Accessible Bathroom (1)-compressed

Reimagine a 4,500 sq. ft. historic 1909 building in Salem, Massachusetts, to serve as both a custom retail space and private residence for Sorina and Madison Varga. Balance preservation of the building’s character with the clients’ need for a space that honors their culture, heritage, and creative spirit.

Challenges Solutions

Work with the clients to develop a space plan and select FF&E that align with their aesthetic, sustainability goals, and budget. The ground floor combines their psychic shop, Sorina the Seer, with a private office, custom darkroom, and a secure foyer leading to the upstairs residence. The home meets the Varga’s unique needs for an intimate and accessible space for themselves and a family member who uses a wheelchair.

The Varga Residence

Software: SketchUp & Enscape

Concept Imagery

Design Concept

Rooted in Romani culture, Salem’s charm, and the couple’s love of art, the design creates a mystical, intimate atmosphere through moody colors, layered patterns, and rich textures. Every element is chosen to honor the Varga’s heritage and passions, transforming a historic building into a distinctive home and shop. The spaces invite you to wander and pause, encouraging quiet moments of reflection and shared rituals. From the winding circulation to the eclectic mix of materials and decor, the design weaves together old stories and new memories. Carefully curated artwork and vintage finds add layers of meaning and breathe personality into every corner. It balances privacy with openness and tradition with personal expression to shape an environment that feels timeless, soulful, and unique to the client. AI Image of the Vargas Logo Designed for Retail Space

Process Work

Parti Diagram Bubble Diagram

The parti diagram takes inspiration from labyrinths, giving Salem’s mystique a physical form. The central heart marks a place for gathering, balancing communal areas with private spaces branching out. Building on this idea, the bubble diagram shapes circulation that feels intuitive yet never predictable, so each space feels connected and discovered at the same time.