06/09/2025

Meet Colin Rupp - one of our talented Architectural Designers here at Gnome. Colin’s journey in architecture began early with a love for Legos and eventually led him to pursue his Bachelor of Architecture at Temple University. Now with 13 years in the industry, and 4.5 years at Gnome, he enjoys creating minimal, holistic designs that connect users to their spaces. Recently, Colin’s design skills were recognized in Glen-Gery’s Inaugural Architect Shapes Collaboration Contest with his innovative brick shape called “Weaver” which is now in production. Outside the office, Colin enjoys playing Mario Party and listening to architectural podcasts. His advice to those starting in architecture? “Take notes, ask questions, stay organized.”

Here’s a look inside our latest home renovation and addition in Paoli, PA. With the addition of a second floor, this ranch-style home will now have double-height living room that serves as both the heart of the home and the central circulation space. Rich wood tones throughout the home create a warm cohesive feel, and the butterfly roof over the living room opens the space up, letting in tons of natural light. Can’t wait to break ground on this renovation - stay tuned.

Excited to share a glimpse of our latest design for a new apartment building in West Philadelphia. Drawing inspiration from the area’s industrial past, we’ve integrated classic brickwork with modern detailing to create a building that honors the areas history while embracing contemporary design. The bold black grid windows and rich brick facade reflect the character of the neighborhood, bringing a fresh yet timeless aesthetic to the community.

For our latest renovation, we were tasked with expanding and modernizing both the interior and exterior of this ranch-style home to better suit the family’s needs. By creating a harmonious connection between the living spaces and the outdoor entertaining areas, we’ve designed a home that’s perfect for both family time and hosting guests. The updated exterior reflects their contemporary style, ensuring the home feels refreshed and functional for years to come.

Last week, @pellawindows flew us out to their headquarters to take deeper look into the craftsmanship and technology behind their windows and doors. Seeing their process up close reinforced why Pella remains a leader in the industry—and why their windows and doors are a go-to for us. Their dedication to innovation and quality elevates the way we design, ensuring our projects meet the highest standards in both aesthetics and performance. Excited to keep pushing the limits with Pella.

This design transforms this narrow infill lot into a light-filled, highly functional residence in the heart of Center City. With six stories, three outdoor spaces and interiors that balance contemporary and classic elements, every detail was thoughtfully crafted by our team from the ground up. Stay tuned to see how it all comes together.