Boston Design Blog

Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders Launches Expanded Website

CHATHAM, MA – Cape Cod-based Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders has redesigned its website to feature an expanded portfolio of distinctive new and remodeled homes (as well as its commercial and institutional projects).

Improved navigation helps visitors and clients locate and use valuable information and advice, from the planning stage through construction and landscaping. The site includes detailed project descriptions, updated firm information and a streamlined appearance that will accommodate a steady stream of new content throughout the year.

Meyer & Meyer Architecture & Interiors Wins Gold and Silver in 2009 Prism Awards

Meyer & Meyer Architecture & Interiors' received awards in two categories for their outstanding design work at the 2009 Prism Awards. Presented by the Builders Association of Greater Boston, the Prism Awards celebrate the best projects in building, design and marketing throughout the Boston area and beyond.

Meyer & Meyer received the GOLD Award for a Bathroom Remodel (pictured above) in Wellesley, MA. From the traditional exterior of the home you would never expect that the master suite is in the Balinese style. The homeowners visited Bali and loved it, Meyer & Meyer in turn used the Balinese style as the inspiratin for the remodel. The owners are also art collectors and have incorporated their artwork and artifacts wherever possible, including the master bath. An exotic wood, sapele, was used on the floors, walls, and vanities. Countertops were made of the blackest Vermont slate that could be found and textured river stones were used on the shower floor to give feet a massage while using the shower.  The master bath's fireplace is granite and highlighted with an antiquated stone carving brought back from the owners' travels. 

The Silver Award for Best Interior Design of a Kitchen featured a Poggenpohl kitchen in a Back Bay penthouse. As part of a significant restoration of a brownstone, the kitchen was outfitted to reflect the spirited personality of its homeowner who loves to cook and entertain. For this project, Meyer & Meyer created a conceptual kitchen design and then brought in Rosemary Porto, Senior Designer and Sales Manager for Poggenpohl, Boston who worked with the design team on design development and implementation. The kitchen cabinetry is made of Swiss pear wood and aluminum accented with brushed nickel handles. Countertops are semi-precious Concetto quartz. A custom farm sink, Sub Zero Pro 48 fridge, Miele ovens, and Gaggenau combi-set gas cook top complete this award winning kitchen.

To see photos of the award winning bathroom and more of Meyer & Meyer Architecture & Interiors' exceptional work click here.

CBT Receives Unitied Way Award for Commitment to Community

Pictured, left to right: CBT Architects Founding Principals Charles Tseckares and Richard Bertman, former governor Michael S. Dukakis, Robert Beal, President, The Beal Companies and United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley President Michael Durkin.

On October 30th, Richard Bertman and Charles Tseckares, the Founding Principals of CBT Architects, received United Way's distinguished Leventhal/Sidman Real Estate & Building Industry Award for their long-standing commitment to community.

Michael Durkin, president and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, says "In economically challenging times, the need for leaders in our communities grows even greater. The long-standing commitment that Richard Bertman and Charles Tseckares have made to generating progress in our communities is a tremendous example of what can be achieved through dedication and compassion."

For more information about CBT Architects please visit their website: www.cbtarchitects.com

This Old House: LDa Architecture & Interiors' Green Renovation/Addition Project

LDa Architecture & Interiors Principal Treff LaFleche’s home will be appearing in the Saturday, November 14th episode of This Old House (5PM on WGBH2). Designed by LDa, the project is an example of superior energy efficiency and LEED green building certification. Filming with host Kevin O'Connor was completed earlier this year.

This fall marks the 30th Anniversary of the This Old House television program, and LDa's project is an addition/renovation of LaFleche's 1915 Dutch Colonial Revival in Newton Centre, MA.

Click here to check local TV listings in your area.

Continue reading for more information about this project and LDa's involvement with This Old House:

Amanda Greaves Named Director of Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects’ New Residential Interior Design Team

Amanda Greaves, Director of Residential Interiors at Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects. Photo courtesy of Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects.

October 20, 2009 – Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA: Although the firm of Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects (OLD&D) has had an interiors team for several years, it has primarily served the company’s biotech, commercial, educational, and hospitality clients. Now the firm is embracing this full-service approach for its residential clients as well. It is naming Amanda Greaves as its first Director of Residential Interiors and creating an in-house residential interiors team at OLD&D.

Honestly, a homeowner’s day-to-day quality of life may be more intimately affected by the interior of the house than by the walls outside. Says architect and partner Art Dioli, who oversees a majority of the residential projects at OLD&D: “Many of our clients want interiors advice, design and plans. In fact, it was a client who originally put us in touch with Amanda. They thought we’d work well together.” With Greaves’ presence on staff, the firm can now offer a range of enhanced services, including interior design, space planning, color consultation, decorating, procurement and installations of furniture and furnishings, and interior project management and coordination. 

North Shore Architectural Firm Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Congratulates Three Staff Members on Becoming LEED Accredited Professionals

Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects’ three new LEED Accredited Professionals (l to r): Christopher T. Doktor AIA, Michele R. Brooks, Henry L. Miller. Photo courtesy of Terri Unger Photography.

July 17, 2009 – Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA: In a time when fiscal restraint, energy conservation and environmental responsibility are at the forefront of many school, business and homeowner’s considerations, Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects (OLD&D) is making the same commitment. Three staff members recently became LEED Accredited Professionals (AP): Principal Christopher T. Doktor, AIA; Senior Interior Associate Michele R. Brooks; and Intern Architect Henry L. Miller. This accreditation is a continuation of the firm’s professional practices and commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Why does OLD&D care about LEED accreditation? In part, it is the right thing to do. It is also a responsibility when offering advice to clients.

Awareness and use of green-building principles allow architects and designers to help their clients to act as stewards of natural resources. Says Principal Chris Doktor: “Green design is essential to the way our clients conduct business and live their lives. Becoming LEED-accredited is one more way to provide creative and conscientious building and design solutions.” In other words, it is simply an extension of the firm’s practices and values.

An Open House Architectural Event with Fallon Custom Homes & Renovations, Inc.

Fallon Custom Homes & Renovations Invites Industry Professionals to
An Open House - Architectural Event
Thursday, May 15, 2009 from 12-4 PM

Fallon Custom Homes
171 Reservoir Street
Needham, MA

Earn AIA CEU credits, see what's new and enjoy some excellent food!

AIA Presentations Provided by Accurate Elevator and Lift Co., New World Stoneworks, and Audio Video Design.

Please RSVP by May 1st. Contact Ted Carbonaro, tcarbonaro@falloncustomhomes.com, (781) 974-7180.

Please continue reading for detailed information on the presentations.

Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects' Book Takes Second Place

Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects 25 Year Retrospective won "Second Place Small Firm" in the Book/Monograph category in the 2008 SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards.

Take a visual journey through Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor's award-winning portfolio of signature architectural projects from the past quarter century.

The price of the book is $29.99 (plus tax and shipping).

Autographed books are available for purchase through a few local book shops:

Manchester-by-the-Book
(978) 525-2929

The Book Shop of Beverly Farms
(978) 921-2122

For more information, please contact Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects at architect@oldarch.com

In The Spirit of Collaboration: When Classic Meets Modern

Creating Contemporary Spaces with Victorian Accents

Architecture by LDa Architects, Inc.; Custom Built by F.H. Perry Builder; Architectural Millwork by Michael Humphries Woodworking; Photography by Greg Premru; Text by Chrissy Makkas

LDa Architects, FH Perry Builder and Michael Humphries Woodworking came together to transform the kitchen, bath and mudroom of this traditional Victorian home for a family with modern tastes. More and more in today’s world people want to come home to a relaxing environment with clean lines and open spaces – to a place where their mind can relax and the stress and chaos of day-to-day life can be left behind.

In The Spirit of Collaboration: Serene Setting

A stately suburban manor   

Architecture by Mellowes & Paladino, Inc.; Custom Built by Kenneth Vona Construction; Interior Design by Deysher Advisory Services and Susan Maier & Associates; Home Integration by Maverick Integration; Landscape Construction by R.P. Marzillli; Photography by Richard Mandelkorn; Text by Chrissy Makkas

“This suburban estate successfully captures a sense of quiet formality from the front and a relaxed feeling from the back,” says Architect Robert Paladino of Mellowes & Paladino. Built by Kenneth Vona Construction, this stately manor consists of a wide variety of interior and exterior spaces including a home theater, barn, pool, pool house, and tennis court, all uniquely designed and constructed to create a comfortable yet elegant setting. The talented team – Mellowes & Paladino, Kenneth Vona Construction, Deysher Advisory Services, Susan Maier & Associates, R.P. Marzilli and Maverick Integration – created a comfortable and all-encompassing environment for the family.