Petronia House

This home dates back to the 1880’s, and over the course of time the house suffered from deferred maintenance and unsympathetic alterations. The original structure and 2 historic sawtooth additions were relocated forward on the site in keeping with surrounding historic houses on the block, which in turn created a larger back yard space where we added a swimming pool and cabana structure.

The project was designed with careful consideration of light and space. A new addition on the back has an esthetically simple shed roofline, with clerestory windows that capture the natural north light. A wall of glass doors across the back of the house fold away to blur the intersection between the indoors and outdoors. The reclaimed dade county pine floors provide a warm balance to the contrasting white walls and soaring ceilings. The simple material palette showcases the keen consideration for detail throughout the house.

This project was successful in upgrading the livability and improving the appeal and visibility of this historic structure, while maintaining a sense of time and place and preserving the unique architectural character of this historic neighborhood. In 2022 the Historic Florida Keys Foundation awarded this project a coveted Ceramic Star and Certificate of Excellence for Preservation and Restoration.

BEACH HOUSE

This Contemporary Coastal home in the Florida Keys boasts 8,650 square feet of living space, with an additional 7,627 square feet of outdoor living space and 2,224 square feet of garage. The site contains wetlands, a natural beach berm, and 280 feet of beachfront on the Atlantic.

SUNRISE POOL

This canal-front L-shaped pool features an infinity edge of two sides, and the tiled porch columns step down into the pool on the other two sides. As a safety barrier, there is a 4’ tall retractable glass wall that disappears into the porch floor.

Brisa Azul

Brisa Azul (Blue Breeze) dates back to the early 1890’s. A recent head to toe renovation included hollowing out the interior to create an open and lofty floor plan, the reintroduction of an interior stair for access to the upstairs which had previously been accessible by an outdoor stair, and creating a back yard oasis with the addition of a swimming pool, gazebo, and lush landscaping.

This once diminished frame vernacular house now stands out as a distinctive example of how preservation and maintenance of historic resources can contribute to the sense of place and time, as well as the visual beauty of the historic Key West district. In 2022 the Historic Florida Keys Foundation awarded this project with a Star and Certificate of Excellence for Preservation and Restoration.

Von Phister Mod

This modern home is a streamlined form of reinforced concrete and glass with minimal ornamentation. It embraces minimalism, and emphasizes the idea that form should follow function.

Key Colony Beach Compound

This family compound started with the full renovation of a 1960’s era classic Florida concrete home and the addition of a swimming pool and poolside Guest Cottage. A new mid-century modern inspired home and second swimming pool was constructed on the adjacent empty lot to complete the project.

Watson Hideaway

The owners of this property had intense vision to see beyond the jungle-like overgrown vegetation and dilapidated structures that once occupied this property. This property was truly reminiscent of Old Key West and possessed a genuine hippiesque vibe. But the mere size of the lot, location, and abundance of open sky and mature trees sealed the deal.

The historic main house had been altered almost beyond the point of repair, but we managed to restore the front half and front façade of the historic structure, as well as the historic front porch. A guest bedroom, entry hall and Kitchen occupy the historic structure. Facing the street, crisp white trim and earthtone accents contrast the distressed finish of the historic wood novelty siding.

The owners wanted to celebrate the giant Strangler Fig tree (Banyan Tree) located in the front yard, so the Master Suite was strategically designed 15 degrees “off-axis” in order to obtain the best view of the tree. A large cupola roof with nine clerestory windows wrapping all four sides provide views up to the underside of the tree canopy, and allows natural light to stream into the 16′ tall Master Bedroom. This wing of the house is attached to the historic structure through an enclosable breezeway.

At the rear of the historic structure, another “skewed” addition was constructed to serve as the living room. Pocketing sliding glass doors on two sides open up to the expansive grounds. 360 degrees of clerestory windows and a vaulted ceiling soaring up to 18 feet provides an abundance of light and air circulation.

The exterior of the new additions are clad in a combination of corrugated metal, metal shingles, and cementitious siding.

The rear of the property hosts a large lap pool, planter wall and water feature.

Before

Private Island Resort

This project was to create a Master Plan for a wholly contained island experience for the sophisticated traveler, including luxury accommodations, water sport activities and special event facilities.

Poorhouse Delight

From rags to riches, this once dilapidated shack located on a quaint Key West lane was transformed into a luxurious residence. Vaulted ceilings and the addition of clerestory windows in the gables fill the rooms with light. The addition of a tropical pool and guest cabana in the back yard complete this gem.

Wolf Ridge

Located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas near the charming town of Eureka Springs, my husband and I took on this project to create a mountain retreat in close proximity to my hometown and family. We rescued this 14 acre property from years of neglect and abandonment with a complete renovation. We opened up the interior floor plan, upgraded the electrical and plumbing systems, installed a new kitchen and master bath, and upgraded finishes throughout the house. Updates to the exterior included a new red metal roof, new doors, new cedar siding, and a new two tone paint job. Site improvements included new stone retaining walls, a new fenced garden, upgrades to the greenhouse, and a new rear deck. The house was made more energy efficient with the installation of new insulation, new exterior doors, and a new geothermal mechanical system. This labor of love spanned over three years, until we sold in 2018.