Why We Love Designing in Talbot County, MD
The work of Design Matters is inspired by the landscape and heritage of Talbot County. It’s a region rich in history, natural beauty, and community pride. From tree-lined roads and waterfront views to vibrant small towns like St. Michaels, Easton, and Oxford there’s no shortage of character.
That character should be carefully treated. We bring a great appreciation for the region’s architectural heritage to each project. Whether it’s the restoration of a traditional coastal cottage or the construction of a contemporary home that blends seamlessly into the community, we strive to develop spaces that read as if they were born on the shore.
Homes That Reflect You—And Where You Live
Single-Family Architecture is our specialty. Our thoughtful process creates unique homes that are responsive to the aspirations and needs of individual owners.
Every project starts with a conversation to understand your unique goals, aspirations, and style.
From there, we look at how that concept works with your site, your life, and your vision for the future. If you are constructing on a waterfront property in St. Michaels or adding to an older property in historic Easton, we can walk you through each step, from initial drawing to last walkthrough.
St. Michaels: Design Inspired by History and Nature
It’s easy to fall in love with St. Michaels. This coastal town boasts vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and Miles River views. It’s a favorite among weekenders and longtime residents—and a pleasure for us to design in.
We tend to mix old and new in St. Michaels. We want homeowners to preserve a traditional Eastern Shore look but with contemporary amenities. Wide porches, wood boards, and pitched roofs come to mind—but also open floor plans, plenty of natural light, and energy-saving materials.
If you’re remodeling a heritage home or building anew, our approach to Single-Family Architecture honors the town’s heritage without sacrificing 21st-century livability.
Easton: Where Tradition Meets Fresh Possibility
There’s something special about Easton. Maybe it’s the walkable streets, the layers of history, or how the town manages to feel both classic and current at once. Tucked in Talbot County, this is a place where design has room to breathe.
Easton invites creativity—but it also calls for a certain respect for what came before. That balance shapes how we approach each project. In many of the homes we design, you’ll find things like:
Floor plans that flex as life evolves
Natural transitions between inside and out
Rooms carved out for work, wellness, or creativity
Subtle smart features that make everyday living just a bit smoother
If you’re planning to build in Easton, we’d be honored to help you design a home that not only fits your needs—but feels like it’s always belonged here.
Are you ready to start a conversation?
Our Process: Simple, Honest, Collaborative
Home design can be daunting. That’s why we take you through every step of the process:
Listen & Learn – We learn about you, your objectives, and your property.
Create & Collaborate – We discuss possibilities and hone concepts together.
Develop & Document – We take care of all the drawings and local permits required.
Support & Build – We remain engaged to ensure your home gets built as planned.
You’re not merely commissioning an architect—you’re acquiring a team that’s completely committed to your project.
About Us: Design That Matters
Design Matters Architecture was established by a father-son team—Carlos Moreno and Daniel Moreno-Holt—bringing over 40 years of combined experience to each endeavor. Both with backgrounds in sustainable design, historic preservation, and community-driven architecture, our team prioritizes quality over quantity.
We are based out of Salisbury, MD and work throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, but have a strong relationship to Talbot County. We’ve designed custom homes all around St. Michaels and Easton — aiding individuals in bringing ideas to life in spaces they adore.
Portfolio
Ready to Design Your St. Michaels or Easton Home?
Planning a home in St. Michaels, Easton, or throughout Talbot County, MD? Let’s discuss. We’ll assist you in exploring the options and realizing your dreams through well-thought-out Single-Family Architecture.
Your home should be a pleasure to live in and a fit for the community in which it resides. Let’s create something beautiful—together.