McDowell & Associates Inc.

Classique Clubhouse in the Carolinas | On McDowell family vacations, touring notable homes and neighborhoods is as normal as mountain biking and beach bon fires. A recent trip to Kiawah Island, South Carolina was no exception.

This amazing building, inspired by Arts and Crafts Architect CFA Voysey, was designed by Shope Reno Wharton Architecture, one of Al’s favourite buildings by that office.

How will you fill your creative up on your next holiday?

What’s the saying? The rarest of all friendships are the back-door friends? These are the people that get to come into the back doors of our lives.

So how’s about a tour of this back garden beginning at this gorgeous back door in Bel Aire.

Arch Design:

A fantastic home begins with an equally fantastic plan. Never underestimate the importance of its orientation, materiality, and the core design principles intended to please the eye, your flow, and lifestyle. Case in point here in Elbow Park — a timeless stunner.

Builder:
Arch Design:
Photos:

A second life for a second-generation home in Tower Ridge, Calgary

Our clients are second-generation owners of this home, which was built in the early 1980’s.  A new home was considered for the site but ultimately it was determined that renovating this family home was the right solution. While several sentimental elements of the home will be retained, the entire home will be remodelled to suit the needs of a new growing family.

The original home featured a squash court, which was popular through the 80s, but has waned in popularity. The volume of the squash court allows for the creation of two levels. The basement level will become a home gym and storage area, while the main floor will become a spectacular primary suite and retreat.

Relocating the master suite allows for reconfiguration of the existing bedroom area to create larger spaces more in keeping with current trends. The cedar exterior has lasted well for the last 40+ years but is now showing its age. New contemporary windows and exterior cladding will carry this home for the next 40.

BRAV-O 🎉 Extending a timely congratulations to long-time friends at , freshly named Builder of the Year (Single-Family Small Volume Builder) by . With four of their projects nominated, Dream Ridge took home a coveted Best New Home award for Parsian 28 in Marda Loop, proudly designed by… us! Just one of 11 awards, shortlisted from some 700 project submitions. Mark, Tom and Luke, you certainly do bring the dream, to life.

Builder:
Arch Design:
Interior Design: .house.design
Photo Credit: .photography

A transitional escape coming to Rutland Park — is this Calgary community on your radar?

Rutland Park is a relatively undiscovered gem of a community. Our clients purchased a home here several years ago and are now proceeding with a transitional custom build. Its south-facing frontage demands a front porch to enjoy an early morning coffee and connect with neighbours.

Our clients preferred a casual home to accommodate a growing family and to emphasize outdoor living. Enormous spruce trees on the property were preserved and made a focal point of the design process to enhance the outdoor space.

Two façades, one Dream in St. Andrew’s Heights

On occasion, clients will see an image that completely changes the vision of their dream design. This is one such case. During our on-boarding process, we have clients provide images of homes that appeal to them. The original vision for this home was a traditional two-storey with an asymmetrical gabled façade. After a two-year hiatus prior to building, this particular client was inspired by images of a more formal classically inspired home, and the dream forever changed. We made minor adjustments to the floor plans to accommodate this new exterior vision, the result: this elegant, modern classical beauty.

COMING SOON ON THE BLOG: Designing restorative spaces in the home.

A wellbeing room is a designated space where you can take a break from day-to-day life and focus on you. It’s designed to provide a calming atmosphere to help busy people relax, refocus, and recharge.

Daily sound bath?? Yes please! Subscribe to our newsletter (link in bio) so you don’t miss out on ways to maximize R&R in your new build or renovation. ✨✨

This Modern Craftsman just welcomes you with open arms, doesn’t it? A series of cascading roofs draws your eye up to a third storey lookout, which takes full advantage of mountain views to the west. We are so excited that Riverview Custom Homes is bringing this design to life.

Parking for five vehicles was required, which we broke into separate wings to reduce the visual impact and maintain focus on the main house and entry.

The original vision of the Grandview Park Architectural Controls prescribed traditional home styles. Our design respects that vision while bringing a fresh modern feel to the home with understated craftsman detailing.

The Architectural Controls also prescribed four-sided architecture, giving equal attention to all sides of the home — perfectly aligned with McDowell & Associates methodology.
 
Builder:
Arch Design:

This stunning Roxboro home has the most satisfying balance of symmetry, elegance, and warmth.

Safe to say it will take your mind away from the plummeting temperatures outside, albeit momentarily — winter HAS arrived. Stay cozy, friends.

Builder:
Arch Design:
Photography:

*CHEF’S KISS* There’s something about an arched entrance that makes an impression like nothing else. We love the way these double archways lend an architectural element with instant character. This Roxboro kitchen and butler’s pantry are simply… “chef’s kiss.” We ADORE this kitchen!

Builder:
Arch Design:
Photography:

Do you capitalize on those good bones or to tear it down and start anew? Deciding between a rebuild and major reno can be a daunting. Today’s blog post explores some of the factors that will help you make this decision with confidence. We share a few of our favourite reno before and after’s too. Full story below.

Deciding to Renovate — McDowell & Associates Inc. When a renovation supersedes a rebuild, these are Factors to Consider