MODERN HERITAGE
Some projects offer more than a transformation. They offer a masterclass in patience, vision, and trust, with a little fun and adventure along the way.
Set on a storied stretch of Richmond’s River Road corridor, this home began as a quiet traditional structure nestled among trees. Over four years, it evolved into something unexpected: a contemporary residence that honors its legacy while redefining what it means to live with clarity and intention.
At the heart of the design is contrast. Rather than replicate the existing home, we introduced a bold modern wing connected to the original structure by a glass atrium. The atrium serves as a bridge between past and present, light and shadow, transparency and privacy. Inside, a sculptural staircase floats at the threshold, grounding the narrative of the home.
The architecture opens the house to the landscape. Terraces, covered porches, and a reimagined pool area frame the home without overwhelming it. We partnered with Waterstreet Studio, a landscape architecture firm, to shape these exteriors with subtlety and purpose, bringing cohesion to every view and turning the outdoors into a true extension of the home.
Every line, finish, and detail was carefully considered in close collaboration with the homeowners, who brought energy, curiosity, and inspiration from their travels. That spirit comes through in all the right ways: a bourbon bar tucked behind the library, a coffee station concealed inside a custom pantry, a putting green just off the gym. While interiors aren’t shown here, the home’s architecture and interiors were conceived together, an integrated design process that ensured harmony from the foundation to the final details. Each addition reflects the family’s personality and their desire to make the home not just functional, but playful and personal.
This was a team effort built on trust and creativity. The clients were engaged, generous, and eager to explore what the home could become. Together, we created a space that balances restraint with surprise, and heritage with imagination.
