Hughesville, Md

The Southern Maryland Board of Realtors was in search of a completely new look for their headquarters building. The exterior of existing building, a thirty plus year old, two story brick Colonial, needed to remain intact for budgetary reasons. The interior was where all the impactful changes and updated technologies took place. Our design process focused on how several attractive features could remain and be modified as inspiring contemporary focal points.

The twin spiral stairs in the buildings entrance atrium were refinished from a traditional turned wood pickets and wood treads to new railings, simple metal pickets and painted risers. A barrel vault, running the full depth of the building, was refinished and updated throughout with new lighting. The original building design of the atrium created numerous fire separation issues on both floors. We chose to address the life safety issues by creating separation at the top of the stairs that allowed spaces on both floors to open onto the vaulted gathering areas. Inefficiencies with the building heating and ventilation systems were corrected by relocating existing equipment to gain usable floor space and uniform seating.

An Association goal was to provide drop in work stations and meeting rooms for the real estate agents constantly on the move. The new design provided work stations with up to date technologies and after hours access for Association members. These technology upgrades also were integrated into the large training and conference room, Board Room and Settlement Rooms. Catering kitchens were added to both facility levels to allow multiple events to happen at the same time.