Q&A: What type of projects does your firm do?

Our firm specializes in both commercial and residential projects. GARC has a solid reputation for delivering successful outcomes in both project types. Our design process is user-centered and research-oriented, allowing us to understand the unique needs of each project and collaborate closely with our clients to bring their vision to life. Our commercial projects are diverse and encompass a wide …

Gallery House

Gallery HouseNorfolk, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2020-2022Client/ PrivateStatus/ Under Construction Structure Design: McPherson DesignLandscape Architect: Ann P. Stokes Landscape ArchitectsCivil Engineer: MidAtlantic Surveying and Land Design, Inc.General Contractor: Covington Contracting IncGallery House is a new construction project in Norfolk, VA situated on a picturesque waterfront property. The site design poses a significant challenge due to its location in a complex flood zone and the …

Flow into Nature

Flow into NatureVirgina Beach, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2019-20Client/ PrivateStatus/ Completed Structure Design: Small Potatoes Structural EngineeringMechanical Design: PermitZipGeneral Contractor: Oceanside StructuresEvery renovation project is a conversation with the existing structure. When the existing building has its own unique character and features, the dialogue becomes more engaging and inspiring. The full renovation of this Mid-Century Modern house built in 1951 is one …

Pavilion House

Pavilion HouseHampton, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2020-2021Client/ PrivateStatus/ CompletedIn the last couple of years, we have started to see more and more hidden gems of mid-century modern houses in the Hampton Roads area and are fortunate to work on some of the renovations. This MCM house in Hampton is one of our latest design. The goal is to reveal its potential beauty and …

Contempo Living

Contempo LivingNorfolk, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2018-2020Client/ PrivateStatus/ CompletedThis project is a renovation of a custom home built in the 1970s. The goal is to create an open floor plan with optimized flow for entertaining as well as daily use.Also included in the design is to transform and  update the exterior of the home to reflect more contemporary aesthetic. Another key component of …

Modern Wing

Modern WingsVirginia Beach, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2019-2021Client/ PrivateStatus/ Design.Elevation StudyBefore & AfterClient”…”Related ProjectsView AllPavilion HouseContempo Living

Vacation at Home

Vacation at HomeVirginia Beach, VAType/ Single-Family Home RemodelTime/ 2017-2018Status/ CompleteThe Morgan house is a renovation of a ranch house with aging-in-place concept. The design focused on a senior couple who have been living in the house for over 20 years. GARC  believes that designing a renovation project for aging-in-place should not just be a passive response to resolve the functional …

Wellington Building

Wellington BuildingNorfolk, VAType/ Apartment BuildingTime/ 2020-2021Client/ Lightwell Development GroupStatus/ CompletedAward/ NPC Preservation Awards of Excellence People’s Choice AwardIt has been quite a challenge to convert a 100-year old building in Ghent Historic District into modern apartments, while keeping the original historic features and complying with today’s code and lifestyle. It involves close collaboration with MEP engineers, Tax Credit consultants, as well …

MCM Revisited

MCM RevisitedVirginia Beach, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2021-2023Client/ PrivateStatus/ DesignWhen the client approached us for their home renovation, they had considered multiple concepts but hadn’t settled on a final decision. The objective was to construct a two-story addition including a two-car garage and a second-floor suite. Additionally, the client expressed a strong desire to incorporate more mid-century modern design elements into their 1950s …

Water Pavilion

Water PavilionVirginia Beach, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2021Client/ PrivateStatus/ DesignThis project is a Mid-Century Modern pool house renovation and outdoor kitchen addition in Norfolk, VA. The pool house was originally designed to serve the neighborhood. Not only it has a plain utility look, especially interior, but also the relationship between pool house and the current main house is weak. The space between the …

Folding House

Folding HouseVirginia Beach, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2020-2021Client/ PrivateStatus/ DesignThis single-family house in the Thoroughgood Neighborhood has very good bones and strong Mid-Century Modern features. The clients moved into the house several years ago and planned to make it a long-term home. In this split-level house, the flow to the kitchen on the upper level and the family room on the lower level …

Happy Fall!

Our summer was jam packed with exciting projects. Check out some of the recent projects that we have been working on in the Hampton Roads area since our last report. We are so excited for Patrick and Maria at the Ruff House Stay and Play! Their project, encompassing over 12,000SF, was completed this past August. Now there’s an awesome new dog daycare …

Two-Grid House

Two-Grid HouseSuffolk, VAType/ Residential Time/ 2019-2020 Client/ Private Status/ Design SketchesMockups.Heather and Andres”GARC designed a significant remodel of our home. We loved their ability to mix modern and conventional features into the design. Yang and Suping are also extremely kind and helpful. Their work is top tier and we would strongly recommend their firm.”Related ProjectsView AllFlow Into NatureAlternative Mid-Century ModernTwo-Grid HouseSuffolk, VA …

Hybrid House

Hybrid HouseSmithfield, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2018-PresentClient/ PrivateStatus/ Under ConstructionThe Eck House project is a new construction, single family house located in the county of Isle of Wight, Virginia. The project explores using a prefabricated steel structure system for the building envelope, and a traditional wood framing structure for the interior. By using a combination of wood planks and corrugated metal panels, the …

Gallery Walk House

Gallery WalkChesapeake, VA Type / ResidentialTime / 2017Client/ PrivateStatus / DesignWith this project, our client (an artist by trade), requested the design to match their taste.  This meant at GARC, we needed to transform the existing Ranch Style home to reflect one that represented a Gothic Revival style. The new exterior design creates a greater sense of arrival, and also leads people …

Learning Boat

Learning BoatNorfolk, VAType/ ResidentialTime/ 2015Client/ PrivateStatus/ ConceptualThe treehouse prototype was commissioned by a family whose house is one block away from the beach with a beautiful ocean view from a huge oak tree in front of it. The concept of “Learning Boat” is intended to create a treehouse in the beach context as a fun and meaningful learning place. On the …