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A cozy screened porch enjoys dramatic Severn River vistas |
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A chic breakfast nook forges a connection to Leeds Creek |
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An architect revamps her modern townhome on Baltimore’s harbor |
The Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) announced its 2024 PRO Remodeler of the Year Awards during a gala on February 3rd at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Gaithersburg. The awards go to remodeling and custom-building projects in DC, Maryland and Virginia; this year, judges reviewed 126 entries in 33 categories. Media sponsor Home & Design gave its Award of Excellence to a project by BOWA, featured in Home & Design's Spring 2024 issue, beginning on page 115. All the award-winning projects are listed below and can be viewed on the chapter’s website, promidatlantic.org.
Home & Design Award of Excellence
BOWA
Basement under $150,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
GRAND: MOSS Building & Design
Basement $150,000 and over
GRAND: Finesse Design Remodeling
MERIT: Smiley Renovations
FINALIST: HIVEX Basement Finishing Co.
Commercial Interior
GRAND: The Levine Group Architects + Builders
Creative Solutions
GRAND: Lofft Construction
MERIT: Daniels Design & Remodeling
FINALIST: PACE Design & Construction
Entire House under $500,000
GRAND: WINN Design + Build
MERIT: Blue Star
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Entire House $500,000 to $750,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
GRAND: LOFFT Construction
Entire House over $750,000
GRAND: Blue Star
MERIT: Lofft Construction
MERIT: BOWA
FINALIST: Smiley Renovations
New Custom Home under 4,500 square feet
GRAND: Superior Construction Services
New Custom Home 4,500 square feet and over
GRAND: Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
Residential Addition under $250,000
GRAND: MOSS Building & Design
MERIT: Lofft Construction
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Addition $250,000 to $500,000
GRAND: Marks-Woods Construction Services
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Addition over $500,000
GRAND: Landis Architects | Builders
MERIT: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
FINALIST: Marks-Woods Construction Services
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Bath under $50,000
GRAND: Honor-Roll Remodeling
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: Honor-Roll Remodeling
FINALIST: Superior Construction Services
Residential Bath $50,000 to $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Marks-Woods Construction Services
Residential Bath over $100,000
GRAND: Smiley Renovations
MERIT: Anthony Wilder Design/Build
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Detached Structure
GRAND: Pristine Acres
MERIT: MOSS Building & Design
FINALIST: Superior Construction Services
Residential Exterior under $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000
GRAND: Daniel Krienbuehl Contractors
MERIT: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
FINALIST: Spectrum Design Build
Residential Exterior over $200,000
GRAND: Spectrum Design Build
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration under $250,000
GRAND: Marks-Woods Construction Services
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and over
GRAND: Marks-Woods Construction Services
MERIT: Lauten Construction Co.
Residential Interior Element under $30,000
GRAND: The Levine Group Architects + Builders
Residential Interior Element $30,000 and over
GRAND: Daniels Design & Remodeling
MERIT: Daniels Design & Remodeling
Residential Interior under $250,000
GRAND: Superior Construction Services
GRAND: The Tailored Closet & PremierGarage of Washington, DC
MERIT: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
FINALIST: Spectrum Design Build
Residential Interior $250,000 to $500,000
GRAND: Case Architects & Remodelers
MERIT: Anthony Wilder Design/Build
FINALIST: Merrick Design and Build
Residential Interior over $500,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: WINN Design + Build
FINALIST: BOWA
Residential Kitchen under $75,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Honor-Roll Remodeling
Residential Kitchen $75,000 to $150,000
GRAND: Case Architects & Remodelers
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
MERIT: MOSS Building & Design
MERIT: Spectrum Design Build
FINALIST: MOSS Building & Design
FINALIST: Tabor Design Build
Residential Kitchen over $150,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: Synergy Design & Construction
FINALIST: InSite Builders & Remodeling
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Area $100,000 to $250,000
GRAND: Rust Construction
MERIT: Spectrum Design Build
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Area over $250,000
GRAND: Pristine Acres
MERIT: Pristine Acres
FINALIST: Landis Architects | Builders
Universal Design—Entire House/Addition
GRAND: MOSS Building & Design
Universal Design—Interiors
GRAND: Synergy Design & Construction
MERIT: Schroeder Design/Build
Two award-winning projects merge form, function and flair
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture has been a mainstay in the area’s outdoor renovation industry for over 30 years. Ed and his team complete 30-40 projects a year from pools, spas, and water features to fire pits, outdoor kitchens and more. Says founder Ed Ball, “We craft transformative landscapes that seamlessly blend natural elements while catering to clients’ needs.”
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
1. Distinction Award - Outdoor Living Area
EBLA created an outdoor living/dining area on a wooded, sloped property, combining Techo-bloc pavers inlaid in synthetic turf, retaining walls and a custom, modern water feature. A cohesive design promotes indoor-outdoor connectivity for year-round enjoyment. Much of the yard was terraced to create a more usable space for outdoor activities.
2. Distinction Award - Front Residential Planting and Entranceway
EBLA transformed the front yard into a destination for gardening and entertaining; a paver path echoes the home’s modern architecture.
EBLA
703-433-1863 — ebla.pro
Grand Award - Outdoor Living Area Design/Build
Rossen Landscape reimagined a small lot in Chevy Chase for gathering and entertaining. On the list of requirements: a swimming pool and spa, and an expanded deck with a covered patio beneath it and a pergola above.
Before construction began, the Rossen team addressed the challenge of runoff in the small yard, which had to meet strict stormwater-management requirements. A crate system was implemented to capture water and percolate it into the soil; atop the system, a formal garden was planted.
Flagstone pavers surround the pool, where a custom-built Trex arbor anchors one end. The flagstones are accented with brick that also clads low retaining walls. The spa spills water into the pool. The deck features the Trex pergola and an outdoor kitchen.
DESIGN FEATURES
Rossen Landscape offers comprehensive landscape design, build and maintenance solutions in Great Falls, Virginia, and surrounding areas.
Rossen Landscape
703-327-2284 — rossenlandscape.com
A thoughtful plan transforms a mundane lot into a backyard oasis
Wheat’s was engaged by a homeowner who sought to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of their property. The residence faced a vacant lot to the rear, which included a large drainage reservoir. Collaborating with Wheat’s Jeff Krynitsky, the renovation project aimed at improving the home’s curb appeal and creating an outdoor living and entertainment backyard space.
Complementing the traditional architecture, Wheat’s installed an elegant pool house featuring columns and a standing-seam-metal roof. Inside, a vaulted ceiling and French doors integrate with transom windows creating an indoor-outdoor experience. A rectangular pool with bluestone surrounds flows into a gathering area with seating and a stone fireplace.
Oaks, maples, holly trees, and Green Giant arborvitae screen the rear of the property, while the entertainment space is softened by hydrangea, spirea, azalea, viburnum, and barberry shrubs. In a unique approach, the drainage reservoir was transformed into a small fishpond with a dock and fountain.
DESIGN FEATURES
Wheat’s provides design-build and maintenance services with an emphasis on personalized attention, creativity, quality craftsmanship and lasting relationships.
Wheat’s Landscaping
703-641-4790 — wheats.com
1. Distinction Award - Total Residential Contracting
The owners of a new, traditional residence in Northwest DC’s Spring Valley neighborhood tapped Planted Earth to install and maintain their landscape and outdoor living area. The completed project is a layered scheme encompassing an inviting pool and spa; a fire pit; an outdoor kitchen; seating and dining areas; and a dog path. A pavilion with a fireplace anchors one end of the pool.
As the goal was to complement the home’s traditional style and contribute to its older-home look, Richardson & Associates LA designed a hardscape of natural-cleft Pennsylvania bluestone, which conveys a sense of age and heritage. There is connectivity between inside and outside spaces. Existing large trees on the property were preserved and structured beds contribute both elegance and softness.
HIGHLIGHTS
Planted Earth offers high-end landscape installation, enhancements and maintenance. Principal Chris Vedrani founded the company in 2010; in 2023, his staff of 82 completed 74 installation projects and had management of 144 landscapes. “Our goal,” Vedrani says, “is to enrich the lives of our clients by creating and maintaining beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.”
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
2. Distinction Award - Residential Maintenance
Clients who live beside a golf course wanted an outdoor living space that would feel connected to its locale while also maintaining privacy. Planted Earth created a harmonious environment around seating areas that enjoy abundant seasonal color.
3. Grand Award - Residential Maintenance
A formal garden in Northwest DC comprises a series of outdoor rooms delineated by lush, manicured boxwood and other shrubs. Native clematis vines are trained to festoon arbors that cover the walkways leading through the grounds.
Planted Earth makes excellent customer service a priority. Our experienced employees believe in doing the right thing every time.
Planted Earth
410-857-4744 — plantedearthlandscaping.com
Grand Award - Outdoor Living Area Design/Build
Judges Choice Award - LCA-VA MD DC 2023
Homeowners hired Surrounds to design and implement a new landscape plan for their property. Landscape architect Chad Talton and his team regraded the front and installed a driveway with columns, lighting and improved drainage.
In back, an existing deck was revamped and a new pool and travertine hardscape added. A rough-sawn cedar pavilion and attached pergola anchor one end of the pool; a material palette of cedar, brick and stone matches the exterior of the house. The pavilion and pergola feature a fireplace, bathroom and grilling area.
The lot has been landscaped—including a vegetable garden centering on a fountain. Ginkgo, crape myrtle paperbark maple and dogwood are softened by hydrangea, boxwood, drift roses and holly. Perennials and ground cover include astilbe, Mondo grass and nepeta.
DESIGN FEATURES
Surrounds merges landscape architecture and design with professional construction and meticulous garden management, enhancing lifestyles and increasing property values.
Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction
703-430-6001 — surroundslandscaping.com
A modern makeover transforms a small lot into a backyard oasis
Homeowners with a compact backyard wanted an extensive outdoor entertaining space. Tapping Pristine Acres for the job, they specified a pool, a sunken fire pit and a pavilion containing a fireplace, spa and outdoor kitchen. With space at a premium, The design team utilized an existing slope to engineer a reverse-beam-style pool set above ground on one side, with a ledge atop a low retaining wall for additional poolside seating.
The owners preferred a modern look to match their home’s architecture, so the pavilion was designed with a flat roof and hardscape materials with streamlined appeal. The pool deck is maintenance-free porcelain with basalt coping. The kitchen boasts marble-look porcelain surfaces and the pavilion ceiling is clad in white oak.
DESIGN FEATURES
Pristine Acres is an award-winning design/build firm handling all aspects of a project, from design through installation.
Pristine Acres
877-333-5651 — pristineacres.com
A waterfront getaway makes al fresco living a breeze
After purchasing a weekend retreat on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the owners hired Walnut Hill to transform their riverfront property for year-round entertaining. Their wish list included a pool, patio and cabana with room for gathering—all overlooking the water.
The design team collaborated with an architect on the two-level cabana, which encompasses an open seating area around a stone fireplace flanked by built-ins; curtains soften the openings to the structure. There’s a bathroom on the ground level and guest bedrooms above, accessible via an outdoor stair. A Pennsylvania bluestone floor continues out to the pool, unifying sheltered and open spaces. Beyond the pool, an expanse of lawn stretches down to the river where a dock beckons. Mass plantings of shrubs, perennials and grasses provide year-round color and textural interest.
DESIGN FEATURES
Walnut Hill designs residential properties in Maryland, DC and the Eastern Shore. Our outdoor spaces reflect personal style while exceeding expectations.
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
410-349-3105 — walnuthilllandscape.com
Distinction Award - Outdoor Living Area
The owners tapped Fine Earth Landscape to help them reimagine their back yard for entertaining and kids’ play, with their idyllic equestrian setting as a backdrop.
Their wish list included a swimming pool, spa, fire pit, patio, a small waterfall, and colorful plantings. Addressing a 10-foot drop-off from the back porch, our team used a combination of a short wall and regrading to allow placement of the pool at slightly below porch level with a slope to the pasture to feature views of their beautiful horses.
The pool is surrounded by a deck of natural-cleft Pennsylvania flagstone. Plantings were chosen to create explosions of color. Hydrangea, hibiscus, echinacea, dianthus, shasta daisies, roses, and butterfly bushes are supplemented with colorful annuals.
DESIGN FEATURES
In business nearly 50 years, Fine Earth creates and maintains beautiful outdoor environments, offering comprehensive design, extensive experience, and unparalleled customer service.
Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.
301-972-8810 — fineearth.com
1. Distinction Award - Total Residential Contracting Design/Build
Kane Landscapes was hired to transform a blank-slate lot while the house on site was under construction. The scope of the project included a large pool, expansive upper and lower patios, fire features, a driveway layout with motor-courts, lush plantings, extensive outdoor lighting and a two-acre lawn installation. The clients wished to capitalize on the home’s proximity to a picturesque existing pond in back, so the design team conceived the space for entertainment and family fun around views of the water. In front, an approach to the house was devised to be inviting while also complementing the dwelling’s grandeur and scale.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kane Landscapes founder Josh Kane started mowing lawns in the fourth grade. He later studied business, horticulture and landscape design, launching his company in 1991. Today, a staff of 55 completes more than 30 landscape architecture, construction and garden-care projects a year.
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
2. Grand Award - Outdoor Living Area Design/Build
Kane Landscapes was hired to transform a barren rear lawn into a sophisticated outdoor living space for clients who wished to entertain family and business associates al fresco. Clean, uncluttered lines define a poolscape anchored by a pavilion with a fireplace.
3. Grand Award - Outdoor living Area Design/Build
With a lot prone to flooding, homeowners turned to Kane Landscapes to remedy the issue while creating an outdoor-entertainment zone. The design team devised a sunken poolscape that redirects runoff; travertine hardscape and stone retaining walls blend with the wooded setting.
Kane Landscapes combines well-thought-out design, high- quality materials and skilled craftsmen to ensure successful and enjoyable results.
Kane Landscapes
703-803-3146 — kanelandscapes.com
Grand Award - Excellence in Outdoor Living Area
Clients with a historic waterfront farm tapped landscape architect Matt Rhoderick of McHale to reimagine the property, matching the home’s traditional architecture and creating extensive flower and vegetable gardens. Setbacks and restrictions complicated the project, which included the addition of scalloped white picket fencing adorned with finials and a custom-built potting shed.
Rhoderick positioned the garden on axis with the existing pier and driveway to allow access to the property via both land and water. Gravel pathways and raised planters establish low-maintenance upkeep. The garden is planted with squash, tomato, beans and herbs. Cutting perennials include purple coneflower, Russian sage, Obedient Plant and phlox. Purple verbena provides continuous summer color.
DESIGN FEATURES
McHale Landscape Design is a residential landscape architecture design/build and maintenance firm with more than 425 award-winning landscapes.
McHale Landscape Design
301-599-8300 — mchalelandscape.com
