My Biggest Dilemma of 2014?

Over the summer I was a judge in a national architecture competition for Builder Magazine.  It was very clear to all of the judges which designs would rise to the top. The top two homes were in Healdsburg, CA and the Hamptons. Both homes were simple with clean lines. Modern takes on a classic shape.  A triangle on top of a square.  No overhangs, no trim, simple and clean windows.  

I couldn't stop thinking about those two homes.  Modern but familiar.

So when we bought a vacant lot in Rehoboth Beach I knew what I wanted to build. I asked our architect to design a home similar in form, though much smaller than the homes I judged. Now I am torn as to whether I'd like to add a touch of color.  Either to the window sashes or maybe the metal roof.  Does that kill the design or make the home more beachy? After all, who wants a white home at the beach? Or, how amazing would a mono-tone, modern classic be at the shore?

One of the homes I judged last summer from Healdsburg, Claifornia

The home is a full time residence to a family who moved from NYC after 911

Just amazing! Simple. Clean. Modern but familiar.

Good Grief, This is Almost Embarrassing. NOT!

I was just notified late last night that OPaL and Naylor Court Stables have won TWO MORE NATIONAL AWARDS for design and architecture.  This time we won Gold Awards in the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) for Urban Infill Design as well as Design of Attached Housing.

This is a huge honor to be recognized on a national level for our protection of a historic alley in our Nation's Capitol.  Naylor Court Stables encompassed three row homes designed to resemble the late 1800's stables and carriage homes that line the Blagden Alley / Naylor Court Historic District in Washington, DC.

The awards will be given out at the National Association of Home Builders convention in Las Vegas this January.  I had previously been ask to speak on urban design at the convention, now I have two reason to be in Vegas this winter.  Woo Hoo!

Learn more about the Best in American LIving Awards Here

Naylor Court Stables::  4 National Awards / 5 Local Awards for Design and Architecture

OPaL's Headed to Capitol Hill's Stanton Park Neighborhood.....Hopefully

Last night we received a unanimous vote at an ANC subcommittee meeting for a project we are super excited about.  On the heals of our national success with Naylor Court Stables in Shaw, OPaL might be headed to Stanton Park on Capitol Hill. Stanton Park is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods on the Hill.  Lined with historic rowhomes and mature trees, it's a very special place just blocks from our Nation's Capitol and Union Station.

Front elevation of our proposed renovation of the Union Garage with two-story addition.
Painted brick and weathered zinc.....WOW.

Current view of the garage. She's a bit tired but what great potential.

Our plan is to convert the garage into 3 oversized, one-level homes all the two-car parking. Does Capitol Hill living get any better?  Probably not.