Michael Rouse, AIA 

Principal Architect at MPR Architecture 

Michael is the principal architect at MPR Architecture in Washington, DC.  His firm specializes in renovations, additions and new custom homes in the Metropolitan area.  As an architect, he believes that listening is important in crafting elegant design solutions.  He believes in listening to his clients and learning about their unique needs while also listening to the existing architecture of their home to craft spaces that feel rooted in tradition and designed for modern living.

His firm holds to three main philosophies:

First, Michael believes that architecture should draw on design elements that have stood the test of time, but they should be interpreted in fresh ways. Just as importantly, architectural solutions should be designed for both the demands and comforts of modern life.

Second, architectural design should respond to each home's specific site and context, with architecture that is well-proportioned and intentional. A home should be designed for the functions of today and be built for many future years of enjoyment and shelter.

And lastly, collaboration produces the best results. Understanding our clients' problems and desires for their home is the most important work we do. Collaborating with contractors, interior designers, and other professionals ensures that each project is completed in harmony and with the best possible outcome.

Learn more about MPR Architecture at www.mprarchitecture.com.

Caroline Ervin, Kent Resident & Owner of the Georgetown Garden Shop

The Georgetown Garden Shop was born at a cafe in Paris in 2022, after owner Caroline Ervin realized there weren't enough garden furniture and decor shops in DC that fit her clients' needs. While visiting her daughter who was working in Europe, Caroline shared her dream of being the “little old lady in the garden shop,” and with the support of her husband, found the perfect location on the beautiful cobblestoned O Street in Georgetown.

 

Caroline has been a landscape designer in the mid-Atlantic for 20 years, specializing in residential gardens in Washington, DC, and its nearby suburbs, creating gardens with English and French styles, incorporating native and non-invasive plants. A lifetime of hands-on gardening experience gives her additional understanding and knowledge of soils, plants and diseases.

 

Her garden style comes through in her in-store selections - the shop partners with the iconic brand Brown Jordan for outdoor furniture and sources high quality garden decor and accessories that are both beautiful and functional. Each product in the store is like a recommendation from a trusted friend.

The shop carries gorgeous and interesting planters, and can help customers and order furniture for their outdoor spaces, design planter displays and special order planters, fountains, ornaments and other garden elements. The shop also offers a wide variety of vases, gardening tools, linens and serving pieces, and accessories for outdoor entertaining.

 

More than just a retail space, The Georgetown Garden Shop is a growing community for people to share and learn about gardens, from experienced gardeners to those who just love flowers or want to learn about nature.  The shop frequently hosts workshops and demonstrations on floral design and native and pollinator plants.

 

Caroline has truly found her purpose in life of making the world a more beautiful place and sharing it with others.