Architect: Seth Ballard, AIA, NCARB

Photographer: Mike Geissinger, Professional Photographer

Seth Ballard's personal residence in Falls Church, Virginia .... After years of helping clients through the pains of a significant renovation, Seth Ballard can now finally empathize. Seth, his 3 kids and pregnant wife lived at his mothers house for 4 months during the renovation. Seth served as architect and general contractor for this full renovation and conversion of a 1950's 2,000 sf rambler into a 4,500 square foot modern home. The style is arts and crafts with a definite Japanese influence, and is intended to be a design showcase for Ballard+Mensua.

Ballard+Mensua's philosophies are demonstrated throughout this project ... from use of recycled and green materials, to use of color, natural light and natural woods.

Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, of Historical Japanese and Chinese architecture and from travel through Asia and Europe can all be seen in the design and details of the project.

The front porch is stained cedar; the front door is stained mahogany from Honduras, the floors were reclaimed hard american maple from a factory originally built by Thomas Edison (provided by Mountain Lumber. The ceiling in the study was the original oak hardwood in the house. The kitchen contains a mix of two tones of cherry and includes a dark walnut countertop on the island (Montgomery Kitchen and Bath).

The existing basement, rear decks and patio and the first floor bathroom were renovated in 2003 and were left untouched.

The flow of the house is designed for good chi -- practically put to allow our 4 children to move freely through the house, and to provide space for entertaining and long hellos and goodbyes in the foyer.