Wyman Residence

Condo Renovation
Cathedral Heights, Washington, DC

Checa Architects PC, and primarily its principal Lorena Checa, designed and supervised the remodeling of my apartment during the summer of 2012. This was a challenging task since the apartment essentially was one large room that included a floor-to-ceiling enclosed atrium open to the sky. I chose to work with Checa Architects because in the past Lorena had worked with my late wife and I on two other design/remodeling projects. I knew from experience that I could rely on her for practical, innovative, tasteful and attractive solutions.

Lorena quickly saw the redesign opportunities and possibilities for the one room: she converted it into four distinct activity areas by removing the atrium entirely and putting in a roof structure with skylights. With sliding pocket doors she separated the open kitchen from the rest of the one room. She enlisted a trusted contractor to handle and coordinate construction jobs, electrical works and plumbing needs. She brought in lighting experts and color/paint specialists, and integrated their work with the contractor. She brought an experienced carpenter/millworker to design, build and install bookshelves and cabinets with drawers along the walls of two of the four activity areas.

Without exception Lorena was on top of the project from start to finish. In a word, the end result is spectacular. The remodeled apartment is a joy to live in: fabulous and innovative lighting, plenty of space with natural movement, and a welcoming, eco-conscious and gracious atmosphere.

I would not hesitate to recommend Checa Architects. Lorena’s attention to detail and keen spatial and color sense are exceptional. She always was available for consultation and visited the site almost daily to stay on top of the work. Lorena has an easy-going temperament that makes her a pleasure to deal with.”

Samuel H. Wyman
Cathedral Heights, Washington, DC

  • Principal Architect
    Lorena Checa, AIA, LEED AP
  • Project Architectural Designer
    Rafael Espinosa
  • Lighting Design
    Gilmore Lighting Design
  • Structural Engineer
    JGK Structural Engineers
  • General Contractor
    RCB Contractors
  • Custom Millwork
    From the Woods
  • Photography
    Kenneth M. Wyner Photography Inc.