Sometimes we get a call for work, and the potential client says, “I need someone to draft some plans”. We can tell immediately that they might be unfamiliar with the full scope of what architects do. There is a big difference between these two words: design and draft.   Design is the entire architectural process of giving life to the client’s ideas through a holistic lens—including both art and science, while drafting is the process of drawing a design. A drafted set of plans is an important part of the design process, but just a part.  When I worked in London, I was surprised ..read more

The Wall Street Journal called the Menokin project “…the most fiercely ambitious historic restoration project in America today.” The project includes stabilizing a National Historic Landmark stone and wood ruin and recreating missing elements in glass. Encore Sustainable Architect’s Principal, Ward Bucher, presented on this expansive restoration project in a course hosted by the AIA Baltimore Historic Resources Committee. He discussed the level of collaboration required between archeologists and architects, structural engineers and preservationists and the different skills that each brought to ..read more

At the end of 2023, Encore Sustainable Architects was delighted to celebrate with their clients, Historic Easton, and Church members and friends at Asbury United Methodist Church as 12 years of restoration work and patience came to resolution. The Restored Asbury United Methodist Church in its intended glory A crowd of supporters and community members attended the dedication which featured a sermon from Frederick Douglass, portrayed by nationally renowned Fred Morsell. There were moving words from Morgan State University Professor Dale Green and speeches from Asbury Pastor Reginald ..read more

As most public art is meant to do, the new Frederick Douglass mural in Easton, Maryland encourages conversation, inspires us to ask questions, and moves us emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The Frederick Douglass Mural recently installed in Easton, Maryland. At 21 feet tall and 16 feet wide, it’s the first-ever approval of a piece of outdoor art of this size by the Easton Historic District Commission but received a unanimous vote. Chairperson and Encore Sustainable Architect, Ernest “Ernie” Demby, believes “it is a great installment in Easton. It brings Easton’s rich local history to ..read more

Joe Wojciechowski, AIA, Encore Sustainable Architects (2023 MHAA grant reviewer) This past year, Encore Architect Joe Wojciechowski had the privilege of being selected as a reviewer for Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grant applications. 100 of the approximately 200 applications were awarded $5 million of matching grants to nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and state and federal agencies. The process was very competitive with only half of the applicants being funded. The next cycle of grants will be announced in mid-December for projects starting in July 2024, and based on Joe’s experi ..read more

The imposing pair of paneled doors at the front entrance of the Hawley-Hutzler House are three-feet wide, eight-feet tall and three-inches thick. The oak veneer finish is a half-inch thick, 8 times thicker than the normal 1/16-inch thick door veneer. Why is everything so oversized? My theory is that the answer has to do with churches. In 1886 Martin and Mary Hawley bought a vacant lot on Eutaw Place and hired Thomas C. Kennedy, AIA to design their house. Kennedy’s main gig was designing churches and institutional buildings, virtually all in the Romanesque Revival style. Churches need wide stai ..read more

Encore Sustainable Architects is no novice at quick turns on envisioning plans for an adaptation of an existing building, or design of a new one. Just this past year, we turned around an adaptive design of a historic building for a jeweler in one month and opened the doors a mere five months later in time for Valentines Day. But what about something even faster? Something sustainable? For a recent project, Encore Sustainable Architects designed, rendered and with the aid of Virtual Reality Collaboration Lab, created a 3D version of how a building occupant might utilize an old space – bringing ..read more

Nothing is more sustainable than reusing a historic building. This project harnessed community energy and embodied black history to enhance an equitable community. The design concept evolved from a desire to fix broken and shot-up stained glass church windows to inspiration to prepare the site for another 150 years of service to the community. For nearly a decade, Historic Easton and the Encore Sustainable Architects worked tirelessly with Asbury United Methodist Church to carefully save and upgrade this historic place of worship built in 1876 and dedicated by Frederick Douglass. All participa ..read more

In this four-week series of blog posts, we will review and define the different “Re” words and how they are used in relation to historic buildings that need “work” of some sort.   The terms we use for describing the work we do on historic buildings can be a bit complex and confusing to say the least. Adding to the ambiguity is the fact that the “Re” words can be defined differently, depending on the governing body you are working with, like the National Park Service and historic preservation entities for your state, county, or local municipalities. Here are the different types of “Re ..read more

At the Historic Menokin house, a national Historic Landmark in Warsaw, VA, a mystery is unfolding. The home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the property is being restored not to its original state, but only partially, so that the craftsmanship necessary to construct a home like this can be explored with visitors.  With that in mind, Encore Sustainable Architects offers a peek a what restoring masonry work from the 18th century involves.  The early 20th century Menokin HouseMenokin SiteHundreds of stones found in the fields of the Menokin/Glass ..read more