Cottage on the Cliff Gallery
Completed Projects
A collection of some of our built work
Cottage on a Cliff – Arnold, Maryland
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Perched above the Severn River, this light-filled waterfront cottage represents a thoughtful reimagining of a recently purchased home in need of transformation. With their children now away at college, our clients were ready to downsize and embrace a more relaxed pace of life by the water. MKS Architecture was brought on to help turn the outdated structure into a contemporary, low-maintenance retreat—designed to serve as their forever home.
Working closely with the homeowners, builder, interior designer, and lighting consultant, we preserved the existing footprint while completely reinventing the space to prioritize comfort, light, and sweeping views. Expansive windows, skylights, and full-height glass doors flood the interiors with daylight and bring the outdoors in—framing breathtaking views of the Severn River from nearly every space.
The site presented significant technical challenges, including steep slopes and Maryland’s Critical Area restrictions. During construction, it was discovered that the existing floors and roof were structurally unsound. MKS Architecture worked closely with the builder and county permitting officials to redesign these elements, ensuring the project remained compliant while adapting to the site’s complexities.
The result is a modern cottage that balances resilience and elegance. A refined palette of materials—LP SmartSide siding, Nichiha architectural panels, and high-performance Marvin windows—brings warmth, texture, and durability to the exterior. Inside, the open layout supports both quiet mornings and vibrant gatherings, with every room oriented to capture light, air, and river views.
This project exemplifies our collaborative design approach: listening closely, solving creatively, and shaping spaces that feel both grounded and expansive.
Samadhi Studio – Annapolis, Maryland
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Rooted in a deep appreciation for sound, stillness, and guided meditation, this contemporary studio addition to a traditional Colonial home in Annapolis, Maryland was conceived as a retreat for both introspection and expression. The homeowner approached MKS Architecture with a vision: to create a space that supports meditative practice, performance, and connection—with both self and nature.
The design was inspired by the concept of Samadhi, a state of meditative consciousness in which the wheels of thought come to rest. This idea informed every aspect of the project—from form to function. Upon descending into the studio, visitors are met with a calming sense of openness: vaulted ceilings, sweeping views of the surrounding forest, and abundant natural ventilation foster a space where thought slows and presence deepens.
Windows and doors are strategically placed to frame axial views and capture prevailing breezes, while the sculpted roofline preserves sightlines from the main home to the treetops beyond. Though deeply integrated with the landscape, the studio was intentionally designed as its own architectural entity. A separate entrance, a full bathroom, a compact kitchenette, and a dedicated mechanical ventilation system support its varied uses—from meditation and yoga to work, performance, and entertaining.
At its heart, the studio is both sanctuary and stage—a place where relaxation and celebration coexist. Large double doors open onto a connecting deck, inviting nature to blur the boundary between interior and exterior and extending the sense of calm beyond the walls.
Samadhi Studio Gallery
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Magothy River Retreat – Severna Park, Maryland
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Overlooking the serene waters of the Magothy River, this Severna Park home has been lovingly transformed through its third renovation—this time with a focus on adapting to the current needs of a busy, growing family. MKS Architecture partnered with the homeowners to design a functional, light-filled retreat that supports their everyday routines while enhancing the beauty and livability of their cherished property.
This phase of the renovation introduced a thoughtfully designed second-story addition, featuring a new primary bedroom and bathroom suite, a central laundry room, a home office, and an inviting new entryway. The exterior was refreshed with coastal-inspired detailing to better reflect the home’s waterfront setting and provide a more welcoming curb appeal.
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While much of the home was already working for their needs, several underutilized areas were reimagined to improve flow, function, and storage—bringing new life to familiar spaces. The addition remained within the original footprint and was carefully planned to meet Maryland’s Critical Area regulations.
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As with all successful projects, this was a true team effort. We collaborated with industry partners including Alison Whitacre of Cornerstone Consulting, Deshaies Electric, In Home Stone, and Organizing by Design to bring every detail to life.
The result is a refined and responsive update to a beloved home—designed to meet the moment and serve the evolving needs of a family embracing life on the river.
Magothy River Retreat
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Wye Welcome – Queenstown, Maryland
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Tucked along the banks of the Wye River, this once-humble caretaker’s dwelling has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming and highly functional guest cottage. MKS Architecture collaborated with the homeowners and Mason Construction Company to breathe new life into the existing structure—creating a space that balances comfort, flexibility, and an effortless connection to its surroundings.
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Designed with hospitality in mind, the reimagined cottage features a vaulted ceiling that enhances the sense of space and light, and expansive glazing that opens the living areas to views of the river and the adjacent in-ground pool. A full kitchen, cozy living room with fireplace, bedroom with ensuite bath, and laundry/mudroom allow guests to feel right at home. A standout feature—an awning window that opens to a bar on the patio—blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, making it a perfect spot for entertaining.
Outdoors, a brick patio and walkway link the cottage to the main house, visually unifying the site and reinforcing the property’s traditional character. An outdoor shower adds a casual, coastal touch ideal for poolside living.
In addition to serving as a guest retreat, the cottage was designed to double as a pool house and entertaining hub during the warmer months.
With thoughtful design and attention to detail, the Cozy Guest Cottage is now a welcoming extension of the main home—ready for visitors, summer gatherings, or a quiet moment by the water.
Kitchen renderings throughout the day.
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Wye Welcome Gallery
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Pearl & Ponche Tiki Bar – Annapolis, Maryland
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Located on the iconic City Dock in Historic Annapolis, this full renovation project reimagined an existing restaurant space into a vibrant new destination: Pearl and Ponche Tiki Bar, a dual-concept dining experience that blends elegance with energy.
MKS Architecture led the design of the complete interior renovation, transforming the first two floors of the existing building to support two distinct yet complementary venues. On the first floor, Pearl offers an upscale, refined dining atmosphere, while the second floor houses Ponche Tiki Bar—a lively, playful space that brings bold color, fun textures, and waterfront views to the heart of downtown Annapolis.
Working within the constraints of Historic Annapolis presented unique design and permitting challenges. Our team collaborated closely with the restaurant owner, the general contractor (BuilderGuru Contracting), and city officials to navigate approvals and ensure compliance with preservation requirements, accessibility requirements, and health and safety codes—while still delivering a fresh, forward-thinking design.
The result is a dynamic, multi-level venue that draws a wide range of patrons—from younger crowds enjoying the energy to mature diners seeking a sophisticated waterfront meal.
The Serenity Suite – Arnold, Maryland
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What was once an outdated, inefficient primary suite in this Arnold, Maryland home is now a bright, serene retreat—tailored for comfort, functionality, and aging in place. The homeowners came to MKS Architecture seeking to bring their early 1990s suite into the present, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, thoughtful storage, and a clean, calming aesthetic.
The original layout presented multiple challenges: an oversized, unused tub, a cramped shower, awkwardly sized closets, and dated finishes throughout. We reimagined the entire suite to prioritize usable space and everyday ease. The new design features a spacious walk-in shower with a built-in bench, niche, and discreetly integrated grab bars. A double vanity, generous linen storage, and a private water closet add convenience and elegance.
One of the standout features is a sunlit sitting area where the old tub once stood—now an inviting nook outside the closet, perfect for morning coffee, reading, or simply taking a quiet moment to start the day.
We used architectural renderings and virtual reality tools throughout the design process, which the clients praised for helping them visualize the space and feel confident in their decisions.
This successful transformation was made possible through a strong collaboration with local partners, including:
Contractor: Kitchen and Bath Outfitters – Annapolis, MD
Cabinetry: Design Solutions, Inc. – Annapolis, MD
Tile: Atlas Marble & Tile – Arnold, MD
The result is a refreshed, refined primary suite that brings everyday comfort and peace of mind—now and for years to come.
Creekside Comfort – Annapolis, Maryland
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What began as an awkward, underutilized portion of a waterfront home on Meredith Creek is now a light-filled, guest-ready retreat with smart updates throughout. Our clients came to us with a clear goal: to improve flow, add privacy, and bring comfort and flexibility to a part of the home that just wasn’t working for their lifestyle.
The existing space had its quirks—a garage deeper than necessary with difficult attic access, a disjointed workshop layout, and a guest room that doubled as the laundry area (a little too close for comfort when company was in town). The main stair didn’t meet current codes and was tough to navigate, and the only first-floor bath served both guests and visitors.
We reimagined the layout to create a private, water-facing guest suite that takes advantage of morning light and beautiful views of Meredith Creek. The new ensuite bath provides a spa-like experience for guests and offers the option of a first-floor primary suite for future flexibility and aging in place.
A dedicated powder room keeps things comfortable during gatherings, while a new laundry and mudroom—with natural light and plenty of storage—makes everyday tasks a little easier. We added skylights in the entry foyer to brighten the heart of the home and replaced the staircase with a new open, code-compliant design complete with stair lighting for safety and style.
Rounding out the transformation: a refreshed front porch for a more welcoming entry and improved attic access from the second floor—making better use of the garage and storage areas.
Thoughtfully designed and full of new life, this guest suite makeover is a perfect example of how architecture can bring comfort, convenience, and a little joy to everyday living.
In Progress
A small sample of our work in design or construction
Serene Waterfront Villa – Pasadena, Maryland
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Our vision for this serene waterfront villa reimagines the home as a Mediterranean-inspired retreat designed for year-round entertaining on the Chesapeake Bay. Drawing from the timeless elegance of Florida villas, the design transforms the property into a welcoming, light-filled haven where every space celebrates water views and the joy of gathering.
Inside, the home is tailored for both relaxation and entertainment, with a bar and lounge game room, a home theater, and a caterer’s pantry to support effortless hosting. Outdoor living is equally expansive, featuring a full outdoor kitchen, pool house with guest suite and gym, hot tub, outdoor bar, and generous patio spaces—all overlooking the bay.
The design also provides thoughtful private retreats, including a spa-like primary suite with its own balcony and direct connection to the pool house gym, as well as new living space above the garage to ensure out-of-town guests feel at home. With its blend of Mediterranean character, contemporary amenities, and abundant spaces for gathering, this waterfront villa is truly a place for living and entertaining in every season.
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Outdoors, a brick patio and walkway link the cottage to the main house, visually unifying the site and reinforcing the property’s traditional character. An outdoor shower adds a casual, coastal touch ideal for poolside living.
In addition to serving as a guest retreat, the cottage was designed to double as a pool house and entertaining hub during the warmer months.
With thoughtful design and attention to detail, the Cozy Guest Cottage is now a welcoming extension of the main home—ready for visitors, summer gatherings, or a quiet moment by the water.
Generations on the Bay – Edgewater, Maryland
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Our design for Generations on the Bay creates a 14,000-square-foot waterfront residence in Edgewater, Maryland, thoughtfully planned to bring three generations of family together under one roof. Set along the Chesapeake near Annapolis, the home balances “edgy traditional” style with contemporary comfort, tailored to meet the unique needs of a large and active household.
Working closely with the civil engineer, interior designer, lighting designer, and contractor, we navigated site restrictions to create a home that seamlessly integrates function, beauty, and long-term flexibility.
The design provides abundant spaces for gathering and retreat. A generous eat-in kitchen anchors family life, complemented by a formal dining room and prep kitchen for entertaining. Outdoor living flows from the home to expansive patios and an in-ground pool, perfect for summer celebrations. Practical needs are met with a spacious mudroom designed to organize the rhythms of daily life.
Private suites are carefully arranged for comfort across generations: two first-floor primary suites, two second-floor owners’ suites for parents and grandparents, and accessibility features throughout to support aging in place. This residence is both a welcoming family hub and an enduring home designed to grow with its residents for years to come.
Stair renderings from different vantage points.
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Water’s Edge Retreat – Annapolis, Maryland
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Set on a waterfront property with expansive views of both water and a nearby golf course, this home offered incredible potential for transformation. Our clients came to us with a vision: to open up their living spaces for better flow, capture more water views from the street side of the home, and create a retreat perfectly suited to summer living.
The design reimagines the interior with bright, open, and functional spaces. The fireplace, no longer needed for a seasonal home, was removed to maximize views and light. The kitchen, laundry, and primary suite—including the bath and closet—were fully redesigned to better reflect the clients’ lifestyle and taste. Upstairs, two bedrooms now feature more private and well-appointed bathrooms, enhancing comfort for guests.
The result is a seamless transformation that exceeded expectations: a home that feels fresh, modern, and completely tailored to its setting. Working in close collaboration with the clients’ chosen interior design team, we ensured every detail contributes to a cohesive and inviting waterfront retreat.
The Hidden House – Lothian, Maryland
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Nestled on a rural, wooded lot in Lothian, Maryland, this home is designed to feel both secluded and conveniently accessible to Annapolis. The owners sought a single-floor retreat with an open floor plan, mid-century-inspired interiors, and a dark, moody exterior that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The breezeway, featuring a mostly-glass entry foyer, connects the main house to the garage while framing views of the surrounding woods. Nearby, the back of the garage houses a powder room, mudroom, and laundry, providing practical support for daily life. Polished concrete floors flow throughout the home, unifying the interior spaces with a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Just steps from the living area, a pool invites effortless indoor-outdoor living.
This home balances privacy, comfort, and style, creating a serene retreat that harmonizes with its wooded setting while offering easy access to city amenities.
Decked Out on the Chesapeake – Annapolis, Maryland
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Our design for a new multi-level deck transforms the way this home connects to its stunning Chesapeake Bay views. The existing deck offered limited function—spaces were too small for everyday use, the steep stairs felt unsafe for guests, and the upper-level roof deck sat underutilized and in need of repair.
We’ve reimagined the size, and flow of the deck to create generous, welcoming spaces for both relaxation and entertaining. Thoughtful connections between levels improve comfort and accessibility, while the design ensures that the home’s sweeping bay views remain unobstructed. This re-envisioned deck will give our clients a safe, beautiful, and versatile outdoor retreat perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
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