A sense of place: Kendra Guiffre says good design is site-specific
We asked the founder of Blueply Design how she got into architecture, what she’s working on right now, and where she finds inspiration (did she say “a coffee mug”?). Why […]
From the editor-at-large: Making the village
Aristotle once observed that “the speculative life is the highest life of man.” When I think about the University of Virginia’s design, I see a physical embodiment of the speculative […]
Stay awhile: A winery finds a way to say ‘welcome’
Four years ago, a winery in Madison County was named Sweely Estate, it was facing foreclosure, and its 18,000-square-foot visitors’ facility was decorated in a dark French chateau style. Today, […]
Period specific: First Colony Winery gets an old-world upgrade
“Do you ever worry about falling off the roof?” “No, it’s hitting the ground I don’t like.” Colin McGhee jokes about his career, but the Staunton-based master thatcher is one […]
Razing the roof? What to consider before re-covering your home
If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace your existing roof due to its age or its condition, there are a few things to keep in mind. You might choose […]
Hues and views: Interior designer Andy Cobb gains inspiration
1. Antique or modern? I’m best known for interpreting my clients’ taste. That can range from very accurate historical interiors to modern, classic clean lines. 2. City or country? Again […]
Living in history: At UVA, residing on the Lawn is a unique privilege
It’s easy to say that occupying a pavilion in UVA’s Academical Village is akin to living in a museum. Which is true: The 10 pavilions, 54 student rooms, Rotunda, and […]
Secret gardens: UVA’s pavilion gardens harbor history
Here’s a fairly well-kept secret about Charlottesville: If you walk uninvited into one of the gardens just off UVA’s Lawn, in the Academical Village, you will not be breaking any […]
Another man’s treasure: In Crozet, a farmhouse emerges from ruin
Back in the winter of 2012, the Mayan calendar supposedly predicted the end of the world. That didn’t happen, but big changes were about to come to one little farmhouse […]
Home sweet sweeter: How to upgrade a home that’s move-in ready
Some houses hit the market in already-beautiful condition. Still, there’s always room for improvement. Ned Ormsby of Lithic Construction gave us his expert opinion on how to take a lovely […]