“In many ways, the overall design and layout is timeless.”
Within the charm of a historic Victorian home, this renovation and addition project marries tradition with modernity in a way that is as subtle as it is intentional. Led by Jennifer Huestis and Bob Tucker of Huestis Tucker Architects, with Lisa Gray of Gray Organschi Architecture handling interior design and Eric Rose of Rose Construction Group overseeing construction, the project exemplifies collaboration and thoughtful design. The result is a transformed space that enhances the homeowners’ daily lives while preserving the architectural legacy of the home.
Sustainability is a core principle of Jennifer Huestis’ work, and this project reflects that commitment. “It’s always more sustainable to renovate than build new,” Huestis explains. The team worked diligently to retain as much of the existing structure as possible. The original fireplace, for instance, was preserved and became a focal point around which the new kitchen and sitting area were designed. This approach minimized the renovation's environmental impact while maintaining the home's character.
To enhance the home’s energy efficiency further, the team incorporated double-glazed windows and doors and added insulation to reduce heating and cooling loads. These updates modernized the house and aligned with the homeowners’ desire for a sustainable living space. Seemingly small features such as windows and doors play a large part in a home’s overall efficiency. Less air escaping (or entering) means less energy is required to maintain the temperature—a simple equation that can often go unappreciated, especially in older homes.
“We respect and admire historic architecture,” Huestis says. “Details and craftsmanship of the past often inspire us, and we try to use that attention to detail to reinterpret historical precedents for modern needs and lifestyles. This philosophy guided every aspect of the project, from selecting materials to integrating new architectural elements."
One of the standout features of the renovation is the careful selection of materials that balance functionality, aesthetics, and the home’s character. The addition’s connection to the landscaped backyard was achieved through a stunning steel and glass wall. This feature floods the interior with natural light and provides a modern touch harmonizing with the home’s Victorian roots.
“While the material feels modern, the layout of the doors and windows and the scale of the muntins (the supporting bars between glass panes) feel in keeping with the existing home,” Huestis notes.
Another example of this ethos is the marble shelving in the kitchen, supported by custom-fabricated steel brackets. These shelves are both practical and sculptural, embodying the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the approach of both the architect and interior designer. “The brackets were custom fabricated and help give the new kitchen a feeling of being crafted, much like the existing house,” Huestis adds.
Victorian homes are renowned for their rich architectural vocabulary, and this project ensured they paid homage. The existing home featured light-filled rooms adorned with intricate moldings, paneling, and other details that the team sought to seep into the new spaces.
The kitchen and sitting area, however, presented a different challenge. These were the only parts of the home that lacked the grandeur of the original design. “Our goal was to enlarge this space to create an expansive [area] for the family to cook, eat, and lounge in while echoing, rather than mimicking, the detail of the original house,” Huestis explains.
To achieve this, the team matched the original casings and base trim, introduced extensive crown molding, and coffered ceiling details as a nod to the existing home’s character. These elements create a sense of continuity, ensuring the addition feels like a natural extension of the original structure.
This project exemplifies the power of collaboration. Jennifer humbly stated in our interview that she would “like to make absolutely sure that the interior designer, the contractor, the photographer, and homeowners receive ample credit for their contributions.” They all needed to be a highly functioning unit for a home of this caliber to be completed. As principals of their respective firms, Jennifer Huestis and Lisa Gray worked closely with Eric Rose and his team to ensure that every design decision aligned with the project’s goals. “We work very closely with our clients, our team, and the contractor to ensure that every design decision and every drawing we produce meets our standards,” Huestis emphasizes.
This collaborative approach extended to the homeowners, whose vision was crucial in shaping the final design. The team’s ability to listen carefully to their client’s needs and preferences ensured that the renovated spaces were both functional and deeply personal. Architecture is, at its core, an expression of will; working with your team is how something extraordinary, enduring, and relevant comes to be.
The renovation has garnered significant recognition, a testament to its thoughtful blending of old and new. In 2019, it was awarded Connecticut Cottages and Gardens' Innovation in Design Award for kitchens design.
The homeowners’ satisfaction with the final result is perhaps the most meaningful measure of success. “The fact that my clients are really happy with the addition and love to spend time in these spaces is extremely rewarding,” Huestis shares. It is the goal of any designer for their creations to be lived in, loved, and remembered – in this home’s case, it’s hard to imagine anything but that. Warm interiors and a clean flow from space to space make for a house that will surely be the center of decades of memories and movement. Even small features, such as a built-in coffee bar tucked in behind doors, add to its comfort. Good design looks good, but great design feels right.
This project reflects what architecture can achieve when it respects its history and its environment. The addition and renovation didn’t seek to overshadow the existing Victorian home but instead worked to complement it. Designing with such care requires more than just meeting practical needs—it’s about honoring the story of a place and the people who shaped it. By preserving the home’s character while weaving in modernity, the team showed that masterful design isn’t about imposing change but integrating it thoughtfully.
This approach reflects a respect for craftsmanship and detail that feels timeless. Although the steel-framed windows, marble shelves, and coffered ceilings may be new, they settle into the home as though they’ve always belonged. This balance makes the space feel like a bridge between eras.
Architectural design often reminds us that homes are not just structures but living connections to the people and times that came before us. When approached with care, design has the power to celebrate those connections while creating spaces that enrich our present and future. Respect for Connecticut's foundational aesthetic becomes more and more important for preserving parts of history, and it is the design work of teams like this one that help bolster that preservationist perspective while maintaining focus on modern imperatives like functionality and sustainability.
"The fact that my clients are really happy with the addition and love to spend time in these spaces is extremely rewarding."
Jennifer Huestis is a co-principal of Huestis Tucker Architects in Woodbridge, CT. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and the Yale University School of Architecture before founding Huesis Tucker Architects with her husband, Bob Tucker, in 1998. Jennifer has more than 30 years of experience in the architectural and design fields. Her personal philosophy, and that of the firm, is one of collaboration and attention to detail as they aim to produce timeless designs that bridge historical patrimony with modern functionality.