David Marcus Elite Design & Construction, Inc. Wins Bronze Medal
Best of the Northeast Design Award
In the Kitchen under $60K

[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - October 2004] Now in its second year, the Best of the Northeast Design Awards competition recognizes outstanding design, quality construction and exceptional value in the projects of remodelers working in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

This year, editors from the Building/Remodeling/Kitchen and Bath division of Better Homes and Gardens® Special Interest Publications along with remodelers and architects who work in the Northeast (but did not submit projects to the contest) teamed with Professional Remodeler to judge entries. The panel critiqued entries in five areas: visual appeal; value for price charged; workmanship; functionality; and to what extent the project met the needs of the customer.

David Marcus Elite Design & Construction, Inc. found a great challenge in the renovation of this 75 year old home in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. The structural repairs required posed some construction concerns. As well, there was a great deal of client interaction with cost comparisons and in keeping her home office functional during renovations.

The main objectives were to get a better relationship between the interior and the owner's well kept garden/yard, and to incorporate a more pleasant, everyday entry. This was accomplished by moving the bathroom from the rear wall to a more central location, opening up the rear wall for a view to the yard and removing walls from the basement stairs, again allowing a better view out of the rear of the house. Custom cabinetry was specified to help achieve a kitchen with room for a casual sitting area and to address the every day entry & exit use of the room.

These renovations were preformed on the first floor section of a twin home with a very private exterior entrance. The neighborhood of Chestnut Hill is a charming community of early Philadelphia upscale homes. The architecture is eclectic. Finding anything from 18th-century style farmhouses to Victorians to carriage houses and large and small twin homes is commonplace. Chestnut Hill is a designated National Historical District and has more than 100 architecturally significant residences.

The homeowner had specific colors and finishes in mind but not clear on how they would translate into a scheme and Marc Kaman's (Owner of David Marcus Elite Design & Construction, Inc.) design abilities were put to work. The tight budget was also a design/building restriction set by the homeowner that kept everyone involved thinking through every detail and expense. The overall result of the project was successfully accomplished to achieve a bright, lively room that also gets cozy and warm at night; a generous and beautiful connection to the yard and a client that couldn't be happier with her new home.

"What a conversion from the dark, windowless shed with no foundation to the integrated, insulated, open windowed expansion to the world of my garden. The redesign and enlarged kitchen has inspired many hours over the stove and happy hours with friends at the counter"…"Your standards and quality work are as high as they come, with beautiful results. I am grateful for all of the extra help in the endless decision-making that such projects require and your sound advice and suggestions on so many issues about which I knew nothing!" -- Carol Stuart-Buttle. [Read the testimonial]

Winning projects are currently featured in the October issue of Professional Remodeler and on http://www.housingzone.com/designawards.