Behind the Glass Walls: Celebrating the DC Region’s Mid-Century Modern Masters
One of the most fascinating aspects of living and working in the Washington, DC metro area is how rich our region is in mid-century modern architectural history. While California often gets the spotlight, DC quietly cultivated its own legacy through the vision and innovation of a few brilliant minds who believed in light, openness, and harmony with nature.
If you’ve ever admired the clean lines of a flat roof against the sky, the seamless transition between indoors and out, or walls of glass framing the woods of Maryland or the hills of Virginia—chances are, you’ve seen the influence of these three mid-century modern pioneers. Let’s take a deeper look:
1. Charles M. Goodman: The Godfather of DC Modernism
You can’t talk about mid-century modern homes in the DC region without mentioning Charles Goodman. Known for his forward-thinking, accessible modern designs, Goodman helped bring MCM ideals to the masses.
Notable Work:
Hollin Hills (Alexandria, VA): A wooded enclave of over 450 modernist homes, many of which were custom-designed by Goodman. It’s now a nationally recognized historic district and still draws architecture lovers from across the country.
Hammond Wood (Silver Spring, MD): Another Goodman-designed neighborhood, now on the National Register of Historic Places. These homes highlight his signature use of natural materials, clerestory windows, and post-and-beam construction.
📚 Want to learn more?
Charles M. Goodman: Bio by Stephen Brooks
2. Nicholas Satterlee: Brutalist Edges Meet Organic Simplicity
Trained at Harvard under Walter Gropius, Satterlee blended modernist precision with warm, livable interiors. While not as prolific as Goodman, his contributions were every bit as impactful.
Notable Work:
The Satterlee House (Washington, DC): Built in 1958 and featured in Architectural Record, this home is a gem tucked away in the Forest Hills neighborhood.
Temple Sinai in Washington DC and several private residences across the district and Montgomery County and Falls Church that emphasized natural topography and passive design.
Capital Park Apartments, now called Potomac Place Tower in Southwest DC.
3. Francis Donald Lethbridge: A Hidden Talent Behind the Curtain Wall
While less of a household name, F. Donald Lethbridge made significant contributions through his firm Keyes, Lethbridge & Condon. Their work married functionality with flair and helped define suburban mid-century design in the DMV.
Notable Work:
Carderock Springs (Bethesda, MD): A planned community where modernist homes follow the contours of the land. These homes feature open floor plans, natural wood finishes, and soaring windows.
Rock Creek Woods (Silver Spring, MD): Designed to blend into the forested landscape, this community feels like a retreat from the city—without ever leaving Montgomery County.
📖 Recommended reading:
Best Addresses: A Century of Washington's Distinguished Apartment Houses – while focused on multifamily architecture, it gives insight into the era’s broader aesthetic and social ideals.
Why This Matters
These architects didn’t just build homes—they designed lifestyles. They championed simplicity, light, efficiency, and a sense of place that resonates deeply with modern homeowners today. Their legacies live on not only in architecture journals but in the very homes we live in, love, and seek to preserve.
If you’re dreaming of finding one of these treasures—or selling a home with pedigree—I’d love to be your resource. Whether you’re searching for a Charles Goodman masterpiece, or simply love the clean lines and nature-focused design of the mid-century modern movement, I can help. Be sure to visit the mid-century modern page to see what homes are currently available.
