---
title: "Classical Traditions — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/classical-traditions-pfvwus-pf~1862985040
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862985040.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Classical Traditions"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5383b2cd02dee892_1355-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Post Office Box 161312, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32716-1312, United States"
latitude: 28.7448
longitude: -81.2233
phone: "(407) 261-1301"
website: http://classicaltraditions.houzz.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 1
followers: 30
last_updated: 2026-10-21
---

# Classical Traditions

Original Houzz profile: [Classical Traditions](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/classical-traditions-pfvwus-pf~1862985040)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Altamonte Springs, FL
- **Serves:** Alafaya, Pine Hills, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Casselberry, Wekiwa Springs, DeBary, Maitland, Lake Mary, Azalea Park, Longwood, Lockhart, Forest City, Goldenrod, Fairview Shores, Osteen, Union Park, Fern Park, South Apopka, Orlovista, Heathrow, Clarcona, Geneva, Tangerine, Chuluota, Eatonville, Gotha, Midway, Lake Monroe, Mid Florida, Nationwide and International, Wekiva Springs
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (1 review)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Certified Building Designer (Residential) through the Natonal Council of Building Designer Certification) Certification number FL 10-119, issued 1987.
Author of "Practical Home Planning for the Twenty-First Century," an educational for homeowners and others on every aspect of planning, designing and building a home--from start to completion.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Home Restoration
- Drafting
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Design
- Mudroom Design
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Landscape Plans
- Modular Home Additions
- Passive Solar Heating & Cooling
- Prefab Houses
- Dock Design & Construction

### Areas Served

- Alafaya
- Pine Hills
- Sanford
- Apopka
- Winter Garden
- Altamonte Springs
- Oviedo
- Winter Springs
- Winter Park
- Casselberry
- Wekiwa Springs
- DeBary
- Maitland
- Lake Mary
- Azalea Park
- Longwood
- Lockhart
- Forest City
- Goldenrod
- Fairview Shores
- Osteen
- Union Park
- Fern Park
- South Apopka
- Orlovista
- Heathrow
- Clarcona
- Geneva
- Tangerine
- Chuluota
- Eatonville
- Gotha
- Midway
- Lake Monroe
- Mid Florida
- Nationwide and International
- Wekiva Springs

### Typical Job Cost

New home fees are by the square foot, based on size and complexity. 
Remodeling, additions and restorations are based on the complexity of the project and are priced per project.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Classical Traditions |
| Address | Post Office Box 161312, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32716-1312, United States |
| Phone | (407) 261-1301 |
| Website | http://classicaltraditions.houzz.com/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 30 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Classical Traditions](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/classical-traditions-pfvwus-pf~1862985040)
- **Website:** http://classicaltraditions.houzz.com/
- **Phone:** (407) 261-1301

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Certified: NCBDC. Retired prof. member AIBD. Professional memberships: CORA, NTHP, ICAA.
- Awards (1st Place) for Universal Design from ARDA (2008), NCSU/Enable Magazine (1998). 2nd Place award for C. F. Chapter NAIPC (2011).

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 1 review**

### All 1 review

**★★★★★ — dvdshrd, June 2014**

> Great attention to detail. Exception design quality focusing on classical elements with modern logic. A quality project every single time.

## Selected projects

- [Whole House Remodel Adding Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whole-house-remodel-adding-style-pj-vj~497080)
  - Location: Orlando, FL
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: This couple had purchased a very non-descript ranch house which had received two previous remuddlings and it was very dysfunctional. They asked me to design a home that is not only functional, but beautiful. They selected a Spanish Mediterranean style that fit well into the neighborhood and serves as a model for what others in the area could do. There was a lot of wasted space in the attic and we were able to capture it as a sewing room for the wife. By doing so, we also were able to camouflage…
- [Comparitive Remodels -- Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comparitive-remodels-before-and-after-pj-vj~520693)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Chateau LaSalle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chateau-lasalle-pj-vj~515279)
  - Location: Anywhere, FL
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: A historically accurate Victorian style urban home with three bedrooms, two and a half baths and a two-car garage. Designed for a small corner urban lot in a traditional or historically designated neighborhood, this house will never go out of style. Design and Drawing by: Steve Allen Shard, AIBD
- [Presentation Floor Plans](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/presentation-floor-plans-pj-vj~797771)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Urban Universal Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-universal-craftsman-pj-vj~525725)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Wessex Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wessex-manor-pj-vj~519987)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Equestrian Stable](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/equestrian-stable-pj-vj~519895)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Lakeside Country Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-country-estate-pj-vj~497057)
  - Location: Winter Park, FL
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: This was a collaborative design with John C. Henry, AIA as the principal architect on the project. In 1998, John asked me to perform the construction documents for this new lakefront home in Winter Park, Florida. The owner was a single avionics engineer who enjoyed entertaining guests. The home has five bedrooms, three and half baths, a three car garage, large kitchen, formal dining, large great room and a dance hall.
- [Cozy Guest Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cozy-guest-cottage-pj-vj~496356)
  - Location: Orlando, FL
  - Photos: 12

[See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/classical-traditions-pfvwus-pf~1862985040)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Gambrel roof on cinder block foundation?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I have a cottage in MA that has a semi-dormer on a cinder block foundation (see attached).  I would like to put on a gambrel style roof to increase the head room in the attic.  Can I do that without changing the current foundation of cinder blocks?  I am trying to avoid jacking the house and needing to pour a whole new foundation.  Thoughts?

A: This comment is directed straight to mtassinari and the proposed remodeling from a one-storey pseudo ranch style to a two-storey Dutch Gambrel in Massachusetts. I lived in Massachusetts for many years and started my practice there in 1973 until 1979, so I am very familiar with the Dutch Gambrel and even designed a few of them in those six years. From my experience, they are popular in many rural and suburban areas of New England, but not in large urban areas. 
To expand any home from one to two storeys, you need to determine the weight bearing capacity of the foundation. You mentioned a "cinder block" foundation. Unless your house was built before World War 2, chances are that it was not built with cinder blocks. That nomenclature is commonly used when referring to "concrete blocks." There is a big difference. Cinder blocks were used in the first half of the 20th century and were quite common, but not as strong as concrete block. Today's concrete blocks are much more sturdy, hold more load-bearing capacity and if installed correctly, can last centuries. Cinder blocks are no longer manufactured.   
More important than the foundation walls are the footings. The weight bearing capacity of the soil usually determines the size of the footings. Generally, a one-storey home with a full basement will require a 10" high by 20" wide solid concrete footing with two \#5 rebars. A two-storey home with a full basement usually requires a 12"x24" footing with three \#5 rebars. A local structural engineer can perform the required services to determine whether your foundation can support the changes you desire. Building a house on clay and hardpan is better than building on sand and silt.   
Adding a second storey can virtually double your floor area and look quite handsome. The Dutch Gambrel can accomplish your goals if designed properly. When searching for a qualified design professional, be sure to inquire as to his/her qualifications. This is not a design case for homeowners to undertake. Have it done properly and you can expect good results. Be sure to have a qualified real estate appraisal prior to getting design and construction quotes. Make sure that you will get a good return on your investment. Also, be sure you can afford to be living elsewhere while your home is gutted and rebuilt. The entire roof structure will need to be removed, rendering the house uninhabitable for a period of months. The interior of the existing house will need to be stripped down to the bare studs to determine if the wall structure is designed to support a second storey. 
I wish you well in your proposed endeavor and hope you can achieve the desired results. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me.

**Q: Anyone know what house style this is?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We are trying to figure out what style our house is.  We know it was built sometime around 1890-1900 and have been trying to find something similar on line but no luck.  Originally the house had a veranda with gingerbread trim rather than the closed in porch.  Any help is welcomed!

A: Hello Kalsti. I don't think that there is a general size requirement for a home to considered for any style. For example, we generally think of castles as being enormous just because of their history and our expectation that should be so large. However, I designed a castle that was not so large many years ago. It was never built due to the economic situation brewing and I am currently waiting for the client to call me when he's ready to make some requested changes to the design based on a new lot that he purchased. And there have been many small castles. My point is that a Queen Anne, although having many Victorian details is usually larger and has more features that make it feel larger. They are usually on larger lots with a lot of space around them to show off their ornate exterior detailing. Ceilings are usually higher and more ornate. There is usually a turret (or tower) at one corner as a focal point and a wrap-around porch. They also tend to have Shingle Style characteristics, another common style prevalent along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S.

I am attaching a link to some photos of primarily Queen Anne style homes. However, there are some small Non-Queen Anne homes mixed in, probably because of the similarities and the subtle differences. Two of my favorite Queen Anne homes are Hale House in Los Angeles and the Carson Mansion in Eureka, CA. The Carter House Inn, very close to the Carson Mansion is a large Victorian, but not Queen Anne. There is another Queen Anne very near Carson Mansion, commonly called "The Pink House." It would be considered a small Queen Anne compared to Carson Mansion. The link has pictures of Carson and Pink.

Photos of Queen Anne Homes
Victorian homes, however, in the strict sense of the term, tend to be smaller, on smaller urban sites, with no towers or turrets, a smaller front porch and not as lavish inside, although very nicely detailed and ornamented. San Francisco is the best place to see Victorian homes of so many designs that your head will swim with everything there. They range from the simplest to the most ornate. The most famous are the "Painted Ladies of Alamo Square." Again, I have attached a link to some photos of San Francisco's Victorian homes, but there are some Queen Annes mixed in because of their similarities. 
Victorian Houses of San Francisco
I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily. Thank you for the compliment on my designs. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Here is the side corner view of the Victorian home I designed ten years ago.

**Q: Paint color of house and shutters** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: This cottage was designed for Dr. Steven Corbett and his wife Deni. I believe that the colors were required by the local HA to match the primary residence. The exact colors I do not know, but the cottage turned out really nice.

**Q: Are there more pictures on this property?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The next time I am in that neighborhood, I can probably take some more exterior shots.

**Q: PLEASE HELP Living room design** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We have recently bought our first home and need help with designing this living room, we would like to change the flooring, re-paint, change the fireplace and square off the archway between the living room and dining room. Not sure if we should put the TV in the corner next to the fireplace?

A: I'm happy to have been of assistance. Since you provided measurements in meters, can I presume that your house is not in the US? Perhaps the UK or Canada?

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-10-21.*