The key design driver for the project was to create a simple but contemporary extension that responded to the existing dramatic topography in the property’s rear garden. The concept was to provide a single elegant form, cantilevering out into the tree canopies and over the landscape. Conceived as a house within the tree canopies the extension is clad in sweet chestnut which enhances the relationship to the surrounding mature trees. Large sliding glass panels link the inside spaces to its unique environment. Internally the design successfully resolves the Client’s brief to provide an open plan and fluid layout, that subtly defines distinct living and dining areas. The scheme was completed in April 2016

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

Somerset, MD This re-conceived rambler for a family of 4 sits comfortably within its original footprint yet meets contemporary living needs through StudioMB's addition of a new second floor, covered and uncovered rear courts, and a lower terrace. These elements, along with a new front court that brings views of the outdoors into the new living and kitchen, overcomes the original layout’s small, dark spaces while the added wood and glass boxes bring natural light deep into the home.

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

Was fortunate to work with Nathan Web and Kevin Walker of Reader & Swartz Architects on lighting this unique residential project. "The project involved working with an 1801 log cabin in rural West Virginia. The new additions were conceived of as a series of cabin and shed forms which interconnected to make modern open spaces, as well as to embrace the West Virginia fields, forests, and mountains" Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.

To maximize views with a minimum site disruption, Ravenhill House was conceived as two perpendicular volumes terraced over the hilltop. On the upper end of the slope, the house anchors itself onto the bedrock and projects itself towards the vast Kentucky landscape. On the lowest end of the slope (due south), a cantilevered deck acting as an extension of the living area makes the ideal space on which to sit and become part of nature.

Conceived of as a vertical light box, Cleft House features walls made of translucent panels as well as massive sliding window walls. Located on an extremely narrow lot, the clients required contemporary design, waterfront views without loss of privacy, sustainability, and maximizing space within stringent cost control. A modular structural steel frame was used to eliminate the high cost of custom steel.

There's a Bedroom and a Spiral Staircase beneath that table top. The tenants were having an issue with sound traveling up the staircase and asked me to conceive something. I basically lined and capped the opening to create visual and sound privacy. I painted the sides white to match the walls, and designed a subtle yet pronounced character for the top, with a natural wood finish. The underside of the structure can be lined with foam for additional sound proofing.

Conceived of as a vertical light box, Cleft House features walls made of translucent panels as well as massive sliding window walls. Located on an extremely narrow lot, the clients required contemporary design, waterfront views without loss of privacy, sustainability, and maximizing space within stringent cost control. A modular structural steel frame was used to eliminate the high cost of custom steel.

The Mildred Bungalow was remodeled and reconfigured to suit the client’s lifestyle. The floor plan was flipped -moving the bedroom to the front of the house so that the living area could open out onto the rear yard for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The material selections, doors and furniture plan were all conceived with the client’s two beloved dogs in mind -even the kitchen island was customized to accommodate their bowls.

Somerset, MD This re-conceived rambler for a family of 4 sits comfortably within its original footprint yet meets contemporary living needs through StudioMB's addition of a new second floor, covered and uncovered rear courts, and a lower terrace. These elements, along with a new front court that brings views of the outdoors into the new living and kitchen, overcomes the original layout’s small, dark spaces while the added wood and glass boxes bring natural light deep into the home.

The clients vision was to convert two closets into one master walk in closet. I worked closely with them on the design until they were confident. We then proceeded with the demolition, rewiring for new lighting, installing salvaged french bi-fold doors, replicating flooring and threshold to match the original pine flooring, and building out their newly conceived wardrobes. The project went swimmingly and they are very happy with their results!

With this facade refresh, we encountered one of our favorite challenges - how to make a big impact with a small footprint. Working with the existing elements (door, windows, plaster) we added a modern awning to shield the entry from the elements, created a raised front patio large enough to fit a small seating group, and created a subtle buffer from the street with low, board-formed concrete planters. Re-conceiving the color palette, the house now forms a striking backdrop to the soft planting in front.

A bright and airy two-and-a-half story living room is conceived to let indirect northern light inside the space, while framing views of the trees and the sky. A high, narrow window allows light into the west, and frames views of distant tree-tops, while the glazed atrium provides transparency and a closer look to the interior garden. A fire-place flanked by wood shelving provides a focal point at the western end of the room.

Was fortunate to work with Nathan Web and Kevin Walker of Reader & Swartz Architects on lighting this unique residential project. "The project involved working with an 1801 log cabin in rural West Virginia. The new additions were conceived of as a series of cabin and shed forms which interconnected to make modern open spaces, as well as to embrace the West Virginia fields, forests, and mountains" Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.

With this facade refresh, we encountered one of our favorite challenges - how to make a big impact with a small footprint. Working with the existing elements (door, windows, plaster) we added a modern awning to shield the entry from the elements, created a raised front patio large enough to fit a small seating group, and created a subtle buffer from the street with low, board-formed concrete planters. Re-conceiving the color palette, the house now forms a striking backdrop to the soft planting in front.

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

Was fortunate to work with Nathan Web and Kevin Walker of Reader & Swartz Architects on lighting this unique residential project. "The project involved working with an 1801 log cabin in rural West Virginia. The new additions were conceived of as a series of cabin and shed forms which interconnected to make modern open spaces, as well as to embrace the West Virginia fields, forests, and mountains" Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.

The clients vision was to convert two closets into one master walk in closet. I worked closely with them on the design until they were confident. We then proceeded with the demolition, rewiring for new lighting, installing salvaged french bi-fold doors, replicating flooring and threshold to match the original pine flooring, and building out their newly conceived wardrobes. The project went swimmingly and they are very happy with their results!