Featured Architect: Enco Construction, Millwood, New York

In this section, we spotlight an independent design professional who has worked with Crown Point on various projects. This month, we are proud to introduce you to Pat Ende, owner of Enco Construction!

Pat Ende (left) and his partner, Tony Dapolito, recently completed this Crown Point kitchen in Chappaqua, New York

Company: Enco Construction

Located in Millwood, New York, Enco Construction Services builds and remodels homes in the Westchester and Fairfield County areas as well as in Upper Manhattan. Whether remodeling an 18th Century Victorian, building a new Craftsman Bungalow, or adding on to a country cottage, Enco strives to blend the old construction with the new, creating a beautiful period style look.

What makes Enco Construction special?
The quality of our work and high standard of customer service. We try to minimize the disturbance to our customers and maintain a level of quality and cleanliness that we would keep in our own home.

How do you approach a new project?
For us, the key is to achieve a look that appears to be original to the home. We always start by assessing which period style and materials would best fit the home. My favorite thing to hear upon the completion of a remodel or addition is, "what did you add?"

What do you believe is the most crucial phase in remodeling a home?
Finishing. The finer details such as setting cabinets, applying trim and finishing the floors can make or break the project. The finishing touches provide the real character to the home.

Do you have a favorite Crown Point project?
All of my projects are great, but so I don't offend anyone, I'll say my favorite is my own Crown Point kitchen! We renovated an old carriage house deep in the woods and were careful to maintain the country look. The cabinetry was designed in keeping with the period style of the home, complete with a Barn Red Milk Paint finish.

Featured Architect for July

David Mehlin, Architect AIA

David Mehlin, based in Ispwich Massachusetts, has been a registered Architect since 1969. After years of working in prestigious large firms, David branched out to launch his own firm in 1985. Since then, he has been working more closely with his clients, designing beautiful homes from the north shore of Boston, down to Cape Cod.

What sets you apart from other architects in your area?
I think my background brings a unique approach and discipline to my work. Early in my career, I was with large firms designing high rise buildings and large public schools. I later realized that I wanted to work more closely with people on a smaller scale. So, over twenty years ago, I made a conscious decision to open a small, highly personalized residential practice.

How would you characterize the homes you design?
The homes usually have contemporary, open plans and amenities but are executed in a somewhat traditional language. At least in New England, I find there is little call for the truly "modern house-" a flat roof or glass box.

How do you approach a new design?
I start with what I call the Big Three Form Givers; program, site and budget. To those I would add the spatial concept and context of the surroundings. Frankly, though, much of what I do falls in the realm of inspiration and ideas, and I have no idea where any of that comes from!

What do you believe is the key to coming up with the best design for each client?
Listening. Patience. Hard work.

What is the most crucial phase in designing a home?
The early concept. The siting of the building, its orientation, massing and scale. These are the things that can't be changed later on if you get them wrong.

Do you currently have any projects under way with Crown Point?
Yes. I am working with Carole Stevens, my Crown Point Sale Designer, on a large kitchen in a wonderful older home. We are finalizing the details on cabinetry for the kitchen as well as two bathrooms and several custom pieces.

What are some projects you've done with Crown Point in the past?
We just finished working on a very ambitious coastal home together. Crown Point handcrafted cabinetry for a large, very open and central kitchen as well as in three bathrooms, a pantry and a beautiful custom hutch in the dining room.

David worked with Crown Point in several rooms of this coastal home designed by him

What do you like about working with Crown Point?
First of all, the quality of the cabinetry is excellent. Installers always praise your product-which is rare! Then, there are the people at Crown Point who manage to be both highly professional and fun to work with at the same time. That's rare too! Finally, Crown Point's custom capabilities open up real design possibilities for me, which is priceless.

How do you spend your free time?
Time with my wife is my favorite thing. We have a place on Cape Cod where we enjoy boating and the beach at every opportunity!

David Mehlin cruises along the Cape in his boat, an Eastern 18 made in New Hampshire