John R. Schroeder, AIA

Currently on the drawing boards - a Connecticut River getaway retreat camp elevated above the FEMA floodplain.

Up in the wooded hills of Canton, Connecticut is a charming gambrel style house with a level front yard and terraced rear yard both devotedly landscaped with stone walls, mossy pathways, and enchanting features scattered about. Inside, the house has been delightfully curated in English Country style by the owners who recently transformed from city to country mice. Our involvement focused on a renovated kitchen and dining space which were previously separated by a wall, but are now combined into one larger, more flexible, more flowing space, better engaging with the rest of the home. The rustic alder cabinetry is original, but we moved and modified the refrigerator cabinet to make room for a new island and likewise an end cabinet and soapstone countertop moved to accommodate a wider gas range. Both the alder cabinetry and white subway tile backsplash, which is also original, now have new life connecting with a white quartz island countertop with light brown marbling. The previous kitchen tile floor was replaced with matching red oak flooring stained medium brown to match the rest of the house, which along with new, similarly stained, red oak ceiling beams and vent hood accent moldings set-off the lighter brown alder cabinets. And balancing these natural tones is a new warm, green-grey penny tile range backsplash and wall and island cabinetry paint color. And to further balance the dynamic knots and checks of the alder, the kitchen cabinetry was framed with v-groove wall paneling and the dining area with English Country style molding. The final touches include strategically positioned undercabinet lights, ceiling recessed lights, three vintage style kitchen island pendants and one distressed style dining table shroud. The end result is a space which is highly functional while warmly casual, yet subtly sophisticated. (Photos by Caryn B. Davis)

Something that you don't see everyday - Silver Towers, Green Palms, and Blue Sky.

When Architecture become Art - Accidentally

Some more shots from Tampa!

This is their convention center. The angled landscape islands are a unique and creative feature and the row of skinny palm trees juxtaposed with the elevated, horizontal, repeating roof forms makes for a compelling backdrop for these cafe tables in the foreground.

This project consisted of both a kitchen and primary bath renovation, but also included the sanding and refinishing of existing wood floors with a new rich, warm, medium-brown stain throughout the first and second floor; new stunning, yet subtly colored hex tile in the rear hallway and laundry room; new gorgeous, marble, basket weave tile and classic, large format, floral wall paper in the half bath; new carpet in the primary bedroom; new ac condenser and air handler for the first floor zone; and a new emergency generator system. The kitchen renovations consisted of replacing the existing exterior glass doors and windows with new taller, more elegant versions which expand views outward and introduce more natural light making the space feel larger and brighter. The existing oak cabinetry, granite countertops, and standard-grade appliances were replaced with new painted cabinetry, subtly veined white quartz countertops and backsplashes, and upgraded appliances which introduce a fresh, more elegant look along with enhanced functionality and storage flexibility. The select use of glass and carefully articulated lighting further elevates the kitchen’s elegance and sense of spaciousness. The primary bath renovation consisted of gutting the entire space, removing an oversized hot tub, relocating the toilet to expand the vanity, and creating an entirely new, spacious, bright, entrancing shower space. Once again, the choice of products and finishes and the associated high-quality detailing and ex*****on resulted in a bold, yet balanced, upscale sanctuary for starting and ending each day and maybe even a few moments in between. (Photos by Caryn B. Davis)

Round skyscrapers are not overly common and an interesting juxtaposition with a boxy building next door.

Texture in Geneva!

At the top of a wooded hill, this beautiful property features majestic whispering pines along a back country road with mottled stone walls on three sides sloping gently downward deep into a tree-filled hollow punctuated by a bypassing stream and then back upward a forested hillside. We chose to position this new house close to the street but far enough to incorporate a circular driveway with its half circle filled with tall meadow grass and wildflowers. A small pool consisting of a plunge area, sun shelf, and hot tub was positioned on center with a screen porch featuring dramatic views into the hollow beyond. Adjacent to the pool is a bluestone patio with a nearby outdoor shower. Along the backside of the main house is an upper bluestone terrace with room enough for lounging and al fresco dining. The outside of the house features front and rear balconies both accessed from a common second-floor loft area. The inside of the house was designed to be light, bright, and fresh with a clean, classic New England style. The first floor is graced by a welcoming front porch and a convenient secondary mudroom door. Inside, the foyer is cozy and embracing but immediately expansive as the living room opens up with inspiring views through 8’ high French doors and equally tall double hung windows. The ceiling of the living room rises to the second-floor loft with a windowed dormer above adorned by a large chandelier. The remainder of the first floor includes a large, open kitchen, loggia, mudroom, pantry, laundry, dining, den, and a secondary ensuite bedroom. The half bath was decidedly different with its dark, moody, vintage vibe to offer a fun, unexpected twist. The second-floor features three large bedrooms with two that share a large guest bath and one that features a spacious ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. And finally, over the garage, is a large, attic bonus room accessed conveniently from the second-floor guest suite. (Photos by Caryn B. Davis)