Second in our series is native Washingtonian, Mark McInturff, FAIA, who received his B. Architecture from the University of Maryland School of Architecture with its first graduating class in 1972.
His Bethesda-based firm, founded in 1986 remains intentionally small, with six members and a bent toward contemporary design in its residential, commercial and small institutional projects.
McInturff Architects has received more than 350 design awards, including 37 AIA|DC/Washingtonian Residential Design Awards and three national AIA Honor Awards.
1. What was your firm's first built project?
One of the first of my own projects was my own house in Bethesda, a renovation of a small 2 over 2 frame house. It was very important to me not only because it was early and for my family, but because I did all the construction myself learning along the way that design is only finished when the building is.
2. How would you describe identifiable or signature qualities of your work, and are they intentionally unique?
We work hard to not have a signature, taking our clues from client and site.
3. Working in the Nation's Capital undoubtedly presents unique architectural challenges and rewards. In this regard, describe a project you're particularly proud of.
The recent mixed use building we did at the corner of Prospect and Wisconsin for Eastbanc- the developers of Cady’s Alley among others.
It is both new construction and renovations of 5 historic buildings and contains 6 retail shops, 13,000 square feet of purpose built offices for Eastbanc, and 5 residential units on top- each one unique.
It was a true “Piece of a City" .
4. Please share about any particular client or client-driven project criteria that deeply inspired you and if/how that inspiration has influenced your subsequent work.
Our recent St Michaels Community center in St Michaels on the Eastern shore was a labor of Love for an organization devoted to care (and feeding) of the less advantaged citizens of the Historic town of St Michaels.
It involved the renovation of a former Lumber yard building in to a new, state of the art Center, all in the Historic District.
