---
title: "ma2 architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ma2-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451373204
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1451373204.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "ma2 architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/880332a4006b3abf_6391-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Arnold, Maryland 21012, United States"
phone: "(970) 379-6067"
website: http://
rating: 5
review_count: 3
followers: 69
last_updated: 2026-08-16
---

# ma2 architects

Original Houzz profile: [ma2 architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ma2-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451373204)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Arnold, MD
- **Serves:** Baltimore, Annapolis, Crofton, Arnold, Edgewater, Cape Saint Claire, Davidsonville, Naval Academy, Arden on the Severn, Crownsville, Gibson Island
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Mary Holley specializes in high end custom residential architecture. She have a storied pedigree that includes significant work in Aspen, Colorado, New York, and the Annapolis area.  Let us take your dreams and make them a reality--from design to completion.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Project Management
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Staircase Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Modular Home Additions

### Areas Served

- Baltimore
- Annapolis
- Crofton
- Arnold
- Edgewater
- Cape Saint Claire
- Davidsonville
- Naval Academy
- Arden on the Severn
- Crownsville
- Gibson Island

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | ma2 architects |
| Address | Arnold, Maryland 21012, United States |
| Phone | (970) 379-6067 |
| Website | http:// |
| Followers on Houzz | 69 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [ma2 architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ma2-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451373204)
- **Website:** http://
- **Phone:** (970) 379-6067

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and DC Licensed Architect, NCARB and CAPS certified

**Affiliations**
- [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549)
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews**

### All 3 reviews

**★★★★★ — habitatscott, Jan. 2015**

> Mary Holley / ma2 Architects is amazing. She is very creative and an awesome problem solver. She takes in all of the facts/issues and then steps back and develops a plan that capitalizes on the space available. She is an extraordinary listener and truly receptive when reviewing her plans... Unlike many architects who get married to their first idea, Mary knows who to keep making things better.. However, when needed she can effectively explain and defend her thinking. I have utilized Mary's skills on a normal-sized home as well as on a large commercial building... she was equally adept at both.
> I recommend Mary enthusiastically  without any reservations.
>
> Scott Gilbert

**★★★★★ — johnnycakes1234, Jan. 2015**

> I worked on two projects concurrently with ma2 architects and really enjoyed the experience.  Mary has a keen eye for design, and really inserts herself into the project.  The homes we did together were both spec homes, and she did a great job thinking through the floor plans to make the homes comfortable, and family friendly.  She is a great teammate!

**★★★★★ — WJM Architect, May 2013**

> ma2 architects has the talent, knowledge, and experience to see your project through from inception to completion.  Designs are integrated beautifully into their settings.  This firm works expertly with difficult sites.  They understand the mountainous Colorado environment and creatively use cost effective solutions to design beautiful, scenic, successful residential projects.  I obtained high quality advice on important details needed in the mountain environment.

## Selected projects

- [Chesapeake Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chesapeake-modern-pj-vj~7753101)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Mountain Modern in Snowmass Village, CO](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-modern-in-snowmass-village-co-pj-vj~1201435)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: A speculative home in Snowmass Village using a large Great Room concept, vaulted ceilings, and clean, contemporary materials.
- [Snowmass Village Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/snowmass-village-home-pj-vj~432625)
  - Location: Snowmass Village, CO
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A speculative home with an open floor plan and a mixture of traditional and contemporary forms. Architecture and interiors by ma2 architects. Furnishings selected by others.
- [Mountain Hilltop Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-hilltop-home-pj-vj~518998)
  - Location: Snowmass, CO
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This home was built on a steeply sloped lot with wildfire hazard issues so all the exterior materials needed to be fireproof. Using the concept of a new home built on existing stone foundations we carried the stone veneer into the interior. Interiors were meant to be traditional and cozy--a perfect mountain home!
- [Historic Remodel in Aspen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-remodel-in-aspen-pj-vj~759359)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Custom Home in Basalt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-in-basalt-pj-vj~220651)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Single family residence in Basalt
- [Aspen Custom Home 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aspen-custom-home-1-pj-vj~220639)
  - Location: Aspen, CO
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: This was a spec home in a Victorian neighborhood. The exterior took its form from traditional Victorian proportions, but the interior was something completely different. We were able to put the living spaces on the second floor to give the house a view of Independence Pass and Aspen Mountain. Light wood and rustic wood floors added to the airy feel of the interior.
- [Affordable Home in Aspen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/affordable-home-in-aspen-pj-vj~235705)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This home was built for the City's affordable housing program. In order to build it on budget the home was built in modules off site then assembled. It may seem like a complicated shape, but each component was designed to be able to be built as a module. Proof positive that modular doesn't have to be boring...
- [Before and after](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-pj-vj~235684)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This 1977 condominium building had not been touched and was in need of exterior upgrading. The owners wanted a look that would more closely match a modern aesthetic and would increase their property values without adding a lot of cost. We didn't change the essential shape of the building but opted to update the exterior materials in order to let the original architecture shine.
- [Affordable Housing \#3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/affordable-housing-3-pj-vj~874142)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Three dimensional studies for an affordable housing project in Aspen, Colorado. This home was placed on a steep lot and was required to have a separated garage. The livable square footage of this home is 1,958 s.f. ma2 architects efficiently planned a four bedroom house with a laundry room, mechanical room, and three full baths.

[See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ma2-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451373204)

## Ideabooks

- [Nice touches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26561876/list/nice-touches) — 11 ideas
- [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11626772/list/fireplaces) — 4 ideas
- [ma2arch's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63063916/list/ma2arch-s-ideas) — 16 ideas
- [Modern Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26591261/list/modern-kitchens) — 4 ideas
- [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26591362/list/bathrooms) — 6 ideas

[See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ma2arch)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What type of siding is this?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: This is a 1x4 butt jointed vertical cedar.  The horizontal siding is a 1 x 8 channel lap cedar.  We milled the tongue on the horizontal siding so that the reveal was only 1/4".  Thank you for your interest and let me know if you have any other questions.

**Q: Is this wood mahogany?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: No, it is sanded cedar with a mahogany stain.   Thank you for your interest!

**Q: Dated 1990s Exterior** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I could definitely use some help with exterior modifications to our house, built in the early 1990s. 

To my eye, the bricks are a warm color and the siding is a cool color. The dimensional shingles are a "driftwood" color. 

I can't do any major remodeling, but am open to landscaping changes, addition of shutters, adding shingle siding, changing the color palette, painting the brick, changing the porch, etc. 

The attached photos are from the listing. The only change since then is different lights and no more flowers along the side walk.

The house is located in northern Colorado.

A: If there's a ceiling there are probably trusses holding up the roof, so you may not be able to add timbers as shown above.  I would consider adding shingles to the porch gable (you called them "dimensional shingles--but the photos look like horizontal siding, so if they're already shingles I apologize)  and the second floor element, and repainting the bluish color a darker brown that complements the brick.  You could also use some xeriscaping on the front yard to make a better transition from the drive to the house.

**Q: Painting trim white, need help with staircase** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Purchased a 1993 home with too much honey colored wood! Planning to paint trims and moldings white. Staircase is the issue, it's exposed to living room. Thought about leaving railing honey, painting spindles white, but how do I work the trim from living room wall into this?

A: Just some food (dust) for thought:  white trim shows a tremendous amount of dirt. It looks great at first but all that dust builds up and eventually you won't be able to get the dirt out of the corners. I have white trim, so I know from experience.

**Q: How to (affordably) hang curtains across 140" without a center bracket** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I would like to hang double curtains (inner darker shade blackout/outer lighter shade fabric) in my bedroom and living room, see photos.  The width of each room is 140" and it would be more aesthetic to push the curtains to one side, so I don't want a center bracket.  Everything I have read has warned against sagging in the middle when the curtains are pulled closed.  

I am interested in something simple, modern, maybe even industrial.  I have considered tension wire mounted with turnbuckles but am not sure how that would look doubled up for two curtains.  

I am not interested in ripplefold, or hanging them from the ceiling. I am also not interested in spending $5000 on customs rods!  My budget for the entire project, including curtains, is about $1200.  

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

A: I'm not sure pipe would span that far.  We used it for our 90" openings and it sags slightly.  If you go too much larger in diameter than 1 1/4" then it becomes difficult to find curtain rings.
We used a ceiling mounted system from Ikea for another room.  The curtains go floor to ceiling and look great.  It was the Kvartal and you can make the curtains turn a corner if you wish.

**Q: Microwave Drawers** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Any downside to having a 24" microwave drawer in the island, undercounter? Difficult to operate or similar to punching controls on a dishwasher just below the counter

A: The only drawback to microwave drawers is that if something explodes in there it will be a bit of a chore to clean.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*