About

Welcome to Atelier 11 Architecture

Atelier 11 was started in an unfinished garret of a weathered Victorian building in 1994. In this rustic space, founders Lauren Dianich and Jon Braithwaite worked to achieve the responsive and beautiful design that they studied and sketched when working in Seattle, WA and traveling in Europe and Japan. Our staff all has experience in construction and respect for the teamwork needed to create buildings that inspire and continue to be gathering spaces for years to come.

Meet the Founders

Lauren B. Dianich // Founder

  • Ms. Dianich combines small-town friendliness and communication with big world design ideas. She works closely with Owner representatives to accomplish the financial and functional goals. Her studies and travels in Switzerland, England, Italy, Prague, and Istanbul, bring creativity to every project. She was recently awarded Small Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 in Talbot County and is the designer of notable LEED buildings and is known for getting the job done on time and on budget. She has had multiple clients use her for repeat projects.

  • Virginia Tech, School of Architecture 1989

    Rotary Group Study Exchange

    Five-week study in England 1995

    Virginia License #0401009508 since 1994

    Maryland License #10465 since 1994

    NCARB Certification No. 45430

    Bantry Residence: Three projects over 10 years on the same site

    Enniskillen Estate: Two projects over 3 years on the sam

Jon E. Braithwaite // Founder

  • Mr. Braithwaite has strong background in planning, LEED, Historic tax credits and project management. His careful coordination and attention to detail have lead to many repeat clients. Like all members of the Atelier 11 team, Jon has hands-on construction experience so that a practical and efficient set of drawings is given to the contractor.

  • Virginia Tech, School of Architecture 1994

    Independent Travel Study, 1988-1990

    Holland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland- town planning;

    progressive methods and materials.

    Japan & Korea -Documented native architecture & construction methods

    in conjunction with high-tech Japanese architecture in 1988

Atelier 11 has been featured in

Awards

  • Recipient of Maryland Senate & General Assembly citation for recognition of 20 Years in Business (2014)

  • Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year: Lauren Dianich, Talbot

  • County Chamber of Commerce (2013)

  • Outstanding Small Business of the Year for Talbot County (2001) 

  • Governor’s Citation for Contributions to Architecture (2001, 1997)

  • Historic District Commission’s Preservation Award (2001) 

  • Excellence in Historic Preservation - John S. McDaniel House (2008) and Chez Lafitte Restaurant (2008) 

  • Historical Society of Talbot County Heritage Award for the restoration of the John S. McDaniel House (2008) 

  • Recipient of the GSE Scholarship from Rotary International (1994)
    First Place, Historic Research, Salisbury Train Station (1984)

Experience & Community Involvement

  • Multiple Repeat Clients

  • Wide-Ranging Experience from renovations, to historic and commercial

  • Volunteers in local school system, Festival of Trees, Chamber of Commerce and Save our Skatepark in Virginia

  • Board member in regional chamber of commerce 7 years

  • Pro-bono architectural services for 14 Habitat for Humanity homes, George Murphy Pool and Pierce Street Gateway, African American Museum

Leader in Innovative Sustainable Projects

  • First Commercial Green Roof on Eastern Shore in 2007

  • First Net Zero House on Eastern Shore in 2012

  • First Green Specifications in 1999

  • Featured architect in Eco-Logic book, January 2015