PORTFOLIO > Before and After

Scope of Services: Architectural, Engineering, and Interior Design, and Construction Administration 362 square foot addition; 750 square foot renovation

Completed October 2017

• Our team was hired to add a small dining room onto this existing personal care home. The client's goal was to accommodate all residents and staff so they can eat meals together at the same time. She wanted the existing dining room to remain as bright as possible, using borrowed light from the addition.
• We re-purposed an adjacent porch for the dining room addition and intervened as little as possible, converting windows into doorways, salvaging and re-installing existing doors, and keeping the brick exposed, so the addition had as little visual impact on the historic mansion as possible. The porch floor was raised to create one level floor. Translucent roof panels and windows provide daylight to the space.
• The finishes in the existing dining room were updated so the two spaces are visually coordinated. A sunny yellow wall paint color was selected to enhance the existing dining room murals.
• Gabrielle DeLange coordinated the interior design. Pyramid Engineering designed the building systems. Ralph J. Albarano & Sons, Inc., was the general contractor.

Scope of Services: Design, Construction Documents, Interior Design, Signage, Furniture, and Construction Administration

Completed October 2009

• The goal was to create a spectacular environment for the University's use and for use by the Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD) Corporation to attract businesses to the area
• The suite accommodates the campus' Advisory Board meetings, fund raising events, and dinners
• Modern, clean, spacious, and "edgy" aesthetic
• Easy-to-use hidden audio, video, and wireless technology
• 33 "green" design features

Completed 2006

• The client wanted to update her kitchen, but keep the existing cabinets
• She selected a dark granite with gold flecks for the countertops
• We specified a custom blended glass mosaic tile backsplash to complement the countertops that bring out the gold flecks
• The client found square cabinet knobs that complement the new tile but blend into the cabinets
• Island and under cabinet lighting were added; a new sink and faucet were installed, and tile flooring was laid to complete the look

Scope of Services: Architectural and Engineering Design, Interior Design, Construction Administration

4,400 square feet
Completed September 2012

• The goal was to create an inviting, fun, non-institutional Family Life Center in the church basement that would accommodate people of all ages
• The area was reconfigured so that it would be flexible, able to accommodate varying activities, yet each space has a unique identity, accented with liturgical colors
• Interior windows and mirrors were added, increasing visibility in all spaces
• The ceiling was removed, and the ceiling joists were exposed and finished, increasing the low 7-foot ceiling height by 10 inches
• The flooring was removed, exposing the concrete slab below, which was stained and polished for a low maintenance, "green" finish
• Audio and video equipment was integrated with the architectural design, interconnecting all spaces within the Center, and connecting it with the sanctuary above
• Sound was controlled throughout via custom acoustical/tackable wall panels along the perimeter, ceiling-mounted insulation, laminated glazing, and door seals
• Lighting was designed with dual switching providing varying light levels in an economical fashion, and with dual fixture types creating various "moods" and scenes within the spaces
• Storage rooms were tucked throughout the area, accommodating stackable chairs, tables, equipment, and supplies, allowing the spaces to be quickly reconfigured to support craft activities, dinners, children's programs, adult game nights, and even informal church services
• Fanale White and Associates provided structural engineering, and Pyramid Engineering designed the building systems. The Music Emporium provided audio-video system design and Ventura Construction Services was the general contractor.

Completed October 1999

• The client wanted a whole house renovation, from making the entrance more gracious to enlarging the kitchen, dining room, and every bedroom.
• We expanded the house into the area above the garage and added another story to accommodate the master suite within the steep roofline.
• The windows were enlarged, porches were added, and the suburban character of the house was totally transformed.
• We provided conceptual solutions and construction phasing diagrams. We estimated the construction work would cost between $126,000 and $156,000. At the owner's request, we provided additional elevation studies and the final elevation working drawings.
• Tom Barr was the general contractor.

Scope of Services: Design, Building Permit Documents

520 Square Foot, 2-Story Addition
Completed 2012

• The client's overarching goal was to expand and improve the toilet and bathing facilities in the house by adding a powder room on the first floor, a house bath on the second floor, and expanding the master bath
• A second, equally important goal was to improve the first floor circulation by connecting the kitchen to the center hall
• The addition created a larger, informal arrival area, morning room, and computer nook adjacent to the kitchen
• The architecture of the addition respects the character the house, appearing as if it had been a porch and was simply enclosed to create the desired spaces
• The addition faces south and is filled with windows, creating a strong connection between indoors and out, and making moon watching a spectacular pastime
• The project improved the homeowners' comfort with better building insulation, double paned windows, radiant heat, and a ceiling fan
• Coordinated the inside of the house with the outside, unifying both with consistent neutral tones and accenting with deep colors