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Marianne Cusato

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Architectural designer Marianne Cusato is well-known for her work on the Katrina Cottages, for which she’s won numerous awards, including the Smithsonian Institute’s Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum’s “People’s Design Award” and the American Society of Interior Designers “2007 ASID Design for Humanity Award” and the American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) Florida Society “2007 Honor Award of Excellence.” She is also the author of two books: Get Your House Right, Architectural Elements to Use and Avoid, with Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons and Leon Krier, foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales (January 2008, Sterling Publishing) and The Value of Design (February 2008, James Hardie).

  • Podcast 500: PRO TALK With Designer Marianne Cusato

    In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Marianne Cusato, award-winning designer and advocate for affordable housing and sensible urban design.

  • Boxed-Eave Gable-End Returns

    Take cues from classical architecture to design roof trim that matches your traditional home.

  • Gable-End Eave Design

    Learn how to detail exterior trim with harmonious proportions on eaves that don't return onto the gable.

  • How to Choose the Right Exterior Door

    Choose muntins, glazing, sidelites, and decorative patterns to match the style of your home when buying a new front door.

  • Make Smart Choices When Customizing Kitchen Cabinets

    Designer Marianne Cusato offers ideas on maximizing space and balancing aesthetic details when installing cabinets, shelves, end panels, and moldings.

  • Bay Windows

    Bay windows have many benefits but also the potential for design mishaps; Marianne Cusato explains how to get bays right.

  • Create Beautiful Window Seats

    Design/Build: It’s not uncommon to mock up several options before getting the right proportions.

  • Shed Dormers, Explained

    Here are some guidelines for getting your shed dormers right.

  • Designing Double-Hung Windows

    Follow these design guidelines to create a unified window composition.

  • Traditional Pergolas

    Design/Build: A nearly infinite range of profiles are possible. Here are four common designs.

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