By Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP | Founding Principal, Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors

One of the most common questions I hear as a custom residential architect is, “Should we renovate our home or tear it down and build a new one?”

Whether clients are planning a luxury home renovation, considering a complete custom home rebuild, or evaluating the long-term value of their property, the answer is rarely simple. After more than four decades of designing custom homes throughout Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay region, and beyond, I have found that the decision almost always comes down to three primary considerations: budget, the existing home’s condition, and the extent of change the homeowners envision.

1. Start With Your Investment Goals

Assuming the property is not protected by a historic designation or located within a historic district, the first consideration is financial.

Throughout the Northeast, the cost of building a luxury custom home typically ranges from approximately $800 to more than $2,000 per square foot, depending on the level of craftsmanship, architectural detailing, materials, and construction complexity.

That benchmark provides an important point of reference when deciding whether to renovate or rebuild. If a homeowner’s investment goal falls well below the cost of new construction, a thoughtfully planned renovation is often the logical path. However, this is where expectations and reality frequently diverge.

Many homeowners envision a renovation that transforms nearly every aspect of their home within a budget that realistically supports only a portion of those changes.

One of the most valuable roles an architect plays is helping clients align their vision with their investment. That means prioritizing what matters most, identifying creative design solutions, and finding opportunities that deliver the greatest impact without unnecessary expense. Sometimes that means refining the scope of work. Other times it means recognizing that the investment must evolve to achieve the desired outcome. Thoughtful planning early in the design process almost always prevents costly surprises during construction.

2. Evaluate the Existing Home—Not Just Its Appearance

The second consideration is the house itself.

Older homes often possess remarkable architectural character, but they can also conceal decades of structural, mechanical, and functional challenges. A home built in the 1920s, for example, may rest on pier foundations, contain outdated framing methods, or have floor plans that no longer support the way today’s families live and entertain.

As a renovation becomes more extensive—requiring structural reinforcement, relocating plumbing and mechanical systems, updating electrical infrastructure, and rebuilding significant portions of the home—the economics begin to shift. At a certain point, a tear-down and rebuild can actually become the more efficient and cost-effective solution.

There comes a point where reconstructing walls is simpler than repeatedly cutting, patching, and reinforcing existing ones. When nearly every wall requires intervention, the project has often evolved into a new home constrained by an aging shell. Unless a homeowner has a deep appreciation for preserving the historical fabric of the house, rebuilding may ultimately provide greater value, better performance, and significantly more design flexibility.

3. Consider How You Really Want to Live

The final test is one I often conduct while simply walking through a home with my clients. I begin asking a series of questions:

• Is nearly every room changing function?
• Are most of the windows moving?
• Is the staircase being relocated?
• Are the majority of plumbing fixtures changing locations?
• Are you comfortable with the existing 8-foot ceiling heights?

When the answer to most—or all—of these questions is yes, the renovation has effectively become a new home wrapped inside an old shell. At that point, rebuilding often provides:

• Greater architectural freedom
• Better structural performance
• Improved energy efficiency
• More opportunities for natural light
• Better indoor-outdoor connections
• A floor plan designed specifically for today’s lifestyle
• Greater long-term value

Perhaps most surprisingly, it can also become the more economical path.

Historic Homes Require a Different Conversation

Historic homes deserve their own category. Having personally restored and lived in a home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, I understand firsthand that historic restoration often exceeds the cost of building a new custom home.

The motivation is rarely financial.

Instead, it comes from a passion for preserving history, craftsmanship, and architectural legacy. In some situations, historic tax credits and preservation incentives can help offset a portion of the investment, but these projects should always be approached with realistic expectations.

Renovate or Rebuild? There’s No Universal Answer

Every home—and every family—is different. The right decision depends on your property, your lifestyle, your long-term goals, and the experience you want your home to provide. Sometimes a carefully planned renovation allows homeowners to preserve the character they love while modernizing the spaces they use every day. Other times, designing a completely new custom home creates opportunities that simply cannot be achieved within the limitations of an existing structure.

Neither approach is inherently better. The best solution is the one that creates a home that supports the way you want to live while making a thoughtful long-term investment in your property.

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, every project begins by understanding those goals before determining whether a luxury home renovation or a completely new custom home is the right path forward. Because whether we are preserving a home’s history or designing something entirely new, our purpose remains the same: creating homes that are timeless, functional, deeply personal, and beautifully tailored to the families who live in them.

The post Renovate or Rebuild? How to Make the Right Decision for Your Home appeared first on Purple Cherry.

When people think about luxury home design, they often imagine grand gestures—a sweeping staircase, a dramatic vaulted ceiling, or an elegant chandelier that immediately captures your attention. Those elements certainly create memorable first impressions.

But after decades of designing custom homes, I’ve learned that it is often the smaller architectural and interior design decisions that homeowners appreciate the most. These thoughtful details quietly improve the way a home functions, enhance everyday living, and create a sense of craftsmanship that never goes out of style.

The beauty of these design elements is that many can be incorporated into both new custom homes and luxury home renovations. Individually, each decision may seem modest. Together, they create homes that feel more refined, more intentional, and ultimately more timeless.

The Dutch Door: Practical, Charming, and Timeless

The Dutch door is one of those architectural features that has remained relevant for centuries because it is equally practical and beautiful.

Originally popularized in Holland and the earliest American colonies, Dutch doors allowed fresh air and natural light into the home while keeping children, pets, and livestock safely separated.

Today, we often incorporate Dutch doors into luxury homes at mudrooms, laundry rooms, pool houses, or secondary entrances where homeowners want visual connection without unrestricted access. They also present wonderful opportunities to introduce personality through bold paint colors, reclaimed wood, rustic finishes, or elegant fluted detailing.

Bring More Natural Light Inside

Natural light remains one of the most valuable features in residential architecture. Many front entries include sidelights—vertical glass panels positioned beside the front door—to brighten the foyer.

One design detail I particularly enjoy is extending those sidelights by adding an additional panel to each side. Double sidelights dramatically increase daylight, strengthen the connection between indoors and outdoors, and make the entry feel more open and welcoming without changing the home’s footprint.

Add Texture to Create Depth

Luxury interiors are rarely defined by color alone.

Texture adds richness, warmth, and visual depth that paint simply cannot achieve.

Whether through beadboard, wood paneling, decorative molding, wallpaper, natural stone, or handcrafted tile, textured surfaces create layers that make a room feel more intimate while adding architectural character.

It’s a subtle design decision that often has an outsized impact.

Deep Cased Openings Add Architectural Presence

A cased opening connects two rooms without the use of a door, helping spaces flow naturally while maintaining architectural definition.

Although cased openings come in many sizes, increasing their depth creates an entirely different experience.

Deeper openings emphasize wall thickness, frame important views between rooms, and provide opportunities to introduce custom millwork or paneling that elevates the home’s craftsmanship.

These details are often what distinguish a truly custom home from a builder-grade residence.

Why Architects Love Casement Windows

When clients ask how to maximize beautiful views, one of my favorite recommendations is the casement window.

Unlike double-hung windows, casement windows eliminate the horizontal sash that interrupts the view, allowing for larger uninterrupted sightlines and increased natural light.

Because they crank outward, they’re also much easier to operate above kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, or built-in furniture where lifting a traditional window would be inconvenient.

They’re a wonderful example of beauty and functionality working together.

A Softer Approach to Dark Windows

Dark window frames have become increasingly popular in luxury residential architecture because they create striking contrast and naturally draw the eye.

However, not every home benefits from fully dark window frames.

A more understated approach is painting only the window muntins—the vertical and horizontal grid elements—a darker color while keeping the primary frame light.

The result is elegant contrast that enhances the architecture without overpowering the surrounding interior palette.

The Shower Niche: Small Detail, Big Luxury

Few bathroom features improve everyday living more than a thoughtfully designed recessed shower niche.

Instead of relying on hanging caddies or bulky corner shelves, a recessed niche keeps toiletries organized while maintaining clean sightlines throughout the shower.

Although it’s a relatively small design decision, it contributes significantly to creating the spa-like atmosphere many homeowners desire in a luxury primary bathroom.

The Power of a Monochromatic Color Palette

One of my favorite interior design techniques is using a monochromatic paint palette in secondary spaces such as powder rooms, home offices, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.

Painting walls, trim, and even ceilings the same color creates an enveloping experience that feels warm, intimate, and sophisticated.

To keep the room visually interesting, vary the sheen rather than the color.

I often recommend:

• Matte or flat paint on walls
• Satin or semi-gloss on trim
• Higher-gloss paint on the ceiling to softly reflect natural light

The result is layered and elegant without introducing additional colors.

Pocket Doors Create More Usable Space

Every square foot matters.

Traditional swinging doors require clearance that can limit furniture placement and reduce usable wall space.

Pocket doors slide neatly into the wall, making them ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, home offices, closets, and other compact spaces.

Beyond their practical benefits, pocket doors improve circulation and create greater flexibility between adjoining rooms—particularly in homes designed for modern living.

Thoughtful Details Create Timeless Homes

One of the greatest misconceptions about luxury home design is that it depends entirely on grand architectural gestures. In reality, the homes that stand the test of time are often defined by hundreds of thoughtful decisions that work together seamlessly.

A deeper doorway. A better window. More natural light. Carefully considered paint palette.

These details may seem small on their own, but collectively they shape how a home looks, functions, and feels every single day.

Whether you’re planning a custom home, embarking on a luxury renovation, or simply looking for ways to elevate your existing home, thoughtful architectural details often deliver the greatest long-term value.

As Vincent van Gogh famously observed,

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

That sentiment perfectly captures the essence of timeless residential design.

The post Small Design Decisions That Create Big Impact appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Some landscapes naturally become the heart of a home. Whether it’s a quiet waterfront shoreline, a mountain ridge, rolling countryside, or a wooded retreat, the surrounding environment often serves as the emotional centerpiece of the architecture. As an architect, my role is never to compete with that beauty, but rather to elevate it—to frame it thoughtfully and create a home that feels inseparable from its setting.

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of designing luxury custom homes in extraordinary locations across the country. While every property presents its own opportunities and challenges, one principle remains constant: the most successful homes feel deeply connected to their surroundings and authentically tailored to the people who live there. That connection is what makes a luxury home timeless—not simply its architectural style or curated materials, but the way it responds to the land, embraces the views, supports everyday living, and reflects the lifestyle of its homeowners.

Building a Luxury Residential Design Practice Rooted in Purpose

I founded Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors in Annapolis, Maryland, more than 30 years ago with a simple but ambitious goal: to create homes that are timeless, functional, and deeply personal. What began as a boutique architecture firm has grown into a multi-office practice with a team of more than 40 professionals specializing in luxury residential architecture, luxury interior design, custom home design, renovations, and whole-home design.

Today, our work spans the East Coast and beyond, with projects ranging from waterfront estates and mountain retreats to historic renovations, coastal homes, and modern family residences. While our footprint has expanded, our philosophy has never changed. Every project begins by listening carefully—understanding how our clients truly live—and translating that into a home that feels intuitive, functional, and beautifully crafted.

One of the defining strengths of our firm is our integrated design approach. By bringing architecture, interior design, and furnishings together under one roof, we’re able to create a cohesive vision from the earliest concepts through the final finishing touches. This holistic process allows every decision—from entertaining spaces and outdoor living environments to home libraries, wellness spaces, back kitchens, and everyday gathering areas—to work together as one thoughtfully designed experience.

What Makes Our Design Process Different

Over time, I’ve come to believe that exceptional architecture is as much about process as it is about creativity.

Our team utilizes advanced 3D modeling, visualization technology, and Revit-based design development to create highly detailed digital models that allow homeowners to truly experience their custom home before construction begins. This technology isn’t simply about presentation—it’s about collaboration. When clients can walk through their future home virtually, they make more confident decisions, resulting in architecture that feels even more personal and intentional.

Equally important is our focus on how a home will actually be lived in.

Rather than designing around a particular architectural style, we begin by asking questions about daily life. How does the family gather? Where do they retreat for quiet? How do they entertain? How will the home evolve over the next twenty or thirty years? These conversations influence everything from overall floor plans and circulation to the smallest architectural details.

Many homeowners today are also planning for the future. Whether that means designing for multigenerational living, incorporating universal design principles, improving accessibility, or creating spaces that comfortably support aging in place, thoughtful planning often allows families to remain in the homes they love for decades.

And of course, there’s the site itself.

The landscape is never simply a backdrop. It becomes one of the primary design partners throughout the architectural process.

Designing Around the View: A More Thoughtful Approach

One of the most common requests we hear is:

“We want to maximize the view.”

While that instinct is understandable, I often encourage clients to think about it differently. Great architecture isn’t created by simply adding more glass. It’s created through intention—carefully considering how each space connects to the surrounding landscape.

Create a Hierarchy of Views

Not every room needs to compete for the same panoramic vista.

Some of the most successful custom homes prioritize signature views from primary living spaces such as the great room, kitchen, dining room, and primary suite, while allowing secondary spaces to focus on privacy, gardens, courtyards, or intimate moments within the landscape. This thoughtful hierarchy creates moments of surprise while allowing the home’s most important spaces to fully celebrate their surroundings.

Balance Views with Comfort and Performance

Extraordinary views often introduce equally significant design challenges.

Solar heat gain, glare, privacy, seasonal changes, and energy efficiency all influence how a home performs throughout the year. Thoughtful architectural strategies—including roof overhangs, building orientation, strategic window placement, shading devices, and high-performance glazing—help create homes that remain comfortable while preserving the connection to the outdoors.

Understanding the movement of natural light is equally important.

Morning sunlight streaming into an east-facing bedroom may be perfect for an early riser, while someone who enjoys sleeping later may prefer a quieter western bedroom paired with a kitchen that welcomes the first light of day. Likewise, homeowners who cherish sunsets often position porches, terraces, outdoor dining areas, and gathering spaces to capture evening light across the landscape.

These decisions may seem subtle, but together they dramatically shape how a home feels every single day.

Design the Experience, Not Just the Destination

One of my favorite architectural strategies is creating a sense of arrival.

Sometimes the landscape is revealed immediately upon entering the home. Other times, we intentionally guide visitors through a sequence of thoughtfully proportioned spaces before opening to an unforgettable view. That carefully choreographed moment of discovery often creates an emotional experience every bit as memorable as the landscape itself.

Architecture should tell a story—and sometimes the best stories unfold gradually.

Extend Living Beyond the Walls

In many of our homes, outdoor living is just as important as the interiors.

Covered porches, terraces, loggias, outdoor kitchens, fire features, screened rooms, and thoughtfully designed entertaining spaces become natural extensions of the architecture, allowing homeowners to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings while expanding how they gather, relax, and connect with family and friends.

The transition between indoors and outdoors should feel effortless, creating a seamless relationship between architecture, interior design, and landscape design.

Embrace Site Challenges as Design Opportunities

Every exceptional property presents unique constraints.

Waterfront homes may require shoreline regulations. Mountain properties introduce grading challenges. Historic neighborhoods often involve architectural review boards. Sloping sites demand creative structural solutions.

Rather than viewing these limitations as obstacles, I’ve always seen them as opportunities. Thoughtful site-responsive architecture often produces the most innovative, refined, and memorable homes because every design decision is made with greater purpose.

Consider Every View—Inside and Out

If a swimming pool is part of the vision, its placement becomes another important architectural decision.

A pool positioned directly behind the home naturally becomes a visual focal point from interior living spaces. During warmer months, sparkling water complements the landscape while encouraging outdoor living and allowing parents to easily supervise children during family gatherings.

During winter months, however, a covered pool creates an entirely different visual experience. Some homeowners instead prefer locating the pool farther from the main living spaces, allowing gardens, terraces, specimen trees, or thoughtfully designed landscape architecture to remain the year-round focal point.

Every exterior element contributes to the home’s overall composition—and every view deserves equal consideration.

A Home That Belongs to Its Landscape

For me, architecture has always been about far more than designing beautiful buildings.

It’s about shaping experiences.

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, we believe exceptional luxury homes begin with understanding both the people who will live there and the land on which they’ll build. From the earliest conversations about a property through architecture, interior design, furnishings, and the final finishing details, our goal is always the same: to create homes that feel timeless, deeply personal, and intrinsically connected to their surroundings.

Whether we’re designing a waterfront retreat, a mountain residence, a country estate, or a modern family home, we strive to create architecture and interiors that celebrate the view while enriching the lives of those who experience it every day.

The post Designing for the View appeared first on Purple Cherry.

When imagining a traditional pool house, one might envision a practical little structure comprised of a small bathroom or changing room, pool equipment storage, and perhaps a covered seating area. Historically, the pool house served a purely utilitarian purpose, making it one of the least exciting structures on a property.

Today, however, the pool house has evolved into something entirely different. In luxury residential architecture, it has become a destination in its own right—a thoughtfully designed extension of the home that serves as the central hub of outdoor living, entertaining, and recreation. More than simply supporting the pool, today’s pool houses create a true four-season lifestyle experience that enhances how homeowners enjoy their property.

While modern pool houses continue to meet practical needs, they now offer an impressive range of amenities that rival those found inside the main residence. Indoor and outdoor lounge spaces centered around stone fireplaces invite year-round gathering, while conditioned interiors with expansive folding glass walls blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Full kitchens and dining areas comfortably accommodate everything from casual lunches after a swim to elegant farm-to-table dinners with family and friends.

Outdoor kitchens have also become an essential component of luxury pool house design. Gourmet grilling stations frequently include built-in grills, pizza ovens, ceramic smokers, refrigeration, beverage centers, and generous prep space, allowing homeowners to prepare meals without ever leaving the outdoor living area. Adjacent fire pits, covered terraces, and full-service bars—whether designed with the warmth of a rustic barn or the sophistication of a contemporary sports lounge—create inviting spaces that encourage guests to linger well into the evening.

For many homeowners, the modern pool house has become far more than an entertaining space. Depending on a family’s lifestyle, it may also include game rooms with pool or ping pong tables, home gyms, golf simulators, wellness spaces, guest suites, home offices, or flexible gathering rooms. Beyond the structure itself, thoughtfully planned outdoor amenities such as bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, croquet lawns, putting greens, playgrounds, and garden spaces further transform the backyard into a private resort designed for every generation.

The beauty of today’s pool house lies not only in how it functions but also in how it is designed to endure. Luxury outdoor living spaces require materials that perform beautifully while standing up to the elements. Durable natural stone and porcelain tile flooring, weather-resistant cabinetry, Sunbrella® performance fabrics, and thoughtfully selected outdoor furnishings allow these spaces to withstand sun, rain, wet bathing suits, sandy feet, muddy paws, and everyday family life with remarkably little maintenance.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of a pool house is that it naturally shifts the messier moments of outdoor living away from the more delicate interiors of the main home. Children can come and go without worrying about dripping water through the house. Dogs can race in from the yard. Friends can gather around the bar after an afternoon by the pool. And yes, you don’t have to disinvite that one guest after yet another unfortunate red wine incident.

Creating a destination experience within your own property through the design of a multifunctional pool house can completely transform the way you live, entertain, and experience your home. A thoughtfully designed structure becomes more than an accessory building—it creates an entirely new destination with its own architectural character, unique views of the surrounding landscape, and seamless indoor-outdoor living opportunities throughout the year.

Even during cooler months, a pool house continues to earn its place. Fireplaces, radiant heating, enclosed lounge spaces, and flexible gathering areas allow homeowners to enjoy the space long after swimming season has ended, making it an extension of the home rather than a seasonal amenity.

So, when dreaming about your future custom home or planning a luxury home renovation, don’t overlook the possibilities of a thoughtfully designed pool house. Whether your vision includes entertaining on a grand scale, creating memorable family experiences, or simply carving out a peaceful retreat within your own backyard, a well-designed pool house has the ability to transform how you live on your property throughout all four seasons.

And perhaps the best part?

You don’t even need the pool.

About the Author

Brian Milbury, Associate

Brian Milbury has practiced custom residential architecture for nearly 30 years, designing distinctive luxury homes and private residences throughout the United States. Before joining Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, he owned a Chicago-based architecture practice for two decades, overseeing every aspect of custom home design and residential construction.

A graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Architecture, Brian enjoys the creative challenges of designing one-of-a-kind homes tailored to each client’s lifestyle. His work is guided by a deep appreciation for scale, proportion, architectural precedent, and, above all, understanding each homeowner’s unique vision.

The post The Modern Pool House: Designing the Ultimate Luxury Outdoor Living Experience appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Simple is rarely easy. There is almost always an underlying effort required to create architectural designs that feel understated, peaceful, and effortless. Ironically, the greatest successes in residential architecture are often the ones that go unnoticed. The quiet decisions—the careful proportions, thoughtful alignments, and intentional restraint—are what allow a home to simply feel right.

Designing with simplicity is the active pursuit of creating calmness within a home’s organization, functionality, and emotional experience. It is not about removing complexity for the sake of minimalism. Rather, it is about creating balance—a balance that feels natural rather than rigid, expressive rather than restrained, and timeless rather than trend-driven.

In luxury custom home design, simplicity is rarely defined by a particular architectural style. Whether designing a traditional estate, a coastal retreat, a mountain residence, or a contemporary home, simplicity is always contextual. It is centered on clarity, cohesion, and the thoughtful relationship between architecture, interior design, and the surrounding landscape.

Creating that sense of calm requires many different design strategies. Sometimes it is found through symmetry. Other times it comes from repetition, rhythm, or the intentional breaking of a pattern to create emphasis. Simplicity does not necessarily mean unadorned or absent of detail, nor does it suggest excessive ornamentation.

It is not purely about form, nor purely about function. The most successful homes balance both, allowing every architectural decision to contribute to a unified experience.

It all sounds very serious—and to us, it is. But designing in these terms is equally enjoyable because it asks us to question every move we make. Burrowing down to uncover the true essence of a space, a family’s lifestyle, or an architectural idea is one of the most rewarding parts of the design process. There is something deeply satisfying about editing away distractions until what remains feels honest, intentional, and lasting.

So how do we create homes that achieve calmness through balance?

It begins with the land.

One of the first and most important decisions in custom residential architecture is identifying the right homesite on a property. More often than not, the defining factor is the view. We place tremendous importance on site planning because a home’s relationship to its landscape shapes how we experience architecture every single day.

Whether overlooking the waterfront, rolling farmland, dense woodland, or distant mountains, a thoughtfully sited home strengthens our connection to place. It changes the way we arrive home, the way we move through our surroundings, and the way we experience the changing light, weather, and seasons. It creates moments of excitement as we return, curiosity as we explore, and comfort as we settle in.

Those experiences matter.

Architecture has the ability to deepen our appreciation for the natural world while simultaneously offering refuge from it. In many ways, this reflects the principles of biophilic design—the idea that meaningful connections between people and nature contribute to well-being, comfort, and a greater sense of belonging.

Life presents us with an endless spectrum of emotions, experiences, and responsibilities. It can often feel wonderfully chaotic. As architects, our purpose is to help create places that bring clarity to that complexity—to discover the calm within the storm.

Ironically, sometimes embracing the storm itself becomes part of the answer.

It may be watching weather roll across the water from a covered porch. It may be enjoying morning coffee as the sun rises over the mountains. It may simply be watching children or grandchildren run through an open meadow after an afternoon of play.

Whatever form those moments take, we believe the orientation of our homes often helps us rediscover our own sense of orientation. Sometimes architecture simply reminds us where we are—and where we want to be.

Alongside this emotional pursuit is one rooted in logic.

Architects naturally search for order. We seek clean lines, thoughtful sequences, and meaningful relationships between spaces. We carefully study how rooms connect to one another, how circulation unfolds, and how each transition contributes to the overall experience of a home.

We continually refine those spaces, searching for balanced proportions, centered compositions, rhythmic spacing, and carefully positioned openings that frame views and invite natural light deep into the home. Every adjustment—whether conceptual, such as the proportions of architectural volumes, or highly detailed, such as the placement of windows and doors on a façade—contributes to the larger composition.

The highest compliment we ever receive is wonderfully simple:

“This just feels right.”

That response tells us the architecture is doing exactly what it should. It feels intuitive rather than forced. Comfortable rather than complicated.

The final expression of simplicity comes through the thoughtful selection of materials and finishes.

The most successful homes present a unified architectural story, one that flows seamlessly from the exterior to the interior. When a home’s architectural character changes abruptly upon entering, the experience can feel disconnected. Instead, we strive to create continuity through carefully coordinated materials, colors, textures, proportions, and forms.

This holistic approach allows architecture and interior design to support one another, reinforcing the home’s identity at every step—from the first glimpse down the drive, to approaching the front door, to experiencing each interior space beyond.

Ultimately, simplicity in design is not about creating less.

It is about creating greater clarity.

By connecting thoughtful site planning, intentional architecture, carefully proportioned spaces, natural light, meaningful views, timeless materials, and cohesive interior design, we create homes that become more than beautiful places to live. They become places that restore us.

Places that offer respite from busy lives.

Places we look forward to returning to.

Places that quietly invite us to pause, take a deep breath, and simply say…

“Ahhhhh.”

About the Author

Carmine Cafiero, Associate, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP

Carmine Cafiero believes that exceptional residential architecture begins with listening. Every successful custom home is the product of thoughtful collaboration, clear communication, and a deep understanding of how each client wants to live.

Drawing on his education from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design, Carmine combines traditional architectural principles with expertise in hand sketching, virtual reality visualization, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and wellness-focused design. His multidisciplinary approach transforms each client’s vision into thoughtfully crafted homes supported by comprehensive construction documentation and a timeless architectural foundation.

The post Simplicity in Design: Creating Calm Through Thoughtful Residential Architecture 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!

The post A Conversation with Brian Milbury, Director of Architectural Design appeared first on Purple Cherry.

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 Alexandra Epstein, 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.

The post A Conversation with Peter Guidetti, Director of Architectural Design appeared first on Purple Cherry.

In architecture, as in life, context is everything. Nowhere is that more evident than in the relationship between a home and the landscape that surrounds it.

Whether a custom home sits along a coastal shoreline, overlooks a mountain ridge, nestles into rolling countryside, or occupies a quiet waterfront property, the experience of looking outward from within creates one of architecture’s most meaningful emotional connections. A thoughtfully framed view does more than showcase beautiful scenery—it strengthens our connection to place and reminds us why we chose to build there in the first place.

Experiencing a remarkable view enriches the way we live in a home. It shapes our daily routines, influences how natural light enters a space, and creates moments of reflection that often become some of our favorite memories. That is why, as architects, we approach the placement of windows with the same level of intention and care as we would the placement of a piece of artwork.

We devote so much attention to designing around views because they are inherently unique. No two properties offer exactly the same experience. The landscape, topography, sunlight, mature trees, water, and surrounding architecture all contribute to making every homesite distinct. Designing for those characteristics creates homes that feel deeply personal rather than interchangeable.

Describing architecture in these terms may sound wonderfully abstract—perhaps even like an architect’s daydream. In reality, designing around a view comes down to several thoughtful and highly practical considerations.

Orientation: Beginning With the Land

Every successful custom home begins with understanding the property itself.

How should the home position itself in relation to important views, natural features, landmarks, neighboring structures, prevailing breezes, and the movement of the sun throughout the day?

No matter the location, one of our very first conversations with homeowners is remarkably simple:

“Where are the best views, and which one matters most to you?”

Sometimes the answer is immediately obvious—a dramatic mountain gap, an expansive bay, a winding river, or an endless coastal horizon.

Other times, the most meaningful view is something deeply personal.

It may be an old oak tree that has stood on the property for generations. A favorite garden. A quiet meadow where children have always played. A dock where countless summer evenings have been spent.

Discovering those priorities allows architecture to become a reflection of the people who will ultimately call the house home.

Once those foundational decisions are made, the design begins to evolve.

Should the great room frame one extraordinary focal point, creating a dramatic destination at the end of the space? Or should it open toward multiple directions, allowing panoramic views and an immersive connection to the surrounding landscape?

Should the primary suite greet the morning sun? Should the home office overlook the water? Should the kitchen sink face the garden instead of the neighboring property?

These answers don’t come from a formula.

They come from listening carefully to our clients and thoughtfully responding through architecture, balancing aspirations with the opportunities and constraints presented by the site.

Alignment: Guiding the Eye

Once the home’s orientation has been established, attention shifts toward alignment.

How should individual rooms connect to one another in order to celebrate the landscape beyond?

The sequencing of spaces plays an important role in how we experience architecture. Carefully aligning walls, hallways, doors, and windows can create anticipation, reveal dramatic moments, and encourage movement toward natural destinations.

Some examples are timeless.

A front door that opens directly to a distant waterfront view immediately creates surprise, delight, and a memorable first impression.

A foyer with a clear visual connection through the home establishes openness and draws visitors naturally toward the landscape beyond.

A long hallway becomes less about the journey itself when a beautiful view provides a meaningful destination at its end.

Even everyday routines benefit from thoughtful alignment. Washing dishes while overlooking a garden, preparing breakfast with the sunrise in view, or reading beside a window that frames a wooded landscape transforms ordinary moments into experiences that quietly enrich daily life. These are often the architectural decisions homeowners appreciate long after construction has ended.

Individuality: Discovering What Makes Every Property Unique

Every property has its own story.

One of the most rewarding conversations during the early stages of residential architecture is discovering what makes a particular piece of land unlike any other.

Are there expansive long-distance views stretching toward the horizon?

Medium-range views overlooking valleys, forests, or farmland?

Shorter, more intimate views focused on mature trees, gardens, courtyards, sculptures, or historic structures?

Just as importantly, are there neighboring buildings, utility lines, roadways, or other distractions that should be minimized or screened?

Can slight adjustments in elevation create entirely new perspectives above the tree canopy?

Are there cherished family memories tied to a quiet pond, an old stone wall, or a favorite gathering place?

Understanding these details creates a shared vision that guides every design decision moving forward. Rather than imposing architecture onto a site, we allow the property itself to help shape the home.

This site-responsive approach is one of the defining characteristics of thoughtful residential architecture.

Architecture Should Strengthen Our Connection to Nature

We believe great architecture is always connected to its surroundings.

Rather than competing with the landscape, a well-designed home should quietly frame it, celebrate it, and encourage us to experience it more fully. This philosophy shares much with the principles of biophilic design, which recognizes that meaningful connections to nature contribute to our comfort, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Natural light, carefully framed views, outdoor living spaces, and seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors all strengthen that relationship, allowing architecture and landscape to work together rather than independently.

The result is more than simply a beautiful house.

It is a home that belongs exactly where it sits.

By discussing views early and often throughout the design process, we transform a house on a lot into a home that offers meaningful experiences every day. The architecture becomes inseparable from the landscape around it, creating lasting memories for those who live there—and quietly enriching the experience of everyone fortunate enough to pass by.

About the Author

Carmine Cafiero, Associate, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP

Carmine Cafiero believes exceptional residential architecture begins with listening. Every successful custom home is the result of thoughtful collaboration, careful observation, and a deep understanding of how clients want to experience both their home and the land on which it sits.

Drawing on his education from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design, Carmine combines traditional architectural principles with expertise in hand sketching, virtual reality visualization, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). His collaborative, site-responsive approach transforms each client’s vision into timeless architecture that is both beautiful and deeply connected to its surroundings.

The post Room with a View? Yes, Please: Designing Homes That Celebrate Their Surroundings appeared first on Purple Cherry.

Whether you’re building a luxury custom home, renovating an existing residence, or refreshing a single room, these seven principles will help you make paint selections that feel timeless, intentional, and beautifully integrated with your home’s overall design.

1. Exercise Your Patience.
Believe it or not, paint is one of the last interior design decisions we make—and it is usually one of our clients’ first questions at the beginning of the design process.

Just like you can box yourself into a corner, you can also box yourself into a design by choosing a paint color too early. Selecting an exact paint color before cabinetry, flooring, countertops, tile, lighting, furnishings, and fabrics have been finalized limits the possibilities for creating a cohesive interior.

Instead, we prefer to establish the overall feeling and color palette first. Do our clients gravitate toward warm neutrals, soft whites, earthy tones, or richer, moodier interiors? Once the major interior design selections have been made, we have thousands of beautiful paint colors available to perfectly complement the home’s architecture and finishes rather than forcing every other decision to work around one early choice.

2. Do Your Research – It’s Worth It.
The more inspiration you gather, the more confident you’ll be in your final selections.

Pinterest, Houzz, architecture websites, interior design publications, and luxury home photography are wonderful resources for discovering the types of spaces you’re naturally drawn to. As you collect inspiration, pay attention not only to what looks beautiful, but also to how each space makes you feel.

Do you gravitate toward warm whites and creamy neutrals? Are cooler gray palettes more appealing? Maybe you’re drawn to bold, saturated colors or dramatic accent walls.

The next question is just as important: Can you imagine living in that space every day?

Color has an incredible impact on how a home feels. Many homeowners are initially attracted to cool gray interiors because they photograph beautifully, yet ultimately discover they prefer warmer tones once they imagine living in those spaces. Understanding your emotional response to color is every bit as important as understanding the color itself.

3. Understand How Paint Colors Transition Throughout Your Home
One of the most overlooked aspects of interior paint selection is understanding how colors transition from room to room.

The architectural layout of your home, ceiling heights, natural light, window placement, and overall floor plan all influence how a paint color will appear. A color that looks beautiful in one room may feel completely different in another simply because of changing light conditions.

Our architecture and interior design teams spend a great deal of time studying these transitions. In today’s increasingly popular open-concept floor plans, long sightlines make continuity especially important. Rather than introducing unnecessary visual interruptions with numerous wall colors, we often specify fewer paint colors throughout the main living areas.

This allows your eye to move naturally through the home while appreciating the architecture, millwork, furnishings, and carefully selected materials without feeling visually interrupted. A cohesive whole-home color palette creates a calmer, more timeless environment.

4. Don’t Forget the Trim and Ceilings.
Walls aren’t the only surfaces that deserve thoughtful consideration.

In many of our luxury residential projects, we recommend painting the trim and ceiling the same color using different paint sheens. This subtle approach creates continuity while still allowing each surface to perform differently.

Understanding how trim travels throughout the home is especially important. It is not uncommon for us to specify one trim color—and often one ceiling color—for the entire residence. This consistency creates visual harmony from room to room and simplifies future maintenance.

The kitchen is a perfect example. Many homeowners are drawn to timeless white cabinetry, and when that cabinetry closely coordinates with the trim color, the result feels elegant, intentional, and enduring rather than trendy.

5. Let Your Existing Material Palette Guide You
By the time paint colors are selected, the design has already begun telling you where to go.

Cabinet finishes, natural stone, hardwood flooring, tile, fabrics, rugs, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and furnishings all contribute to the home’s established palette. Paint should support those materials—not compete with them.

When we design a home, every finish is selected to work together harmoniously. That means the ideal paint color is usually already hiding within the palette we’ve created.

If you’d still like to introduce a touch of personality, consider adding color in thoughtful ways. A pale blue ceiling, richly textured wallpaper, or an accent space can add visual interest while maintaining the home’s overall balance.

One of our favorite starting points continues to be Benjamin Moore’s OC Collection, which offers a beautiful range of timeless whites and soft neutral paint colors that work exceptionally well in luxury residential interiors.

6. Brush Up on Paint Sheens.
Choosing the correct paint sheen is just as important as selecting the right color.

A simple rule of thumb is:

• Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss = Everything in between
• Flat = No shine
• High Gloss = Maximum shine

Generally speaking, the higher the sheen, the more durable and washable the finish becomes. However, increased gloss also highlights imperfections in drywall and surface preparation.

It’s also important to remember that sheen levels vary slightly between paint manufacturers, so always review the manufacturer’s specifications before making a final decision.

Our General Sheen Recommendations:

• Ceilings: Flat paint provides a soft finish that minimizes imperfections and reduces glare.
• Trim: Satin or semi-gloss remain our preferred choices. While semi-gloss has traditionally been the industry standard, we’re increasingly specifying satin because it beautifully highlights millwork while offering a softer, more contemporary appearance.
• Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms: These spaces benefit from increased durability and moisture resistance. Eggshell or satin wall finishes provide added protection while avoiding the highly reflective appearance of glossier paints.

7. Sample, Sample, Sample (Then Sample Again).
When it comes to paint, larger samples always produce better results.

Rather than relying on a small paint chip, we recommend painting at least a 5′ x 5′ section of wall. Even better, sample multiple walls within the same room. Paint colors change dramatically depending on the direction of natural light, the time of day, surrounding finishes, and even the weather outside.

Whenever possible, live with your samples for several days. View them in the morning, afternoon, evening, and under artificial lighting. Observe them when you’re actually using the room.

Don’t be discouraged if your first sample isn’t perfect. It is completely normal—and often expected—to go through multiple rounds before finding the ideal color.

After all, paint is one of the final details that brings an entire home together. Taking the time to choose thoughtfully ensures your interior feels cohesive, timeless, and uniquely your own for years to come.

The post Interior Paint Selection 101: How to Choose the Right Paint Colors for Your Custom Home appeared first on Purple Cherry.

For us, architecture has never been simply a profession—it is a creative process rooted in listening, problem-solving, and bringing each client’s vision to life. Every project begins with a conversation and evolves through a series of thoughtful decisions that balance lifestyle, architecture, interior design, site conditions, craftsmanship, and construction.

Whether you’re building a luxury waterfront home, a mountain retreat, a countryside estate, or renovating an existing residence, a successful architectural process is built on collaboration from the very beginning.

From the initial inquiry through construction completion, our role is to guide clients through each stage of the custom home design process while providing clarity, creativity, and confidence along the way.

Every Great Home Begins with a Conversation

The exciting design journey begins long before the first floor plan is drawn.

An architect can help with nearly every aspect of designing and building a home—from evaluating potential properties and determining the ideal home orientation to developing floor plans, creating 3D visualizations, coordinating consultants, assisting during construction, and selecting the finishing details that ultimately make a house feel like home.

Along the way, architects become trusted advisors, creative partners, and problem-solvers. We help clients imagine possibilities they may never have considered while identifying opportunities and challenges before construction even begins.

Initial Introduction & Consultation

Every project begins with listening.

During the initial consultation, the client and a member of our team discuss the project’s overall goals, budget, timeline, and vision. We learn about the client’s lifestyle, architectural preferences, functional needs, and inspiration while introducing our collaborative approach to custom residential architecture.

Following this conversation, one of our principals works closely with the client to further define project goals, answer questions, and identify the most appropriate next steps.

Site Visit

Every exceptional home begins with understanding the land.

The site visit allows our architects to study the property’s unique characteristics—including topography, natural light, mature trees, surrounding views, existing structures, and opportunities for outdoor living.

Just as importantly, it gives clients the opportunity to get to know our team. Designing a custom home is an incredibly collaborative process, and establishing a strong architect-client relationship from the beginning is one of the foundations of a successful project.

Following the site visit, we prepare a detailed Letter of Proposal outlining our understanding of the project, anticipated scope of work, architectural services, and associated professional fees, along with the AIA Owner-Architect Agreement.

Kick-Off Meeting & Programming

Once the project officially begins, we dive deeper into understanding how our clients want to live.

Programming is one of the most important phases of residential architecture because it establishes the functional roadmap for the home. During this collaborative working session, we discuss room relationships, ideal room sizes, entertaining preferences, family routines, storage needs, future flexibility, and long-term lifestyle goals.

Clients often share inspiration through Pinterest boards, Houzz collections, photographs, travel experiences, and favorite architectural styles. These conversations help us understand not only what clients like aesthetically, but why they are drawn to particular spaces.

Through sketches, diagrams, and collaborative discussion, the home’s vision begins to take shape.

Schematic Design

This is where ideas become architecture.

During Schematic Design, our team develops the initial freehand floor plans, site concepts, and exterior elevations that establish the home’s overall organization, scale, and architectural character.

Because this phase is highly collaborative, ongoing client feedback is essential. A clearly defined wish list and open communication allow the design to evolve efficiently while ensuring the home reflects the client’s lifestyle and priorities.

The result is a strong architectural concept that serves as the foundation for every subsequent phase.

Design Development & Construction Documents

Once the schematic design has been approved, the project moves into Design Development.

Here, the conceptual sketches evolve into a comprehensive architectural design. Our team develops detailed construction drawings while simultaneously building a three-dimensional Revit model that allows clients to better visualize their future home.

The construction document set includes floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, framing plans, architectural details, specifications, and all of the information necessary for permitting and construction.

As the design develops, many clients also choose to expand our involvement into interior architecture and interior design.

Depending on each project’s scope, we can assist with:

• Interior finish selections
• Kitchen and cabinetry design
• Tile layouts and pattern design
• Countertop material selection
• Flooring selection
• Lighting design and decorative fixtures
• Plumbing fixture selections
• Furniture layouts and furnishings
• Upholstery, rugs, and accessories
• Window treatments
• Custom built-ins and millwork
• Artwork selection and placement

Our goal is to create a cohesive home where the architecture and interiors feel thoughtfully connected from the very beginning.

Coordination with Consultants

Designing a custom home is a team effort.

Throughout the design process, we coordinate closely with trusted consultants, including structural and civil engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, lighting designers, audio-visual specialists, and other project professionals.

By bringing these disciplines together early, we create a more coordinated design process while minimizing surprises during construction.

Permit Coordination

Once construction documents have been completed, our team can coordinate the building permit submission process on the client’s behalf.

We work closely with local jurisdictions to help navigate permitting requirements, respond to plan review comments, and move the project toward construction as efficiently as possible.

Bidding Assistance

Selecting the right builder is one of the most important decisions in any custom home project.

When requested, we assist clients throughout the bidding process by preparing bid packages, distributing drawings to qualified contractors, reviewing proposals, evaluating references and portfolios, and helping identify the builder that is the best fit for both the project and the client.

Construction Administration

Our involvement doesn’t end when construction begins.

Throughout the construction phase, we continue working alongside both the client and contractor to help ensure the design is executed as intended.

Construction Administration services may include site visits, responding to contractor questions, reviewing shop drawings, evaluating change orders, reviewing applications for payment, refining architectural details, coordinating interior design decisions, preparing punch lists, and issuing the Certificate of Substantial Completion.

Remaining engaged throughout construction helps protect the integrity of the design while supporting a smoother building experience for everyone involved.

Creating Homes That Reflect the People Who Live There

Every architectural firm approaches the design process a little differently.

For us, success is measured by far more than completed drawings or finished homes. It is measured by the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the homes we create together.

Architecture has the unique ability to shape how we experience daily life. Thoughtfully designed spaces encourage connection, inspire creativity, support well-being, and create lasting memories for generations.

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, we are passionate about creating homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. We believe the best projects emerge through collaboration—with our clients, our consultants, and the talented builders and craftspeople who transform ideas on paper into extraordinary places to live.

Because the design process isn’t simply about building a house.

It’s about creating a home that feels uniquely yours.

The post The Design Process: The Journey from Concept to Completion appeared first on Purple Cherry.

By Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP | Founding Principal, Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors

Should you hire an architect?

It’s one of the first—and most important—questions homeowners ask when planning a custom home, major renovation, or home addition.

The answer is almost always yes.

Few people realize just how complex the design and construction process can be until they’re immersed in it. Building a home involves far more than selecting finishes or creating a floor plan. Every project requires balancing zoning regulations, building codes, site conditions, budgets, construction methods, engineering, permitting, and countless design decisions.

Like a snowflake, no two projects are exactly alike. Every property presents unique opportunities and challenges, and there is rarely a single, straightforward path from concept to completion.

An experienced residential architect is uniquely qualified to help guide that journey. From helping you evaluate a property before you purchase it to collaborating with builders throughout construction, an architect serves as your trusted advisor, creative partner, and advocate from beginning to end.

Architects See the Big Picture

Architects don’t simply design four walls and a roof.

They design homes that support the way people truly live.

Every decision—from the orientation of the home on the site to the placement of windows, the relationship between rooms, natural light, outdoor living spaces, and interior finishes—works together to create an experience that feels functional, timeless, and uniquely personal.

Whether you’re building a luxury custom home, renovating an existing residence, adding onto your home, or reimagining a vacation property, an architect helps transform ideas into spaces that are beautiful, efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Working closely with contractors, engineers, interior designers, and specialty consultants, architects coordinate the many moving parts of a project so that each decision supports the larger vision.

Architects Are Professional Problem Solvers

Nearly every project begins with a simple need.

“We need a larger kitchen for entertaining.”

“Our family has outgrown the house.”

“We love our neighborhood, but our home no longer works for us.”

Those needs sound simple—but translating them into thoughtful architecture requires experience.

Architects are trained to solve problems creatively.

Rather than jumping directly to square footage, we ask deeper questions.

How does your family gather?

How do you entertain?

How do you want your home to feel?

How do you imagine living here five, ten, or twenty years from now?

The answers often lead to solutions homeowners never considered.

Perhaps the home can be expanded without sacrificing the backyard.

Perhaps the kitchen belongs somewhere entirely different.

Perhaps designing for aging in place today means avoiding costly renovations decades from now.

Perhaps simply reorienting the home captures extraordinary views and natural light that completely change how the house feels.

Great architecture isn’t about adding more.

It’s about creating better.

Good Design Can Save Money

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an architect is that architectural services are simply another project expense.

In reality, thoughtful design is often one of the smartest investments homeowners can make.

A well-planned home is typically more efficient to build because important decisions are made before construction begins, when changes are significantly less expensive.

Throughout the design process, ideas are explored, refined, and tested using detailed architectural drawings and three-dimensional Revit models. These tools allow clients to visualize their future home, evaluate design options, and make informed decisions long before materials are ordered or construction crews arrive on site.

Comprehensive construction documents also help contractors develop more accurate pricing, reduce uncertainty during bidding, and minimize costly surprises during construction.

Architects Design for Long-Term Value

A thoughtfully designed home continues delivering value long after construction has been completed.

Architects consider how a home will perform for years to come—not simply how it will look on move-in day.

Natural daylight, passive solar orientation, energy efficiency, durable materials, low-maintenance finishes, and timeless architectural design all contribute to a home that is more comfortable, less expensive to maintain, and more enjoyable to live in.

Architects also stay current with new building materials, construction technologies, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, paint systems, and sustainable design strategies. That knowledge allows homeowners to make informed decisions that balance beauty, durability, performance, and long-term cost.

An Architect Helps Protect Your Investment

The architect’s role doesn’t end once construction documents have been completed.

Many homeowners choose to retain their architect throughout construction to help ensure the design is executed as intended.

Construction Administration services may include reviewing shop drawings, answering contractor questions, visiting the site during construction, evaluating applications for payment, reviewing change orders, refining millwork details, assisting with interior finish selections, coordinating consultants, preparing punch lists, and issuing the Certificate of Substantial Completion.

Having an architect involved throughout construction provides an additional level of oversight and helps protect both the design and the homeowner’s investment.

Great Design Adds Lasting Value

Beautiful homes don’t simply feel better—they often perform better in the marketplace as well.

Thoughtful architecture, functional floor plans, quality craftsmanship, and timeless design contribute to stronger long-term resale value while creating spaces that remain relevant for decades rather than following short-lived trends.

A well-designed custom home is an investment that continues paying dividends every day it is lived in.

Peace of Mind Throughout the Journey

Designing and building a home is one of life’s most significant investments.

It can also feel overwhelming.

There are countless decisions to make, unexpected challenges to navigate, and moments when having an experienced professional in your corner makes all the difference.

An architect helps bring clarity to what can otherwise feel like a complicated process.

They listen.

They ask thoughtful questions.

They solve problems before they become expensive.

They coordinate with consultants and builders.

They advocate for your interests.

Most importantly, they help transform uncertainty into confidence.

More Than a Designer

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, we believe an architect is much more than someone who creates beautiful drawings.

We are collaborators, problem-solvers, planners, listeners, and trusted partners throughout the entire design journey.

Our goal isn’t simply to design exceptional homes.

It’s to create homes that reflect the people who live in them, support the lives they want to build, and become places they look forward to returning to every single day.

Because hiring an architect isn’t just about building a house.

It’s about creating a home that is thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted, and uniquely yours.

The post Hiring an Architect: Why It’s One of the Most Important Investments in Your Home appeared first on Purple Cherry.

By Alex Epstein, Director of Interior Design

Every home tells a different story, which is why there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to interior design. From selecting the right finishes to choosing fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, and furnishings, the sheer number of available products can feel overwhelming.

Our interior designers spend every day helping clients make thoughtful decisions that reflect both their personal style and the way they live. To make the process a little easier, we asked our Instagram community to submit their biggest interior design questions.

Here are some of our favorites—and our answers.

Q: Is wallpaper out of style? It seems like a big commitment.

Absolutely not.

Wallpaper continues to be one of our favorite ways to introduce personality, texture, and visual interest into a home. Today’s wallcoverings extend far beyond traditional floral prints and busy patterns. We are specifying everything from sophisticated linens and grasscloths to subtle textures, bold patterns, murals, and even embossed leathers.

Wallpaper is particularly effective in homes with taller ceilings, where expansive wall surfaces benefit from added depth and dimension. It creates warmth while adding another layer to the overall interior design.

Don’t be afraid to think beyond four walls. We love incorporating wallpaper inside built-in bookcases, behind open shelving, on ceilings, or within niches to create unexpected moments throughout a home.

Still nervous about committing?

Start with a powder room.

These smaller spaces are perfect for experimenting with color, texture, or pattern without overwhelming the home. One of our recent projects featured a beautifully understated Zoffany wallcovering that delivered exactly the amount of visual impact our client wanted while remaining timeless and neutral.

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

The best exterior paint color is rarely selected in isolation.

When designing a home’s exterior, we always begin by looking at the architecture as a whole. Stucco should work harmoniously with roofing materials, stone, brick, siding, windows, trim, and the surrounding landscape to create a cohesive exterior color palette.

If your home incorporates natural stone or stone veneer, those materials often become the foundation for selecting paint colors that feel authentic and timeless.

Many of our favorite exterior paint colors come from Benjamin Moore’s OC Collection, which has become a trusted resource for soft whites and sophisticated neutral tones.

Two colors we frequently return to are Benjamin Moore Simply White and Benjamin Moore White Dove, both of which complement a wide range of architectural styles.

And one final piece of advice…

Always sample your paint.

Large exterior surfaces reflect light differently than small paint chips. Colors almost always appear brighter and more expansive once applied to the home, making sample boards one of the most valuable steps in the exterior design process.

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

The short answer?

Yes…and no.

Rather than thinking about individual fixtures, we approach every room as one complete composition.

Kitchen and bathroom design includes dozens of metal finishes—from plumbing fixtures and decorative lighting to cabinet hardware, door hardware, mirrors, and accessories. The goal isn’t necessarily for every finish to match perfectly, but for them to feel intentionally coordinated.

Some of our favorite finishes include polished nickel, polished chrome, unlacquered or antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze.

Today’s brass finishes are dramatically different from those many homeowners remember from years ago. Softer antique brass and warm unlacquered brass have become timeless choices that pair beautifully with cooler metals like polished nickel or chrome.

Mixing metal finishes successfully is all about balance. Combining warm and cool finishes thoughtfully creates depth and character without feeling random.

That said, if you prefer every finish to match, that’s perfectly beautiful too. Great interior design is ultimately about creating a home that reflects your personal style.

Q: I found a fabric I love, but how do I know if it’s durable enough for upholstery?

Beauty should always be balanced with performance.

When selecting upholstery fabrics, we consider fiber content, fabric weight, durability, and how the furniture will actually be used.

Lightweight decorative fabrics often aren’t appropriate for upholstery because they may shift over cushions or pill over time. Depending on the application, we may recommend adding knit backing to strengthen the fabric and improve long-term performance.

Many of our clients prioritize durability—and understandably so.

Homes today are filled with children, pets, entertaining, and everyday life. The goal isn’t to create rooms that feel too precious to enjoy.

Performance fabrics have transformed residential interior design over the past several years. Brands offering technologies like Crypton® and Nanotex® provide stain-resistant fabrics that maintain their beauty while standing up to daily living.

Manufacturers including Thibaut, Kravet, and many others now offer beautiful performance collections that combine luxury with practicality.

Q: Should artwork match the room?

Not exactly.

Rather than selecting artwork simply because it matches a sofa or paint color, we encourage clients to choose pieces that have personal meaning and create an emotional connection.

Artwork should feel authentic to the people living in the home.

One simple way to create cohesion is to repeat one of the room’s accent colors—a rich teal, warm coral, soft green, or muted blue—within the artwork itself.

This subtle relationship allows the artwork to feel connected to the overall interior without becoming overly coordinated.

Some of the most memorable homes feature artwork that tells a story rather than simply filling a wall.

Q: Is subway tile still in style?

Absolutely.

Subway tile has been around for more than a century, making it one of the most enduring materials in residential interior design.

If you look back at Parisian apartments from the early 1900s, you’ll find subway tile used throughout kitchens and bathrooms. Its clean proportions and timeless simplicity continue to make it an excellent choice for backsplashes, showers, and accent walls.

The beauty of subway tile is its versatility.

Changing the size, color, finish, texture, grout color, or installation pattern can completely transform its appearance while preserving its timeless appeal.

One of our favorite resources is Winchester Tile Company, available through Chesapeake Tile in Baltimore, whose handcrafted collections offer beautiful variations on this enduring classic.

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

Family rooms truly are the heart of the home.

They’re where families gather to watch movies, entertain friends, play games, work remotely, and simply spend time together.

Because these rooms receive so much daily use, durability is just as important as aesthetics.

For natural fibers, wool remains one of our favorite choices. It offers exceptional durability, natural stain resistance, warmth underfoot, and long-lasting beauty.

For families seeking even greater performance, polypropylene rugs have become an outstanding option. Originally developed for outdoor living spaces, today’s indoor-outdoor rugs are remarkably soft while offering incredible durability.

Perennials, long recognized for their luxury performance fabrics, has also developed an exceptional rug collection. Their polypropylene rugs can be customized in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are durable enough to be cleaned with a garden hose—making them ideal for busy households with children, pets, and frequent entertaining.

Designing Homes That Reflect the People Who Live There

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, every design decision begins with one question:

How do our clients want to live?

Whether we’re selecting wallpaper, mixing metal finishes, designing a custom kitchen, or choosing the perfect rug, our goal is always the same—to create homes that are beautiful, functional, timeless, and thoughtfully tailored to each family’s lifestyle.

We hope these answers help simplify your own design decisions, and we’d like to thank our Instagram community for inspiring this conversation. Some of our favorite discussions begin with the simplest questions.

The post Q&A with the Interior Design Team: Your Most Common Interior Design Questions, Answered appeared first on Purple Cherry.

By Carmine Cafiero, Managing Principal, Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when designing a custom home or major renovation is imagining the finished result before construction begins.

Even the most detailed floor plans require a certain amount of interpretation. While architects are trained to visualize three-dimensional space from two-dimensional drawings, most homeowners understandably are not.

That’s where technology has transformed the design process.

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, advanced design technology is seamlessly integrated into the way we design custom homes. Using Autodesk Revit®, an industry-leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform, we create detailed three-dimensional models that allow our clients to experience their future home long before the first shovel enters the ground.

Rather than asking clients to imagine how a home will look, we give them the opportunity to see it.

Designing in Three Dimensions

Revit allows us to design, develop, and document every project within a fully integrated three-dimensional environment.

As the home evolves, so does its digital model.

Clients can explore the home’s exterior architecture, experience interior spaces, understand room relationships, study ceiling heights, and better appreciate how natural light, windows, and architectural volumes work together to shape the overall experience.

This is particularly valuable during the design of luxury custom homes, where proportions, views, and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces are often what make a home truly exceptional.

Rather than relying solely on imagination, homeowners gain a much clearer understanding of how the architecture will feel before construction begins.

A Powerful Tool for Home Renovations

Three-dimensional visualization becomes even more valuable when designing a major home renovation.

Unlike a new home, renovations require homeowners to mentally separate what exists today from what will exist tomorrow—a challenge that isn’t always easy.

With Revit, clients can visualize the transformation from every angle.

They can better understand how a new addition connects to the existing home, how walls disappear to create open-concept living spaces, how natural light changes throughout the home, and how the renovated spaces relate to one another.

Seeing those relationships before construction begins allows homeowners to make confident design decisions while reducing uncertainty throughout the renovation process.

Better Design Through Better Visualization

One of the greatest advantages of Building Information Modeling is the ability to evaluate architecture long before construction documents are complete.

As architects, we continually study the massing of the home, the proportions of individual spaces, roof forms, window placement, ceiling volumes, and the relationships between architectural elements.

Three-dimensional modeling allows both our team and our clients to see subtle design opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional two-dimensional drawings.

Small refinements made during the design process often have a significant impact on the final experience of living in the home.

The result is architecture that feels more balanced, more intentional, and more thoughtfully resolved.

Helping Clients Make Confident Decisions

Designing a custom home involves hundreds of decisions. From room layouts and window locations to ceiling details and architectural features, many choices are easier to evaluate when they can actually be seen.

Because clients are viewing their future home throughout the design process, conversations become more productive and collaborative. Questions are answered more quickly. Ideas can be explored with greater confidence. Changes can be made while they remain simple and cost-effective.

By identifying opportunities early, homeowners avoid many of the costly revisions that often occur after construction has begun.

Improving Coordination During Construction

The benefits of Revit extend well beyond the design studio.

Our detailed Building Information Models provide contractors with a clearer understanding of how the home is intended to be built before construction begins.

Because the model illustrates alignments, dimensions, relationships between spaces, structural elements, and architectural details in three dimensions, builders are able to coordinate more efficiently and identify potential challenges earlier in the construction process.

This added clarity supports smoother communication among architects, builders, engineers, and consultants while helping maintain the integrity of the design from concept through completion.

Seeing the Future Before It’s Built

One of the most rewarding moments in the design process is watching a client recognize their future home for the first time. What once existed only as ideas, sketches, and conversations suddenly becomes something tangible.

Rooms begin to feel familiar. Views come into focus. Spaces connect. The house begins to feel like home long before construction begins.

That is the true value of Revit technology. It doesn’t replace imagination. It gives imagination a place to live.

Why We Design with Revit

At Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, technology is thoughtfully woven into every stage of the architectural design process.

Our use of Autodesk Revit allows us to develop comprehensive construction documents, create detailed three-dimensional Building Information Models (BIM), improve coordination with consultants and contractors, and help clients confidently visualize their future homes.

By combining innovative technology with decades of experience in luxury residential architecture, we create a more collaborative, efficient, and enjoyable design process—one that allows homeowners to move into construction with greater clarity, confidence, and excitement.

The post Bringing Your Vision to Life: How Revit Technology Enhances the Custom Home Design Process appeared first on Purple Cherry.