Run for the Children

Those who know us beyond building homes, are aware that we are supporters of CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates, and their efforts to raise awareness and funds for the abused and neglected children of Fairfax County.  As a proud partner, we are happy to share some wonderful news with you.

Last Wednesday, Fairfax County honored Fairfax CASA with the top Service Award in the Volunteer Program category! From the CASA press release, “This award validates the extraordinary efforts of our CASA volunteers who demonstrate such dedication in standing up for the rights of abused and neglected children.  Our program was recognized for its enduring commitment to bringing in only the most qualified volunteers and providing those volunteers with the highest level of support so that they may advocate successfully for the children they serve. “

Fairfax CASA invites you to participate in the third annual Run for the Children 8K Race and 3K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 4th. For the third year in a row, the race will be held at the Fairfax County Courthouse complex and feature lively music, delicious food, great prizes, and exciting giveaways.  This race has garnered great support from the citizens of Fairfax and surrounding communities.  Be a part of this special event by visiting www.fairfaxrunforthechildren.com, and to learn more about CASA visit www.FairfaxCasa.org.

I invite you to join forces with us to make a difference in a child’s life. Every child deserves a happy childhood.

~ Ted

Featured Architect – Geri Yantis

As I reflect upon the individuality of each home I have built, each architect I have worked with has their own uniqueness as well. When I began work on a special Potomac project in 1991, I partnered with Geri Yantis. He and I have been working together since those wonderful houses we designed in Avenel. Geri also accompanied me as I was invited to build in The Reserve in McLean, VA and our own Marwood on the Potomac.

Martin G. Yantis (Geri) is a Principal at Sutton Yantis Associates Architects based in Vienna, Virginia. Geri received his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1984 and later attended George Washington University where he received his Masters in Business Administration in 1989. He has been practicing Architecture since 1985 and is currently registered in Virginia, Maryland, DC, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Together, we designed many homes in the Eagle Ridge part of Avenel, as well as on many Custom lots. We have designed custom homes in a wide variety of styles such as Traditional (Mandel Residence, Burke Residence, and more), English Tudor (Hekimian Residence), Contemporary (Mittu Residence), Mediterranean (RajPal Residence & Kataria Residence), and one-of-a-kind style, a Celtic Castle (McGeehin Residence). The pleasure of creating a special home for a client is very rewarding. Of all of the homes Geri has designed, the McGeehin Celtic Castle is the one that stands out the most. It is so unique, and the attention to design and detail throughout the exterior and the interior of the house was quite amazing. From the inception when the client asked to have a “Castle” designed for them, to the execution of the last details, the home truly is like no other.

Geri’s creativity has served us both well and adds a special dimension to our partnership. Visnic Homes’ strength of being able to execute a vision was critical when building the castle, and for that matter, any home. I look forward to many more years of working with architects like Geri.

All the best ~ Ted Visnic

Featured Architect – Bruce Hutchinson

Building a home can only be achieved when the talents in three areas come together to fulfill the dream of our clients. The Builder, the Craftsmen, and the Architect make this possible.

I have worked with several architects over the past 30 years, and I would like to express my appreciation for their talent, hard work, and service. Bruce Hutchinson, president of Hutchinson & Associates of Rockville, is one of these architects.

Bruce studied architecture at the University of Maryland and is a registered architect in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. He began his career under the tutelage of Wilfrid Worland. Wil (1907–1999) was an architect who between the 1930s and the 1990s shaped the suburban landscape of Washington, D.C.  Bruce’s theory of plans begins with circulation and how spaces are connected and relate to each other. He is a good listener and puts as much of the client (ideas and personality) into the house as possible.

Many of Bruce’s projects over the 30 year history of working with Visnic Homes contributed to the shingle revival of the suburbs of Washington, DC in the early 1990’s. The Boone Residence was one of these banner projects. My own home, the Visnic Farmhouse, was drawn by Bruce and served as a model for several other homes now known as The Waynesborough. Other houses like the Corby and Signora Residences, show how well Visnic Homes can collaborate with the client and architect to build a timeless gem.

One project stands out in my Portfolio of Homes. The River House in St. Michael’s, MD. With Bruce’s collaboration and the owner’s strong participation, our team came up with one of the most spectacular projects in Talbot County.

I am very grateful to have worked with Bruce and other talented architects around the Metropolitan area. Being able to execute a vision is our strength. I look forward to many more years of working with architects like Bruce Hutchinson.

Stay tuned for next week’s featured architect.

The Market is Speaking

As a follow up to my blog in the fall, it's my impression momentum is still building. A usual spring enthusiasm is back!

In what now seems like the old days, the post Super Bowl market is beginning to pick up.

It appears the baby boomers are ready to get on to the next phase of like. The time to build the last or second-to-last home is now.  Requests for first floor master bedroom homes is quite the norm, so is maintenance free and lock and go living.

At one of our communities, in the last 60 days, we’ve received three commitments to build a main level master home.

Requests for our brand of quality and service has pulled us as far as Harford County to the north, St Michael’s to the east, Leesburg, to the west, and now to Richmond to the south.

Clearly we are on the other side of one of the toughest times in the history of housing in our area.  And it is exciting for us to see how exciting it is for you.