Take the elemental act of building a fire – necessary warmth produces unnecessary smoke. A simple pipe or hole in the roof is all that is needed to provide escape for sooty pollutants. Problem solved. Over time, however, the once-humble smokestack has evolved into a lauded architectural element. The chimney … [read more]
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Pre-Writing History
I’d like to expand on that because it’s something we like to call “built-in history”. In other words, we’ll create deliberate situations in our design where it appears a house has been renovated over time or added onto. This immediately gives a spanking brand new building an artificially curated history. … [read more]
Open House: Under the Carolina Sun
In Frances Mayes’ book Under The Tuscan Sun, the protagonist of the story finds herself renewed after the impulsive act of purchasing and restoring a villa in Italy. This house’s story was not one of wanderlust but of roots; our particular hero built this home with his deep roots in … [read more]
American Idyll
Scores of bucolic lakes pepper the landscape of this great country so once the pilgrims figured out how to survive (thanks Native Americans), the next step in American evolution was kicking it back lakeside. We dragged along with us tents and then erected meager huts, simple places to shelter us … [read more]
Support Groupings
Houses are no different. When a design calls for a cantilevered appendage (such as a porch, bay or balcony) to be projected, bracketing is a structural necessity. These can be rejoiced and celebrated – underpinnings are certainly functional defiances of physics but they can also be decorative as well, some … [read more]
Open House: Chicago Tribute
Occasionally we’re offered a grand invitation – to design a house for another designer. This type of commission is one we always take with great gratitude and honor. Having another designer ask us to help create their own home always makes us step up our game; this is a unique … [read more]
welcome home
Often, knowing the inhabitants as cordial and convivial folk will make you at once feel welcome; their inner warmth transcends any surroundings. But suppose you don’t know who lives behind the facade you’ve just approached. Can architecture be as welcoming as a warm-hearted host? I assert it can be – … [read more]
available: mcalpine mod manse
Now’s your chance. A few years ago, Bobby relocated from Nashville to Atlanta and his discerning eye landed upon this unique modern cottage. Originally built by the iconic Atlanta architect Henri Jova as a home for his beloved mother, this two story contemporary nest has been re-featherd in Bobby’s one-of-a-kind … [read more]
the (digitally) printed works: TRADhome fall 2012
A Tale of Two Styles: Country When most people think of design in the Music City, contemporary rarely comes to mind. Enter a new style in the New South, where country and city looks often meld. Case in point is the latest project from designer Ray Booth and the team … [read more]
the printed works: traditional home october 2014
And not just any issue but their 25th Silver Anniversary issue! We are reprinting it with their kind permission. As a bonus for our blog readers, I’ve included some of our original design drawings of the house. The article was written by Eleanor Lynn Nesmith and photographed by Emily Jenkins Followill. David Baker … [read more]