This site requires javascript. Please enable it and reload the page.

 As an interior designer I work with architects all the time, not to mention builders, painters and other talented craftsmen involved in bringing a project to fruition.  I have always been aware of the architect, Sam Van Dam, due to the fact that several family members have hired him to design their own homes.  I have always admired Sam's structures but, never in a million years thought we would collaborate on a project due to his elevated "star" status and due to my somewhat "not" star status.  Not to worry for those of you thinking you'll never work with an architect that you admire - you will, if you persevere and stay positive.  I am going to post a few of Sam's architectural structures/designs with a narrative of his background.  He graduated Cum Laude from Harvard and so did my very own husband - just not Cum Laude...with that in mind we will move forward.  This structure below is a horse barn and arena that Sam designed for an Islesboro resident.  The lines of this structure are pure, clean and minimalist.  Island life is simple, therefore Sam designed a sophisticated, simple structure.  I have seen it and I love it.  From the road it is perfectly in keeping with island life.

As much as I love the architectural purity of the horse barn complex above, I also adore the genius of how Sam related the house to the pool with this home in the below photograph...I think this makes you want to dive into the pool (laps optional).  That is what good architecture is all about. 

I know Sam as a master doodler - whenever we are together the pen is flying all over any scrap of blank paper space.  It seems he likes to speak through his drawing much like people speak with their hands.  He is quite exceptional that way as you can see in his drawings and watercolors.

Sam Van Dam

Van Dam Architecture and Design - Maine, New England and Beyond