regional focus / HAMPTONS
Shelter Island Residence Completed: 2010 Location: Long Island, NY johndavidrosearchitect.com
John David Rose Architect Long Island native builds upon local heritage
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by Amy Howell Hirt The saying “You can never go home again” doesn’t particularly apply to architect John David Rose. Born and raised on the eastern end of Long Island, he now works where others go to vacation. “One of the great things about working here is it’s just a wonderful place to be,” Rose says. “The climate, the water, the open space – there is a lot of local flavor.” For Rose, the Hamptons are as much a part of his DNA as his career in architecture; his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and even greatgreat-grandfather were all builders. But rather than join a family business, Rose opened his own company and has created his own legacy; becoming one of the larger architecture firms on eastern Long Island and one of the oldest in Southampton Village. “We develop long-term relationships with our clients,” Rose says. “I have been very lucky to have clients who are very intelligent, fun and caring, and open to new design ideas. They have a great sense of humor, and many times we start as strangers and end up as very good friends.”
In some cases, Rose’s mission is to restore history. When a family purchased a historic home on Shelter Island, the firm removed the additions made to the historic structure, then worked with builder Ironwood Construction and Davis Building Movers to relocate it to a new foundation on the property, where it was joined by a boat house designed from old photos. “We brought it back to the way it was, right where it was,” Rose says.
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The home retained the durable, shingle-style architecture that has become a trademark of the area, combined with cedar shingles on the main roof. On the less-pitched dormers and wraparound porch, long-lasting copper will quickly develop a gorgeous patina thanks to the salty breezes. Over the years, Rose has noticed homeowners spending more time here, which has brought a new dimension to the relationship his team forms with their clients.
01 The Shelter Island Residence has cedar shingles that are indicative of the locale. 02 A wrap-around Mahogany deck adds charm to the home's exterior. 03 A quaint boat house was inspired by old photographs taken of the historic property.
“At one point, most of our projects were second homes. But after 9/11, more people began giving
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photos: Brittany Imperiale
Familiarity is priceless here, where about half of the company’s projects involve renovating 100-plus-year-old homes in historic districts, where there are regulations and architecture review boards to consider alongside the needs of the homeowner.