--- title: "Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/purple-cherry-architecture-and-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1577211944 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577211944.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/75b3eb3b006097f4_5243-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "One Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States" latitude: 38.9898 longitude: -76.5501 phone: "(410) 990-1700" website: http://purplecherry.com rating: 5 review_count: 112 best_of_houzz_awards: 23 followers: 1007 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors Original Houzz profile: [Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/purple-cherry-architecture-and-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1577211944) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Annapolis, MD - **Serves:** National - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (112 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 23 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Woman owned - Award winning BEST OF HOUZZ (DESIGN & SERVICE) 2015 - 2026 Annapolis, MD \| Charlottesville, VA \| Middleburg, VA \| New York, NY \| Washington, DC Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors creates luxurious residences across the United States. Whether traditional or contemporary, a multi-generational estate or a weekend getaway, the firm is guided by a desire to conceive exceptional homes. Each commission—composed with intelligence, sensitivity, and experience—becomes the backdrop for indelible family memories. Founding principal, Cathy Purple Cherry, and her company are devoted to their clients, guiding them though every step of the design process. Passionate about their work, the team considers not only physical forms but the emotional connections clients will have with their homes and the spaces within them. Active listening fuels the firm’s creative talent to achieve environments that are transcendently beautiful, comfortable, and serene. Purple Cherry’s personal approach is matched with comprehensive architectural and interior design services that result in striking and unique homes. ARCHITECTURE The design of exceptional homes—from 3,000 square-feet to 40,000 square-feet and everything in between—requires thorough understanding of each client’s needs and desires. Our design team appreciates that individual aspirations are shaped by a lifetime of experiences. We encourage our clients to create virtual idea boards to help us capture preferences and inspiration. Equally important to establishing the vision are site and context. We have extensive experience in designing for waterfront and mountain properties and understand how to utilize the sun’s path, views and wind to determine proper siting and maximize design. Moreover, with LEED accredited professionals, we have a keen interest and ability to integrate sustainable strategies into the design of clients’ homes at their request. INTERIOR DESIGN In support of the company’s residential architecture, the Purple Cherry Interior Design Studio provides seamlessly coordinated interior architecture and décor. Finishes, wall coverings, and color selections; custom millwork, including kitchen cabinetry, coffered ceilings and built-in bookcases; flooring; lighting and plumbing fixtures; selection of furniture, upholstery, accessories, and window coverings; and curation and placement of artwork may be integrated into the scope of work as desired by the client. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Sustainable Design - 3D Rendering - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Barn Design & Construction - 3D Home Design - Custom Millwork - Interior Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - National ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors | | Address | One Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States | | Phone | (410) 990-1700 | | Website | http://purplecherry.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1007 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/purplecherryarchitects/ - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/company/purple-cherry-architects - Blog — www.purplecherry.com - Tiktok — https://www.tiktok.com/@purplecherryarchitects - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/purplecherry/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/purple-cherry-architecture-and-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1577211944) - **Website:** http://purplecherry.com - **Phone:** (410) 990-1700 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - •Home Builder and Fine Design Awards/Annapolis Home, 2016 & 2018 - •Designer’s Choice Award - Local Traditional Architect/Home & Design, 2017 - •Brava Awards Winner/Baltimore SMARTCEO, 2016 - •Best of Annapolis Home Designer/What’s Up Annapolis Magazine, 2016 - **Best of Houzz:** 23 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Baltimore](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-baltimore-pfvwus-pf~59797478) - [AIA Maryland](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-maryland-pfvwus-pf~1008144465) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 112 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 49.0 - Communication: 49.0 - Value: 48.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Karen Rheuban, Feb. 2026** > We are extraordinarily grateful to the Purple Cherry team for their exceptional design of a substantial addition to our home. Carmine Cafiero, our lead architect, spent a great deal of time with us to understand our needs and created a design that is magnificent and which blends beautifully with the existing structure and our outdoor spaces. We are so grateful! **★★★★★ — HU-480404263, Nov. 2025** > Purple Cherry is a talented and truly wonderful collection of professionals. The collaborative design process has been smooth and fun and so exciting to see ideas and vision turn into a timeless creative design that exceeded all expectations. The team/staff is responsive and communicative and we couldn't be more pleased with our choice to work with this group for our project. **★★★★★ — amulhern, Nov. 2025** > We have worked with Cathy and her team since we built our first home in 2005. Cathy has a clear head, a direct approach and an incredible eye for detail and design. We have watched her build her team over the years and she brings those same talents to developing her firm. We are now building a second home and we chose. PCA to handle the design. They are creative, incredibly thorough and always timely. Seeing how our first hoe of 20 years has aged gracefully, we know that this is the team that will design a home that is timeless. In addition to being incredibly capable and professional, there is a spirit of kindness and compassion that exists at PCA. **★★★★★ — Matt Loftus, Nov. 2025** > Working with Purple Cherry Architects has been one of the most rewarding parts of our entire home-building journey. From the very first conversation, it was clear we were working with a team that not only has incredible talent, but also a deep commitment to truly understanding how a family lives, gathers, and grows in a home. > > Their design process is thoughtful, collaborative, and detailed in a way that sets them apart. They took the time to understand our lifestyle, our vision, and the character we wanted our home to embody — and they translated it into a design that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Every detail, from the overall architectural language down to the smallest sightline, was handled with intention and care. > > What impressed us most was their ability to blend creativity with practicality. They brought forward ideas we never would have imagined, yet always grounded in functionality and the way we’ll actually live day-to-day. Their team communicates clearly, stays ahead of challenges, and brings a level of professionalism and warmth that made the experience not only smooth, but genuinely enjoyable. > > Our home already feels like more than we hoped for, and we have Purple Cherry to thank. We are grateful for their vision, their expertise, and their partnership throughout this process. If you’re looking for an architect who will bring both artistry and heart to your project, Purple Cherry Architects is exceptional in every way. **★★★★★ — Kelly Fitzsimmons, Nov. 2025** > Phenomenal guidance and artistry from the team at Purple Cherry. Peter Guidetti understood our vision perfectly, and really designed a beautiful home, cognizant of natural light, flow and a tight footprint. Truly captured our hopes and dreams in a lakefront home! **★★★★★ — Ellen Jakovic, Dec. 2024** > Cathy and her team are exceptional! We hired them because we liked the projects we saw on their website and they have not disappointed. PCA is responsive, dedicated, and creative. They have been extremely helpful from project conception to permitting and vetting and hiring the construction and landscaping teams. They listen carefully to our needs and desires and make sure that the project plan incorporates our wishes and looks terrific. We can't imagine working with anyone else! **★★★★★ — Howard Morse, Dec. 2024** > We have had the pleasure to work with Cathy Cherry and her team at Purple Cherry Architects to design a waterfront home near Annapolis, Maryland. We could not be happier with the design, and with the work of the team to get every detail right, and look forward to living in the beautiful home once complete. **★★★★★ — Chetan Mehta, Dec. 2024** > Purple Cherry did interior design for our newly constructed house. They did a beautiful job and were easy to work with. We greatly valued how they stored all the items as they came in, including quality checks, and then delivered and set up the entire house in one day. **★★★★★ — Sue Rose, Dec. 2024** > We had a very difficult design job. We were renovating a 100-year-old house in a district with extremely strict land use controls. Purple Cherry did a terrific job of managing the process and imagining the best way to take advantage of beautiful views. We clearly benefitted from the firm's stellar reputation with the local permitting authorities. Highly recommended. **★★★★★ — Laura Cooper, Nov. 2024** > Working with PCA has been fantastic. Cathy and her team are a dynamic organization. Filled with innovative and creative ideas they are always moving the project forward. When faced with a hurdle on the project, PCA responds quickly and efficiently. I am so excited about this project and look forward to PCA making our dream home come to life! **★★★★★ — HU-7865450, Oct. 2024** > We are very much enjoyed working with Kathy Cherry and the team at purple Cherry architects. They offered great experience and professionalism in the renovation of our existing structure and design work for the addition. We also have had a wonderful design for the pool house. I highly recommend cherry architects. **★★★★★ — Nancy and Mike, Oct. 2024** > The architects and staff members at Purple Cherry were very courteous and professional in helping design our home. They visited the site with us, listened carefully to our goals and ideas, discussed the budget, and successfully developed a plan. We are very pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend! ## Selected projects - [Contemporary Reflection on the Eastern Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-reflection-on-the-eastern-shore-pj-vj~7859213) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: Set along the tranquil waters of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this thoughtfully designed residence offers a modern interpretation of the classic Eastern Shore farmhouse. The exterior facade combines natural stone, traditional siding and a slate and standing-seam metal roof, creating a presence upon approach. A more traditional front elevation transitions to a contemporary rear elevation designed to fully capture the panoramic water views. Inside, warm wood accents, exposed beams, classic brass hard… - [Agrarian Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/agrarian-mountain-home-pj-vj~7721219) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Charlottesville, the residence embodies a balance between rustic agrarian character and modern functionality. The home was intentionally designed to appear as if it had always been a part of the land -- the use of hemlock siding and a Corten steel roof, which beautifully weather with time, establish an authentic, enduring presence. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping 270-degree views of the mountains, ensuring the surrounding landscape is… - [Eastern Shore Grandeur](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastern-shore-grandeur-pj-vj~6836783) - Location: Centreville, MD - Photos: 53 - Description: Photography: Durston Saylor Born a lifelong dream for an incomparable waterfront retreat, this estate combines quiet sophistication and unapologetic romanticism. The residence, located on Maryland’s idyllic Eastern Shore, encompasses 44,000 square feet of luxury … the epitome of grandeur in the form of a private sanctuary. Stunning gardens and dramatic water views wrap around its seven structures, which are thoughtfully positioned on more than 150 acres. The estate’s structures, which include a… - [Eastern Shore Grandeur Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastern-shore-grandeur-guest-house-pj-vj~6838557) - Location: Centreville, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: Photography: Durston Saylor This charming guesthouse is part of an incomparable waterfront retreat located on Maryland’s idyllic Eastern Shore. While nodding to the design aesthetic of the main residence, the three-bedroom guesthouse incorporates delightful details not seen elsewhere on the estate — Nantucket blue accents, open wood shelving, gray brick herringbone inlay, and a beautiful open riser staircase with white oak treads, which allows natural light to spill into the foyer. The elements… - [Eastern Shore Grandeur Outbuildings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastern-shore-grandeur-outbuildings-pj-vj~6838590) - Location: Centreville, MD - Photos: 14 - Description: Photography: Durston Saylor The estate, located on Maryland’s idyllic Eastern Shore, encompasses 44,000 square feet of luxury, encompassing nine different structures: the main residence, timber-frame entertaining barn, guest house, carriage house, automobile barn, pool house, pottery studio, sheep shed, and boathouse. - [Bayfront Getaway in Rehoboth Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bayfront-getaway-in-rehoboth-beach-pj-vj~7859264) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: LOCATED ON THE BAYFRONT of Rehoboth Beach, this new shingle-style residence serves as a coastal retreat for its homeowners. The home was designed to offer the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment opportunities, making it an ideal getaway. The exterior boasts a classic wraparound porch, while a rooftop deck presents sweeping views of the bay. A large covered porch and screened porch, as well as multiple balconies, create outdoor entertainment areas with ample space for both intimate gath… - [Beacon Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-hill-residence-pj-vj~7385211) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Shingle Style Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shingle-style-elegance-pj-vj~6318250) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - Description: SITED ON ANNAPOLIS’S SOUTH RIVER, this classical shingle-style residence provides two well-balanced traditional elevations. The gambrel roofs, diagonal divided lites in the windows, capped oval windows, and a large eyebrow dormer create a delightful presence from the street and from the water. Luxe finishes including a wood shake roof, shingle walls, and copper accents exude a sense of elegance, which carries into the interior. The essence of Annapolis and romance of the sea is reinforced with m… - [Sahlin Farm Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sahlin-farm-modern-pj-vj~7004461) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 22 - [Eastern Shore Country Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastern-shore-country-manor-pj-vj~5815258) - Location: Oxford, MD - Photos: 28 - [Tidewater Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tidewater-estate-pj-vj~112891) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 36 - Description: A blend of shingle style seaside elegance integrated with Maryland’s Eastern Shore farmhouse refinement creates this stunning four-story 14,000 SF residence. The main floor features high-end finishes and includes a great room with a large stone fireplace and open kitchen, formal dining room, butler’s pantry, mudroom, bathroom and a heart pine paneled office. A semi-circular sitting room with a fireplace commands a 180-degree view of Aberdeen Creek and surrounding marshes. A stone and timberframe… - [Aqua Terra](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aqua-terra-pj-vj~488219) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 34 - Description: “Aqua Terra.” There could not be a more fitting name for this spectacular 10,000 SF custom home designed to embrace views of the neighboring vineyard and Harness Creek. This three-story contemporary home incorporates an impressive selection of natural materials. Form and function converge in the use of expansive glass panels such as a 16-foot fold-away glass wall that joins the kitchen and dining area with a large screened porch. Additional features include a three-story metal and wood floating… - [Classic Cape Cod](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-cape-cod-pj-vj~6906623) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: Photographer: Durston Saylor LOCATED ON THE CHESTER RIVER, this classic Cape Cod residence embodies a waterfront retreat. The homeowners desired to build a residence that presented from the approach as a smaller scale, rambling structure, yet opened up on the waterside to maximize views from the second floor bedrooms. Stunning materials and details such as cedar shake roofing, copper gutters and downspouts, and engaged columns grace the exterior, creating a warm and welcoming façade. The well-ba… - [Oceanfront Retreat in Bethany Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanfront-retreat-in-bethany-beach-pj-vj~7859170) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [French Provincial Country Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-provincial-country-home-pj-vj~5664504) - Location: Easton, MD - Photos: 24 - Description: The oohing and ahhing starts before you enter into this home with a captivating exterior made of full bed stone. Inspired by the French manor homes of Normandy, this exquisitely understated 9,000 square foot Tred Avon River house is quietly, classically elegant, with an enduring solid stature. While the footprint stretches nearly 128’ along the shoreline of the river, elongating the plan to take advantage of the magnificent views, it is designed to be intentionally restrained and unimposing. The… - [Franklin Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/franklin-park-residence-pj-vj~7024966) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 26 - Description: This new residence seamlessly blends the romanticism of a Tudor home with clean transitional lines, creating a Modern Tudor aesthetic expressed through painted brick, steeply pitched roof lines, and swept projected bays with copper metal roofs. Upon entry, an all-glass front door captures immediate views of a fully paneled foyer with a dramatic deep arched opening, an architectural element that is carried throughout the home. Other notable features include a La Cantina foldaway door leading to t… - [Old Rag Mountain Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-rag-mountain-farmhouse-pj-vj~7005540) - Location: Etlan, VA - Photos: 10 - Description: Overlooking Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this modern farmhouse is a result of an extensive renovation that combined an old post and beam barn with a new addition. The client, who regularly hiked beloved Old Rag Mountain as a child, envisioned a spacious weekend mountain retreat where extended family could also gather for holidays. The residence thoughtfully incorporates reclaimed timbers from the original barn and stone found on the farm with modern materials such as board and batten siding,… - [Chestertown Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chestertown-modern-pj-vj~6905796) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Photographer: Durston Saylor INSPIRED BY THE CLIENT’S desire to design a modern home that blends into its surrounding riverside environment, this residence effortlessly integrates itself with nature. The home’s exterior incorporates horizontal board and batten siding painted a deep, earthy brown, ensuring the structure is softly indiscernible until you are in close proximity. The modern vernacular is further expressed through simple and clean lines, a tinted metal roof, and wall-to-wall glass on… - [Family Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-retreat-pj-vj~5664526) - Location: Hot Springs, VA - Photos: 27 - [Seaside Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-retreat-pj-vj~6388866) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 21 [See all 46 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/purple-cherry-architecture-and-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1577211944) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I find a dining room set similar to this one?** *(in Photo Questions)* Seats 10, wicker chairs, what is the table? Is it wood? A: Hi Cindy! Chairs are Century Litchfield Side Chair and Litchfield Arm Chair in Peninsula/Flax. The table is Century Carlyle Rectangular Peninsula Oak Dining Table. **Q: Where is the bedding and area rugs under the beds from?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the vibrant colors and layers of tones. A: The colorful throws are vintage katha quilts from Aloka Home! **Q: Wood look tile** *(in Photo Questions)* You mentioned the wood-look large format tile. Love it! Can you share the specific brand and product line? A: Yes! It is the 8x48 Alter Noce seen here: https://www.emilamerica.com/collections/brand/provenza/alter/ **Q: Love the island chairs, where are they from?** *(in Photo Questions)* The island chairs are just what I'm looking for! Could you share where they are from? A: They are Century Furniture: Taylor Swivel Counter Stool, Navy Fabric and Bridgerton Finish! **Q: Plans to build this swing/gazebo?** *(in Photo Questions)* I LOVE this swing! Where can I get plans so I can build it in my backyard? A: Unfortunately, we were not involved in the design of the gazebo! **Q: Brick Floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you be able to tell me the Manufacturer and name of Brick Flooring used? A: It is reclaimed Chicago brick! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*