Recent News

June 2011 · 235 days ago

FARMHOUSE seems to be the theme this spring. Currently I’m designing an addition to a house on a Horse Farm in Davidsonville. A new Farmhouse in Pennsylvania is beginning construction. A waterfront Farmhouse design on the South River is waiting for client feedback. Nice strong, simple, shapes that sit well on the land. It’s fun to work with classic shapes, but open them up to the light, play with inside volumes, and integrate the inside and outside spaces.

Winter 2011 · 355 days ago

February is booked solid with preparing construction drawings for spring and summer building projects. I draw by hand, not by computer, so it’s difficult to get any drafting help. My clients are patient with me however, knowing that their project will get my full attention once it’s on the boards.

Summer 2010 · 505 days ago

Adding an elaborate screened porch, adding a big second floor dormer for a new bedroom, reconfigurinng existing bedrooms into a master suite, adding a whole new second floor to a ranch house, and adding a mud room and relocating the kitchen are samples of projects in the studio this summer. It’s fun to fit the new project into the style of the house, or to completely change the character — whichever the client may desire. Several new homes are also in process.

A Little About Teresa

“The client’s budget is just as important a consideration as their space needs. All the pieces must fit together to make the ‘dream come true.’ “

“I feel honored that people build what I have designed, live in the spaces, and they are happy.”

“I get most of my clients by referral. It’s nice to know that people are enjoying their houses and want their friends to have the same positive experience they did.”

“The wife may begin the initial consultation with, ‘Well, we need a bigger dining room.’ The husband looks at her in amazement and says, ‘That’s not what we talked about!’ They are flustered, and I laugh, as this happens all the time.”

“Homeowners do not often speak in architectural terminology. I listen to what they are saying, and not saying. I help them define their goals, and then we move on to architectural solutions.”

“I like getting to know my clients and helping them accomplish their dreams.”

“Bigger is not always better.”

“It takes a lot of energy to build a house or an addition. A project of major scope will disrupt your life. There are finishes to select, decisions to make, and financial issues to solve. My goal is to have clients say after completion of the project, that it’s beautiful, it was worth the work and cost, and they are pleased.”

“I often suggest the owner’s talk about lighting once the framing is up, as then they can stand in the space. Often they will comment, ‘Oh, there could be a sconce up on that part of the wall…’ whereas they could not imagine this by looking at the plans.”

“Good design is enjoyed and appreciated, but not always conscious to the user.”