Edited by Janelle Erlichman Diamond
Opener: EastWing Architects—our rising star recipient—won for both Rowhome Revitalization and Library Design for this quintessential Baltimore rowhome. —Photography by Derek & Vee
For the first time ever, Baltimore magazine honors the top design visionaries in Charm City.
Edited by Janelle Erlichman Diamond
Opener: EastWing Architects—our rising star recipient—won for both Rowhome Revitalization and Library Design for this quintessential Baltimore rowhome. —Photography by Derek & Vee
When it comes to architecturaland interior design in Baltimore,creativity abounds. This is aplace where old meets new andtraditional meets unconventional,from the historic homes ofGuilford to the iconic rowhomesof Fells Point. We have an incredibleabundance of great talentwho have turned many dwellingsinto showstoppers. That’s whywe’ve decided to highlight thebest local residential architects,interior designers, builders, andlandscape designers in our inauguralHome & Design Awards.
Chosen by a panel of nationallyrenowned professionals, these33 winners—in some cases, thesame project won in multiple categories—enrich the design landscapefrom the city to the bay.
Top Awards
Exteriors
Home
Interiors
Meet the Judges
Lee Starke
Lee Starke is a project manager and interiordesigner for Cline Design Associates inRaleigh, North Carolina. Starke leads andmanages an expansive portfolio of projects,from large-scale residential buildings to golfclubhouses and corporate office spaces.
Bob Wetmore
As a principal partner and one of the two foundingpartners of Austin-based Cornerstone Architects,Bob Wetmore has developed the company’s designprinciples and oversees the design developmentfor luxury residential and resort architecture onan international scale.
Kinley Puzey
Kinley Puzey has spent the last 18 yearsin the design and construction industry.In 2015, he founded Utah-based OnyxDesign Collective, which specializes inhigh-end residential and one-of-a-kindcommercial projects.
Kayla Cooper
Kayla Cooper has a bachelor’s degree in industrialdesign and engineering and a master’s in architecturefrom Boston Architectural College. Cooper’sfirst job was designing cars in the automotiveindustry before moving into fashion and thenstarting Kayla Cooper Design.
Michelle Rossomando
Michelle Rossomando is a principal andpresident of McKinney York Architects.She leads planning and design on thefirm’s most complex civic, cultural, andhigher-education projects for institutionaland commercial clients.
Alison Kenworthy
Alison Kenworthy is the founder and CEO of Homeworthy,a media platform devoted to extraordinarypeople and the beautiful places they call home. Theplatform has 50 million views. She is a three-timeEmmy Award-winning television producer formerlywith ABC News and Good Morning America.
Durston Saylor
General Excellence | Architecture
Purple Cherry Architects
For more than 30 years, Purple Cherry Architects, helmed by Cathy Purple Cherry, has brought to life luxurious residences guided by a desireto produce exceptional homes. Each project—composed with intelligence, sensitivity, and experience—becomes the beautiful backdropfor creating memories. The Annapolis-based firm has extensive experience in designing homes with a view—which includes orienting theproperty to maximize the vista and understanding and utilizing both wind direction and the path of the sun. They simply produce “classicand beautiful designs,” says judge Alison Kenworthy, founder and CEO of Homeworthy. They’ve built an impressive portfolio of custom residences,says judge Michelle Rossomando, a principal and president of McKinney York Architects. “They are well-detailed with a good use ofboth natural materials and natural light.” And she notes, “A nice range of traditional and contemporary style.”
Durston Saylor
General Excellence | Interior Design
Purple Cherry Architects
Passionate about their work, the Purple Cherry Architects team considers not only physical forms, but the emotional connectionsclients will have with their homes and the spaces within them. “Everything they do is beautiful and timeless,” says Kenworthy.The Purple Cherry Interior Design Studio is known for their seamlessly coordinated interior architecture and décor includingfinishes, wall coverings, and color selections; custom millwork, kitchen cabinetry, coffered ceilings, and built-in bookcases;flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures; selection of furniture, upholstery, accessories, and window coverings; and curationand placement of artwork. “It’s consistent, beautiful work,” says Bob Wetmore, principal partner and one of the two foundingpartners of Cornerstone Architects.
Derek & Vee
Rising Star
Eastwing Architects
This Baltimore firm makes it their dutyto contribute positively to the enrichmentof their community and seek clientswho care deeply about the qualityof the spaces they inhabit. “Vibrant andfresh with modern aesthetics, EastWingis truly captivating,” says judge KaylaCooper, founder of Kayla Cooper Design.They find inspiration in the raw, industrialforms and textures of Baltimoreand strive to use conventional materialsin unconventional ways. “They arebirthing a unique spin on industrytrends,” she says. Their expertise liesin the careful rehabilitation of historicstructures and breathing new life intothe forgotten details of the past, whilecreating architecture that looks towardthe future. Each home is a celebration ofthe people who dwell within them. SaysCooper, “The raw talent is evident.”
Julie Hove Andersen
Readers' Choice
2E Architects
Readers were immediatelydrawn to this modern farmhouseon a working horse farm.When Timonium-based 2eArchitects designed the home,a connection to the land wascritical. The foyer features aglass and walnut staircasewith a massive window to displayBaltimore County’s beautifulrolling hills. The great roomfeatures six walnut trusses andskylights between each trussto highlight the room’s volumeand create constantly shiftinglight. The main idea was todesign a home that was bothelegant and still a little casual.
Jennifer Hughes
Legacy
Jenkins Baer Associates
This interior design firm—under the leadership of Jay Jenkins and Alexander Baer—has secured its place as the go-to group for styled interiors, with a flawless combination of contemporary and traditional rooms that feel warm, cozy, and classic. Their well-stocked roster of superstars includes Liz Reich, Rachel Pohlner, Katherine Crosby, Kristina Kral, Leslie Rose, and Nancy Midget, as well as a support staff of project managers and installation specialists making it an easy pick for the first ever Legacy Award as chosen by the Baltimore HOME editors. As Jenkins says—and we agree—“We are taking our art to the next level.”
Tom Holdsworth Photography
Deck | Roof Deck | Patio | Porch
Place Architecture: Design
Since the original exterior of this 1960s midcentury modern home was showingits age, and the rear yard was overgrown and inhospitable, the goal was to addan exterior living space where the homeowners could relax and entertain whileenjoying the serenity of the landscape. Baltimore’s Place Architecture:Design envisionedtwo porch spaces and a stone-filled rectangular slot, between the houseand covered porch, allowing light to enter the existing interior, while giving accessibilityto the porch. “The proportions are really nice,” says Wetmore.
Chris Bavaria
Curb Appeal
Eastwing Architects
This two-unit residential renovation is on the former site of The Foam Center, an EastBaltimore institution selling “Everything from Flypaper to Flying Machines” that hadbeen in operation since 1934. EastWing Architects angled the industrial-inspired roofsouth, mimicking the rhythm of adjacent rowhomes. To return the original storefrontto its former glory, new windows were installed and the soffit was replaced. The clientshonored the history of the building with a striking mural by Chicago artist Kate LynnLewis. “Love the color,” says Kenworthy. “It’s a vibrant addition to the street.”
Anchor Pictures
Landscape Design | Large Space
Form Garden Design
Wild Pines, the name inspired by the existing pine trees edging the perimeter of the property, was envisioned as amodern mountain retreat for a young, adventurous family. The landscape was a true collaboration between the clients—an interior designer and custom home builder—who set the vision, and the garden designer, Baltimore-basedFORM Garden Design, who gave form and texture to that vision. The primary goal for the landscape was to stitch thehouse to the land utilizing the garden as a transition from the meticulous interiors of the house to the surroundingnatural beauty of the site. This was achieved using primarily native flowering plants, which were carefully selected to provide four-season interest and create habitats for pollinators such as bees, birds, and butterflies.
Traut Landscape Studio
Landscape Design | Small Space
Traut Landscape Studio
This project—a contemporary terrace in Federal Hill—solved several issuesposed by urban living. All elements of the garden were required to be multifunctionalto make the most efficient use of space: Two planter boxes areconnected by a long bench for extra seating, and a cover for the A/C unitextends to create a storage box for gardening tools while also providing surfacearea for drinks and platters. The small space—150 square feet with a limitedamount of sunlight—meant a restricted plant selection with a simplifiedcolor palette of white and greens in varying shades and textures. Baltimore’sTraut Landscape Studio replaced vinyl siding with cedar shingles and addedtwo new windows to create a seamless blend between interior and exterior.
Colin Burke
Use of Color
One Source Contracting
This stunning waterfront property in Annapolis was built to fulfill anewly retired couple’s vision of a dream home. After a complete gutfrom the ground up, Baltimore’s One Source Contracting finished a customdesign and rebuild of this three-story home including a detachedtwo-car garage. One of the main challenges facing this project is thatthe house—located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed—has manydesign and build restrictions. The clients chose Sherwin-Williams’Snowbound paint for the exterior trim color and James Hardie sidingin Night Gray to complement the waterfront views.
Adam Kane Macchia
Outdoor Living
Delbert Adams Construction Group
This new home build, located in Owings Mills, was constructed by Baltimore-based Delbert AdamsConstruction Group to give a newly empty nester couple the party/entertaining house of their dreamswith a true indoor-outdoor experience. The home was designed for entertaining with floor-to-ceilingpocket doors that open from the living room onto the outdoor areas. The outdoor kitchen, living, anddining rooms all have automatic shades and energy-efficient infrared heaters, allowing the client touse the spaces year-round. The pool has a waterfall, a hidden grotto with jumping off points, a largeand luxurious spa with built-in lounge seating, and a nearly seven-foot-tall curving slide. “It’s a greatlayout,” says Kenworthy. “And a good choice of a neutral palette for the outdoor furniture.”
Turner Photography Studio
Remodel
Inplace Design
The owners of this dark and chopped-up 1892 farmhouse in Lutherville-Timonium wanted Baltimore-based inPLACEDesign to create an open floor plan, bring more natural light into the spaces, and provide a contemporary experience.The architecture, planning, and design studio’s solution was to develop the kitchen as the hub where the great room,dining room, and outdoor patio would radiate, flow, and feel connected. The utilization of wood materials and apalette of white and grey, while maximizing natural light, generates an open and airy ambiance. Kenworthy adoredthe island. “Very chic,” she noted. And Wetmore agreed. “It’s a nice development of the multi-use island.”
Durston Saylor
Architecture
Purple Cherry Architects
Some of the amazing spaces inside this Eastern Shore homeinclude a 40-foot-long dining room with wine cellar, two floatingstairs with three-story custom chandeliers, and a two-story barwith Douglas fir trusses. “It’s simply stunning,” says Kenworthy.There’s also a prep kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, library,eight ensuite bedrooms, and two bunk rooms. “The proportionand scale are nicely done for this massive estate,” says Rossomando.“The outbuildings have a more modern aesthetic and are someof the best images included.” Purple Cherry proves that “less isdefinitely not more,” says Cooper. “They are a pristine example ofwhat artistic achievement occurs when more is the motive.”
Durston Saylor
Interior Design
Purple Cherry Architects
The Purple Cherry Architects team provided all interior design and furnishings services for this Eastern Shore estate, includingcustom millwork, tile patterns, trim details, light and plumbing fixtures, colors, wallpaper selections, furnishings, bedding, andsome accessories. The owners supplemented with an abundance of their own antique and vintage pieces, sculpture, and fine art.“Very nice spaces,” says Wetmore. “I especially liked the pairing of the furniture selections with the architectural materials.”Judge Lee Starke, project manager and interior designer for Cline Design Associates, was also blown away. “Amazing,” she says.
Tommy Sheldon Photography
Accessibility
Home Methods
This laundry room was part of a larger renovation project for a client in awheelchair that focused on making the house more functional. Previously, thelaundry room included a washer, dryer, utility sink, and sump pump cover.Baltimore’s Home Methods began figuring out how to cover the sump pump in amore functional way. When the top panel is on, the sump pump cover becomesa folding station at a height the client can access from her wheelchair. HomeMethods replaced the utility sink with an ADA-compliant sink and used frontloadwashers and dryers for the client to access from a seated position. Oppositethe washer/dryer, they added a tall storage cabinet that contains a wheelchairheight,fold-out ironing board. “It’s so sleek and clean,” says Kenworthy.
Adam Kane Macchia
Design | Build
Delbert Adams Construction Group
This new home build—designed by J.E. Schram Architect and built by Delbert Adams Construction Group—was created to reflect the client’s goal: a party and entertaining house that allowed for a truly indoor-outdoor experience. The couple knew they wanted the highest quality materials and to incorporate the power of smart home technology and many local materials were sourced to reduce the environmental burden. “There are so many gems,” noted Kenworthy. “But I particularly love that glass and steel door.”
Derek & Vee
Rowhome Revitalization
Eastwing Architects
This project pushes the boundaryof what is possible within theconstraints of a quintessentialBaltimore rowhome. At less than 12-feet wide and 50-feet deep with aneast-west orientation, natural lightwas scarce in this compact home. Toachieve brightness, the firm createda new opening in the rear masonrywall to accommodate a nine-footfolding door, raised the previouslylow ceiling, and added reflectivesurfaces wherever possible—highgloss cabinetry and terrazzo tile—todraw even more light into the space.“Excellent use of strong design fromconcept to execution with the stair asthe spine of the house for circulationand as the storyteller of the personalityof the homeowners,” saysRossomando. She was impressed bythe “creative ways to bring light intoevery level from the skylights to thegarage door at the indoor-outdoorliving space level.” The crisp,minimal finishes, white walls, andclean edges create a museum-likeatmosphere that complements theowner’s vintage poster collection.
Tom Holdsworth Photography
Midcentury Modern Renovation
Place Architecture: Design
This renovation reimagines a timeless designwhile staying true to the original style ofthis 1960s midcentury modern house. Theclients, who had a love for modern designand minimalist aesthetics, wanted to expandtheir living space by connecting the kitchenand dining areas. To accomplish the client’sgoal of an open floor plan, it was necessaryto install a steel beam for structural support,which added an industrial element to the newliving space. “This project is very nicely done,bringing modern elements while highlightingthe midcentury elements of the originalhouse,” noted Rossomando. “The neutralpalette of materials and fun lighting choicesbring warmth and energy to the interiors.”
Durston Saylor
Apartment | Loft | Condo
Redhead Design
The goal was to create a practical andlivable space that also felt welcoming andbeautiful. Opening a wall between thekitchen and living rooms united them andcreated a better flow. “Fresh and airy iswhat comes to mind,” says Cooper. Baltimore-based Redhead Design then addedtexture with faux bois ottomans, exposedwood chairs, luxurious rugs and linen,and velvet fabrics. Added Cooper, “Thistraditional space is classic and warm.”
Jenn Verrier Photography
Waterfront Home
Purple Cherry Architects
“Idyllic and whimsical, this waterfront creation has transported us to the countryside,” saysCooper of the 44,000 square feet of luxury on the Eastern Shore. Rossomando was captivatedwith the formal layout, manicured landscape, and dramatic water views. “The exteriorliving spaces take advantage of site and proximity to the waterfront—well done.” Wetmorewas impressed with the nicely proportioned spaces inside and out. “The compound massinglends a feeling of grandeur and provides for a very nice arrival sequence to the main house.”And Kenworthy was amazed by the stunning gardens and views. “Perfection,” she noted.
Stephen Posko
Historic Renovation
Carballo Architecture
This three-story, 4,232-square-foot formerconvent in Roland Park now boasts modernluxurious single-family living. Prior to renovation,the 19th-century Victorian home waschoppy and closed off. Baltimore’s CarballoArchitecture’s intent was to preserve someof the historical elements in the home, whilealso opening and modernizing the space.The expansive first floor now includes anopen concept living area that was designedaround the existing elevator, a dining roomfeaturing custom wood beams, and a largechef’s kitchen that opens to a living space,perfect for entertaining. Originally 10 smallbedrooms, the second and third floors weretransformed to five spacious bedroom suites.
Derek & Vee
Library
Eastwing Architects
The client challenged EastWing Architects tocreate a bright, gallery-inspired home organizedaround a central library for their impressivebook collection. The new spine of the home,a bookshelf over 30 feet tall, emphasizes theunique verticality of the property—a perspectiverarely possible in a narrow rowhome. “I likethe interaction between the stairs and books,”says Wetmore. “Multiple dramatic elementswork together rather than fighting for the focalpoint,” notes Rossomando. “A palette of neutralinteriors works as a backdrop to the colorfulcollection of books and artwork.”
Tom Holdsworth Photography
Open Floor Plan
Place Architecture: Design
The clients, a painter and photographer, brought to the table very distinct and creative ideas. The collective objective wasto reimagine the tired, traditional interior and exterior of the existing home with a whole-house renovation that providedan open floor plan, ample natural light, energy-efficient systems, and updated finishes with a modern aesthetic. Walnutelements were used to add warmth and definition to the entry, kitchen, and living room, complementing the wide-plank,white oak floors. The wood slatted ceiling was hung to define and add texture to the kitchen and at the entry, floor-toceilingwalnut-paneled walls with flush hidden doors conceal the walk-in pantry, powder room, and closet.
Adam Kane Macchia
Speciality Room
Delbert Adams Construction Group
This home was designed for entertaining. The lower level boastsa game room with retro pinball machines, a full bar, pool table,theater room, and a professional-grade golf simulator. “Thishome truly has every amenity,” says Cooper. Added Rossomando,“I love the use of color and textures in this design to createa mood in each space. Excellent use of lighting and artworkunique to each space to push the design concept. Well done.”
Whitney Wasson
Wall Treatment
Millbrook Circle Interior Design
The clients, a painter and photographer, brought to the table very distinct and creative Black and white color palettes can sometimes be intimidating toclients, but this bathroom remodel for a teenager seemed to be theperfect space for Baltimore-based Millbrook Circle Interior Designto explore using a vibrant print wallpaper. In the bathroom, thegraphic design was further enhanced with the bold flooring choice.The use of a contrasting warm, wood vanity as a visual landing spotadded balance, while the neutral shower tiles and black fixturesfurther complement the aesthetic. While the pattern of the paper islively, it was successfully used throughout this large space becauseof the simplicity of the color scheme. The contrast between the whitespace and negative space makes for a fantastic visual experience.
Alyea Photography
Lighting
Marren Architects
This lighting concept takes its cues fromthe contemporary architectural style ofthe renovation and seeks to reinforce thegoal of encouraging interior and exteriorflow, social gathering, and celebratingthe materials. The lighting was designedby Baltimore-based Marren Architects tobe concealed or otherwise inconspicuous.This was achieved on the interiorand exterior with concealed fixturesunder cabinets, under interior andexterior countertops, and within custommillwork. “I love the natural finishes,”noted Kenworthy. The firm created ambientlighting by utilizing indirect coveand ceiling mounted up-lighting thatrevealed the texture and warm color ofthe Douglas fir wood ceilings.
Alyea Photography
Kitchen
Smithouse Design + Build
A quintessential 1920s stone estate house needed better functionality and modernization while still maintaining some of itshistoric charm. To provide the family with a better flow for functionality and entertaining, co*ckeysville-based SmithouseDesign + Build reconfigured the first floor, moving the kitchen to the existing dining room space and building an addition toserve as the new dining room. The kitchen features a stunning, oversized island with Calacatta Lincoln marble and waterfalledges. Kenworthy noted that all appliances, including the range hood, are hidden with custom cabinetry panels to capture amore contemporary aesthetic. “It’s so modern and sleek.”
Tom Holdsworth Photography
Living Room | Great Room
Place Architecture: Design
Built in 1952, this one-story brick courtyard house is perched on a wooded plateau, overlooking 4.5 acres of specimen trees and floweringgardens. The house sits on the site, shielding the courtyard from the driveway. The result was a circuitous path from the drivewaythrough the courtyard to a formal entrance. This inward focus turned the courtyard into the front yard. The biggest challenge for Place Architecture: Design was changing the experience upon entering the home. Flipping the front door and porch to face the street, theyestablished an outward presence embracing the neighborhood. The U-shaped footprint creates a tranquil outdoor private garden, easilyaccessible from the main living space. Lined with floor-to-ceiling glass, the rooms blur the line between indoor and outdoor space.
Alan Gilbert Photography
Dining Room
Marren Architects
A couple with a young daughter wanted toupdate their kitchen and add a family diningroom adjacent to it. The dining room designedby Marren Architects, in Baltimore, featuresa large glass picture window and a foldingglass wall out to the patio for seamlessindoor-outdoor living and entertaining. Thisindoor-outdoor connection is reinforced by thelarge-scale stone floor tile that is continuousfrom the kitchen through the dining roomand out to the patio, where natural material,including a vaulted ceiling of vertical-grainDouglas-fir wood roof trusses, trim, decking,and cabinetry is used.
Anu Iyer
Use of Color
Surrounded by Color
This basem*nt project had the issues of many basem*ntsthat lead to remodeling—old asbestos tile flooring, droppanel ceiling, poor lighting, and inefficient utilities takingup the space. Baltimore-based interior design firm SurroundedBy Color chose a relatively conservative blue-and-tancolor palette, knowing they would play around with fun artand furniture. “Nice use of simple forms and colors providefor an inviting room,” says Wetmore. The media wall is madeup of IKEA frames with doors from Semihandmade, plusmulticolored hand-painted wooden knobs, and one-of-a-kindceramic sconces by Los Angeles artist Eny Lee Parker.
Lauren Nievod Photography
Bathroom
Home Methods
This project focused on updating the client’s bathroom inside aconverted church. So to maximize space, Home Methods built aslightly shallower than standard vanity the length of the wallto enable using the windows as backdrop. “Excellent creativityand use of space to highlight and keep historic elements,” notedRossomando. From a material standpoint, the goal was to keepthe space timeless and bright. They achieved that, she said, andwas impressed by the “simple palette of materials and colors.”
Tommy Sheldon Photography
Bedroom
Bob Ward Trademark Homes
This tranquil primary suite designed by Havre de Grace-based Bob Ward Trademark Homesboasts an oversized bed framed by elongated windows with added transoms where naturallight fills the room. A cozy sitting room extends this space for reading a book or relaxingon the chaise. This sleepy sanctuary is topped with angled trey ceiling with floating woodbeams above the bed to fully take advantage of those extra high 11-foot ceilings. A walk-incloset with electronic, retractable shelving is just steps from the sleeping area.
Alyea Photography
Custom Cabinetry
Smithouse Design + Build
These Brooklandville clients were looking for a unique kitchen that reflected a level of Scandinavian modernism with cleanlines, minimalistic features, and warm wood tones. It was imperative that all the wood grains align on the cabinetry, which leftlittle room for error. The white oak frameless cabinets by Crystal Cabinets are a show-stopping feature where eight-foot verticalpanels line one side of the kitchen, hiding the appliances and pantry. The island and surrounding lower cabinets were designedwith no hardware, meaning that all the reveals had to be perfectly flush, allowing the grains in the wood to serve as natural art.
Stephanie London
Use of Collection, Antiques, or Art
Redhead Design
This little alcove was the perfect size for a tiny, built-in desk that is big on personality. Theclient is a collector of unique, vintage objects, so the goal was to design a functional deskthat features some of her treasures. “It’s such a cute nook,” says Kenworthy. Wetmore agrees.“I like the use of this tight space. The display niches give personality to the space, as do thecabinet inserts”—custom-pierced tin panels inspired by the client’s love of pie chests.
Courtesy Of Smithouse Design + Build
Custom | Repurposed Furniture
Smithouse Design + Build
The owners of a recently renovated 1924 stone estatein Roland Park had a large, old white oak tree intheir backyard that was recommended for removal.The clients decided they wanted to preserve thehistory of the tree by turning it into their new diningroom table. The colossal log was transported toEdrich Lumber, where it rested for one year before itcould be milled. A simple midcentury-style table wasconstructed that showcased all the knots, distinctcolor, and grain variations of their beloved tree.
