Have you ever tried planning a trip with someone over text instead of just sitting down together? That’s what it’s like when your architect and builder don’t work as a team. Too often in this industry, the design and construction phases are completely disconnected—leading to miscommunications, delays, and cost overruns that leave homeowners frustrated and over budget.
We're going to say something that might ruffle a few feathers: Most architects aren’t experts in construction pricing. We say that as a staff who has worked in both architecture firms and design-build companies—it’s one of the biggest disconnects in the industry. Architects are trained to think creatively, push boundaries, and prioritize aesthetics—and that’s a great thing. But they’re not usually the ones pricing materials, managing subcontractors, or sourcing windows.
Traditionally, you hire an architect to design your home, then shop those plans around to builders. The problem? These two groups often work in silos. The architect may design a beautiful home—but without real-time cost input, you could fall in love with a plan that’s way over budget. After that, you’ll often need to go back to the drawing board—or worse, try to "value engineer" a design that was never meant to be scaled back.
This was a unique project for our team. Our clients brought notable expertise, with the husband working as a carpenter and the wife as an architect. With their strong background in home renovation and design, they collaborated closely with one of our architects to bring the plans to life. Their original kitchen felt cut off from the rest of the home and lacked the functionality the clients wanted. Having tackled most of the house themselves over time, the kitchen was one of the final spaces they were ready to transform.
In this historic Shaw row home, our clients wanted to rework a kitchen and dining area that felt disconnected and inefficient. By merging the two spaces into one and anchoring the design with dramatic emerald cabinetry that stretches from floor to ceiling, we created a more functional, welcoming space. The result: more storage, better flow, and a kitchen that now supports how the homeowners cook, host, and live.
Our clients had a clear vision for their renovation: they wanted to add more storage, create a larger European-inspired kitchen, and introduce better indoor-outdoor flow with a new back porch. However, they were set on avoiding major structural changes, preferring a remodel that kept the existing framework intact. We honored their goals by updating and expanding within the home’s original footprint, without removing major walls or altering the exterior.
After two decades in their home and with their children now off at college, these homeowners were ready for a complete refresh. Nestled along a leafy, wooded road, the house had plenty of natural charm outside—but inside, things had started to fall apart. The kitchen cabinets were pulling away from the walls, the appliances were past their prime, and the entire first floor felt tired. Their renovation wishlist included a bright, open-concept kitchen ideal for hosting, more windows to draw in the surrounding greenery, and a dining area that could easily flex between intimate family dinners and large gatherings. Just as important: the finishes needed to hold up to the daily activity of three energetic dogs.
Whether it’s folding doors that open to a patio, a kitchen window that connects to a backyard bar, or a sunroom that blurs the line between inside and out, indoor-outdoor living continues to top the wishlist for many homeowners. Below, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite projects that embrace the connection between home and nature—click through to explore each space.
This DC-area couple, both professionals with two young kids, came to us ready to transform their single-level home with a walk-out basement into a two-story retreat. Their vision included a new upstairs primary suite, a larger kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining, and a comfortable in-law suite below. Above all, they wanted the house to feel like a peaceful nature escape—calm, green, and far removed from the city’s fast pace. With its earthy palette, minimally processed finishes, and expansive windows overlooking tiered landscaping and a wooded creek, this full-home renovation gives their houseplant collection and lifestyle room to thrive.
Our clients approached us with a clear goal for their renovation: to create an open-concept layout that would refresh the kitchen and main bathroom, enhance a few smaller areas, and introduce striking design features throughout the home. The fireplace in the great room quickly stood out as a perfect opportunity for a dramatic transformation. In the kitchen, standout features like the oversized islands and wood-paneled range enclosure brought bold visual impact.
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