Design Panel at B&B Italia Set the Stage for the Georgetown House Tour
By • April 28, 2025 0 318
By Zoe Howard-Barr
In the nights leading up to this year’s Georgetown House Tour, design enthusiasts and local residents gathered for a new addition to the celebration, a panel discussion hosted at the flagship store of B&B Italia.The event offered a unique “fly on the wall” experience with leading locals in architecture, interior design and landscaping.
Moderated by Melvin Hooks, B&B Italia showroom manager and 15-year Georgetown resident, the conversation brought together Erica Burns of Erica Burns Interiors, Joseph Richardson of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architects, and Wayne Adams of BVA BarnesVanze Architects. Together, they explored the ever-evolving balance between stewardship, preservation, and modern living.
“Stewardship is about trust,” Hooks said as he reflected on the history woven into Georgetown’s buildings. “It’s about intent and following through in the tradition of what a space has always been.”
Photo by Zoe Howard-Barr.
For Burns, stewardship means creating interiors that are timeless, rather than trendy. “People choose to live in Georgetown because they love it,” she said. “They want their homes to reflect that love.”
Adams added perspective from the architectural front, speaking to the unique challenges and rewards of working within the confines of Georgetown’s strict historic preservation rules. “Clients often come in with grand visions, but this place demands more. It requires patience.”
Richardson, whose landscape work can be seen throughout the neighborhood, said that most of his clients already appreciate the value of Georgetown’s history. “There’s no need to convince them,” he said. “They’re here because they’re drawn to the past.” He described the neighborhood as “like a mullet—historic in the front, modern in the back,” as many homes preserve traditional facades while embracing contemporary interiors and yards.
The conversation revolved around the importance of maintaining original craftsmanship, honoring existing infrastructure and making room for sustainability.
Residents left the discussion with more than design inspiration, carrying a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of Georgetown’s story. The panel reminded us that the homes we admire on the House Tour are more than just beautiful; they have been preserved with immense care while being shaped by history.
