___________________________________________________________________________ Peterson and Collins Builders
Peterson and Collins is an awardwinning custom homebuilder specializing in high-end residential construction . The firm ’ s core philosophy is executing flawless superior craftsmanship . With 47 years in business , the company has created an enduring legacy of unique homes that demonstrate the principle that it is possible to achieve excellence without sacrificing efficiency . Its clients enjoy the process of receiving a topquality home , constructed to the highest standards on time and within budget .
The business was founded in 1977 by George Collins and Ted Peterson , who met while teammates on the Bucknell University soccer team . Upon graduation , the pair decided to combine their entrepreneurial outlook and building skills to embark on a business that has since brought them an abundance of success . They have since tackled new construction , renovation , and historic restoration across Washington DC , Maryland , and Virginia .
One of the company ’ s latest projects , the Levelle Drive residence , is a house with a twist , as it was constructed for its very own Ted Peterson . The property was designed to stand out as an example of architecture as art . Ted joins us from Levelle Drive to share more details on the construction process and how he ’ s made this house , his home .
“ If you can live in one custom designed modern home at this artistic level , you ’ re very fortunate , but I ’ ve been privileged to live in not one , but two stunning homes ,” Ted opens . “ I previously lived in our Quincy Street residence , which was my first collaboration with architect , Robert Gurney . From this project grew a strong 25-year relationship during which we have constructed many of his signature designs .
“ When it came to my new house on Levelle Drive , I knew I wanted something modern , and I wanted Robert Gurney to design my home . Having collaborated with him for quite some time , I have the highest regard for his talent , and I trusted his vision . My only request was that the project be designed and constructed in two phases , where an accessory apartment , located above the garage building , would be completed in phase one which would allow me to move in quickly . Phase two , the main house , would be executed over an extended period . The accessory apartment could ultimately be used as a separate living space for family , guests , or staff .
I have been truly fortunate to have established a relationship with Douglas Gold of the Lincoln Glenn Gallery in NYC
An architectural twist
“ The site had an existing rambler , which we took down to the first floor , and the design came from there . It was amazing to watch Robert quickly produce a preliminary schematic design that ultimately ended up being remarkably close to the final design . When it came to construction , Robert ’ s designs are built under what we call a Zero Tolerance Policy , which means that each component must be within one eight of an inch because modern design does not involve trim that conceals variances . In other words , it ’ s either perfect , or it must be redone .
“ Although we constructed the house like any other , everyone who worked on the project was , of course , conscious that they were working on ‘ Ted ’ s home ’,” he laughs . “ Suddenly , I was no longer just the builder , but instead the client and the builder , so now I have a greater appreciation of the process and relationship between the architect , the builder , and the
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