We are thrilled to share that Cawood Architecture has been featured in the September 2023 “Style Issue” of Leesburg Lifestyle magazine! You can find us on page 24, where our “Goose Creek Revival” project takes center stage in a beautiful feature titled “Functional Yet Timeless Country Retreat.” Written by Melinda Gipson with stunning photography by Christy Kosnic Photography, the article dives into the details of the transformation and what it takes to bring a world-class vision to life right here in Loudoun County.
Celebrating a “Grand ARDA” Win
The feature celebrates a major milestone for our firm: receiving the prestigious “Grand ARDA” for Renovation from the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). The Annual Residential Design Awards spotlight the absolute best in professional, independent architectural design, recognizing projects that seamlessly blend aesthetic elegance with everyday livability. Our Goose Creek Revival was honored as one of just a select few projects at the very pinnacle of the renovation category.
As our principal architect, William Cawood, notes in the article, bringing a vision like this to fruition requires an incredible team. We owe a huge thank you to Matt Bowe and the team at Alair Homes Hunt Country, who masterfully executed the construction and brought our designs to life.
Inside the Design: The Goose Creek Revival
The project involved transforming a two-story, rural Northern Virginia home into a functional, elegant country retreat. The goal was to eliminate a choppy, inefficient layout and replace it with refined, timeless finishes.
One of the biggest design hurdles was the original entry sequence. The existing home featured a plain foyer with a multi-angled staircase and landing that clashed with decorative columns, making furniture placement difficult and constricting traffic flow.
To solve this, we partially deconstructed and completely redesigned the front portico, drawing inspiration from traditional classical buildings. Inside, we introduced a double-height foyer utilizing sophisticated pilasters and custom wood paneling. This formal sequence cleverly camouflaged an extra foot of space added to the foyer, dramatically improving circulation. By replacing the harsh, angular stairs with a gently curved landing, we allowed the entryway to flow gracefully into the rest of the home while establishing an open, inviting atmosphere.
Beyond the foyer, the renovation extended into a private office with custom paneling, a refined living room complete with elegant ceiling coffers and a striking stone fireplace, and a cozy sitting room featuring rustic beams.
A Shared Passion for Style and Beauty
Being included in Leesburg Lifestyle’s Style Issue is a true honor. In the publisher’s opening letter, the magazine notes that for creatives like architect William Cawood, style means taking traditional rules and bending them to suit a unique aesthetic—in our case, aspiring to balance, proportion, and symmetry to ensure our clients’ surroundings truly express what makes them happy.
We invite you to flip through the digital edition to read the full article and explore the stunning photography of the finished spaces.
Let’s Work Together
Every home has a hidden potential waiting to be unlocked. Whether you are navigating the complexities of a major home overhaul or looking to refine the flow of your daily life, the right architectural perspective can bridge the gap between a house and a comfortable home. My firm specializes in creating thoughtful, bespoke environments that honor both the site and the inhabitant. If you’re ready to begin your journey towards a better home, I’d love to hear your vision.