our design team:

One of the fun parts about our job is the invitations that we get to different events, especially open houses that builders and/or architects host at recently completed projects. It gives us the opportunity to see the work of a great collaboration, between builders, architects, homeowners, and designers, take place.

The Johnson Residence

In April, we visited the Johnson residence in Crownsville, Maryland, that Riley Custom Homes just completed along with architect, Teresa Todd, AIA. The property was once the Herald Harbor Club, which once served as a place for people to swim and dock their boats. Three college buddies purchased the property and subdivided it to build additional houses in addition to renovating the existing clubhouse into a residence. Now the three families share a huge beach, along with all the amenities.

The Homeowner’s Experience

We chatted with the homeowner, who said they had an amazing experience working with their design team because they took a vested interested in every detail. The team met with the homeowners every two weeks to ensure progress and go over questions or budget concerns.

Why We Were Impressed

Not only were we impressed with the collaboration of efforts that went into the building and design of the house. We were impressed by the flow and the execution of the beautiful trim work and built-ins.

While 2009 was an low-key year for most of us, the Light House Shelter of Annapolis kept busy making plans to open a new homeless shelter in Annapolis. They were hard at work designing, planning, and fundraising for their new 24,000 square foot facility. Their new “home” will be a LEED certified building that will house approximately three times the number of people that the current shelter is able to accommodate.

For a while, Dream House Studios had been looking for a community project to become involved in, so when we learned about the new shelter, we jumped at the chance to be involved. We headed the interior team with all of the interior selections and furnishings for the building, allowing us to help out while still expressing our passion. Construction on the new shelter finally got underway at the end of September and will be opening Summer/ Fall of 2010.

We will keep you updated on the shelter’s progress as we move closer to its opening. If you are interested in learning more about the shelter, check out www.annapolislighthouse.org.