At Faire Reef in Harbour Island, Bahamas, we fused island charm with a a sophisticated palette including poignant art, modern furnishings, and dashes of color to create an informal, timeless and carefree place. Harbour Island’s under the radar charm oozes into the designs while we focus on creating a clean, comfortable yet radiant environment—truly a boutique haven. For this property, we stripped it to it’s raw concrete block bones rearranged its spaces, and put it back together while avoiding overt “island breeze nostalgia.” It is a comfortable, elegant place that feels great under the naked foot!

Scoville Memorial Library has the distinction of being the first continuously-operating, free public library in the United States. The task was not simply a dialing back of the clock: it was a fearless effort to expose and celebrate the old, yet lend weight to the new work of our own era. Incision and insertion: above a dropped ceiling, we found a glorious barrel vault from which to hang a dancing chandelier. Behind a wall we found the remains of two fireplaces that once warmed the main space. We chose to mark these by wrapping them in blackened steel and inscribing a quote from Scoville’s first librarian. This project addresses the need for libraries to re-invent their role in the community. Once a quiet place of study, Scoville is now a more vibrant place for exchange. By creating areas for all types of study, communication, and activity, we addressed the needs of all types of patrons. A teleconference nook is available for business exchanges. A music and art nook is free for comfortable book browsing. The elegant tower room is now enclosed in bronze and glass doors and is available for meetings. Its stainless table literally reflects the intricate ceiling plasterwork above: one looks down to look up!

GEOMETRY IN THE LANDSCAPE

A MIX OF TRADITION AND WHIMSY

CHARLOTTESVILLE RESIDENCE

KEEPING THE OLD BARN WHOLE

WITHOUT LOOSING THE CHARM

WHILE ADDING INSULATION, HEAT AND AIR

Quirk Hotel was our opportunity to unveil the southern culture with a twist of modernity. A culture that is both deeply steeped in elegant traditions and dastardly quirky gestures, was pregnant with inspirations. Pulling traditions such as the quintessential family portrait and the ever-present double-doored transom and more was fuel for our fire. We found tremendous joy in finding these inspiring moments to play will all with a modern-day eye. Then came the joyful discoveries of the 5’ high window sill and the plethora of ancient beams. We created steps up to the windows in the guest rooms and used the wood beams to design and fabricate furniture wherever we could. All of this then glazed in a layer of millennial pink: unabashed and straightforward