Building Designers in Bethesda

“Where to begin with my comments about Cathleen Curtin, the positive side, or the negative… well, that’s easy! There is no negative, so here are the positives!! Having scaled down a good bit from a larger home, and now residing in my interesting apartment in Old Town, Alexandria, I needed to make improvements and changes that would make this small place my haven. It began with getting bids on a bathroom renovation. Having contacted other architectural services and builders in the area that I knew, I found that the recommendations (and the pricing) were all over the place, and I really couldn’t tell what they were going to do. I also felt that they were not listening to me regarding the need to connect the bedroom space and my master bathroom. From the minute I ran this idea by Cathleen, she “got me” and she listened to me and she responded quickly. Within a couple days of our first meeting, she was back to me with a clear and concise overview and pricing. I was impressed with her level of detail, as well as her efficiency. And, this impression never changed thru out what became a much bigger project. Where the others all were going to expand my bathroom and take away space from my bedroom, Cathleen Curtin was able to give me all that I wanted, AND MORE, in the same footprint – saving money, time and probably a lot of unknown issues in this old building. Her creative use of space and layout resulted in a bathroom that I absolutely love, and others marvel at. Once deciding to work with Ms. Curtin, I realized that I felt safe and comfortable to do more of what really needed to be done to my living space. She gave me that comfort. Having had some experience with such projects in the past, it was knowing that she was not only the Architect, but also the Project Manager, that gave me the confidence to take this on. Always available for questions, and always quick to find solutions to issues as they came along, she drove this project hard and fast, and with a fabulous outcome. The project included not only the master bathroom, but a new laundry room, leveling the floors in my bedroom, insulation where there was none, built in cabinetry that eliminated the need for furniture in the bedroom, re-doing of floors, adding hardwood floors where they did not exist, brilliant storage cabinets, new lighting thru out, a life changing gas fireplace, creative kitchen solutions that make me love cooking again, a very special powder room, and so much more. I am thrilled in my new space – and enjoy it more than I ever dreamed possible. Cathleen was a joy to work with, a consummate professional, a willing ear, a great production manager, and attended to each and every detail of the project. On site every day, often several times, staying ahead of all contractors with selections and materials, and kept me informed with clear and consistent communication. Running a busy enterprise, I needed this style of professional oversight, and feel that not only did she give me a wonderful new home to enjoy, she gave me great service and great value in a time that we often do not get what we expect. With Cathleen, I got more than I ever expected!”

“I had a wonderful experience working with Negar at L'Ampère Design for my full home remodeling. She was very attentive to our wishes and the final design was better than we could have hoped! It was also convenient that she was able to provide professional and reliable contractors for the job which saved us a lot of time. I will definitely be using her services for my office as well!”

“Each project that I have been associated with Mary Douglas Drysdale and her team has been a true life lesson for me. Her ability to capture a dream and bring it into realization for her clients is a treat to see. Like a skilled surgeon Mary cuts to the heart of what makes a space work for her client's lives and with their home. Never one to get caught up in trends, Mary reworks the classics in a fresh manner, which brings life to an older home and grounds new construction with personality that are often left behind by others less detail oriented.”

“Great team. Quality products. That's the way it should be, and it's great to find companies to work with that understand that.”

“Lindsay Flower of Ann Lindsay Interiors provided interior design for our home in Lutherville, MD. This involved total redesign of our family room, living room, dining room, and study. Lindsay coordinated everything - starting with various design options, to furniture, fabrics, window coverings, rugs, paint, artwork, electrical, carpentry and so on. Lindsay brings a very high level of knowledge of what's available and what works well with our overall theme. We were extremely satisfied with the outcome and really enjoyed working with her throughout the project. She is very attentive, responsive, timely, and just an overall pleasure to work with. The best reference I can give is that we have called her back to start with our Master Bath and Master Bedroom remodeling project.”