Private Paradise was envisioned for a client’s retirement from the nine-to-five workday and commuter traffic, allowing for a simpler lifestyle closer to nature. The oceanfront home at sea level is designed to maximize ocean views and facilitate rainwater collection. Large windows and doors open to the sea and prevailing breezes. Rainwater is gathered from the […]
Silo House was designed to evoke the barn and silo that once stood on this site and to nurture a friendship with horses. A four-stall barn connects to the main house, much like homes and barns were designed in early America. The house and stalls step down to the natural grade, with the stalls situated […]
A dilapidated 1700s log house with an 1800s addition was meticulously restored and updated. A stone addition was designed on the right. All the stones used for the house and terraces were harvested from this site. We later added the carriage house with a large apartment above the garage. Fauquier County, Virginia Exterior of carriage […]
The addition was designed using a ‘hyphen’ to minimize its visual impact and maintain a subordinate relationship with the historic structure. Other architectural strategies include breaking down the addition’s mass into smaller elements, keeping it lower and positioned behind the main house, and utilizing similar roof pitches and materials to complement the historic residence. The […]
Waterloo Cottage was built on a quarter-acre lot in an established neighborhood. It was designed to blend with the streetscape regarding the size, scale, and massing of the nearby homes (be a good neighbor). Rain chains extend from the large overhanging eaves to direct water to the ground instead of relying on downspouts. The architecture […]
The clients wanted a home designed to look like an old farmhouse that had been added onto over time. Stone harvested from the site, clapboard siding, and a standing-seam metal roof were used as exterior materials to evoke the old farmhouse ambiance. The interiors feature high ceilings, hand-hewn wood beams, and wide plank heart pine […]
The primary design focus for Mountain View House was to create an open, flowing interior with guest rooms for visits from children and grandchildren. The clients prioritized quality over quantity, opting for beautiful materials and design details within a modestly sized home. A modern variation of the “dog trot” house—a style common throughout the Southeast […]
The clients envisioned a country farmhouse for their children and grandchildren to enjoy while visiting their Virginia farm. The design features a three-sided wrap-around porch that offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding meadows. A central cupola allows natural light to fill the second-floor hall. A southwest sunroom opens to a covered […]
Pond View House integrates into the natural topography, requiring minimal land disruption during construction. Both levels are accessible at grade, taking advantage of the site’s expansive views. The roofline follows the surrounding landscape in all directions. Natural stucco, stone, and wood were chosen for the exterior materials to reflect the setting. Stained wood trim details […]
The design of this modest house was inspired by a young family’s desire for their new home to fit appropriately into an older neighborhood yet have a modern feel. Traditional forms and elements were used to create a fresh statement. The first-floor plan has many points to access the covered porch. A central cupola filters […]
The client’s appreciation for Japanese and American Prairie-style architecture influenced the design of “Hickory Wind.” The design uses the topography and chevron shape to maximize the expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Warrenton, Virginia https://jameshricko.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JHA_HickoryWind.mp4 Rendering, Hickory Wind, west elevation. Image by James Hricko Architect LLC. Rendering, Hickory Wind, south west elevation. Image by […]
Melrose Castle, built in 1853, served as a Union Army headquarters during the Civil War. The owners wanted a garage addition that was compatible with the Gothic structure. A four-car, side-loading garage with a breezeway connecting to the castle was designed to appear as an extension. Architectural concrete blocks were selected to match the color […]
This authentic Sears, Roebuck & Co. bungalow was mail-ordered and delivered by local rail in the 1930s. The clients wanted to preserve the architectural integrity of the one-story bungalow. The project involved updating the interiors and expanding them to accommodate guests. A one-story guest cottage was designed at the rear of the property. This arrangement […]