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We are still reflecting on what an honor it is to

We are still reflecting on what an honor it is to have been named to the 2025 @Forbes America's Top 200 Residential Architects List! Out of 18,000 firms nationwide, Archer & Buchanan earned this recognition through a rigorous evaluation by the Forbes Architecture editorial team and their Advisory Board. This achievement is a testament to the creativity, passion, and commitment of every member of our team. Thank you to our clients and collaborators for trusting us to bring your visions to life!

#forbeslist #architecture #inspiringspaces #timelessspaces #forbes2025

Creativity abounds this time of year with everyone

Creativity abounds this time of year with everyone turning their homes into seasonal wonderlands. Greens, lights, wreaths, plants, ribbons and all things merry and bright grace doorways everywhere.

Which entry would you choose to decorate?

Photography: @TomCrane111, Don Pearse, Barry Halkin, @JeffreyTotaro, @JimGrahamPhotography

#holidaydecorating #holidaydecorations #tistheseason #happyholidays #holidayseason

There are few things cozier than the Maple Hill Ba

There are few things cozier than the Maple Hill Barn!

This complete renovation of a late 19th century barn was part of a comprehensive property plan encompassing 20 acres formerly owned by Main Line architect Walter Durham (1896-1976). The structure was restored with recycled barn materials insulated and resided to maintain the feeling of a barn on the interior. The finished work includes the great room, kitchen, study and bath on the main level and screened porch, play area and wine cellar on the lower level.

#barnarchitecture #barnrenovation #19thcenturybarn #barnrestoration

Nestled on a gently sloping hillside amidst lush m

Nestled on a gently sloping hillside amidst lush meadows and surrounded by dense woodland, Bough Haus is situated to minimize site disturbance and maximize its orientation to the movement of the sun. With copious south-facing glazing, the home provides expansive views, generous daylighting and a wonderful relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Although we love all of the indoor/outdoor connections, we absolutely adore the green roof visible from the second-floor balcony and loft.

Builder: @DewsonCC
Cabinetry: @ChristianaCabinetry/@ChristianaFactoryStudio
Photography: @JeffreyTotaro

#contemporaryhome #architect #architecture #contemporarydesign #cleanlines

Project Architect Ben Nia shares some of the thoug

Project Architect Ben Nia shares some of the thought process behind the selection of timber framing for the design at Bough Haus, a contemporary home recently completed in Chester County. As Ben notes, timber framing wonderfully celebrates the structure of a building rather than concealing it. At Bough Haus, the warmth of the exposed wood acts as a perfect complement to and frame for the incredible views of the surrounding meadows and woods.

Builder: @DewsonCC
Cabinetry: @ChristianaCabinetry/@ChristianaFactoryStudio
Photography: @JeffreyTotaro

#contemporaryhome #architect #architecture #contemporarydesign #cleanlines

Blending beautifully with its surroundings and pre

Blending beautifully with its surroundings and presenting clean lines and warm materials inside and out, Bough House isn't just another pretty face. Collaborating with clients looking to focus on sustainability and functionality, we easily found many opportunities to incorporate sustainable design methods and materials. Maximizing natural daylighting, including a roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panel array, utilizing structurally insulated panels to maximize insulation levels, and incorporating a green roof to aid with capturing and filtering storm water runoff are just a few of the design strategies incorporated to elevate the performance of this home.

Builder: @DewsonCC
Cabinetry: @ChristianaCabinetry/@ChristianaFactoryStudio
Photography: @JeffreyTotaro

#contemporaryhome #architect #architecture #contemporarydesign #cleanlines

It's not uncommon for contemporary homes to be vie

It's not uncommon for contemporary homes to be viewed as hard-looking or less warm and inviting than traditional homes. At Bough Haus, traditional materials are applied to a contemporary design with a focus on clean lines, simple forms and a connection to the surrounding landscape. The result is a welcoming home whose modern aesthetic suits the desires and lifestyle of the homeowners perfectly.

Builder: @DewsonCC
Cabinetry: @ChristianaCabinetry/@ChristianaFactoryStudio
Photography: @JeffreyTotaro

#contemporaryhome #architect #architecture #contemporarydesign #cleanlines

Another Thanksgiving, another round-up of some of

Another Thanksgiving, another round-up of some of our favorite gathering spaces.

This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the beauty of shared spaces and the warmth of traditions, old and new. Wishing you a holiday filled with inspiration, connection, and gratitude.

Which space would you like to eat Thanksgiving dinner in?

Photographers: @JeffreyTotaro, @TomCrane111, @FrancescoLagnese, @JimGrahamPhotography

#thanksgiving2024 #gather #thankful #gratitude

The finished addition and renovations at Dower Hou

The finished addition and renovations at Dower House retain all the charm and character of the original eighteenth-century home but has blended it to accommodate a modern lifestyle. The Norden family's careful preservation of their iconic home has added a new chapter to the historic legacy of the Dower House and is a significant gift to the West Chester community. Once again, congratulations to Lisa and Tait on being awarded a 2024 West Chester Preservation Award and huge thanks to entrusting us with being a part of this very important project!

Builder: @RittenhouseBuildersInc
Vintage Hardware Supplier: Ball and Ball

#WCpreservation #homepreservation #brognardokie #okieinfluence #westchesterhomes

The ﬁnal design plan conﬁguration of Dower Hou

The ﬁnal design plan conﬁguration of Dower House included a 2-story rear addition to accommodate generous Kitchen and Dining spaces and a Primary Bedroom Suite. Interior renovations included reconﬁguration of spaces to accommodate an Entry Foyer, Butler’s Pantry, Mud Room, Powder Room, and a wider staircase leading to the second ﬂoor. Care was taken to remove existing stone, doors, hardware, cabinets, and millwork from the existing home for repurposing within the new addition; all existing building and landscaping stones were salvaged and reused. The success of the project was the result of a collaboration among architect, builder, tradespeople, and owner to achieve a remarkably elevated level of detail, ﬁt and ﬁnish.

Builder: @RittenhouseBuildersInc
Vintage Hardware Supplier: Ball and Ball

#WCpreservation #homepreservation #brognardokie #okieinfluence #westchesterhomes

#ThrowbackThursday After being named on the 2025

#ThrowbackThursday

After being named on the 2025 @Forbes America's Top 200 Residential Architects List earlier this month, Archer & Buchanan had a great time revisiting some previous award-winning projects.

The restoration and adaptive reuse of this 1898 William L. Price designed stable (originally part of the Alan H. Reed property) provided the opportunity to save a neglected piece of significant local architecture. The original structure was stabilized and reconstructed, adding a third floor level. Using numerous historic photographs as a guide, the alterations reflect the initial character of the stable that had been lost during years of neglect and thoughtless adaptations. The building is now a four bedroom home with spacious formal and informal rooms. This project went on to win the 2005 Palladio Award - First Place for Restoration and Renovation.

#stablerenovation #waynepa #2005palladioaward #restoration

Colder weather calls for cozy vibes and comfort fo

Colder weather calls for cozy vibes and comfort food. No one does this better than @TheWhipTavern in Coatesville, Pennsylvania!

This renovation transformed what was a nondescript local watering hole into a unique English style pub, full of character, detail and charm. It has quickly become a dining and social destination to a new generation of pub goers in this quant and scenic Chester County location. Have you been?

#thewhiptavern #coatesvillepa #chestercounty #chescorestaurants #pubfood

Barns & blue skies & pumpkins, oh my! This four-s

Barns & blue skies & pumpkins, oh my!

This four-stall barn with tack room meets the needs of every family member in different ways. For Dad it is a garden feature on axis with the house that creates an elegant backdrop for family events on the lawn. For Mom it is an oasis away from the cares of her professional veterinary practice (we paid special attention to ease of care for the family’s horses and making the tack room her personal “She Shed”). For the kids it is a place to run around with friends and enjoy the assorted animals of the farm. A win all around!

Builder: @McComseyBuildersInc
Photographer: @JimGrahamPhotography

#coatesvillepa #coatesvillehomes #chestercountybarns #chestercountypa

@StentonMuseum is one of the earliest, best-preser

@StentonMuseum is one of the earliest, best-preserved, and most authentic historic houses in Philadelphia. It was completed in 1730 as a country-seat planation house for James Logan, a Quaker merchant, politician, justice, scientist, scholar, and secretary to William Penn.

Since 1899, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have worked to “preserve and maintain Stenton as an historic object lesson.” Today, Stenton administers the award winning History Hunters Youth Reporter Program, which serves over 3,500 underserved Philadelphia schoolchildren each year.

On Friday, November 8, 2024, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (@nscdapa) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hosts the Logan Awards Dinner benefitting both Stenton and the History Hunters Youth Reporter Program. This year the Logan Award—given to a person who embodies the ideals of service, learning, leadership, and excellence, and whose considerable contributions have made a lasting impact in the Philadelphia region and Pennsylvania—honors Julia A. Haller, MD, and Alvina L. Brown.

Archer & Buchanan is proud to be a sponsor of this notable event supporting Stenton and its important history education programs.

#nscdapa #stentonmuseum #philadelphiapa #loganawards

Originally part of a large summer estate, this c.

Originally part of a large summer estate, this c. 1870 carriage barn additionally played the roles of car storage facility during World War II and, later, an internationally recognized show barn. Neglected for years, fallen into disrepair, but still structurally sound, the barn was brought into the 21st century by new owners wishing to transform and restore it. The 9,750 SF structure was converted from a show barn into a 4-bedroom residence with state-of-the-art kitchen, bathrooms, home office, and re-established horse stables with a wash stall and tack room.

The house is filled with unique details. Salvaged materials were used throughout including antique brick, hardware, windows and cabinetry. The great room fireplace mantel was discovered during construction hidden in the barn’s attic space covered in dust and cobwebs. Old stall posts were used as the great room stair newel posts. It was always the client’s dream to have their horses in their house – and this is a dream that came true beyond their wildest imagination.

Builder: E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors (@ectbuilders)
Photographer: Tom Crane Photography (@tomcrane111)

#carriagebarn #allaroundfarm #barnrenovation #equestrianliving #equestrianstyle

Soaked up the last bit of Daylight Saving Time thi

Soaked up the last bit of Daylight Saving Time this weekend by revisiting this beautiful sunroom renovation!

Sunlight streams through windows and doors on two sides of this glorious space which is connected to both dining room and kitchen. As part of this same renovation project in Chadds Ford, our client—incredibly skilled in finished carpentry and furniture making—contributed the beautiful woodwork in a stunning cherry-paneled study.

Builder: @LindsayConstructionInc
Interior Design: Laura Buchner (@MeadowbankTeam)

#sunroomrenovation #officerenovation #laylight #skylight

We are thrilled to be included in the 2025 @Forbes

We are thrilled to be included in the 2025 @Forbes America's Top 200 Residential Architects List! Of the 18,000 US firms considered, Archer & Buchanan was selected for inclusion based on a 3-tier system of evaluation conducted by the Forbes Architecture editorial team and the Forbes Architecture Advisory Board. Congratulations to every member of the A&B Team, whose talent, dedication and hard work has made this incredible honor possible!

#forbeslist #architecture #inspiringspaces #timelessspaces #forbes2025

Picture this…it's a fall football Sunday and you

Picture this...it's a fall football Sunday and your favorite team is about to play. You walk across the yard to your own private pub, make yourself an old fashioned, and watch the game with your friends and family.

What could be better?!

#privatepub #housebar #housepub #privatebar #uniquehomefeatures

The original land on which Dower House is built wa

The original land on which Dower House is built was part of 5,000 acres purchased from William Penn by Richard Thomas. In 1715, John and Mary Wall bought 150 acres from Thomas’s son, building a log cabin that was later replaced c. 1760 with a stone house that formed the original Dower House. An 80-acre parcel was sold to Thomas Hoopes in 1767, and throughout the 19th century, the Hoopes and Taylor families added Serpentine stone extensions.

In the early 1920s, author Joseph Hergesheimer and his wife Dorothy bought Dower House. Hergesheimer hired architect Richardson Brognard Okie to modernize it by adding fireplaces, storage niches, enlarged windows, and electricity along with other amenities. Landscape architect Thomas H. Sears designed the gardens. Hergesheimer memorialized these renovations in his 1926 book “From an Old House” along with tales of notable house guests such as Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, and H.L. Mencken. If walls could talk!

Builder: @RittenhouseBuildersInc
Vintage Hardware Supplier: Ball and Ball

#WCpreservation #homepreservation #brognardokie #okieinfluence #westchesterhomes

Tait and Lisa Norden purchased the Dower House pro

Tait and Lisa Norden purchased the Dower House property in the Fall of 2013, having relocated to West Chester, Pennsylvania from Maine. As restoration enthusiasts, they purchased the home after researching and visiting several old homes in the region. They were attracted to the building’s historic construction, intact details and unique spaces.

The Nordens hired Archer & Buchanan Architecture to help restore and modernize their home in keeping with the character and integrity of the existing farmhouse. Construction began in 2023 and wrapped up this year, exactly 100 years since the last significant renovation which was completed by R. Brognard Okie.

Stay tuned for more information about the history and expansion of Dower House.

Builder: @RittenhouseBuildersInc
Vintage Hardware Supplier: Ball and Ball

#WCpreservation #homepreservation #brognardokie #okieinfluence #westchesterhomes