Project Spotlight: The Turner Farmhouse Foundation
As architects in the Northern Virginia/D.C. area, we’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing clientele with even greater initiatives. Most recently, we’ve begun working with The Turner Farmhouse Foundation, a non-profit organization providing meeting space for grief and bereavement programs. We’re so excited to see the finished design come to life and grateful to be included in such an impactful project!
Matt Lee, Founding Principal at Lee Design Studio, shares the process of working on this project:
How did you get connected with The Turner Farmhouse Foundation?
Lee Design was first introduced to The Turner Farmhouse and its owner, Sarah Kirk, through one of our partners. Sarah was in search of a design firm that could help her navigate the unique permitting process and design challenges that accompanied the remodel of a historic home.
What is most interesting about this project?
The story behind this historic property! The plan for The Turner Farmhouse is to repurpose the home into a retreat for those who are dealing with tough life challenges, which is an incredible testament to how architecture can positively impact society.
Have you experienced any setbacks?
The project has gone smoothly so far. When working with any nonprofit budget is typically limited and material costs are currently posing a challenge. Knowing all this, Sarah has been a huge help in organizing volunteers to help with some of the labor and keep costs down.
Are you taking any unique approaches with this design in particular?
Our overall goal is to improve the property as much as we can while meeting ADA. When designing this project we had to keep in mind the families that will be attending the home, so our design includes a wheelchair lift to make it accessible for all.
How is your design facilitating the goals of the organization?
The purpose of the remodel is to allow multiple families to stay comfortably at the Turner Farmhouse and meet with counselors and educators for grief counseling programs and healing. Our team met the specific building code and zoning requirements to make that possible while making the space comfortable and accommodating.
When can we expect to see the finished product?
We should be seeing a functioning space by late fall 2023!
If you would like to learn more about The Turner Farmhouse Foundation or make a donation to help support their efforts visit them at www.turnerfarmhouse.org. To keep up to date on more of our Northern Virginia architecture firm projects, follow us on Instagram @leedesignstudiova.