ADW-Architectural Design Works, Inc.

06/09/2026

It’s TACO TUESDAY! Go stuff your face at one of these local taco shops.

06/08/2026

Cool Graphic

Architectural Types of Roof Dormers

This graphic illustrates a diverse collection of roof dormer styles used in traditional and historical architecture to provide light, ventilation, and additional headspace within a sloped roofline. By showcasing various roof geometries, framing styles, and decorative extensions, the chart highlights how these structural elements integrate with different roofing profiles and materials. Understanding these variations is essential for identifying regional architectural styles, historical building methods, and distinct structural framing techniques.

Key Features and Analysis

Shed and Rampant Dormers: Structures characterized by a single, single-pitched roof plane that tilts at a shallower angle than the main roof line.

Gable and Pignon Dormers: Classic designs featuring a dual-pitched roof forming a triangular front wall, sometimes incorporating an ornate frontal pediment.

Hipped and Half-Hipped Dormers: Roof styles where the dormer's roof planes slope inward toward a central ridge, offering a softened profile that can be fully or partially hipped.

Arched and Curved-Sided Dormers: Variations utilizing rounded, sweeping roof profiles or curved side transitions, which include elegant eyebrow and domed roof variations.

Hanging and Recessed Dormers: Specialized configurations that either cantilever outward beyond the roofline using decorative brackets or sit stepped-back into the interior roof cavity.

Oeil-de-Boeuf (Bull's-Eye) Dormer: A distinct circular window variant featuring a specialized frame and cladding rendered in hand-wrought zinc.

Design Summary

Overall, the chart serves as a comprehensive visual glossary for identifying the geometric and material diversity of dormer windows. Each structural variation addresses unique challenges in carpentry framing, interior space maximization, and aesthetic harmony with the main roof. By categorizing these distinct architectural elements, the illustration underscores how functional building components evolve into ornamental expressions across different design eras.

06/08/2026

BGE had been a challenge, but we’re now about to break ground on this new Classroom Building for Concordia Preparatory School. Stay tuned. Omega Contracting

06/07/2026

Spiritual Sundays.

06/06/2026

Wrapping up the week with a new commission to help re-demise this space into two tenant spaces and bring into compliance with ADA. Stay tuned.

06/05/2026

We love Cross Sections, they tell a story.

06/04/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY to one of our favorite community projects “The Senator Bob Hooper Hospice House” in Forest Hill, Maryland.

06/03/2026

Who needs a 1,200sqft retail space with a great location and high traffic counts next to a new financial services tenant. Lots of business synergies!

06/02/2026

TACO TUESDAY For ALL! Go get some LOCAL Mucho Gusto Group Taco Fiesta Route 24 Ale HouseThe Rolling Grill Pit Beef & Catering Hickory Lodge

06/01/2026

Kicking the week off researching an Archdiocese property for a client’s adaptive reuse. Stay tuned.