Journey                                                                    Email Joe Hill

As a native of Delmarva’s Eastern Shore, I grew up surrounded by a wide range of architectural styles and the importance of aesthetic beauty and a sense of place is ingrained in me. From the grand Queen Ann Victorians and stately Colonials, to the modest Arts and Crafts style, I appreciate their distinctive use of details and contributions to neighborhoods and communities.

Over time, I traveled the world and studied many more architectural styles, absorbing the proper use of scale, proportion, and detail. Organizations such as the Institute of Classical Art and Architecture and the American Institute of Building Design allowed me to strengthen my design skills, and with an extensive background in residential construction, I opened my own architectural drafting business in 1991. Combined with my experience serving on a local planning commission, I recognize the importance that good design brings to one's quality of life and am proud to offer a well rounded, excellent quality of work to your project.

Alternative Building Methods

During my career, I have incorporated alternative building methods such as timber frame construction, which is the use of timbers or posts and beams put together by the traditional method of mortise and tennon joinery and fastened by wooden pegs. The exterior of the frame of the house is then sheathed with structural insulated panels to provide a superior building envelope with minimal thermal interruptions.

I also have experience working with insulated concrete forms (ICF). This method of construction provides a very strong, highly efficient exterior building envelope which in turn provides a quiet energy efficient home.

Most recently, I was involved with the design of the 25th certified “Passive House” in the United States. A passive house is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain, internal gain, and other methods so that energy losses are minimized. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.

What's Next

I will continue to incorporate innovative building practices with traditional design practices. Whether a single structure or a neighborhood, my goal is to design elegant, energy efficient buildings with a strong sense of place and purpose. Give me a call and let's talk about YOUR goals and design dreams.