Reader Swartz Architecture Publications Portfolio 2025

Qualified Remodeler
March 16, 2026
Featuring “The Shepherdstown Grandparents’ House,” in the article “Designer’s Notebook: Universal Update.”

Excerpt: “For someone navigating aging, familiarity matters. Memory cues matter. We weren’t designing for a photograph. We were designing for our clients’ daily sense of well-being. Once our clients relocated to the new guest house, their son and his family moved into the main residence. The property has evolved into a multigenerational compound. Grandchildren can run between houses. Adult children are nearby to help if needed. The grandparents remain independent but supported.”

“What began as an aging-in-place project has become something larger: a long-term family strategy anchored in architecture.”

“Universal design doesn’t have to be visible to be powerful. It doesn’t have to compromise architectural ambition. If anything, this project reinforced our belief that architecture is at its best when it supports life quietly. When it allows people to remain on the land they love. When it adapts to changing bodies and circumstances without losing beauty.”

The New York Times
November 2, 2025
Featuring “Hidden Rocks,” in the article “Aging in Place Doesn’t Mean Making Your Home ‘Soulless'”

Excerpt: “When [Ms. Abramowitz and her husband, Neil Rackham] began conceptualizing a home they were building in Northern Virginia…they made aging in place a priority.”

“‘Everything is quietly compliant with A.D.A. guidelines,” said Ms. Abramowitz….’We wanted to show retired people can take care of themselves in a beautiful way.”‘

The Wall Street Journal
October 17, 2025
Featuring “The Birch Bower,” as the “House of the Week: A Secluded Sanctuary on a Maryland Lake.”

A modern kitchen with marble countertops, pendant lights, bar stools, and fresh flowers, featured on Home & Design magazine cover promoting dazzling kitchen ideas.

Home & Design, Winter 2023 Issue, pages 42, featuring “Camp May,” in Yellow Spring, West Virginia.

Aerial view of a large beverage facility under construction surrounded by autumn trees, with parked vehicles and construction equipment in Morgantown.

West Virginia Construction News, September/October 2022 Issue, pages 28-29, featuring “The Crooked Bow Tie House,” and “Mountain Run,” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia and Berkeley Springs, West Virginia (respectively)

A modern educational building, the Emil + Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, features sleek architecture, glass elements, and prominent signage against a twilight sky.

Inform, September 2022, featuring “Grace + Emil Shihadeh Innovation Center,” in Winchester, Virginia.

A modern building at dusk, featured on the "ArchitectureDC" cover. The issue highlights 35 award-winning design projects in Washington, D.C.

Architecture DC, Fall 2022 Issue, pages 31-32, featuring “The Bell’s Building,” in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern interior with large glass windows, minimalist furniture, and a floating staircase, featured in a "Portfolio" design magazine showcasing architecture and design.

Home and Design — Portfolio, 100 Top Designers, 2022 / 2023, featuring “American British Country House,” in Clarke County, Virginia, and “Camp May,” in Yellow Spring, West Virginia.

The magazine cover features a modern kitchen with wooden elements, a marble countertop, stools, and plants, emphasizing extraordinary kitchen design.

Home and Design — Best of Show, January/February 2022, featuring “American British Country House,” in Clarke County, Virginia.

A group of people relax outside the Loudoun School for Advanced Studies, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

Inform, September 2021, published by William Richards, featuring “Loudoun School for Advanced Studies (LSAS),” in Ashburn, Virginia.

Magazine cover featuring modern architecture, interior design with blue furniture, and landscape design. Text highlights "100 Top Designers" by Home & Design.

Home and Design — Portfolio, 100 Top Designers, 2020 / 2021, published by Homestyles Media, Inc., featuring “Crooked Bow Tie House ” and “Stone / Wood / Blue House,” pages 104-105.

Modern glass building with two people walking in front, surrounded by greenery. Cover of ArchitectureDC featuring "New Heights," the Annual AIA DC Awards Issue.

Architecture DC, Fall 2019 Issue, page 90, featuring “Vibe Main Street Properties,” in Front Royal, Virginia.

A person uses a router on wood, featured on Fine Homebuilding magazine. Tips on shower pans, doors, fireplaces, and sheds included.

Fine Homebuilding Magazine
July 2019, published by The Taunton Press, Inc.
Featuring Das Swartzenreader Haus, pages 72-73.

A magazine cover featuring a stylish living room with blue chairs, large window, and centerpiece table. Title: "Portfolio: 100 Top Designers."

Home & Design – Portfolio, 100 Top Designers, 2018 / 2019, published by Homestyles Media, Inc., featuring, “North Mountain Pool House,” “Red Gate,” and “Ridge House,” pages 118-119.

A rustic cabin surrounded by autumn trees, featuring large windows and a patio. Title: "The Family Cabin" by Dale Mulfinger.

The Family Cabin, Inspiration for Camps, Cottages, and Cabins, by Dale Mulfinger, FAIA, published by The Taunton Press, 2017, for “Star Tannery Cabin”, in Frederick County, Virginia, pages 253-257.

Contemporary cabin in wooded setting, featured in "Small Homes: Cabins & Cottages" magazine. Emphasizes stylish design and smart storage solutions. Covers new fixtures and materials.

The Best of Fine Homebuilding – Small Homes Cabins & Cottages, Fall 2017, published by FineHomeBuilding, excerpt from Dale Mulfinger’s book “The Family Cabin” featuring the “Star Tannery Cabin”, in Frederick County, Virginia, pages 86-91.

Hands hold a virtual reality headset, displaying home interiors. "Pro Remodeler" magazine cover with the headline "Seeing Differently." Focus on virtual reality in remodeling.

Professional Remodeler Magazine, September 2017, Announcement of the Bronze Award in Historical Renovation for “Red Gate”, in Clarke County, Virginia, page 78.

Elegant living space with wooden beams, stone walls, and modern furnishings, including a black couch and grand piano, under "Structure + Design" magazine cover.

Structure + Design, Signature work by leading architects and interior designers, published by Panache Books, 2017, for “Camusrory”, “Area 51, and “Red Gate”.

Modern kitchen design with large windows, wooden cabinetry, and blue stools featured in a 2015 remodeling magazine, showcasing award-winning interiors.

Remodeling magazine, “Former Furniture Store Transforms to Interactive Children’s Museum”, Article and video, October 2015, for The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester, Virginia.

A small, modern, and cozy house with a wooden deck, surrounded by lush greenery. The book title is "The New Small House."

The New Small House, by Katie Hutchison, published by Taunton Press, October 13th, 2015, for “The Samuel Noakes House” in Winchester, Virginia.

Magazine cover featuring modern architecture with bold curtainwalls at Cedar Rapids Public Library. Highlights innovations in metal architecture and design features.

Metal Architecture, “Metal Roof Panels Clad Children’s Museum”, June 2015, pages 34-35, for the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester, Virginia.

A modern renovated farmhouse with large windows and wooden accents is surrounded by trees and grass, under a clear blue sky.

Contemporist, A Contemporary Renovation For A Virginia Farmhouse, February 2015, for Songbird Lane in Frederick County, Virginia.

Article about a personalized Virginia home designed for a collector, highlighting art, literature, and design, featuring three libraries and a secret door.

Houzz, by Mary Jo Bowling “Houzz Tour: A House as Individual as Its Owner”, January 2015, for the Loft Upon Cork in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Black cover with white geometric "100" design. Title reads "The Design Bureau 100" showcasing architecture and interior design collection. Special edition indicated.

Design Bureau, The Design Bureau 100: A Cardinal Collection of Architecture and Interior Design That Influences Where and How We Exist, published by Alarm Press, 2014, for the Samuel Noakes House and the Lake Holiday House.

Modern two-story house with large windows featured in "Remodeling" magazine. Lawn and outdoor seating visible under a clear blue sky.

Remodeling Magazine, September 2014, page 56, for the Samuel Noakes House, Winchester, Virginia House

Magazine cover with reflective building facade, large "25" text overlay, and "inform" at top. Celebrates 25 years of publication in architecture.

Inform magazine, Volume twenty-five, number one, 2014, for “Women in Architecture: Taking Stock”.

The image shows the cover of "Eco-Library Design" by John A. Flannery and Karen M. Smith, featuring a modern, illuminated library building.

Eco-Libary Design, by John A. Flannery and Karen M. Smith, published by Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht, 2014, for “Loft Upon Cork” in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Magazine cover features a person sitting on a kitchen counter, promoting interior design topics like kitchens and baths, with various articles highlighted.

Design Bureau magazine, Issue 10, March / April, 2012, for Songbird Lane and The Metrobilly.

Cover of "Builder" magazine featuring modern colorful homes against a snowy mountain backdrop, highlighting sustainable building projects. March 2012 edition.

Builder Magazine, March, 2012, for “Loft Upon Cork,” in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Modern home with a glowing pool and sleek architecture featured on a magazine cover about innovative North American designs and architects.

21st Century Homes; Innovative Designs by North America’s Leading Architects, published by Panache Partners, LLC, 2011, for Songbird Lane, Stoney Meadows, Weekend House, and Loft Upon Cork.

Screenshot of a Builder magazine webpage featuring an article on color design in homes, with links to related articles and a sidebar advertisement.

Builder Online, August 2011, for “Loft Upon Cork,” in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

The cover features MFA Boston's modern architecture, with people walking inside. A shiny sculpture is displayed in the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Courtyard.

American Builders Quarterly, July/August 2011, for “Das Swartzenreader Haus,” in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern glass house interior with large windows, stylish furnishings, and wooden floors. Trees surround the living space, creating a serene atmosphere.

Luxury Home Quarterly, June 2011, Page 91, for “Das Swartzenreader Haus,” in Winchester, Virginia.

Luxurious modern interior with wooden accents, sleek seating, and a stylish bar area. Prominent architectural magazine cover highlighting design firms Gwathmey Siegel and Reader & Swartz.

Architecture Leaders Today, Volume II, Spring 2011, Page 93, for “Songbird Lane,” in Frederick County, Virginia, “Das Swartzenreader Haus,” in Winchester, Virginia, “The City Meat Building,” in Winchester, Virginia, and “Loft Upon Cork,” in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

A person is featured on the cover of "remodeling" magazine discussing future challenges in the remodeling industry. February 2011 edition.

Remodeling magazine, February 2011, Page 46, for “Songbird Lane,” in Frederick County, Virginia.

Open wooden doors reveal a path through a lush garden. "Home & Design Portfolio" text promotes top designers in architecture and interior design.

Home & Design Portfolio, 2011, Top 100 Designers, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, DC, MD, VA.

Architecture DC, October 2010, page 23, for “Loft Upon Cork”, in Winchester, Virginia.

A modern architectural structure with a sleek, angular design is featured on a magazine cover titled "Architecture DC."

Architecture DC, October 2009, page 38, for “The City Meat Building”, in Winchester, Virginia.

Four people gather around a book in a school hallway, surrounded by blue lockers. Magazine cover headline reads "Why You Should Hate This School".

Washingtonian magazine, October 2009 for “The Squire” (The Phelps / Cregan Residence), in Frederick County, Virginia.

The cover features a person in red swim shorts and sunglasses, holding a shirt and bottle, with bold headline text about reasons to visit.

Washingtonian magazine, May 2009 for “72 Top Remodelers – Good Architects, Design / Build Firms, and General Contractors – All Chosen by Their Peers – Who Can Get the Job Done Right.”

Two people sit at a table in a modern office, surrounded by bookshelves. The magazine cover features "residential architect" and "the lowdown.”

Residential Architect, January / February 2009 for “The Lowdown on the Downturn from Reader & Swartz and others.”

Magazine cover featuring modern architectural designs and interiors, promoting the 17th Annual Inform Awards, with snapshots of homes and landscape.

Inform, 2008: Issue Number Two, for The Old Frederick County Court House, in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern living room with white furniture, vibrant blue flowers, and large windows. Minimalist aesthetic accentuated by natural light and simple decor.

Veranda magazine, May-June 2008, for the Blue Ridge Pool House, in Clarke County, Virginia.

Two people dining at a restaurant on a magazine cover discussing Washington D.C.'s local eateries and attractions. Headline: "117 neighborhood eats."

Washingtonian magazine, March 2008, for “They Know Design – Here are 37 Top Architects Who Design Beautiful Homes, Additions, and Renovations.”

A person in front of a house is featured on the cover of "Builder" magazine, highlighting small builders' practices.

Builder magazine, March 2008, for The House on Shiner’s Hill (The Swartzenreader Haus), in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern architectural interior featuring reflective glass walls, multiple levels, and abstract sculptures. People walk along transparent walkways, highlighting spacious, innovative design.

Architecture DC, Winter 2007, page 26, for “Cabin on Middle Ridge”, in Highview, West Virginia.

Modern library interior with tall bookshelves, ladder, and seating area. Sunlit space features floor-to-ceiling windows and polished flooring. Clean, minimalist design.

Library Design, by John Flannery and Karen Smith, published by teNeues Publishing Group, 2007, for the Vest-Pocket Library and the Swartzenreader Library, both in Winchester, Virginia.

A person sits indoors against a window overlooking a lake, featured on a magazine cover about residential architecture and leadership awards, 2007.

Residential Architect, November / December 2007, for The City Meat Building, in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern house surrounded by autumn trees, with large windows and angular roof. Features text promoting "Dream Homes" in Greater Washington, D.C.

Dream Homes Greater Washington, D.C. A showcase of the Finest Architects in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., published by Panache Partners, LLC, 2007, which features our firm and four of our residential projects.

A neoclassical interior at Virginia State Capitol, showcasing a person statue under a decorative dome, surrounded by ornate architecture and balconies.

Inform, 2007: Issue Number Two, for The Old Frederick County Court House, in Winchester, Virginia.

A magazine cover showcases diverse architectural styles in Washington, D.C., including the historic National Union Building. The text highlights "Best of 2006."

Architecture DC, Winter 2006, page 26, for “Old Frederick County Court House”, in Winchester, Virginia.

A magazine cover titled "Northern Virginia" features a large green apple with "Top High Schools." Various sections highlight education and local events.

Northern Virginia magazine, September 2006, for Sweetbay Farm, in Statesville, North Carolina.

Glass-walled interior with floating shelves and books, showcasing modern architectural design. Bright natural light filters through, highlighting the open, minimalistic space.

Inform, 2006: Issue Number Two, for The House on Shiner’s Hill (The Swartzenreader Haus), in Winchester, Virginia.

A person joyfully jumps on the Washingtonian magazine cover, promoting 50 activities for excitement. Vibrant text highlights engaging hobbies.

Washingtonian magazine, August 2006, for “Top Remodelers: Here Are Local Architects and Builders Who Get Good Recommendations”, and for the House on Shiner’s Hill (The Swartzenreader Haus), in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern architectural magazine cover features a glass-walled home interior with minimalist decor, greenery, and urban living concepts. Text highlights architecture trends and articles.

Architecture DC, Summer 2006, page 25, for “The Swartzenreader Haus”, in Winchester, Virginia.

Book cover showing a modern house design with large windows and blue roof. Title: "The Face of Home" by Jeremiah Eck.

The Face of Home, by Jeremiah Eck, published by the Taunton Press, 2006, for the Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford, Virginia.

A person holds tacos and drinks, smiling on a "Washingtonian" magazine cover. Headline: "Cheap Eats" with food and restaurant features.

Washingtonian magazine, June 2005, for the Washingtonian Design Awards, for the Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford, Virginia.

A person stands in front of a modern building featured on a magazine cover, discussing design awards and architecture achievements in 2005.

Residential Architect, May 2005, for the House on Shiner’s Hill (the Swartzenreader Haus), in Winchester, Virginia.

Modern house at dusk, partially surrounded by trees. Large windows allow warm light to glow outside. Architecture magazine cover in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Inform, 2004: Issue Number Four, for The House on Shiner’s Hill (The Swartzenreader Haus), in Winchester, Virginia.

A rustic wooden house with yellow doors, surrounded by greenery and mountains. Book cover titled "The Getaway Home" by Dale Mulfinger.

The Getaway Home: Discovering Your Home Away From Home, by Dale Mulfinger, published by The Taunton Press, 2004, for the West Virginia Weekend House, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

A magazine cover featuring fall-themed pastries on plates, highlighting autumn recipes, home awards, and kitchen ideas. Includes "Southern Living" text.

Southern Living, September 2004, for the Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford, Virginia.

Magazine cover for "American Dream Homes," featuring luxurious architecture with elegant arches and a pool, highlighting innovative home solutions and design trends.

American Dream Homes, Fall 2004, for the West Virginia Weekend House, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Two people sitting on a red sofa in modern office setting, with construction visible outside through large windows. Magazine cover text details awards.

Residential Architect, May 2004, for the Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford, Virginia.

Magazine cover featuring nine people, titled "residential architect." Subheadings include topics like proposals and designs. April 2004 issue from Hanley Wood.

Residential Architect, April 2004, for “Architects’ Choice” review of architectural products and materials.

Magazine cover featuring bold text discussing environmental responsibility. Includes images of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol within a large question mark.

Washingtonian Magazine, May 2003, for “Top Remodelers: Here Are Local Architects and Builders Recommended by Experts”.

The image features a modern architectural interior with angular lines, steel beams, glass elements, and a tile floor, under warm ambient lighting.

Inform, 2003: Issue Number Four, for the Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford, Virginia.

Magazine cover featuring a cozy outdoor porch with a fireplace, wicker furniture, autumn decor, and vibrant plant life, titled "Southern Living."

Southern Living, September 2003, for the Seaway House (The Scoville Residence), in Rappahannock County, Virginia.

A collage features diverse architectural projects, sketches, and building designs by Reader & Swartz Architects, showcasing creativity and versatility in structures.

21:4:21 Exhibition. The firm’s work was shown in an exhibit of 21 emerging architects for the 21st century. Sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 2003.

A modern wooden house with large windows, surrounded by trees. It's featured on the cover of "inform" magazine, highlighting Mid-Atlantic architecture.

Inform, 2002: Issue Number Three, for “Low- Tech Livability,” for Seaway House (The Scoville Residence), in Rappahannock County, Virginia.

Magazine cover titled "Inform" on architecture and design. Features a minimalist light and shadow effect on an abstract backdrop.

Inform, 2002: Issue Number Two, for “The Other Elizabeth,” a boutique for Elizabeth Locke Jewels, in Boyce, Virginia.

A magazine cover featuring a cozy reading nook with an armchair, footrest, lamp, and books. Text highlights home design trends and makeovers.

Home magazine, March 2001, for the West Virginia Weekend House, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Magazine cover of Southern Living featuring a cozy living room with a brick fireplace, colorful flowers, and decorative items; focuses on southern homes.

Southern Living, February 2001, for the West Virginia Weekend House, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

A person in an elegant dress graces the cover of "Town & Country" magazine, featuring fall fashion and elegance trends.

Town & Country, September 2000, for “The Other Elizabeth,” a retail store for Locke Jewels in Boyce, Virginia.

A custom home magazine cover featuring a unique architectural house with curved roofs and large windows, surrounded by lush greenery, under a clear sky.

Custom Home, July / August 2000, for the West Virginia Weekend House, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

The image showcases ornate golden curtains with intricate patterns and tassels, featured on a magazine cover about Mid-Atlantic architecture and design.

Inform, 2000, Issue Number One, for the West Virginia Weekend House, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Magazine cover titled "Southern Living" features a porch setting with yellow chairs, plants, and a table. Topics include gardening and George Washington.

Southern Living, February 1999 issue, for an addition to Little Briars (Brown Residence) in Boyce, Virginia

A yellow house with a red roof, stone chimney, and two rocking chairs on a wooden porch, surrounded by trees. Magazine cover text overlays.

Custom Home, March / April 1998 issue, for the McKay / Kalbian Residence.

Colorful magazine cover titled "inform," showcases architecture with small circular images and blue concentric circles against a vibrant yellow background.

Inform, 1997: Number Four Issue, for “Emerging Talent: The Profession’s Next Wave,” and for the McKay / Kalbian Residence in Boyce, Virginia.

Magazine cover featuring holiday dinner setting with candles, fruits, and dishes. Headlines include home decor tips and recipes. Cozy, festive atmosphere.

Southern Living, November 1997, for renovations and additions to the McKay / Kalbian Residence, Boyce, Virginia.

Architecture magazine cover featuring grid design, the words "inform Architecture + Design," map layout, and a glass museum structure with two people underneath.

Inform, Winter 1995 Issue, for the Law Offices of Hobert, Kerr & Perka, P.C., Berryville, Virginia.

Magazine cover titled "Women in Architecture" from Winter 1993, showcasing building images and architectural illustrations. Profiles Virginia Women in Architecture.

Inform, (published by The Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects), Women in Architecture issue, Winter 1993.

Collection of architectural tools and documents, including a trowel, brick, ruler, calculator, and blueprints for young architects on a cluttered desk.

Progressive Architecture, triennial Young Architects issue, July 1993.