--- title: "David D. Quillin Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-d-quillin-architecture-pfvwus-pf~755366645 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755366645.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "David D. Quillin Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/44c3a44202053d61_5460-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5705 Waterside Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811, United States" latitude: 38.3475 longitude: -75.1866 phone: "(410) 618-1674" website: http://www.daviddquillinarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 18 years_in_business: 25 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 53 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # David D. Quillin Architecture > Award-winning Firm providing Custom Services and Green Design Original Houzz profile: [David D. Quillin Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-d-quillin-architecture-pfvwus-pf~755366645) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Berlin, MD - **Serves:** Baltimore, Annapolis, Salisbury, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, West Ocean City, Berlin, Willards, Bishopville, Newark, Whaleyville, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, Rehobeth, Selbyville, Showell, Washington D.C. - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2018–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 25 years in business ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 25 years in business Residential and commercial architecture. As a small firm, our focus is on highly responsive solutions to the clients requirements and desires, as well as sustainable strategies that benefit the clients and the community. Our process starts with a great deal of listening and of analysis of site conditions and context. We then generate creative and varied possible solutions, and, in consultation with the client, narrow in on the most effective design. The design process is collaborative. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - 3D Home Design ### Areas Served - Baltimore - Annapolis - Salisbury - Ocean Pines - Ocean City - West Ocean City - Berlin - Willards - Bishopville - Newark - Whaleyville - Bethany Beach - Fenwick Island - Lewes - Rehobeth - Selbyville - Showell - Washington D.C. ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | David D. Quillin Architecture | | Address | 5705 Waterside Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811, United States | | Phone | (410) 618-1674 | | Website | http://www.daviddquillinarchitecture.com | | License Number | Maryland License \#12066 | | Years in business | 25 | | Followers on Houzz | 53 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/daviddquillinarchitecture - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/ddqarch - Blog — www.daviddquillinarchitecture.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [David D. Quillin Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-d-quillin-architecture-pfvwus-pf~755366645) - **Website:** http://www.daviddquillinarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (410) 618-1674 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 12066 - Type: ARCHITECT - Issued by: Maryland Department of Labor **Certifications & Awards** - Green Award, 2012, ABC DE Chapter; Award of Merit and Peoples Choice Awards, 2011 AIA/CBC Design Awards; “Best Green Home in Delaware”, Regal Awards, DHA, 2011; Honor Award, 2003 Maryland State AIA Design Awards; First Place, Patriots Peace Memorial Competition, 2001, Louisville, KY - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2018–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [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 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Mary Elizabeth Tighe, Jan. 2022** > “Marsh Cottage” > > We asked David to design a new primary bedroom suite encompassing two bathrooms, a sitting area and office. We wanted it to be > ➢Contemporary but integrated with our existing modest mid-century ranch house, respecting its scale and materials > ➢Energy efficient in construction and operation > ➢With minimal impacts on the surrounding environment of marsh, bay, and woodland, while fully open to its coastal location. > > David clearly explained the process so there were no surprises. He listened carefully to our vision and addressed our wishes and concerns. He was very responsive to our myriad questions and requests. He enthusiastically embraced our dream of a wall of glass bi-fold doors (NanaWall) that gives our entire bedroom/sitting area the feeling of a porch on the edge of the marsh. He presented options, with the pros and cons and associated costs. And he adhered to the schedule. > > The process did not end with the design and specifications, but included identifying a short list of qualified general contractors, permitting, monitoring construction with regular site meetings, and even professional photographs of the completed project. Throughout, we appreciated his knowledge and trusted his judgment. > > David coordinated well with our wonderful general contractor. When unanticipated problems were encountered with the existing old house, David suggested practical solutions adopted by our contractor. > > In the end, it was a whole-house restoration and addition. David designed a wonderfully creative, beautiful, relaxed and fun home for us with open, airy rooms where inside and outside blend! It is adventurous contemporary architecture that feels natural in its coastal setting; that it belongs where it is. **★★★★★ — Judy Quillin, Dec. 2021** > We added a first floor master bedroom to a home originally designed 48 years ago. It does not look like an add on. It looks like it is part of the original design but it has wonderful new comfortable, modern features, and is ADA compliant. The design process was fun and pleasant. Very congenial working relationship between David, the contractor and me. I loved being a part of the project and felt included in every step. **★★★★★ — Brian Buebel, Jan. 2020** > David did an incredible job for us on a very significant renovation of our home. The project included two separate additions to the house, removal of many interior walls and updates to nearly all existing spaces. > > He took the time to get to know us and how we use the house and developed, essentially, a new home that reflects how we live. He guided us through the entire process, from the first introductory meeting through the completion of construction. He interacted with the contractor on our behalf, ensuring that the work was done correctly and that it was completed to his and our satisfaction. > > Working with David was a pleasure and we highly recommend him. **★★★★★ — Janet Gambarani, Sept. 2019** > We worked with David on a redesign/renovation of our condo in Ocean City, MD. The goal was to redesign the first floor to make better use of the footprint and expand the usable kitchen and living space as well as to add a guest room on the second floor to accommodate a growing family. The challenge was not being able to add any square footage. David's design exceeded our expectations and has given us a place to make new family memories. > > After our initial meeting, he presented several preliminary designs and then worked closely with us to refine the plans. He always presented several design options and was open to all our suggestions. David's bid package for contractor's was very detailed and made it clear as to what materials were to be used, keeping in mind our desires to be as "green" as possible. > > After award and during construction, he scheduled regular on-site meetings and provided meeting notes for us and the General Contractor, documenting both progress and delays. > > We would recommend David without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Katie Keith, Dec. 2018** > We had a wonderful experience working with David. He exceeded our expectations in every way: his talent, disposition, resourcefulness, and knowledge. He never missed a deadline and incorporated every change we requested with enthusiasm. > > We sought David out after seeing an incredible, modern home he built in West Ocean City, Maryland. We had never worked with an architect and wanted to build a house from the ground-up (also a first). David put us at ease immediately with his warmth and interest in our project. > > He welcomed us into his studio and listened patiently as we described our ideas, which were not particularly well fleshed out. He generously offered us a tour of his own family home which he designed. Seeing his work first-hand was very helpful in easing our anxiety over such a big decision. > > David was upfront about all fees, the fee schedule and what his services would encompass. The fees never changed over the nearly 4 year period that we worked together. > > When we received our first set of designs from David, it was clear that he was an excellent listener and was able to extrapolate, beautifully, our sometimes, vague vision. He was intuitive about our needs and made great suggestions. > > I was impressed with the comprehensive way he approached the project and the care he took in considering the site and placement of the home in terms of it's surroundings. He took the same care in considering materials, energy efficiency, scale and lighting. > > David is a "yes" person. He makes beautiful homes and he makes the process pleasant and enjoyable. Starting the home building process, I thought only the former would matter, but I found that the latter is equally as important. > > We were so pleased to be able to work with David, an Eastern Shore native and true talent. **★★★★★ — joycebranda, Oct. 2018** > David was a joy to work with! He has tremendous integrity and is thoroughly professional. He is an extremely good listener; the project began with a long discussion where we laid out our vision for the house, and our specific design desires. He listened closely and offered a proposal which was responsive to our needs and beyond. He was open to suggestions and changes as the design process evolved into the building phase. He advocated for us with our builder, and was always responsive when we needed him. He is a wonderful person and an artist, which makes him a pleasure to have at your side during the often challenging process of building a home. The finished product is a tribute to David and we couldn't be happier. **★★★★★ — Jeannie R, Aug. 2018** > We had a wonderful experience working with David. He very quickly got a sense for our sensibilities and was able to translate our thoughts into a beautiful, very functional design. David stuck with us through the entire construction and really helped us navigate the whole process. We would absolutely recommend David and would use him again in a heartbeat. **★★★★★ — Pamela CUDDY, Feb. 2017** > We are doing an extensive remodel/update project in Ocean Pines, MD on our retirement home. I wanted a local architect to help me develop the plans. I found David through an internet search and I have been entirely pleased with the process. He explained everything from initial notes to final drawings. We have had several meetings and a few drafts of our ideas. The final drawing is EXACTLY what I had pictured in my mind. We are now interviewing builders and getting pricing to begin this Fall. David is accessible and responds quickly to any changes or concerns and gives helpful feedback and suggestions. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a reputable professional. **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Walker, Feb. 2017** > When Hurricane Sandy caused “significant damage” to my home, I was incredibly fortunate to have David Quillin work with me throughout the entire process of designing, siting, interviewing builders, and through each step of building my new home. From the initial conversations about design to the final check of the punch-list, David made the process stress-free, rewarding, and inspiring. He has the ability to listen well, explain clearly, design to the client’s preferences, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with all members of the building team. David’s calm, patience demeanor, his willingness to handle any concern I had, and his knowledge of design and building made what could have been an overwhelming process a rewarding experience. I recommend David highly, without reservation. (Project dates - November 2012 to June 2014) **★★★★★ — Joan Hurson, Feb. 2017** > I have worked with many Architects throughout my Design career and found David to be one of the best. He listens to what you want the end result to be and is very thorough and easy to work with. He handled our project in a very professional and thorough manner. He physically reviewed the contractor's work numerous times throughout the renovation to ensure the plans were followed and kept us informed. I highly recommend him. **★★★★★ — kejohnson78, Feb. 2017** > David designed our house WITH us, not FOR us. It was a wonderful collaborative process from the beginning of the design process until the final completion. We had detailed plans, 3D model, summary notes on every discussion and decisions made, frequent oversight of building and contractors, suggestions as to choices on everything from shingles to faucets. He was always prepared, articulate, clear and professional. The whole process was actually fun! **★★★★★ — Robert Purcell, Feb. 2017** > Very professional and detailed architect. I hold his knowledge in the highest regard. David has a lot of positive thoughts. ## Selected projects - [Warm modernism on the water](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warm-modernism-on-the-water-pj-vj~5734812) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Single family residence on the water, to be used as a vacation retreat by a young family. Warm modernism with a touch of summer camp. Winner of the 2020 Editor's Choice Award from Fine Homebuilding Magazine. - [Modern Farm Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farm-residence-pj-vj~300824) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 25 - Description: This residence was designed to reflect the local vernacular architecture and complement the low, marshy site. It utilizes multiple green strategies including passive solar control, radiant heat and trombe flooring. The majority of the site is being extensively restored to its native condition of woods and meadowland. - [Addition to a classic Prairie-style home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addition-to-a-classic-prairie-style-home-pj-vj~298177) - Location: Exmore, VA - Photos: 7 - Description: This project was an addition to and renovation of a unique home. Designed by an architect who had trained with Frank Lloyd Wright, it is a classic of early modern prairie-style architecture. The design attempts to preserve the integrity of the original building while nearly doubling the space available to the owners. - [Modern Residence Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-addition-pj-vj~6795053) - Location: West Ocean City, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: This project adds a ground-level Primary Bedroom and Bathroom to an extraordinary home outside of Ocean City, Maryland. The home was designed by Rem Huygens, who had previously worked for Marcel Breuer. A thoughtful solution was required to add to the home in a way that did not damage the existing relationship between the home and the site. On a personal note, this was my childhood home, and certainly contributed to my becoming an architect. - [Modern Residence with nautical feel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-with-nautical-feel-pj-vj~298230) - Location: Lewes, DE - Photos: 10 - Description: This single-family home is designed to be as sustainable as possible, utilizing passive solar design, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with a recycled wheat-chaff core, vegetated roofing, photovoltaic and solar-thermal panels, and natural materials. - [Coastal Modern Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-modern-residence-pj-vj~299720) - Location: Ocean City, MD - Photos: 26 - Description: The original house, on the left in photo, was designed five years before the addition and was oriented for maximum passive solar efficiency, as well as to balance exposure to the views, storm protection, and privacy from the street. The addition, on the right in photo, was designed to fit on a very small footprint of available space. Containing bedrooms and bathrooms, it provides maximum privacy to the owners from the other homes in the area while also maximizing exposure to natural light and vi… - [Treehouse in the Oakland hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/treehouse-in-the-oakland-hills-pj-vj~3010187) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This home in the Oakland hills was on the side of a steep hill overlooking a beautiful ravine. The home is excavated into the hillside at the rear, and cantilevered into space at the front, creating a dynamic range of spaces inside. The home uses redwood siding to blend into its site up high, and stucco at grade level to help resist wildfires. Wood battens overlap the two areas to "sew" the home together. Large redwood beams, the primary structural elements, are exposed throughout, both to visua… - [Coastal Style Residence on the Water](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-style-residence-on-the-water-pj-vj~6329933) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This home arranges a composition of traditional architectural elements into a tight courtyard shape to focus on the water and provide privacy in a dense neighborhood. - [Traditional Beach Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-beach-style-pj-vj~5750625) - Location: Bethany Beach, DE - Photos: 23 - [Vernacular exterior, Danish modern interior residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vernacular-exterior-danish-modern-interior-residence-pj-vj~298202) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 21 - Description: This home was designed to solve some interesting problems. The owners had a high desire for privacy, but the home is located close to the street. The owners wanted have a high exposure to the views to the Northeast, which is also the direction strong storms come from. And the owners wanted an open, spacious interior inside a traditional, small-scale exterior. Additionally, The building forms mirror the form of an old family horse stable adjacent to the property. - [Residence with split personality](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-with-split-personality-pj-vj~299789) - Location: Bishopville, MD - Photos: 4 - Description: This residence was designed to reflect the local "farmhouse" vernacular on its public side, while opening up to the light, the views, and the summer breezes on its private side. - [Beach Residence Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-residence-addition-pj-vj~6009177) - Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE - Photos: 17 - Description: Problem: Add on to an existing home to provide a larger kitchen, dining room, and screened-in porch, as well as both ground-level and second-level decks. Re-orient the rooms towards the views to the West, while blocking the views to neighbors to the North. Solution: Pushing out the back of the house allowed the primary rooms to change their focus by 90 degrees, centering on the views of the marsh and water to the west. Removing walls allowed the spaces to flow into one another, but each room ret… - [Calm & Peaceful Waterfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calm-and-peaceful-waterfront-home-pj-vj~1665098) - Location: Ocean Pines, MD - Photos: 13 - Description: This home was designed to replace a home that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The program called for an affordable, simple, peaceful home that was open to the waterviews around it but also strong, efficient, and durable. The solution is long rectilinear layout running due north-south allowing for ample windows along the south side to bring in winter sun and warmth and a relatively closed north side to ward off storms. Carefully dimensioned overhangs keep the sun out in the summer. The roof for… - [Bungalow Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bungalow-addition-pj-vj~299699) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: This addition to an existing bungalow is designed for maximum energy efficiency through passive-solar design and high-efficiency mechanical systems. It blends with the dominant traditional style of the neighborhood while providing dynamic interior spaces and a strong connection to the outdoors. - [Traditional Residence with a view](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-residence-with-a-view-pj-vj~1717318) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 22 - [Private Residence with an Open Plan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-with-an-open-plan-pj-vj~298187) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 3 - Description: This project is a new vacation residence for a client who uses a wheelchair. The site has a beautiful view to the north, and a busy street to the south. The design solution was to use passive-solar strategies and a continuous row of clerestory windows to provide abundant south light while blocking views of the street, and opening the home to the north while tucking the roof down to shed storm winds. - [Modern Bungalow Expansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-bungalow-expansion-pj-vj~6798531) - Location: Ocean Pines, MD - Photos: 17 - Description: An addition of a Primary Bedroom and Bathroom to a charming mid-century modern bungalow. - [Modern Vernacular Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-vernacular-residence-pj-vj~299759) - Location: Berlin, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: Many of the lessons learned in the evolution of a traditional Eastern Shore farmhouse are applicable today, and are incorporated into this home. Narrow rooms for ventilation and daylight penetration, natural and local materials, and simple, extruded forms are all ideas that drove the massing of the home. On the inside, however, the rooms are opened up considerably to reflect the current desire for more space and connection. - [California Hillside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-hillside-residence-pj-vj~300891) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This home was designed to be a private retreat, and to maximize daylight on a steep north-facing slope. The central element is a raised tower with clerestory windows that catch sunlight, even on the winter solstice, and distribute it through interior openings throughout the home. - [Berlin Residence Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berlin-residence-addition-pj-vj~1694602) - Location: Ocean Pines, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: This addition to a small bungalow uses the same architectural language as the original but cranks the wall 45 degrees to shape outdoor space and provide optimal passive solar control. The phased addition of a garden shed and trellis create a lively outdoor space that is used almost all year round. [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-d-quillin-architecture-pfvwus-pf~755366645) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840735859.m3u8?s=45872de6f51812d279f60b0619d4a170820bf6b0&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a diverse range of projects, including fully custom homes, thoughtful remodels, and seamless additions. Our portfolio also extends to new home construction and various commercial architecture projects, always focusing on responsive and sustainable design solutions for our clients. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of what we do. We pride ourselves on creating unique, innovative, and responsive designs that perfectly reflect our clients' requirements and desires, ensuring each home is tailored specifically to them and its site. **Do you specialize in specific architectural styles?** Rather than adhering to a single style, we believe in a responsive approach. Our designs draw inspiration from various influences—modern, traditional, vernacular—to create solutions that blend with the context and reflect your unique preferences, as discussed in our blog, 'Should an architect have a style?'. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Yes, we have extensive experience designing luxury and high-end homes. Our portfolio includes projects like the 'extraordinary' Captain's Hill Residence and homes designed to maximize 'expansive views,' focusing on unique designs, quality, and sophisticated solutions for discerning clients. **Do you offer 3D renderings or visualization during the design process?** Yes, we absolutely offer 3D renderings and advanced visualization techniques throughout the design process. This allows you to clearly envision your project, explore different options, and make informed decisions, ensuring the final design perfectly matches your expectations. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74492819/list/entries) — 3 ideas - [Form](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67866389/list/form) — 6 ideas - [Facades](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71932655/list/facades) — 3 ideas - [Sun/Storm/Wind Control](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66910629/list/sun-storm-wind-control) — 1 idea - [Windows/Openings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66904289/list/windows-openings) — 1 idea - [Meeting Ground/Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65518940/list/meeting-ground-landscape) — 3 ideas - [Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64831195/list/materials) — 4 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64508940/list/lighting) — 1 idea - [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30985929/list/stairs) — 1 idea [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/daviddquillinarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: What carpet is this? Has it done well in the humidity of the coast?** *(in Photo Questions)* What did the architect/designer consider when recommending a carpet that would be subject to humidity resulting in mold and/or mildew? A: I specified wool carpeting throughout the house. In my experience wool stands up very well to the humidity (and sand!) of coastal locations. Ten years in it seems to be holding up quite well... **Q: Help! NO Curb Appeal on our Colonial, what can we do?!** *(in Landscape Design)* What can do we do to give the front of our new 1940s Dutch Colonial house some curb appeal?! Counting on you all to help!! I am stuck and do not know whether to focus on construction or landscaping! We just bought this 4,000 sq ft Dutch Colonial home and the gambrel roof only shows from the street and very top of the driveway, so this driveway entrance is totally lacking in curb appeal and symmetry. HELP! A: Hello, I think a lot of the landscaping suggestions are spot on, so I'll focus on the house. I think the two areas that would have a lot of impact are 1) creating a porch over the deck and 2) redesigning the second floor windows. The porch could be shallow, but if proportioned and detailed well would add a lot of character and "hominess" to the facade (as well as providing a covered space to wait outside the door if its raining). I like the asymmetry of the house, but the second floor windows draw an inordinate amount of attention to themselves, and they give the impression of having been randomly placed. Adding a window or grouping the windows could help a lot. Lots of ways to do it, but almost all would be an improvement. Its a nice house in general, just needs some tweaks. **Q: New Home Design Need Some Finishing Touches** *(in Design Dilemma)* Here is a rendering of a new home we are designing in Central Oregon. We want to keep it clean and simple but it’s lacking something. Thinking about lintels over the windows or changing completely with a rusted metal roof instead of dark bronze. Opinions and/or suggestions? A: I think the home itself looks pretty good. The stone is a very nice wall material, and I like the bronze roof. The biggest issue is that the garage dominates the house. How about rotating the garage 90 degrees so that the garage doors face the same way as, and are parallel with, the front door? Then you could use landscaping to screen the doors and focus attention on the house. One other idea is to extend the roof overhangs and install brackets beneath, in order to give more depth and shadow-lines to your walls... **Q: Help.. ugly fireplace** *(in Home Decorating)* Looking to make this pretty on a low budget.. Paint colors? Wall art? A: You could also apply a smooth plaster topcoat over the existing stone (check out American Clay or similar plasters...). A hard, polished looking smooth surface would give a much cleaner appearance while keeping the feel of a true masonry fireplace. **Q: New build, porch/front stairs. Stone, concrete or??** *(in Building a Home)* What to do about a front porch and stairs that have to be about 12-14' long and reach to driveway? More stone, stone pavers, stamped concrete, plain concrete?? First image shows general outline of porch and part of stairs.Next image shows plan from top & how driveway curves around We can have any material or shape (almost), so open to ideas. Cost isn't an issue because we're 'way over budget anyway, ha ha. I like idea of stone but afraid it may be too much, too busy. We could have risers like in sample photos below? Note: outside finishes aren't "finished": garage doors from white-to-stucco-color, beams and bare wood to reddish brown, brown wood front door, brown fascia. A: Hello, I would recommend plain concrete. You have really nice textures going on with the stone walls and exposed wood, so a simpler material would help to set those off. You could consider a polished concrete (not as slippery as it sounds) or also just do a plain light broom finish concrete... **Q: What Architectural Style is my home?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I'm struggling to define the architectual style of my house. It has two stories. The bedrooms and full bathrooms are located on the second floor, above the garage. The bottom floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a sunken family room located behind the garage. Any ideas? A: The relatively shallow roof pitches and relatively large roof overhangs, as well as the combo gable/hipped roof on the second level all have a vaguely Asian feel and style to them. It may be possible to enhance that through color or material changes as some of the other commenters have mentioned... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*