The AHM Builder and Fine Design Awards | What Makes a Winner?

 

The Annapolis Home Magazine Builder and Fine Design Awards is a biennial program with winners selected by a panel of independent judges. After lengthy study and discussions, the judges selected the following projects to win an award. For each project, we have highlighted how each one stood out from the many excellent entries.

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Residential Architecture, Transitional
McINTURFF ARCHITECTS

 

 

Dairy Farm Repurposed

 

Magical Moments: Informal materials and turning original feed loft into bedrooms

 

This project involves the conversion of a defunct dairy farm into a single-family house in the rural Virginia countryside. The change from one use to the other was surprisingly simple: the cattle pens became living, dining, and kitchen. The feed loft on the upper story became bedrooms. A new stair bisects the loft and connects bedrooms to the main level.

The manure shed and silage chute became a loggia with retractable screens, and the milking room on the far side of the farmyard is now a playroom. The farmyard itself was repurposed as a shared courtyard with a pool.

A new steel structure was needed to bring the barn up to code. Otherwise, the reconfiguration was simple, requiring no aggressive effort. On the exterior, the original massing and materials were retained to the degree possible, with larger areas of windows added only on the south side, facing the courtyard.

Materials were all selected for their informality and ease of use. The impact of the construction on the environment was considered throughout, and as much of the original structure as possible was maintained and reused in the design process, limiting demolition and excavation.

 

ARCHITECT: McInturff Architects, Mark McInturff FAIA and Peter Noonan AIA

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Added Dimensions, Richard Hazboun, Principal

INTERIOR DESIGN: Bakos Interiors, Pamela Bakos, NCIDQ, ASID

LIGHTING DESIGN: Hinson Design Group, LLC, Wayne Hinson

POOL: Lewis Aquatech Pools, Don Gwiz

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Historic Renovation
WIEDEMANN ARCHITECTS

 

 

Epic Historic Makeover

 

Magical Moments: Meticulous restoration and invisible modern systems

 

Ship’s Point, a 13-acre waterfront estate on the Tred Avon River, has a history dating back to the 17th century as the Skillington Shipyard. In the 1920s, a Colonial Revival home was constructed, reflecting Maryland’s architectural tradition of a central block with angled wings. The home’s narrow design maximized views and natural light, with unique features like a T-shaped north wing providing courtyard and garden vistas.

Over time, the house fell into disrepair, requiring a comprehensive renovation and restoration. Key historical elements, such as the dining room, living room, and library, were preserved and restored, while much of the interior was stripped to the studs. Exterior updates included reconstructing trim, adding a semicircular bay, installing new windows, and replacing the roof with slate. The T-shaped layout allowed for private suites at each end, with additional spaces like a converted outbuilding serving as a garage, gym, and office. The renovation blended old and new, restoring original woodwork, adding herringbone-patterned white oak floors, and redesigning the kitchen for light and modern functionality. Modern systems like geothermal heating and sustainability measures ensure energy efficiency. This iconic colonial revival home now balances historic charm with contemporary design and practicality.

 

ARCHITECT: Wiedemann Architects, Barbara Sweeney, AIA, Project Architect

BUILDER: Winchester Construction

IINTERIOR DESIGN: Shaun Jackson Interiors

HOME INTEGRATION: Atlantic Control Technologies

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Residential Architecture, Modern
McINTURFF ARCHITECTS

 

 

Glass House in a Clearing

 

Magical Moments: Using glass walls and masonry to create a home both transparent and grounded

 

This live-work home integrates seamlessly into its forested site, serving as a transparent filter for nature. Glass façades on the north and south provide unobstructed views and natural light, while solid masonry walls bookend the structure. The south façade is shaded by trees, blocking summer sun but welcoming winter light, while the north opens to a meadow. The interior features an open living, dining, kitchen, and workspace on one end, with a bedroom and gym on the other, separated by a masonry core with bathrooms, stairs, and two flexible rooms. Authentic materials—steel, wood, concrete, and glass—ensure longevity and simplicity.

 

ARCHITECT: McInturff Architects, Mark McInturff FAIA and Jeffrey McInturff 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Mike Bowers, Design Alternatives, Inc.

METAL WORK: Malcolm Majer, Majer Studios, LLC

PHOTOGRAPHY: Julia Heine

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Historic Renovation
CHARLES PAUL GOEBEL, ARCHITEC

 

 

Rescue on the Tred Avon 

 

Magical Moments: Restore historical charm with sweeping central stair, gazebo, and other creative elements

 

Avondale, an 18th-century estate, suffered neglect and poor renovations before being purchased by preservation-minded clients intent on restoring its historical charm while adapting it for modern family living. The project included the main residence, guest cottage, and outbuildings on 20 acres. A derelict pool was repurposed as a reflecting pool, with a new pool placed near the kitchen and family rooms. Historical elements like the gazebo and dairy were restored and repurposed. The team addressed incompatible past changes, added a sweeping central staircase, upgraded building systems, and used creative energy-retrofitting techniques. The result is a cohesive, refined, and energy-efficient home.

 

ARCHITECT: Charles Paul Goebel, AIA, AICP, LEED AP

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Dewson Construction Co.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Jess Weeth, Weeth Home

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Holt Jordan, Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture, LLC

PHOTOGRAPHY: Keyanna Bowen & Steve Buchanan

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Architecture
BECKER MORGAN GROUP

 

 

Nod to Cape Cod

 

Magical Moment: A home that is human-scaled with a friendly presence

 

This oceanfront home on the Delaware seashore reimagines traditional New England shingle-style architecture with graceful curves and whimsical details. Designed to blend seamlessly with its coastal environment, the home avoids the oversized “beach house on stilts” look, instead creating a human-scaled, site-friendly presence. Shingles wrap the structure, and outdoor spaces like porches and an elevated primary suite shower embrace the dunes and ocean views. Interior spaces are flooded with natural light and soothing coastal tones, maximizing views from nearly every room. Thoughtfully designed to balance FEMA regulations and neighborhood constraints, this home prioritizes quality, environmental respect, and timeless charm.

 

ARCHITECT: Becker Morgan Group, W. Ronald Morgan, AIA, Principal; Christopher L. Pattey Associate, AIA, Project Manager

BUILDER: Dewson Construction Co.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Katherine Crosby, Crosby Jenkins Associates

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Architecture
DONALD LOCOCO ARCHITECTS

 

 

Great Falls Country Home

 

Magical Moments: Two-story great room and a glass gallery

 

This 5-acre estate masterfully blends traditional country charm with modern design. Positioned with the garage snug to one property line, the layout maximizes expansive views of the surrounding natural landscape, including a serene pond. Upon arrival, a courtyard doubles as a parking area and outdoor living space, enhanced by colorful prints visible through the glass gallery. Inside, a seamless flow connects dining, great room, breakfast, and family spaces, all oriented east to capture morning sunlight and picturesque views. Features include a dramatic two-story great room, a pond-facing master suite, and stone fireplaces linking interior and exterior elements. Rich colors and diagonal porch struts add a contemporary twist to this timeless retreat.

 

ARCHITECT: Donald Lococo Architects

BUILDER: Darius Brown, Phoenix Builders

INTERIOR DESIGN: Melanie Turner and Jill Tompkins, Melanie Turner Interiors 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

INTERIOR METAL RAILINGS: Tony Foreman, American Woodcraft

KITCHEN CABINETRY: David Brandon, East West Cabinet Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Architecture
ROBERT M. GURNEY ARCHITECT

 

 

Spring Mill House

 

Magical Moments: Hillside architecture, green roof, and solar panels

 

This home in a Washington, D.C. suburb features shifting volumes and planes to create a dynamic, balanced living environment. The design integrates large spaces for gatherings and intimate zones for personal activities, with areas for exercise and wellness juxtaposed against spaces for relaxation. Set on a wooded lot with a pond, the house is partially embedded in the hillside to minimize scale and enhance outdoor connection. Sustainable features include geothermal HVAC, radiant floor heating, solar panels, and a Tesla Powerwall. The design prioritizes energy efficiency, with green roofs, operable glass, and minimal-maintenance materials like weathering steel and charred wood.

 

ARCHITECT: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Principal; Nicole de Jong, AIA, Project Architect

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: ThinkMakeBuild

INTERIOR DESIGN: Therese Baron Gurney, ASID

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Architecture
CARIB DANIEL MARTIN ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

 

 

California Modern 

 

Magical Moments: A 20-foot glass wall and curated art collection

 

This 3,870-square-foot California-modern home blends a sweeping gabled roof with clean lines and a 20-foot glass wall to create an indoor-outdoor connection. Natural stone, stucco, wood, and expansive windows fill the space with light and harmonize with the landscape. Ascending stone walls delineate outdoor zones, while the single-level design ensures ease of movement and aging in place. The primary suite offers privacy with a flexible living area, while guest rooms are tucked away on the opposite side. A central family room unites the home, integrating the clients’ curated art collection to enrich both the interior and exterior spaces.

 

ARCHITECT: Carib Daniel Martin Architecture + Design

BUILDER: Classic Homes of Maryland

INTERIOR DESIGN: Myron Wolman Designs 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Peak Visuals

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Architecture
HAMMOND WILSON

 

 

Shingle Style Contemporary

 

Magical Moments: The dramatic mix of shingle, stone, and wood paneling

 

This waterfront home on Eastern Bay blends shingle-style architecture with contemporary details, creating a stunning family gathering space. Situated to capture views of Tanners Creek, the design pays homage to East Coast traditions and the homeowners’ West Coast roots. A central courtyard leads to a dramatic stair tower, featuring wood and metal railings and a spiral staircase to a rooftop deck. Inside, an axial corridor connects vaulted, wood-paneled entryways to spacious living, dining, and kitchen areas with seamless indoor-outdoor flow.  Shingle, stone, and wood finishes harmonize tradition and modernity throughout.

 

ARCHITECT: Hammond Wilson, Leo Wilson, AIA, Principal, and Marshall Harris, RA, Project Architect

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Focus Construction, Ltd., Robert M. Gearhart, President

INTERIOR DESIGN: Erin Paige Pitts, Erin Paige Pitts Interiors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Bob Hruby, Principal, and Lindsey Tabor, Associate

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Custom Home Building
CLASSIC HOMES OF MARYLAND

 

 

Modern Farmhouse  

 

Magical Moments: Black and white color scheme on interior and exterior

 

This striking residence reinterprets the modern farmhouse aesthetic, carefully balancing modern and traditional elements. The design reflects the homeowner’s desire for a family home that feels both new and established.

An exterior of stark black and white detailing with a blend of siding brings visual interest as well as human scaling to the façade. An open floor plan allows clear vistas throughout the house, further enhanced by oversized windows and exterior doors that bathe the space in natural light, while the use of reclaimed beams, classic detailing, and traditional roof forms ground the space with a sense of heritage.

A key priority for the clients was to create a space that bridged the more standard interior living rooms with the rear yard’s terraced recreation area, outdoor kitchen, and future pool. This was accomplished by incorporating a large hang-out space, using the exterior material palette for cohesion. Walls of operable glass doors open wide, allowing the room to effectively extend outward onto the surrounding patio.

The result is a timeless modern farmhouse seamlessly integrated with the outdoors, offering a sanctuary for daily life with inviting spaces for memorable gatherings with family and friends. This home truly embodies the essence of modern farmhouse living—a perfect blend of comfort, style, and connection.

 

ARCHITECT: Carib Daniel Martin Architecture + Design

BUILDER: Classic Homes of Maryland

KITCHEN DESIGN: Kitchen and Bath Creations (KBC Direct) 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Peak Visuals

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Residential Remodel
WINCHESTER CONSTRUCTION

 

 

Neglect Erased by Beauty

 

Magical Moments: Strip home to studs and restore original character

 

The 1920s Colonial Revival home at Ships Point underwent extensive restoration after years of neglect and unsympathetic modifications. The renovation aimed to blend modern functionality with the home’s historical integrity. Structural updates included reframing the roof for new slate, enhancing waterproofing and drainage, and installing historically accurate windows and doors, which required adjustments to the original brick openings.

The restoration highlighted the home’s original millwork, carefully stripping old paint to reveal its rich character. New white oak herringbone floors were added to formal spaces, while the outdated 1950s kitchen was transformed with custom wood cabinetry, a metal island, Carrara marble countertops, and high-end appliances. Modern amenities, such as whisper-quiet HVAC, concealed thermostats, and automated lighting controls, were seamlessly integrated into the design.

 

BUILDER: Winchester Construction

ARCHITECT: Wiedemann Architects

INTERIOR DESIGN: Shaun Jackson Interiors

HOME INTEGRATION: Atlantic Control Technologies

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Custom Home Building
MUELLER HOMES

 

 

Curved Walls and Turrets in St. Michaels

 

Magical Moments: Using turrets, nautical clapboard, and custom features to create a tidal genteel ambiance

 

The clients found the perfect Chesapeake Bay lot with sweeping water views but faced challenges due to Maryland’s strict Critical Area regulations protecting the waterfront ecosystem. With the expertise of their builder and engineer, they navigated impervious surface limits, drainage calculations, and environmental site design, ensuring sustainability while creating their dream home.

Their must-haves included a spacious great room, a chef’s kitchen for entertaining, a master bedroom with a deck, and an outdoor kitchen. Unique features like a modern mudroom, in-law suite, turrets, and nautical clapboard added charm and functionality. The open layout seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living, ideal for hosting guests and relaxing.

Attention to detail, from curved walls to hidden outlets, showcased the exceptional craftsmanship. The result is a timeless, elegant coastal farmhouse that balances beauty, practicality, and comfort, meeting every need of this busy professional couple.

 

BUILDER: Mueller Homes

ARCHITECT: Jonathan Rivera Architecture

FLOORING: Elite Hardwood

POOL AND LANDSCAPE: Absolute Landscape + Turf Services

PHOTOGRAPHY: Peak Visuals

 

 

 

 

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOM BUILDING

Custom Home Building
PYRAMID BUILDERS

 

 

An Especially Opulent Estate

 

Magical Moments: Monochromatic materials, rare stones, and a dramatic fireplace

 

This home blends modern design with global influences, creating a sophisticated sanctuary. The exterior features monochromatic materials like limestone, stucco, slate, and steel, leading to an open central hall. The kitchen showcases dual islands, luxury countertops, custom cabinetry, and a striking stainless-steel range hood. A contemporary bar and glass wine cooler enhance the entertainment area. Unique materials and design elements, including fire features and rare stones, create an opulent ambiance. The poolside retreat offers relaxation, with walls that open for fresh air. Designed for elegance, functionality, and wellness, this estate perfectly caters to its owners’ multifaceted lifestyle.

 

BUILDER: Pyramid Builders

ARCHITECT: Foster Zimmerman Architecture

INTERIOR DESIGN: Interior Concepts, Inc.

LANDSCAPE: Plusen Landscape Architects

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOM BUILDING

Custom Home Building 
BAYVIEW BUILDERS

 

 

Chesapeake Retreat

 

Magical Moments: A neoclassical exterior and interior with maritime elements

 

Perched along the Severn River, this stunning retreat offers breathtaking views of the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis. Designed to embrace Mid-Atlantic waterfront living, it features a pool, jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and lush lawn. The neo-classical exterior showcases porthole windows, elegant dormers, copper gutters, and Juliet balconies, harmonizing beautifully with a neighboring family home. Inside, smooth walnut floors, black walnut staircases, custom built-ins, and intricate tilework reflect timeless craftsmanship. Sunlit coastal traditional interiors, a nautical-themed pool bath, and maritime-inspired bunk beds embody Chesapeake Bay living, blending elegance, charm, and thoughtful design into every detail of this serene escape.

 

BUILDER: Bayview Builders

ARCHITECT: ABS Architects

INTERIOR DESIGN: Erin Paige Pitts Interiors

TILEWORK: A&S Stone & Tile

MILLWORK: Hamilton Ross Millwork

POOL: Honeysuckle Nursery & Design

LANDSCAPE: Scapes, Inc.

WOOD FLOORING: Wellborn & Wright

WINDOWS: Architectural Window Supply

STAIRS: Chesapeake Stair & Millwork

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Burroughs

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Landscape
WALNUT HILL LANDSCAPE COMPANY

 

 

Troubled Landscape Reborn

 

Magical Moments: Unifying a fragmented design with inviting spaces and garden rooms

 

This French Mediterranean-style home underwent a transformative landscaping project to unify its fragmented design, ensure privacy, and establish versatile garden spaces. The renewed landscape highlights the timeless Mediterranean villa aesthetic, offering spaces for relaxation, reflection, and large gatherings like weddings.

A scenic approach leads to a new forecourt framed by 24-foot Thuja nigra arborvitae, stone curbing, and manicured hedges. Broad steps ascend to a limestone verandah enhancing the façade, where French doors open to a vibrant, inviting space. Nearby, a woodland garden with purple phlox transitions to a spacious lawn for weddings, blending native plantings and seasonal highlights.

Closer to the home, a serene garden features a fountain court, white and blue perennials, and structured terraces. A dining terrace leads to a revamped pool area with a limestone surround and iron gates connecting to the original farmhouse. The project introduced 150 trees, 2,500 shrubs, 21,000 perennials, and thousands of bulbs to create a lush, harmonious estate.

 

LANDSCAPE: Walnut Hill Landscape Company 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: OHEME, VAN SWEDEN

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Landscape Architecture
HORN AND CO.

 

 

Family Farm on Blue Sky Hill

 

Magical Moments: Preserving and integrating the log cabin into the design

 

Blue Sky Hill blends a family farm with thoughtful landscape design across a 5-acre site featuring a new home, 1800s log cabin, barn, greenhouse, garden pavilion, pool terrace, and paddocks for animals like alpacas and goats. The log cabin inspired the rustic aesthetic of the design, with irregular bluestone pavers and salvaged materials connecting past and present. Formal terraces and gardens complement the modern home, while pollinator-friendly plantings and a crabapple allée honor the agricultural roots. The project balances beauty and function, offering spaces for work, play, and reflection while preserving the rural charm and natural ecology of Northern Virginia.

 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

ARCHITECT: BarnesVanze Architects

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: CarrMichael Construction, LLC

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: Planted Earth Landscaping 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Lauren Liess

GREENHOUSE: Alitex

POOL: Canadian Waters

LIGHTING/IRRIGATION: Outdoor Illumination/Irrigation  

PHOTOGRAPHY: Allen Russ, Anice Hoachlander, and VSI Aerial

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Landscape Design
ABSOLUTE LANDSCAPE + TURF SERVICES

 

 

Crystal Ridge Sanctuary

 

Magical Moments: Diving boulder, tanning ledge, and firepit

 

Crystal Ridge epitomizes transformative landscape design, turning a wooded property into a secluded outdoor oasis. This project harmonizes craftsmanship, functionality, and aesthetics, featuring custom stone inlays, natural stone patios, and upgraded deck railings that ensure durability and elegance. Designed for all ages, it offers a pool with a diving boulder, a tanning ledge, a fire pit, and a pavilion for year-round enjoyment. Thoughtful touches like an outdoor kitchen and breezeway connecting a gym and office enhance usability. Blending lush greenery with sustainable hardscaping, Crystal Ridge showcases innovation and artistry, enriching lives while respecting the natural environment and setting a new design standard.

 

LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Absolute Landscape + Turf Services, Matthew Sabine, President, and Brian Shulski, Design/Build Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY: Peak Visuals

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Landscape Architecture
CLINTON+RIES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

 

 

Whimsical Hideaway

 

Magical Moments: Granite inlays of hummingbirds and swallows

 

This Chevy Chase residence is a serene retreat from urban life, uniting two adjacent properties with travertine and granite terraces surrounded by lush, seasonally evolving gardens. Custom features abound, from granite inlays of hummingbirds and swallows in the paving to a mahogany and steel arbor with integrated lighting and fountain controls. A tranquil fountain flows into a river stone basin, while a cozy fire pit terrace offers intimate family space beneath grand oaks. Highlights include a heated driveway doubling as a pickleball court, a reclaimed granite allée, and curated garden furnishings. Thoughtfully maintained, this property is a sanctuary of beauty and calm.

 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Clinton+Ries Landscape Architects

LANDSCAPE: Rasevic Landscape Company

STONE: Serra Stone

ARBOR: Corehaus

LIGHTING/IRRIGATION: Outdoor Illumination/Irrigation 

WATER FEATURE: Fountaincraft

DRAINAGE: Horizon

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Burroughs

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Landscape Architecture
HORN AND CO.

 

 

Tricky Hillside in Chevy Chase 

 

Magical Moments: A lawn for play and terraced gardens

 

The Woodbine residence in Chevy Chase showcases a thoughtfully designed hillside landscape that blends sustainability with family functionality. The property is divided into two linear zones: a versatile great lawn for play and a series of terraced garden rooms. These terraces feature a renovated fishpond, a kitchen garden, and a sports court, all supported by stormwater management techniques like rain gardens and micro-infiltration trenches. Existing elements, such as a low stone wall and bluestone paving, were restored to tie old and new seamlessly. Native plants, hemlocks, and vibrant perennials enhance biodiversity and seasonal beauty, creating a timeless, sustainable retreat.

 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

LANDSCAPE: Fine Earth Landscape

IRRIGATION: Montgomery Irrigation

LIGHTING: Outdoor Illumination

PHOTOGRAPHY: Allen Russ

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE

Interior Design, Whole House
C. NEWMAN INTERIORS

 

 

A Brave Mix on Murray Hill 

 

Magical Moments: Patterns collide with unexpected colors

 

This 1930s kit home was transformed to reflect a classic yet family-friendly aesthetic while preserving its coastal cottage charm. The redesign focused on refining architectural details, creating durable, elegant furnishings, and converting a screened porch into a sunroom. Challenges included removing unnecessary elements like dining room shiplap and preserving a mature Japanese maple tree, which shaped the sunroom’s design.

The façade received updates, including a new entry canopy, bay window, and landscaping. The porch-to-sunroom conversion introduced custom casement windows and reclaimed herringbone brick floors, connecting the family with their vibrant neighborhood. Interior updates included tree-of-life wallpaper, linen ceilings, and soft green window drapes in the dining room. In the living room, fluted pilasters were replaced with a traditional mantel, and a custom bar was added. Kitchen updates featured a red range, white subway tiles, and a reconfigured island for family seating. The result is a timeless home blending elegance, practicality, and artistic charm.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Cathy Newman, C. Newman Interiors

ARCHITECT: Jim Suttner, Suttner Architecture

BUILDER: Frazer Company, Jack Frazer, President

LANDSCAPE: Ben Rankin, Walnut Hill Landscape Company

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Interior Design
PATRICK SUTTON INTERIOR DESIGN

 

 

Annapolis Pied-à-terre

 

Magical Moments: Creating harmony with whites, blues, and metals

 

This waterside pied-à-terre in historic Annapolis draws inspiration from the waterways and docks it overlooks. A palette of whites, blues, and natural hues reflects the sandy shores and wetland grasses, while nautical details like fine woods, polished metals, and braided leather evoke yacht design. The open main living space connects seamlessly to a deck overlooking elegant boats. Highlights include a dining fixture mimicking water droplets, a deep blue kitchen hood, and a book-matched marble backsplash. The primary bedroom is refined with tailored details and waterfront views, while two guest rooms, one gentlemanly and the other a serene den, complete the home.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Patrick Sutton Interior Design

BUILDER: Pyramid Builders

PHOTOGRAPHY: Richard Cox

 

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Interior Design
INTERIOR CONCEPTS, INC.

 

 

High-Style Contemporary

 

Magical Moments: One-of-a-kind furnishings, including a stone bowl and onyx pedestal with glass sculpture

 

This home is a gallery of modern design, blending artistry and functionality in every meticulously crafted space. With an eclectic mix of global contemporary design, it balances vivid colors and neutral palettes to create a stunning, comfortable environment. The foyer’s high-gloss finishes and unique stone bowl set the tone, while the loggia features a lit onyx pedestal and glass sculpture. Highlights include the dramatic dining room, a vibrant music room with bold hues and a Chihuly-style light, and a warm ladies’ lounge with lavender walls and a Capiz shell fireplace. Every room tells a story, making this home a masterpiece of modern design.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Arlene Critzos and Joyce Pearl, Interior Concepts, Inc.

BUILDER: Pyramid Builders

ARCHITECT: Foster Zimmerman Architecture

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Interior Design, Commercial
FARNADY INTERIORS

 

 

Earth Tones Med Spa

 

Magical Moments: Because the earth tones are so subtle, the interior feels like a watercolor

 

Five years after opening her practice, a young plastic surgeon expanded to a med spa and surgery center in a renovated warehouse in Baltimore’s Fells Point. Once a bare, industrial space, it was transformed into a serene oasis with deep earth tones, blending bold sophistication with comfort. The design prioritizes privacy, flow, and storage while reflecting the client’s vision of a spa-like atmosphere. Rich brown hues, artistic elements, and diverse materials create a space of abstract beauty and serenity. This unique, creativity-driven design embodies the client’s personality and offers patients a welcoming, peaceful environment that defies traditional medical spaces.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Katalin Farnady, Farnady Interiors

BUILDER: Bridgeworks

CLIENT: Charm City Plastic Surgery

SPECIAL FINISHES: Art Star

LIGHTING: Visual Comfort

TECHNOLOGY: Surf CT

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Interior Design
MELISSA McLAY INTERIORS

 

 

A Bedroom Haven

 

Magical Moments: Shiplap, coffered ceilings and custom bookshelves

 

This bedroom renovation masterfully blends functionality and coastal elegance, creating a sophisticated retreat with distinct zones for both sleeping and relaxing. The core design concept revolves around custom bookshelves that serve as both a partition and a storage solution, adding architectural interest while defining the spaces. Shiplap on the ceiling introduces warmth and texture, while a coffered design in the seating area adds a layer of sophistication. Custom furnishings and a neutral coastal palette create a serene ambiance, and plush seating in the nook invites relaxation. The custom bed frame and luxurious linens in the sleeping area complete the tranquil atmosphere. This project highlights how thoughtful design and attention to detail can transform a bedroom into a true sanctuary.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN: Melissa McLay Interiors

ARCHITECT: Jeff Gallaher

BUILDER: NDG Solutions

LIGHTING: Visual Comfort 

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS AND PILLOWS: Drapery Design & Manufacture  

PHOTOGRAPHY: Matt Dandy

PHOTO STYLIST: Giulietta Pinna

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Kitchen Design
DETAILS AND DESIGN

 

 

Dark and Daring on the Shore

 

Magical Moments: Adding sophistication with moody dark tones and a grand scale

 

The kitchen, the heart of any home, takes on a bold and sophisticated character on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with moody tones and dramatic details. Dark cabinets and a slatted walnut hood create a striking contrast, blending modern and traditional styles. Vibrant floral wallpaper brings nature indoors, adding personality and charm, while custom appliances ensure functionality and luxury. A unique touch is the pink flooring, adding whimsy and cohesion to the open floor plan. Every element—from rich hues to playful details—has been meticulously curated to craft a kitchen that is both visually stunning and inviting, celebrating the home’s style and setting.

 

KITCHEN AND INTERIOR DESIGN: Amanda Chando, Details and Design

BUILDER: Parker Wren, LLC

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Bath Design
KATIE RAINEY DESIGN

 

 

Dated Bathroom Revived 

 

Magical Moments: A window relocated and enlarged, Moroccan tile and marble

 

The Wardour Waterfront Reimagined project transforms a dated bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like retreat inspired by its serene waterfront surroundings. With expansive windows framing views of the water and Naval Academy bridge, the space seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements. Custom-reeded white oak vanities, large-format marble floors, and artisanal Moroccan Zellige tiles add elegance and warmth, while heated floors and a Lutron lighting system enhance comfort and functionality. Thoughtfully honoring the home’s legacy, sentimental elements like the homeowner’s father’s bench and striped wallpaper were updated and integrated. This project exemplifies innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless design.

 

BATH AND INTERIOR DESIGN: Katie Rainey Design

BUILDER: Bayview Builders

PHOTOGRAPHY: Keyanna Bowen, East + Lane

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST PLACE

Total Home Project
DONALD LOCOCO ARCHITECTS
HORIZON BUILDERS
DARRYL CARTER INTERIORS
HORN AND CO.

 

 

Belgian Mod

 

Magical Moments: Replacing all architectural ornamental elements with clean, simple lines

 

This 1970s builder home underwent a transformation from American French provincial to Belgian modern. Key changes include new knee walls and stucco for a refreshed exterior, with black-framed double-glazed windows adding contrast. The entryway was simplified, replacing ornate elements with clean lines. Inside, a straight-run staircase opens the foyer, improving backyard access and natural light. The raised backyard grade connects indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly, featuring a pool and lush landscaping. Simplified interior massing enhances functionality, while refined trim, plaster finishes, and durable, family-friendly materials create a balanced aesthetic of elegance and warmth, suited for modern living.

 

ARCHITECT: Donald Lococo and David Moore, Donald Lococo Architects 

BUILDER: Jim Ovington and George Fritz, Horizon Builders

INTERIOR DESIGN: Darryl Carter, Darryl Carter Interiors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

WINDOWS AND DOORS: Loewen and Portella, The Sanders Company

ADDITIONAL CREDIT: Tony Foreman, American Woodcraft

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anice Hoachlander

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Total Home Project
VINCENT GREENE ARCHITECTS
LYNBROOK OF ANNAPOLIS
JODI MACKLIN INTERIORS
McHALE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

 

 

Indoor-Outdoor Living

 

Magical Moments: Window walls, driftwood finishes, and bifold doors

 

The Chesapeake Inlet is a newly built home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Inspired by its beachside location, the home features floor-to-ceiling windows, bifold doors in the living and dining rooms, and balconies off the bedrooms, all opening to outdoor spaces. Challenges, such as the site’s floodplain and low soil-bearing capacity, were addressed with a stone mat foundation and steel piles for the pool. The design incorporates natural materials like driftwood-finish cabinets, light hardwood floors, and contrasting dark accents, creating a coastal modern aesthetic. The home earned NGBS Gold certification and was completed ahead of schedule.

 

ARCHITECT: David Myers, Vincent Greene Architects

BUILDER: Meredith Hillyer and Dennis Ulrich, Lynbrook of Annapolis

INTERIOR DESIGN: Lauren Sparber, Jodi Macklin Interior Design

LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Matthew Rhoderick, McHale Landscape Design

COUNTERTOPS: Charlie Koppels, In Home Stone, Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenn Verrier

 

 

 

 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Total Home Project
HANSEN ARCHITECTS
EMORY CONSTRUCTION
SOLÍS BETANCOURT AND SHERRILL
CAMPION HRUBY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

 

 

Family Fun in Whitehall Bay 

 

Magical Moments: Guest house with glass façade, cabana, and pool

 

This family compound overlooking Whitehall Bay and the Severn River includes a guest house, cabana, and pool, created by converting three abandoned cabins. The guest house features a gable form with a glass façade facing the water and a smooth, windowless wall on the opposite side. The interior is open, with minimal detailing and large windows offering sweeping views of nature. The cabana, using a similar gable form, frames the pool and water views with a shiplap core for the pantry and bath. Both structures share materials and massing with the main house, creating a cohesive design that enhances the site’s natural beauty.

 

ARCHITECT: Marta Hansen, AIA, Hansen Architects 

BUILDER: Emory Construction

INTERIOR DESIGN: Solís Betancourt & Sherrill

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Burroughs

 

 

 

 


 

Special thanks to our esteemed Judging Panel:

 

Amy E. Gardner, FAIA LEED-AP |  Gardner Architects, LLC

Amy E. Gardner, FAIA LEED-AP is a founding principal in Gardner Architects, LLC and a clinical professor of architecture at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Gardner Architects, LLC is a residential architecture practice, focusing on sustainable, artfully-crafted buildings and places.  Developed over two decades, the firm’s work is site-specific, detail-oriented, and client-centric.

At the heart of Gardner’s practice is how buildings are designed and built, particularly the collaborative processes and team structures necessary to tackle the pressing problems of today and tomorrow. Demonstrating to her clients how, through architecture and design, they can make sustainable choices in their everyday life, she translates ideals born in a research environment into real-world practice.

 

 

 

 

Ryan Moody  |  Moody Graham Landscape Architecture

Ryan Moody is a registered landscape architect and the founding principal of Moody Graham in Washington, DC. Ryan holds master’s degrees in architecture and landscape architecture from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ryan started Moody Landscape Architecture in 2009 to help strengthen connections between people, plants, and architecture. In 2016, Moody Landscape Architecture merged with Graham Landscape Architecture to become Moody Graham. Bold in design and thoughtful in approach, Moody Graham uses the power of nature and the craft of architecture to compose vibrant landscapes that promote healthy living, working, and being.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Reich  |  Elizabeth Reich Interiors / Crosby Jenkins Associates

Elizabeth Reich, of Crosby Jenkins Associates, is an experienced interior designer with over 25 years of creating inviting spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern touches.  Elizabeth’s passion lies in capturing her clients’ visions. She loves infusing warmth and character into every project by marrying traditional design with contemporary elements. Outside of work, you’ll find her unwinding at her cabin with her family and two beloved dogs, finding inspiration in life’s simple joys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 16, No. 1 2025