunny was most known for her glorious gardens, particularly her most famous one, the White House Rose Garden, she also designed a series of houses. Her bold design and unique flare easily draws you in.

One of the most notable of her houses was her own estate. For those who do not know, the estate is not open to the public and very few are actually granted access. Some of our very own PCA team members, Ashley Marshall and Cathy Cherry, along with Kevin Campion of Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, were incredibly lucky to tour the estate with clients of ours who just purchased one of Bunny Mellon’s other houses a few minutes away. Our clients wanted to renovate the house originally built for Bunny’s daughter, but rather than change all the unique and bold “Bunny Mellon” features, they chose to embrace them! So to renovate this house, we must embrace the Mellon! Here are a few trademark Bunny Mellon treats!

Shutters – A Bunny Mellon staple. And, they aren’t the traditional shutters typically seen on the exterior of the house, from places like Atlantic Premium Shutters. Take a closer look. Notice how the walls are extra thick? There are two individual pockets on the INSIDE of the window. Why two? Well, closest to the window you have the wood frame sliding screens. But what if you want to filter some of the light? Oh, then next would come the sliding louvers. Want to go to sleep and have the room “blacked out”? We would traditionally use blackout curtains. However, Bunny added a third layer that did not pocket, rather, functioned like traditional shutters, and were completely solid. There are also folding hidden shutters at doors and windows, much like the ones you would find in her iconic Oak Spring Farm Estate. Another fun fact, there are shutters that have a high and low portion! You know… just in case you want the privacy while changing but still want to see the magnificent mountain views of the Middleburg area.

Clipped Doors – More often than not, architects will adjust the width or the height of a door, to prevent the top corners from being clipped when designing rooms that are built under, or into, the roof of a house. But when you walk into the guest house that Bunny designed and had built for her dear friend Jackie Kennedy, you will see clipped corners in several places throughout the house. So, when one happens in a house, we as architects have to remember to embrace it!

Comfort Stations – Ever wished to have a place where you can grab a quick drink for you and some friends,\ without having to walk all the way to the kitchen? You might know these areas as “wet bars”. For Bunny, they were “comfort stations”, and these were hidden all throughout her houses. So, it’s no surprise that there was always more than one. Some of our favorite hiding places? Behind the paneling in the living room and inside the corner built-in inside her dressing room. When you open the comfort station in her dressing room, you will notice everything at a smaller scale to fit into such a tight space. One of the pieces that our team loved the most was the 4” diameter sink, because where on earth can you find a 4” sink?! What we discovered was that it wasn’t necessarily a true sink. Rather, it appeared that it was a boat drain! But what a bold and clever use!

Hardware – Traditionally, we might purchase door hardware for a project through places like Touch of Brass or Walter Works Hardware. Not Bunny Mellon. All of her door hardware, down to the latches, hinges and door stops, were custom-made. And, interestingly enough, door knobs were never large like the typical ones we touch daily. They were smaller, more discrete, and all with an intentional antiqued look to them.

Today, we see houses that look like mansions, where everything is large, over-scaled and, in some cases, not completely thought out. One thing for sure is that when you walk into Bunny’s Oak Spring home, there is a simplistic elegance to it. Furniture and accessories fill the spaces. Nothing is too big or too small. Everything is just right. Enough room to entertain and the attention to detail that will keep you on your toes. It feels like a true home.

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA

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Q: Is wallpaper dated? It seems like a big commitment.

Absolutely not! It is that “little something extra.” We are seeing beautiful linens and grasscloths, subtle and bold printed patterns, and even embossed leathers. There are so many applications to use with wallpaper. Many of the homes we design have anywhere from 9’-11’ ceilings. Adding wallpaper to a space is a great way to fill a wall especially in a space with high ceilings. Get creative with where you use wallpaper! We love to add wallpaper in the back of a built-in bookcase to really make it pop. Still afraid of committing? Start small. Powder rooms are generally smaller in scale and give you an opportunity to test out your curiosity. This Zoffany wallpaper gave one of our clients the impact she wanted but still remained neutral and classic.

Q: What paint colors would you recommend for exterior stucco?

The key is to look at the house holistically and then to establish a color palette. Consider not only the stucco but also the other exterior materials such as roofing, siding, and hardscape. If you have stone or a stone veneer you will want to select a color that is pulling off of that material. We frequently specify Benjamin Moore colors found in the OC collection. These stunning paint colors, time and time again, have proven to be true staples. Try colors like Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist and China White

And don’t forget – sample, sample, sample, before you commit to a color palette! I know that when a color goes larges, it gets brighter. It takes a little more effort, but it is so worth it in the end!

Q: Do all of your metal finishes in a kitchen or bathroom need to match?

Yes and no. Does that answer the question? As interior designers, we look at the design as a whole. Between plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, door hardware, and all the way down to the cabinet hardware. It’s important to understand the careful balance of mixing metal finishes so that they harmonize well. We certainly specify and appreciate many metal finishes but the most common are: polished nickel, polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze, and brass. Brass has come a LONG way, and it is not the brass we all know and hate from growing up. Polished nickel and polished chrome pair nicely with both oil-rubbed bronze and brass tones. Also, the right oil-rubbed bronze and antique brass work together. It is a careful balance of combining a cooler tone metal with a warmer or darker tone metal. It can be done and it can be done well. We do have clients who prefer all of the metal finishes to match and that is ok too!

Q: I fell in love with a fabric but I am worried it won’t stand up well on a chair I am having re-upholstered. How do I know if it is durable enough to use?

There are several factors to consider when selecting a fabric for upholstery use. The weight of the fabric, and the content are essential. Upholstery weight fabrics need to be thick enough so it can stand up to use and time. If you use a fabric that is too thin, you will experience the fabric actually shifting over the cushion which will result in pilling. We frequently will do a treatment called “knit backing” which adds an extra layer to the backside of the fabric to give it more stability. Durability is a must! We hear this from our clients on a regular basis. With today’s hustle and bustle, we do not want to worry when we get home. We do not want to chase down the child, dog, or just clumsy house guest when they are using the newly upholstered chair. Knowing fabric content is key when selecting a fabric. Natural fibers will always require more care, but several fabrics are now treated with Nanotex or Crypton which are both great worry-free options! Thibaut, Kravet, and countless other vendors are all jumping on the stain treatment train.

Q: Does artwork need to match the interiors of a room?

In the past, artwork has often been selected to match the room. We encourage our clients to select artwork that is subtly cohesive with the design. Pick the room’s main accent color, like a coral or even a moody teal, and have it pop an element in the artwork. Artwork is incredible, and we encourage our clients to select pieces that speak to their taste and lifestyle.

Q: I love subway tile. Is it still going to be in trend in a few years?

Subway tile is as classic as you can get. If you look at photos of Parisian apartments in the 1920’s, you can see subway tile gracing the walls. It is true, subway tile has “come back” but it is certainly here to stay. The clean, timeless look is the perfect backdrop for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom shower walls. Want to mix it up? Change the size, the color, the texture, or even add a pattern. Winchester Tile Company, who is carried by Chesapeake Tile in Baltimore, has a beautiful assortment of subway tile in varying sizes and designs.

Q: What rug would you recommend for a family room?

Family rooms and kitchens are the heart of the home. It is where most of clients’ families gather and spend the majority of their time together. The family room is being used as the extra office space for TV watching, game playing, and even the entertaining space when sports are on the television. Wool is the most durable natural fiber in rugs. It is cozy underfoot, has excellent insulating properties, and has good stain repellency. An additional fiber that is most commonly found in indoor-outdoor rugs is polypropylene. Perennials, who has primarily known for their fabulous indoor-outdoor fabrics, has recently launched a rug line. Their polypropylene rugs are soft to the touch and offer incredible durability. You can literally hose these rugs off! Their line has expanded where we can dream up any design or custom color any of their current patterns.

Purple Cherry Architects’ goal with each project is to create an intentional, functional and beautiful home. Our interior design team takes many approaches to formulate a design that works for the client and their lifestyle. We hope our readers have found these answers helpful and thank you to our Instagram followers for participating!

The post Q&A Time with PCA Interiors appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Every year, the SPCA sees around 6.5 million animals surrendered to shelters nationwide. It may have been anything from puppies or kittens left in a box on the side of the road, to older or sick adult dogs or cats, or even malnourished dogs chained up outside for days without food or water. Of these 6.5 million animals, approximately 3 million are adopted, 1.5 million are euthanized and over 700,000 that have entered shelters as strays have been reunited with their owners.

The SPCA of Anne Arundel County was founded in 1920 and is currently the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the county. It was originally created to help manage the overwhelming amount of stray dogs that had overtaken Eastport. Unfortunately, the SPCA struggled in its early years. It was not until 1934 when Albert McCarthy became the President of the organization that it truly began to shine. Albert was the strong animal welfare activist that the SPCA needed. Under his leadership, SPCA managed and enforced all dog-licensing regulations, and ran six animal ambulances to retrieve animals that had been injured and opened their first shelter building in 1947.

As the shelter grew, they outgrew the original building and it now houses the administrative offices, meeting spaces, volunteer orientation and the Spay and Neuter clinic. The clinic was the dream of Peg Howard who was a volunteer, board member and donor that used her own money to build and equip the first clinic in 1974. This allowed the SPCA  to become one of the leading pioneers in low-cost spay and neuter services.

In 2018, almost 2,100 animals were taken in by the SPCA, and not just dogs and cats, but small animals like bunny rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and hamsters, too. Out of those 2,100 animals, just over 1,700 were able to find their forever homes. In addition to the 2,100 animals in the shelter, 733 were placed in love-filled foster homes.

Animal Fosters are vital to the number of animals the shelter can save each year. Foster care is for some of the most vulnerable animals that come through the doors. Those animals like, pregnant or new moms, orphans, animals in recovery and even some that just need a break from shelter life. A calm and relaxing place to stay provides these animals with their best chance at a happy life. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in fostering, be sure to reach out to SPCA to learn more!

Volunteers, such as our team members Ashley Marshall and Cathy Purple Cherry who volunteer at the SPCA, also play a critical role in helping to care for the animals in the shelter and SPCA is lucky to have a very active and vibrant program. With a staff of around 50 and 2,100 animals that came through the doors last year, it would be impossible for the staff alone to provide the complete care needed. While volunteers can help with events, gardening, and clinic, one key task is socializing. The socialization of the animals is essential to their adoption. For dogs, getting them out of their 3’x6’ concrete block and metal chain link fence run and taking them for a walk on the scenic nature trail can help ease their anxiety and nervousness.

The SPCA is a 501c3 organization. As a non-profit they look to volunteers, donations, etc. to help keep facilities and programs running. Throughout the year, SPCA hosts a variety of fundraising events to help support their animal budget. Ever drive through Sandy Point State Park at Christmas time for Lights on the Bay?  Well, for the last few years, the proceeds have helped all benefit the SPCA. How about the Walk for Animals or the Puppy Plunge in the Summer? All fun events that not only help raise money for the SPCA but give you a glimpse of the sweet faces available for adoption.

One of the next big steps for SPCA is the design and completion of their new animal intake facilities! After 33 years, this building is in desperate need of replacement. The fun part? The team at Purple Cherry Architects gets to help make it a reality! We could not be more excited. But let’s not forget, it takes a village and SPCA needs the help of the community to make it happen. If you would like to help the cause and donate go to aacspca.org!

Hope to see you at the next SPCA event!

*Note:  Some of the animals in the photos have previously been adopted.

Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA. 

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I’ve been practicing architecture for 30 years and it never gets old. Architecture is art and interior architecture is the brushstroke that creates the whole. When you’re truly passionate for your profession, it no longer is a job but rather an incredible journey. And when opportunities are presented that blend the passion of architecture with compassion, it is the greatest joy. I have been so very blessed to have incredible opportunities. They come in many forms and I’d like to share a few.

Architectural opportunities led me to the Ronald McDonald House and now, 15 years later, my team has made dinner for the residents over 80 times and will continue to do so as long as I live. This experience was crucial for me to share with my PCA team. I believe it is incredibly important to be able to show compassion and support to others struggling and to be able to know that others around us can be suffering greatly and need our tenderness.

Architectural opportunities led me to Hospice of the Chesapeake. And during that architectural journey, my aging mother joined me from Florida. We shared 21 months together before she went home to God. During her time with me, I learned about palliative care from Hospice. That ultimately led to Hospice carrying her to the end. And now, my family and my PCA team continues financial and volunteer support with this incredible organization.

Architectural opportunities led me to serve clients who then experienced the journey of cancer. This allowed me to have incredible faith conversations and the great honor of bringing my friends and team forward to help not in a professional way but rather in a nurturing way. Moving these clients physically into their homes, unpacking their lifelong possessions, setting each personal item in place and sharing meals and company. These memories and ongoing experiences continue to fill my soul!

Architectural opportunities led me to touch the special needs population. Having a brother and an adopted son with special needs gave me a special gift for these environments. And in return, each of these programs (locally – Opportunity Builders, Arundel Lodge, Benedictine School, Cisco Center and many others across the country) have engaged my heart and the hearts of my other children and my team. I have been forever formed by this journey with family members and others with special needs.

And the stories go on and on. The constant lesson for me is lead with your heart and don’t miss out on the opportunities presented for reasons beyond your profession. Why else are we really here? We are guided by God to be kind, compassionate, loving, and supportive human beings rather than shallow, selfish, greedy and evil. Look in the mirror and decide what path you will take. And if it is the path of compassion, then lead by example.

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Twice a year, thousands of vendors show up to the “NY Now” tradeshow at NYC’s famed Javitz Center to showcase their newest home and lifestyle products. Similar to the famous High Point furniture market in NC, the show is open to the design trade and our Purple Cherry interiors team went to check things out!

Our team works with clients to design functional and beautiful homes. It is common to move through the architectural and interior design process and not finish that last crucial step which is staging and accessorizing. Our clients are now asking for that layer of design and we are thrilled to be a part of it. It is the final touch of the design that really gives you that feeling, “ah, yes, it is finished.”

Our main goal at the show was to develop relationships with new vendors. If we found a piece or line for a client, even better! We love to find the newest products and trends. We walk the endless aisles seeking the common trend we can see through thousands upon thousands of vendors. Here’s what we took away this 2019 year!

1. Natural Elements
The use of natural woods, tortoiseshell, and bamboo was found in everything from tabletops to furniture. From Made Good’s new “Juleen” braided hyacinth console to Selamant’s rattan coffee table, it became clear this was a strong design element throughout the show. These pieces offer a warmth and texture that set them apart and offer you offer you a more artisanal edge. This look is in stark comparison to the industrial trend of modernism starkness we saw not too long ago.

2. Color 
The darker, bolder palettes appear to be a distant memory. Beige, off whites, and blush (still going strong!) were a common color story throughout. The natural materials and textures we are seeing certainly influence this neutral color palette. Colors we frequently specify for our clients like Benjamin Moore’s Wind’s Breath, White Dove, and Muslin would be the perfect compliment to the natural elements and keep with today’s trending colors.

3. Handmade
The collection of handmade goods was strong. With the internet at our fingertips we have access to endless product, usually mass manufactured. There appears to be a movement to procure the one-of-a-kind product with a strong emphasis on great design. Handmade ceramic dinnerware with irregularities in shape and color were seen throughout. Tenango’s hand carved primitive console table fulfills both the natural and handmade trend.

4. Customizable Dinnerware & Accessories
Several dinnerware vendors now allow the designer to customize their designs or come up with a design all on their own! The collaboration between client, designer, and vendor at this level is new and we are thrilled to see vendors giving us another design opportunity. This could be seen in Caskata dinnerware line which allows you to customize size, color, and pattern. Set your table apart by customizing your dinner plates or platter with a custom map of your hometown. Their classic blue and white line would be a perfect compliment to several of our client’s homes.

5. Artisanal
Hand-blocked prints were scattered throughout the show. From Pomegranate’s tablecloths and napkins to Walter G’s ready-made pillows, vendors offered an extensive line with several patterns and colors to choose from. The artisanal quality of these textiles is in line with the global trend we have seen in recent years in both home and fashion. Ultimately, we discovered this global trend is here to stay!

In conclusion, there is a “back to basics” vibe going on in the industry. The common trait we see throughout all of these trends is the movement to design of the old. The materials and craft of the product is more of an interest and the popular neutral color palette is a perfect complement to it. We were thrilled to have this exposure and return to the office with freshly ignited creativity! At PCA, we appreciate all styles of architecture and design!

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This tranquil glass pool house is situated on the waterfront of Harness Creek in Annapolis. Homeowners desired a meditative reflection space that mirrored the same aesthetic as the main house it is detached from. The feature story in Home and Design Magazine, In Harmony, further details the connection of the pool house with the meadow and shoreline garden. Emphasizing nature and it’s elements was a major component in this project. The grasses and plant beds throughout create a “tidewater habitat.”

Each stone of the connecting bridge to the main house and pool were individually chiseled to achieve a hand-stacked look. Custom vanities, aqua blue tiled spa shower and closet, and a sitting area make up the interior of the space. Writer Sharon Jaffe Dan perfectly depicts this as “living proof that man and nature can coexist in harmony.”

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Just because condominium owners may be working with a smaller space, it doesn’t mean they need to sacrifice style. Check out these snapshots of a condominium interior renovation we recently completed. Ensuring this home was a welcoming pad for its globetrotting owners, interior designer Katalin Farnady brought each of these small scale spaces to life with colorful, playful, yet utterly sophisticated patterns.

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Items pictured are examples courtesy of the Shakuff website and do not depict actual elements in home.

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