The DK Studio Summer Retreat: Finding Design Inspiration on Vacation
We Explore the Architecture of Vermont and Montreal During Our Austin Architecture Firm’s Summer Retreat
As summer comes to a close, we wanted to take some time to reflect on our Austin architecture firm’s 2022 Summer Retreat. This year, the DK Studio team fled the hot Texas sun to spend some time up north in Vermont and Montreal. During our travels, our team of architects was able to unwind while garnering design inspiration in a region with vastly different architectural styles than our own. In our travelog, we’re recapping some of the favorite sights we saw during our architectural retreat — from the grandeur of the Montreal Basilica to the quaintness of Vermont Foursquare homes. After all, finding design inspiration on vacation is one of the best parts of traveling!
2022 Summer Retreat
Finding Architectural Design Inspiration on Vacation
Every now and then, we all need a change of scenery. For example, our Austin architects see the same collection of architectural styles during our daily commute to the studio. Our area of Texas is dotted with homes designed in the Hill Country style and some not-so-great examples of Modern design. Of course, there are beautiful homes too. However, exploring a region of drastically different architectural styles can open your eyes to new ideas. As we drove through the Vermont countryside and walked the streets of Old Montreal, we were inspired by the history and styles that were so different from what we see here in Texas.
Streets of Old Montreal
Where We Found Our Summer Design Inspiration
From the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, to the cobblestone streets of Montreal, Quebec, here are some beautiful spots where we found design inspiration.
Billings Memorial Library and the University of Vermont
The Billings Memorial Library at the University of Vermont was designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and constructed in 1883. The building served as the university library until a larger space was built in 1961. It then served as a student union but was recently restored to a research library in 2018. On the exterior, we were struck by the monochromatic red stonework and the use of vertical and horizontal lines to create a grand entrance. Inside, the space is filled with stunning carved woodwork — from the oversized fireplace to the railings to the exposed beams. In the circular apse, curved beams come together in a single point for a dramatic effect.
Billings Memorial Library at the University of Vermont/Photo by Dianne Kett
Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal
In Old Montreal, we walked cobblestone streets admiring the intricately carved stonework on cafe fronts until we reached the Notre-Dame Basilica. The church's groundbreaking began in 1823, and it was dedicated in 1829. It is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its elongated pointed archways, stained glass windows, and towers flanking either side of the structure. Inside, the stunning space reveals an elaborate interior finished in rich blues, reds, purples, and gold. It was amazing to see the history of this church and a design that is impossible to recreate today!
Notre-Dame Basilica/Photo By Dianne Kett
Grand Empire Style Townhomes
While traveling between Vermont and Montreal, we came across many grand Empire style townhomes, a style we hardly ever see in Texas. This turn-of-the-century style pulls elements of French design. It is characterized by a mansard roof, dormer windows, red brick, gingerbread trim work, and a central tower or pavilion marking the front of the home. Empire architecture is seen throughout Canada and the Northeast United States.
Charming Foursquare Homes
In contrast to grand Empire townhomes, Vermont neighborhoods are also filled with charmingly modest Foursquare homes. While Empire homes are difficult to recreate today, Fouesquares remain a practical design option. This design style is divided into four blocks housing living and dining rooms on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor with a kitchen and bath in the back of the home. The style was widespread from the turn of the century through the 1930s and opposed the ornateness of the Empire style. In many ways, Foursquares feel similar to Craftsman homes but with a more straightforward take.
The Original Farmhouse Style
You’ve heard us say it's time to break up with the Modern Farmhouse trend that’s so popular here in Austin. However, while we were in Vermont, we got to see the original farmhouses from which the style was derived. It was a reminder about staying true to design history and honoring the roots of a design style — for its aesthetic, practicality, and role in history. So, while we’re still not big fans of the Modern Farmhouse look, we can appreciate where it began.
Country Roads
Scenic Pastures and Lakeside Retreats
While our team of Austin architects spent much of our trip on architectural excursions, sketching, and taking photos for our inspiration boards, we also took time to relax along the shores of Lake Champlain. We went berry picking in the countryside, baked pies, and enjoyed the peace and quiet of sitting on our lakeside porch. Even though we took some much-needed time to recharge, these experiences were reminders of how to design around a lifestyle to create an enjoyable space to live, work, and play. Many of the best architectural designs, like the Adirondack style, don’t adhere to one style aesthetic. Instead, they combine different elements while staying true to design principles of function, form, and natural connection.
Lakehouse Porch
Recharged and Ready to Design
Now that we’ve taken some time to recharge, we’re back in our Austin architecture studio and ready to design! We can’t wait to use the inspiration from our summer travels in our upcoming projects. This month on the blog, we’ll also be going into more depth on topics including the Billings Library, Empire style, and Foursquare homes. So, stay tuned for more!
The DK Studio Team