Turning Point

As a project architect, one of your responsibilities is to develop the construction drawings for a residence and assist the builder with any issues that may develop during the construction phase of the project.  I spent the earlier years of my career as a project architect who also detailed the architecture of the interiors.  I had the opportunity to develop the drawings for this residence designed by Mark Sullenberger, president of CDC, and also detail the interior millwork and built ins.  It was a ton of work, and after spending  time meeting with the client, developing the CDs, and also designing the architecture of the interiors I reallized that I had to focus my energy just on interior architecture. After all, it can take months to develop these drawings and months more to develop the interiors.


It was sort of a Turning Point in my career.  I set aside the large scale construction drawings and proceeded to expand the interiors department.  Although I often step back into the world of technical drawings and residential design, my main focus is interior architecture and design.

Here's to the Turning Point  and here are just a few samples of the project that led to the switch.
All photography by Apertures Inc.

Overlooking the golf course

The Main Entry

The fully paneled Library and custom desinged Mud Room

Magazines

It is often very helpful to share magazine images with clients in order to discuss styles that may appeal to them.  Unfortunately our magazine sources are slowly becoming obsolete.  Just a few of the magazines that have recently closed their doors are:

Southern Accents
Domino
Cottage Living
Western Interiors & Design has merged into Luxe Interiors + Design

and to my surprise....
Washington Spaces

I am a huge fan of Washington Spaces.  I read their magazine from cover to cover and read their blog weekly.  Plus, I often attend their events. It was so nice to have the opportunity to meet with other local designers and suppliers and join in on celebrations.

What is the future for Design Magazines?

Some of the former Domino employees have grouped together to create a new online magazine called
Lonny Magazine
Is this the wave of the future?  I enjoy the site, but find that I still enjoy browsing and physically holding a magazine.

The Washington Spaces Holiday Party and also 2009 Best of Kitchens Spaces celebration has been canceled.  I was looking forward to the event and also catching up with everyone.  These are just a few images of our winning entry.  To view more visit: Washington Spaces.

2009 Best of Kitchens, Oustanding

Credits:

Kitchen Design:  Amy Collins, Amy Collins, LLC

Builder:  Sandy Spring Builders

Photography:  Kenneth Wyner Photography

LongView

Designed by Custom Design Concepts and recently featured in Washington Spaces, is a residence worth seeing.  I was honored to be a member of the design team involved on this project and my main focus was Interior Millwork.  As you will see, there is much to enjoy!

Here are just a few images of the extensive details!
all photography by Kenneth Wyner Photography

The Main Entry

Mark Sullenberger, architect and president of CDC,

Project Architect Joan Janicki and Architect Richard Radcliffe were members of the design team

The Porte Cochere

Through out the Foyer and many of the other rooms

you will find elaborate paneling and wood accents

The Family Room has an intricate wood beamed ceiling and

paneled walls that encase the entertainment system

I love the herringbone patterned floor!

I worked closely with Joan Janicki to detail the structure of the iron grate floor and metal columns

detail of the Library bookcase and window seat

View to the Conservatory

Since many of the rooms are continuously paneled, I thought it would be nice to incorporate fabric into the panel of the Dining Room.  The ceiling has a soft plaster cove with some subtle uplighting.

One of my favorite rooms to detail- The Bowling Alley.

I just love how comfortable, warm and retro it is.

Be sure to visit Washington Spaces, An Enchanting Estate

Furniture Design- Go Custom!

Not only do I love interior architecture, but I also like to promote designing a special furniture piece for your home.  Something that is unique and also a conversational piece.  I often like to design these pieces while working on the millwork of a project, during the preliminary design phase, but you can also add select pieces to your home at a later date. 

Here are just a few of our special custom furniture pieces.

Computer Desk

Console Table and Art Ledge

Coffee table, with mosaic stone and glass inlay

This Custom Vanity includes repurposed iron.

I worked closley on this with Barry Remley of 
Salvations Architectural Furnishings

photography credits:

Images 1, 2, 3, Kenneth Wyner

Image 4, Joshua Curry

Image 5, Bob Narod

All About Bathrooms

There are so many creative opportunities with in a bathroom. I personally love to mix in stone and glass tile accents, but it is also important to keep in mind the overall design of the room.

glass "waterfall" and stone mosaic accent

We added a

Philipe Starck Louis Ghost Chair

to this traditional feminine bathroom

These bathrooms included custom vanities

Some clients prefer the "car wash" affect

Unique lighting for a custom vanity

photography credits:

images 1, 2, 3, 4,and 7, Kenneth Wyner

images 5 and 6, Joshua Curry

image 7, miriam dillon

An Island Resort Home

Located on Figure 8 Island,

A Residence Designed by architect Mark Sullenberger, president of

Custom Design Concepts Architecture + Interiors

View from the Beach

The Master Suite

The Guest Bedrooms

The Living Room and the View to the ocean

Natural Colors with hints of coral and tropical blue, and natural materials create a comfortable and relaxing environment.

photography by Joshua Curry

Showhouse : The Family Vestibule

This past season, Custom Design Concepts Architecture + Interiors had the opportunity to participate on the CharityWorks Greenhouse.  It was a showhouse to remember!
A carbon neutral house that featured 19 premiere designers with a challenge to create luxury environmentally friendly interiors. The CDC team members included Miriam Dillon and Rebecca Foley.

The Family Vestibule

Our goal was to create a comfortable and welcoming Family Vestibule using repurposed materials, antiques, and environmentally friendly products.

The Family Vestibule includes a Mud Room, Hallway, Powder Room, and Laundry Room

Photography by Gordon Beall