Business Details
7 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Salisbury, MD
Design Matters is a full-service architecture firm founded in 2019 by Daniel Moreno-Holt and Carlos Moreno. Our practice combines decades of architectural expertise with a commitment to creating spaces that reflect our clients' unique visions. We specialize in sustainable residential design while offering comprehensive services for commercial, institutional, urban design, and landscape projects. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, we serve the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding beachfront communities including Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City, and St. Michaels. Our team includes LEED-certified professionals and experienced freelancers who bring technical precision and creative problem-solving to every project.We prioritize listening to our clients' goals and routines to deliver tailored solutions that enhance functionality and aesthetic value. Our deep understanding of local building codes and regional character ensures designs that harmonize with their environments. Daniel Moreno's academic background includes teaching architecture at the University of Maryland, while Carlos Moreno brings 40 years of international experience. Our firm's name reflects our belief that thoughtful design creates meaningful spaces that improve quality of life. We guide clients through every phase of the design process, from initial concept to final construction, ensuring exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Services
Single-Family Homes
Commercial Projects
Civic + Institutional Projects
Urban Design
Landscape Work
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Father-son team with combined 50+ years of architectural experience
- LEED-certified professionals specializing in sustainable design
- Deep local knowledge of Delmarva Peninsula building codes and aesthetics
- Full-service architecture covering residential to urban planning projects
- Tailored approach prioritizing client goals and lifestyle needs
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Single-Family Homes
We create custom residential spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Our LEED-certified team designs energy-efficient homes tailored to coastal environments while maintaining architectural integrity. Clients receive personalized floor plans that optimize natural light and spatial flow for modern living.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial design services focus on creating productive, inviting spaces for businesses. We handle everything from retail centers to office buildings, incorporating sustainable materials and ADA-compliant features. Our team ensures projects meet zoning requirements while maintaining visual appeal and operational efficiency.
Civic + Institutional Projects
We design community-focused spaces that serve public needs while respecting historical context. Our portfolio includes police stations, schools, and cultural facilities that combine durability with aesthetic value. We prioritize accessibility and long-term maintenance considerations in all civic projects.
Urban Design
Our urban design services create cohesive, functional public spaces that enhance community living. We develop master plans balancing development with environmental preservation, focusing on walkability and sustainable infrastructure. Our expertise includes navigating complex zoning regulations for large-scale projects.
Landscape Work
We integrate buildings with their natural surroundings through thoughtful landscape design. Our approach considers local ecosystems and climate conditions to create sustainable outdoor spaces. Services include site analysis, hardscaping, and plant selection that complements architectural elements.
People
Daniel Moreno
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with University of Maryland degrees and LEED AP certification. Former adjunct professor with expertise in sustainable design and community engagement through planning commissions and public art installations.
Carlos Moreno
Senior Architect
40-year architecture veteran with international experience in Chile, Italy, and Maryland. Specializes in local market expertise and translating global design principles into regionally appropriate solutions for Eastern Shore projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including residential, commercial, civic, urban design, and landscape projects across the Delmarva Peninsula.
Do you specialize in coastal construction?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing for coastal environments, addressing flood zones, salt air exposure, and local building codes in beachfront communities.
Are you LEED-certified?
Yes, our firm includes LEED AP-certified professionals specializing in sustainable design practices for both residential and commercial projects.
How do you handle historic preservation?
We balance modern functionality with historical context, particularly in areas like St. Michaels and Easton, maintaining architectural character while updating structures for contemporary use.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Delmarva Peninsula including Salisbury, Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City, St. Michaels, and surrounding counties in Maryland and Delaware.
Reviews (3)
Kevin
Nov 04, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I had Daniel design a covered deck and sunroom. My experience with him was great his plans exceeded anything i imagined. I highly recommend him.
I had Daniel design a covered deck and sunroom. My experience with him was great his plans exceeded anything i imagined. I highly recommend him.
Gilbert Garcia
Jul 22, 2020
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I used Design Matters, LLC for one of our projects and they were outstanding. Dan had great attention to detail and was very responsive, I will be using them again soon, I'm sure my clients will love their new deck and screened porch!
Person
Aug 19, 2019
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Design matters was a absolute pleasure to work with. We bought a house a couple years ago that was strangely oriented in the lot and wanted to make a more appealing entry, totally revamp the landscaping and add a new deck. I had stared at the space for the last 2 years with lots of ideas but no coherent plan whatsoever. Daniel closely listened to our ideas, promptly developed multiple options and ended on a truly innovative design for a very tricky space. I was thoroughly impressed by his creativity and attention to detail. We will certainly use Design Matters in the future. Highly recommended
