Architect Spotlight: Meet Mary O’Dell

Mary O'Dell's passion for residential architecture began in childhood, building houses with LEGO and designing dream homes for her friends. Today, with over 25 years of experience, Mary specializes in high-end urban residences and single-family homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with highest honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering through a Plym Fellowship, and studied abroad at L’Université d’Architecture de Versailles in France.

Mary excels in space planning and detailing both traditional and modern homes, ensuring her designs perfectly align with her clients' desires and the spirit of the places she works with. Thanks to Mary's unmatched creativity and skill, Connecticut residents are falling in love with their homes over and over again.

Mary O’Dell’s Background and Inspiration

Q: How did you become interested in design?

Mary: I was always inclined toward the arts, obsessed with homes very early. I swooned over a residential floor plan in my third grade history book and spent my allowance on bound copies of house plans and glossy magazines featuring beautiful homes.

Q: What inspires your design work? Are there particular styles or themes that you are drawn to?

Mary: My design work is inspired by my clients, what problems they need solved, and what they would like my work to accomplish for them. I lean into contemporary styles, but I also have a passion for historic homes, particularly early American and European. I see real beauty in traditional detailing and careful craftsmanship.

Mary’s Creative Process

Q: How do you approach a new project?

Mary: I approach a new project by listening, both to my clients and to the property we will be working with. When we first meet, I can be distracted by visions of how best to either transform or create their new space. I start by sketching very schematically in plan and elevation. I work collaboratively with my clients, and will discuss my most embryonic drawings with them so we can shape the outcomes together. I am also happy to take the lead and fill in all the blanks. I defer to principles of geometry and the order found in nature. When I am working with existing homes, I look for what they want to be.

Q: Can you describe a recent project that you worked on, and what you enjoyed most about it?

Mary: We recently completed a second floor addition for a modest New England cape. Work included renovations on the first floor as well, very tight budget. Design was arduous, in the way it can be, because the creative process is not a straight line, but, together with the client, we did it - completely transformed the home within their design and financial constraints. The construction, likewise, transformed their lives. This is the work I enjoy most.

Challenges and Solutions

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that you face as a designer, and how do you overcome them?

Mary: I can be challenged by rushed timelines. I appreciate that not everyone has the gift of time, babies are coming, moving dates are approaching, and so I can find myself up late nights to help. I can also be challenged by dead ends, inevitabilities in design, stopping points akin to the author's writer's block. These breaks are fundamental to the schematic design phase, when ideas are first tested, and can be found to fail. I will step away and reset.

Q: Can you describe a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to a problem on a project?

Mary: What first comes to mind is an addition/renovation I designed for a home with both historic roots and a later addition, something of an oddity built in the 1960s. As happens, the new construction created a quirky mid-level space of small laundry room size whose square footage wasn't really needed. The home had a well placed laundry room already, so a large closet seemed a plausible answer, but I saw that this cast off space could be developed as a handsome escape a few steps up from the landing of the rear stairwell. It was perched on the corner of the residence with a would-be beautiful view of the property. The client was not only open to this idea, but embraced the greatest potential of this nook which is now lined with expansive windows and bench seating, small book lights, and the best view in the house.

On Collaboration

Q: How do you collaborate with other members of The O'Dell Group team on projects?

Mary: I collaborate with our building team beginning in the earliest phases of design. I share my schematic drawings for pricing feedback which helps guide the process. As the proposed work evolves, I can confer with them on the best approach to construction detailing. Likewise, the building team can bend my ear on architectural and aesthetic issues. Our clients are getting the best of both worlds.

Notable Projects

Q: Can you describe a particularly inspiring project you have worked on? What was your role, and what made the project stand out?

Mary: Absolutely, one project that stands out was designing a primary suite addition to a 1960s cookie-cutter home. The clients were a couple whose children had moved out, and they wanted to create the suite of their dreams. They had saved for years to make this a reality, and their modern tastes made this project truly exciting.

My role was to design a space that fulfilled their dreams. The wife wanted an expansive, luxurious closet, and the husband needed a proper place for his clothes, which previously had been stored in a downstairs closet. We created a beautiful bathroom and added a balcony to the bedroom, overlooking their new pool. They had shown me pictures of sleek, contemporary hotel rooms with big sliding glass doors, which we incorporated into the design, even though it's not something typically seen in homes like theirs.

The result was incredible. The suite not only provided them with a stunning private retreat but also allowed the other bedrooms to be used by their college-aged and working sons when they visited. It's wonderful to see them living their dream, and the suite has truly transformed their home.

Q: How do you balance creativity with practical considerations, such as budget and timelines, when working on a project?

Mary: That's a great question because it touches on the multifaceted nature of our work. On one hand, a restrictive budget can actually drive creative solutions. It pushes us to think outside the box and find cost-effective ways to achieve our clients' goals. However, creativity also needs time to develop. A tight timeline can sometimes limit the creative process, as it is organic and needs space to evolve. Balancing these factors is key to delivering a successful project that meets both practical and creative demands.

Advice and Reflections

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in architecture or design, or heading into architectural studies?

Mary: Architecture is one of the most challenging majors to pursue. My advice is to stick with it if you are truly passionate about it. I've spoken to many people who wanted to be architects but abandoned the idea because of discouragement from teachers or guidance counselors. If you know that architecture is your passion, don't let anyone sway you from your path. Patience and perseverance are key in this field.

Q: What do you think is the most important quality for a designer to have?

Mary: Creativity is the most important quality for a designer. It's what sets designers apart and it's a talent that can't be taught. A good designer possesses a natural flair for creativity that drives their work.

Q: How do you ensure that your design work is sustainable and environmentally friendly?

Mary: Ensuring sustainability in design work can be challenging, especially when considering initial costs. While not every project can be entirely sustainable, we strive to incorporate environmentally friendly practices whenever possible. We have to balance the clients' interests and budget with sustainable design principles, and it often requires educating clients about the long-term benefits of sustainable choices.

Q: Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult design decision, and how you came to that decision?

Mary: As an architect, I bring my education, training, and insights into the design process, including knowledge of costs, trends, and market preferences. However, there are times when clients have strong opinions about what they want. In such cases, even if their choices don't align with my recommendations, I respect their decisions because it's their investment and home. I then focus on delivering the best possible version of their vision, balancing my expertise with their preferences.

Mary O'Dell's journey from a young girl fascinated by floor plans to a seasoned architect designing dream homes is truly inspiring. Her dedication to The O’Dell Group clients, creative solutions, and ability to balance practicality with innovation make her an invaluable member of our team. With Mary’s extensive experience and unique approach to design, she continues to transform spaces and lives, one project at a time.

BIO: Meet Mary, our lead architectural genius! As a child, Mary's passion for residential architecture sparked when she built houses with LEGO and designed "dream homes" for her friends. Fast forward to today, Mary has 25+ years of experience in all phases of design and construction, specializing in high-end urban residences and single-family homes.

Mary's impressive education speaks for itself. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with highest honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, followed by a Plym Fellowship where she earned both a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Mary's passion for design took her even further, as she studied abroad at L’Université d’Architecture de Versailles in France. With her extensive education and experience, Mary is a master at all phases of design and construction, especially when it comes to high-end urban residences and single-family homes.

As an expert in space planning, Mary excels at detailing both traditional & modern homes. She prides herself on marrying the desires of her clients with the spirit of the places for which she designs, ensuring that The O’Dell Group client’s homes greatest potential is brought to life.  Thanks to Mary's unmatched creativity and skill Connecticut-residents are falling in love with their homes over and over again.