A. Thayer Smith at work.
There was a time when interior design was associated with little more than matching colors and arranging furniture. The field has since matured, however, and design has become a unique and skilled profession. Thanks to organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), a society that promotes continuing education and accreditation, today’s successful designers have proven aesthetically apt, color oriented, and spatially intuitive.
These designers translate personalities and dreams into specific spaces reflective of their inhabitants. It is within these spaces that people find comfort, organization, connectivity. To further enhance talent within its membership, the ASID coordinates student chapters, offering the design scholars hands-on experience.
Through the 2004 Design Awards, the Maryland Chapter of the ASID and ChesapeakeHome recognize exceptional commercial and residential work by area designers, both professional and student. Winners approached their clients with the careful planning and resourcefulness that distinguishes members of the American Society of Interior Designers, and the results speak of the creative vision and specialization infused within each project.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AWARD
First Place — Johnson Berman
This dilapidated barn, revived when architects inserted a structure of Miesian steel and glass within its existing walls, required an understated interior that would not interfere with the building’s architectural exceptionality. The contemporary furniture easily shifts to comfortably accommodate the large groups of guests and collectors that frequently visit to peruse the homeowner’s extensive art collection. Designer Robert Berman selected neutral tones and simple fabrics such as leathers and solids that fall away into the background, focusing awareness on the exceptional art and breathtaking view.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AWARD
Honorable Mention — Designs by Victoria/de inc.
Architecture by Fishman Curry & Associates
Simple lines, an earthy palette, and an array of material interest characterize this craftsman style kitchen. First captured by the rainforest green marble that became the countertops, the homeowners settled on a light and natural atmosphere, a long stride from their previous retro design. Along with the marble, interior designer Victoria Lester introduced slate floors, cherry cabinets, and subway tile that turns green with oxidation when fired. To compensate for the small number of windows, a bulkhead separating the kitchen and the porch was opened up, permitting light from the porch skylights to enter into the body of the kitchen.
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AWARD
Honorable Mention — Johnson Berman
To a young family that takes full advantage of the spaces in their home, the exterior porch means midnight dinner parties, napping to the pitter-patter of rain, and children sidling up with peanut butter sandwiches. In short, the homeowners sought an area where comfort was the greatest luxury. To create a tranquil outdoor room and align the porch with the rest of the house, which once belonged to a B&O Railroad baron, designer Henry Johnson looked to an expanse of old and new wicker furniture outfitted with overstuffed cushions and shaded lamps. Following in the footprints of the house, Johnson included old-fashioned paddle fans, crystal hurricane lanterns, and a weathered croquet set. Canvas awnings block out the sun and rain, creating a cool and dry haven that feels as if it has naturally accumulated over time.
COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD
First Place — Riley And Rohrer
Revitalizing a vacant Victorian brewery basement with a flexible and modern senior housing project meant extensive consultation with city officials, the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, and local seniors. After researching existing centers, designers Dianne Rohrer and Paul Riley settled on an open floor plan to promote interaction rather then isolation. The lofty feel was achieved with large quantities of interior glass and lightweight furniture. A central reception desk has axis views throughout the center to ensure safety and supervision. The rooms easily expand with sliding glass doors, “flip and roll” tables, and stackable chairs—this is ideal for converting smaller spaces into spacious activity areas. The designers also dealt with space limitations by utilizing corridors for reading, recreation, and eating purposes and by maneuvering around basement height constraints with cantilevered thresholds.
COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD
Honorable Mention — Riley And Rohrer
A university center should spark thoughtful conversation and fresh ideas—difficult to do in a sleepy hall. To create a comfortable gathering space for students and faculty, designers Dianne Rohrer and Paul Riley reinvigorated Levering Hall through light, color, and careful space planning. Bringing relief to dark wall areas and lifting the ceiling, existing bulkheads, columns, and pilasters were painted white, and light now reflects upwards into the coffered ceiling. Students wanted new elements to mesh with the hall’s traditional design, so the designers relied on the column grid as the framework for laying out custom wooden console tables. Surrounding the tables is a mix of seating—sofas, café chairs, etc.—conducive to lounging or relaxing with coffee from the new food counter. Recognizing the building’s age, the designers also worked to achieve an established feel by reactivating fireplaces and mimicking the travertine of the floor in the information/media desk.
COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD
Honorable Mention — Johnson Berman
Architecture by Vincent Greene Architects
The offices for financial consulting firm Brown Advisory needed to exude efficiency and frugality while instilling in its clients a sense of comfort and confidence. A sleek combination of modern space planning, new systems furniture and task seating, and carefully placed antiques accompanied this move from a traditional multi-level historic office to a contemporary environment. To alleviate typically harsh office lighting, suspended lights shine upwards and reflect off canvas-wrapped ceiling panels, creating a soft glow, and blue dome lights accent the corridors. Visitors are greeted in a large reception area containing contemporary, yet comfortable, sofas and chairs and gracious harbor views, while the boardroom features powerfully colored upholstery, charcoal carpets, and Audubon prints. This balance of contemporary and traditional speaks of the firm’s prosperous history as well as its excitement for the future.
ASID AWARD WINNERS
Johnson Berman
First Place
Residential Design Award
Designs by Victoria/DE Inc.
Honorable Mention
Residential Design Award
Johnson Berman
Honorable Mention
Historic Residential Design Award
Riley and Rohrer
First Place
Commercial Design Award
Riley and Rohrer
Honorable Mention
Commercial Design Award
Johnson Berman
Honorable Mention
Commercial Design Award
Student Chapter, Anne Arundel Community College
Carol Frederick
First Place
Residential Design Award
For the redesigned main deck of an 82-foot yacht featuring a custom bar, tables, and seating in ultrasuedes and high-performance textiles.
Carol Frederick
First Place
Residential Design Award
For a game room floor medallion that incorporates granite and brass into the themed design, which pictures dominoes and other gaming pieces.
Lisa Ybarra, Terrie Kowalewski, and Anne Arundel Student Design Team
Anne Arundel Community College
Honorable Mention
Residential Design Award
For the Sensible Showhouse, a single-family home that illustrates economical strategies for decorating.
Carol Frederick
Honorable Mention
Commercial Design Award
For a luxurious, intimate interior design plan for Chocolaté, an upscale specialty restaurant.
