It’s hard to Measure
the Value of a Life Well Lived
“To do this house right, we needed support, skills and talent.”
“We work with people who care deeply about their trades at some of the most meaningful projects in southeastern Pennsylvania.”
Our clients’ travel history launched a bright itinerary for their 1911 home and a quest to combine Main Line living with European cues from memory. What was initially missing, a place to organize an extensive collection of books, set in motion a design far beyond their expectations. A new garage and fireside library link to a daylit atrium and sun splashed kitchen, hand-crafted features for a welcoming home.
View ProjectIndividuality is built into each experience of this Main Line home. Building on the cues that honor the historic grandeur, we’ve added updates throughout the main floor kitchen and living areas. On the second floor, we outfitted the master suite with grace and polish, separating baths and dressing rooms for the couple.
View ProjectStarting in an idyllic location, we began a rally for ancillary living space with enclosed parking. The project accelerated to allow our clients to comfortably house in-laws and guests, with a display case for their collection of motorized gems.
View ProjectA family rewriting their story offered the context for recreating their new space to share. We worked on the setting for their next chapters, bringing the memories of the past to an updated and cheerful arrangement of gathering rooms and private retreats.
View ProjectThere’s a natural tension between a home’s original plan, and the need for modern upgrades. Abiding the history of a Chester County farmhouse, we added usefulness and inviting features, while keeping the tradition intact.
View ProjectA minimalist design incorporates the value and meaning of everyday life, void of chaos and noise. We’ve gathered the austere best for our clients – from lighting and technology to wine storage, appliances and custom cabinetry.
View Project
30 years ago this month, Dean Rittenhouse and I (George) began working together as Rittenhouse Builders. We carried our work ladders on the Thule Bike racks on Dean's Jetta, and job debris to the dump in my dad's F-250. What a fantastic journey it's been. From reading "how-to books" (no YouTube videos back in those days), we learned to love the trade of building. I've poured my energy into Rittenhouse Builders, and the joy it has returned to me in meaningful relationships is immeasurable. Laura Ressler became my partner six years ago and now manages the company. ... See MoreSee Less
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Interior Designer Cynthia Brooks Nemo oversees our mutual client's selection of the perfect soaking tub. Just add water... ... See MoreSee Less
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Our client wanted to enjoy their terrace more frequently than the weather permits. The design challenge was to achieve this without diminishing natural light in the beautiful kitchen we renovated several years ago. Our friends at Archer & Buchanan Architecture were up to the task! #archerbuchanan #midatlantictimber ... See MoreSee Less
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It's been a rainy Spring in the Philly burbs, but we've kept the jobs moving and fit a concrete pour between storms this week. Matt Ressler, Rittenhouse production manager, took a photo of the beautifully aligned reinforcement rods in the foundation wall. His suggested caption...."If Rebar had a Portrait shot" ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend from Rittenhouse Builders. We are celebrating the unofficial beginning of Summer with our clients. Some projects are just beginning, others are in the thick of it, and the fortunate ones are moving in. ... See MoreSee Less
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File under, "How We Choose to Live"
This whole-house renovation gave our client the opportunity to completely recast their home. Why work out in the basement? Make the gym beautiful and enjoy it on the first floor. Our client is a chef. Why traipse down to the basement to select the right bouquet when your collection can be conveniently located in the kitchen? ... See MoreSee Less
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While much of our work is in the Philly suburbs, it was a welcome change to do our thing in Lancaster City. Great collaboration all around. ... See MoreSee Less
Goodbye, Country Life! Hello, City Living!
www.lancastercountymag.com
Goodbye, Country Life! Hello, City Living!By Sue Long | Photography by Jordan BushMarch-April 2025Scott and Karen Hoober have loved Lancaster for as long as they can remember and always dreamed of liv...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
On the third floor, behind a door no guest will open, lies a thoughtful HVAC installation that preserves a storage space for our client. Thanks to an installer who took a few extra steps to leave behind a clean job, there is no need to step over ductwork. Thanks! ... See MoreSee Less
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“I want our addition to look like it was always there”…is a common request we hear from our clients. Achieving that goal requires an architect, builder, and client to recommit to that standard throughout construction. ... See MoreSee Less
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