FROM THE DESK
A DC AREA LIFESTYLE BLOG
Chloethiel Woodard Smith: The Woman Who Designed Modern Washington
Chloethiel Woodard Smith planned half of Southwest DC, ran the largest woman-owned architecture firm in America, and designed mid-century communities from Falls Church to Reston. Here is her work, her influence, and the contested ground it stands on.
The Window Problem in DMV Mid-Century Homes: What Local MCM Owners Need to Know
Charles Goodman put walls of glass on modest houses across Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, and seventy years later those windows are the best and worst thing about them. Here is what actually applies in our climate, which neighborhoods require review board approval before you touch a frame, and how the wrong replacement window quietly costs you at resale.
Situated Modernism: The Seven Great Mid-Century Modern Communities of the Washington DC Region
Charles Goodman called Hollin Hills his architectural laboratory. It was one of seven DC-area communities where visionary architects and risk-taking builders proved that modern design belonged to the middle class. Here is the definitive guide to situated modernism in the nation's capital.
Mid-Century Modern vs. New Construction: The Surprising Similarities - and the Size Gap They Solve
Mid-century modern homes mirror today’s new-construction trends because both emphasize clean lines, simple forms, and a strong connection to nature. With large windows, open spaces, and light-filled rooms, MCM design delivers many of the same features buyers expect in modern builds—without the oversized footprints common in today’s 5,000+ square-foot new homes. For buyers seeking contemporary design in a more efficient size range, mid-century modern homes offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative that blends modern aesthetics with a smaller, highly livable layout.
Why Mortgage Rates Follow the 10-Year Treasury and Not the Federal Reserve Rate
When the Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25% in October 2025, mortgage rates rose instead of falling - confusing many buyers and homeowners. Here's why: mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed rate.
Saving the Luan: A Guide to Restoring Mid-Century Mahogany Paneling (Without Painting It)
When the time comes to update the wood paneling in your mid-century modern gem, painting isn’t your only option; Consider refinishing the paneling instead to retain the authentic retro character.
From The Desk is a DMV-focused blog, highlighting the joys of living in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Offering insight ranging from design tips, things to do, and beautiful homes, to upcoming events and local developments, the goal is to keep readers engaged, and updated on what’s happening locally. Author Joshua Baumgardner is a local realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and comes from a background of family real estate. Joshua is a graduate of James Madison University and Florida State University. Prior to a career in real estate, Joshua was a professional opera singer, and has sang across the US and Europe.
jbaumgardnder@ttrsir.com