Renovations

Chou Residence

This Mediterranean style home sits on the beach front in Ventnor, NJ, where it has spectacular views of the ocean. From its highly recognizable two story turret, you can see from Ocean City to Atlantic City. Built on the site of a 1950’s Cape Cod style house, this magnificent home has five bedrooms, two great rooms, an extensive grand master suite and a meditation room. It was the featured home in the September 2007 issue of From House to Home magazine.

Green Residence

This New England Cottage is actually located in Margate, NJ. Built on the footprint of the existing structure, this new beach house, completed in 2007, has an inviting open first floor plan. The dining room, in stage center, sits under a barrel vault ceiling. Beautiful open stairs lead to the next level. The second floor boasts not one, but two master bedroom suites, along with two additional bedrooms and a hall bath. The third floor completes the home with yet another bedroom suite and a large playroom. The exterior feels cozy with its stone façade, shingle style siding, and craftsman designed columns. The house graced the cover of the February/March issue of From House to Home magazine.

“Our vision of a “beach cottage” was delivered above and beyond our expectations. No one can believe how spacious and functional this house is, sitting on our original lot. Our family loves and utilizes every room. Working with you was truly a pleasure, and your ability to take a concept to fruition was superb. Thanks again for a job well done!”

Barry and Marlene Green

Stephano Residence

The transformation of this beach block, Longport house, from a 1950’s traditional rancher to a dramatic two story contemporary was nothing short of amazing. Featured in the Fall 2002 issue of Design NJ magazine, the house takes full advantage of its proximity to the beach. The interior gray paneling has been replaced with tinted, glare and heat reduction glazing that allows the house to offer beach views from every room.

Only 1600 square feet, the house boasts three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and two living rooms. Vertical wood siding and glass block enhance the contemporary feel of the house.

“From my first glimpse of Terri’s plans, I knew I had made a great choice. From the beginning she knew what I wanted and needed in a home. Thanks to Terri, the process was pleasant and the result was spectacular.”

Mary Lou Stephano

Arena Residence

Sometimes a house, like a person, leads a long and interesting life full of adventure and change. I came upon such a house, and was fortunate enough to participate in its long and astounding transformation.

A summer cabin was built on the shores of the Great Egg Harbor River in the 1950’s. The cabin walls were built of concrete block and the roof was flat, held up by large timbers. The cabin had a great room with a kitchenette, a bedroom and a bathroom. The original entry faced the river; the road leading to the property was just a dirt path.

In the 1970’s, the original owners added a full size kitchen, a master bedroom and bath, and a two car garage, making this their full time residence. The entry was moved to rear (street side) of the house, where now existed a paved road. A screened-in porch was added to the river side. The exterior was finished with vinyl siding. A new sloped roof covered everything.

I first saw the house in 2002, when the current owners wanted to enlarge the house and add a master bedroom closet, laundry room, and new foyer. They wished to upgrade the curb appeal, and brighten the extremely dark living room.

The new design included a walk-in closet, laundry room, foyer, and renovated kitchen. The exterior was upgraded with a new stucco finish. Perhaps the most dramatic change came from my decision to remove the old flat roof and timber beams. Leaving the newer sloped roof in place, I designed a cathedral ceiling, adding several skylights to bring more light into the room. The transformation was spectacular.

But the story does not end there. In 2006, the owners returned to me, wishing to add a second story, to house a new home office, guest room and bath, and to capture the great river views. The latest transformation was finished in 2008.

What started as a small summer cabin has grown into a spacious residence, transformed into a beautiful home.

More Renovations

TJC Architect is a specialist in renovation projects. Perhaps it’s because she hates seeing waste, or because it fits in with her “Green” philosophy of reusing and revitalizing space. But it might be just because she loves to see the before and after pictures.

“We gave you an almost empty canvas and you certainly created a masterpiece that we are proud of. The final design was beyond our expectations.”

Henry and Deb Levit

“Everything was done exactly when Terri said it would be done. She was always available to answer questions and to resolve any issues we encountered during construction. It was a pleasure having Teri as our architect and we would recommend her work to any new client.”

Hal and Marilyn Rosenstein

“Terri’s attention to detail, her willingness to hear out new ideas, and her offer to expand our horizons with added design features, was, in no small terms, exceptional.”

James Conover