Additionally, this site is full sun and infested with rabbits. We chose plants that are known to survive both challenges. Though rabbits will eat anything some of the plants that we have had good luck with include Sunpatiens, Titan Vinca, Marigolds and Annual Salvia.

For this home we were hired as the Architect only. Siena Custom Builders, Inc. was the Builder. +/- 5,200 sq. ft. home (Approx. 42' x 110' Footprint) Cedar Siding - Cabot Solid Stain - Pewter Grey

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional landscaping in DC Metro.

The round rock path leads through fragrant thyme, blue oat grass, iris, ceanothus, rosmary, pine, lavender and blanket flower to a patio by the sea. Located on the shores of Puget Sound in Washington State. Photo by Scott Lankford

Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless concrete paver back porch remodel in DC Metro

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Path to Tennis
This is an example of a huge traditional backyard landscaping in Santa Barbara.

The inviting fire draws you through the garden. Surrounds Inc.
Photo of a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fireplace.

Residential Design by Heydt Designs, Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong Interiors, Construction by Kearney & O'Banion, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

The master plan for this south-facing woodland property celebrates dramatic topography, muscular canopy trees, remnant fieldstone walls, and native stone outcroppings. Sound vegetation management principles guide each phase of installation, and the true character of the woodland is revealed. Stone walls form terraces that traverse native topography, and a meticulously crafted stone staircase provides casual passage to a gently sloping lawn knoll carved from the existing hillside. Lush perennial borders and native plant stands create edges and thresholds, and a crisp palette of traditional and contemporary materials merge––building upon the surrounding topography and site geology.

Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.
Patio - large traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in DC Metro with a roof extension

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone patio design in Seattle with a fire pit and a gazebo

The rebuilt partition wall effectively separated the driveway motor court from the formal cutting garden, but it needed special detailing to fit the context of the site. A copper coping was installed to match details on the coachhouse eaves and a custom iron double door/gate was added to perfectly match the details of the coachhouse doors.

Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Boston

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Seattle with no cover

Our client desired a diversely landscaped environment with natural stone and an expansive deck across the rear of the home. The existing landscape consisted of randomized plantings and the client desired to transplant all of the plant material throughout the rear of the property. The current plant palate reflects the client's love for having a diversity of plants. Extensive landscape lighting was used for accenting both hardscape and softscape features. We created increased privacy from the adjacent neighbor and fenced the rear of the property. Simplistic water features were also desired by the client. The client drove many of the "wants". The client did not want to use masonry retaining walls, so strictly boulders were used to hold back soil and create different spaces in the rear landscape. The deck steps were a challenge due to the HOA not allowing them to protrude from the side of the home. Part of the property was an RPA (Resource Protected Area). Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

This Adirondack style exterior was accomplished by harvesting logs at a certain time of year which allows the bark to better stick to the wood inside. The home is sited on the slope between a big bedrock slope and the lake, with great southeastern views.