Conversations on architecture...
Our 2024 Journey
Half way through our 20th year of MMA, we just sent our daughter off to Italy for her semester abroad with Syracuse Architecture… just like we did exactly 30 years ago?! Makes you think about where this all began and how far we’ve come. We had been on separate trips with PSU architecture and not even dating at that point… but that ‘Cuse hat Brian is wearing in this photo?! Feels like some sort of foreshadowing with our kid now walking these same streets. I’m proud of the fact that she’s interested in studying architecture, we must have made it seem like a profession worth pursuing.
Given the maxed out workload and the desire to do the absolute best work we can muster, there’s often no time to appreciate the journey… unless we make a point to do it. So on this snowy weekend, I’m scouring through thousands of photos and thoughtfully considering the meaning of it all. At least I’ve got a really nice spot to do it and trick my brain into thinking this is fun!
So let’s get to it… what has MMA been up to? Well, it was a productive year, albeit a painful one… literally. I had back surgery 10 years ago and unfortunately it reared its ugly head again with Brian and I dealing with it since last February. I say Brian and I, even though I’m the one constantly on the floor (moaning, stretching, working) but given our 24/7 existence together, its as much his problem as it is mine.
I’m doing much better now than I was in this photo, but the sciatica that remains is my new normal. Which brings me to why I mention I’m talking about this… I want to give thanks for this amazing life we’ve created where chronic pain doesn’t stop us. The fact that we own our own company that allows me to work when and how I am able, is a big reason for anyone to consider ditching ‘working for the man’! When you hit your 50s the body starts requiring a lot more attention, having the ability to make your own schedule daily, weekly, monthly… is huge! If you are a designer thinking about starting their own biz, my answer is… do it! Your life will thank you. Yes, it’s non-stop work, but I know we’d be doing that anyway, so we might as well reap the benefits of all our efforts, right?! I’m also so thankful for the community we live in and the one we have built around us, they were a life saver. Walking everyday to aid my recovery in such an inspiring and vibrant place kept me going, along with my band of experts that got me through some very low points mentally and physically. (Big hugs to my awesome PT Marcia, love you!)
A huge development that came out of this wonky year of chronic pain accompanied by design accolades, published works, and exciting new projects… we moved into an office space! Quite a transition given we’ve been working in our home for 20 years. But it was part of the journey to address the need for some mental & physical downtime and it has become a new beginning for Brian and I in our working and personal relationship. We’ve been in the space since November and it’s amazing. Still getting settled but feel free to come see us!
Everything looks good in this light!
If that wasn’t enough, we also launched our new website last spring… cause we need more projects?! Nah, we just wanted a more accurate reflection of our design work showcasing the homes of terrific clients, contractors and consultants. Much thanks go to Ted & Louis for the stellar collab… turned out exactly as we had hoped and we had a good time doing it! Be sure to check it out…
So beyond the chronic pain, the new office and a new website… we’ve gotten some awards too! Just this month we were delighted to receive a AIANJ Merit Award for the Barrow Street Passive Townhouse that was featured in the July issue of House Beautiful. It’s hard to find the time to put together these presentations for awards, but we value the opportunity to spread the word that Passive House not only feels good but can look beautiful too! Here’s a peek at what we submitted describing the project…
It’s nice to take a moment to appreciate the final product of years of dedicated work. We make it look so fun, don’t we?!
We also just learned that our Chatham Passive Homestead was selected for an award by AIA New York State. Our first submission and win with this organization, it tells us that truly sustainable Passive House projects are at the forefront! They can open up to our natural environment as well as protect us from it… all within a comfortable and serene setting. Thank you AIA New York State!
But that’s all in the past… what have we got in the works right now?! Oh my, where do we start? How about a simple but dynamic new guest house barn in the Hudson Valley…
And then there’s the new English farmhouse… trying to look not so new and that it’s actually in NY state!
The family moved in and has been getting settle this past year. Hope to have a photoshoot soon once the landscaping kicks in! You can see this project was a fun exercise in color and pattern thanks to bold yet discerning clients.
A bit closer to home is this sweet and unexpectedly modern renovation in Madison. A subtle understated treatment to the existing house that emphasizes form and texture rather than adornment.
A modern addition at the back opens up the home to a new terrace and views of downtown Madison…
A new glassy bay window frames the outdoors like a painting and brings in an abundance of light.
Warm wood finishes and modern detailing bring a fresh sensibility…
And then there’s the brownstone renovations, where you think they are done, but the fun just keeps on going! Here’s one completed on Varick Street in 2023 but the landscaping of the backyard and rooftop studio and deck continued. Love how mature its looking thanks to the expertise of Square Acre Studios and installation skills of Leaf & Line.
And the roof terrace foliage was already coming along by the end of the summer…
And then we have the brownstones currently under construction. This is our first limestone townhouse in Jersey City and its well under way …
When you live in these tight urban environments, our neighbors have a big impact on the vibes. This one has a gorgeous view to the historic Barrow Mansion. And given the northern orientation the reflection of this warm white facade is going to help our paint colors!
We hope to match the beauty and charm on our interiors. We’re excited to see this window wall and floating stair become a reality. Thanks Ikon windows for working with us to make these robust and energy efficient window units suitable for our historic projects!
And in Hoboken, a stately Hudson Street brownstone is making good progress. The restoration and recreation of traditional details coupled with modern interventions should make this one a show stopper! Like this glassy bay window…
and the oversized skylights at the top floor flex space.
A curved floor allows this new tight stair at the back of the house the clearance it needs, while still providing access to the operable window. Plus, curves are sexy… along with ovals 😉
Beautiful existing details like this mahogany stair paneling are being refurbished…
And new plaster moldings are be recreated to match the original. Amazing craftsmanship by the crew of The Mex Construction.
A composition of smaller windows and a large glassy bay maximize light while retaining a traditional sense of scale and detailing.
Masonry detailing makes this charmer of a window even more delightful.
And we have several exciting projects on the boards that will be starting construction this year. Like this modern addition to a beautiful existing home in Princeton, NJ. It features full glass walls, defined outdoor space and a reimagined garage and Rec Room extension…
And we started on our first New Hampshire project with gorgeous mountain views…
This is what you do onsite when your sciatica says no more standing… but we keep on smiling through the burn!
What we have on the drawing board for NH…
We’re also working on a house on Cazenovia Lake in upstate NY, just 15 minutes from Syracuse! Since they are good friends and we might stay on occasion… we need to make it extra nice 😉
And just getting under way is a mountain home in Hillsdale, NY with phenomenal views of the Catskills…
But it can’t be all work all the time with just the two of us! So we always cap the year with a holiday outing with… The Misfits! Comprised of Brian’s previous coworkers who have started their own ventures, it’s a gauranteed good time with old friends.
And a trip back to Italy is definitely happening to see the budding architect and rekindle some of this magic. But we won’t stay too long… got to keep the work rolling!
If you’ve made it the whole way down here… we really appreciate your interest! Thank you for all the support over the years and we wish you a joyful and adventurous 2025!