The Loss of Two Great Visionaries

At DAS Architects, we know we couldn’t create the work we do without our special clients, and we have been fortunate to work with so many great ones. This month, we said goodbye to two of our long-time clients. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with both of these visionaries. May their legacies live on in the properties they built, and in the many people their lives touched.

J. Seward Johnson 1920-2020

DAS’s collaboration with Seward Johnson began with the restaurant at the “Grounds for Sculpture” in 1999. The restaurant would be called “Rats”, a name Seward borrowed from the classic book – “The Wind and the Willows”. “Rats” has won multiple accolades, including a place on Open Table’s – “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America”, and the New York Times – “Most Beautiful Restaurant” nearly 20 years after it opened, proving that a great vision stands the test of time. DAS also joined creative forces with the renowned sculptor to design his magnificent farm property in Hopewell, New Jersey. Each project meeting was unique, informative, and always fun. Seward will be missed, and we are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to share a bit of the creative process with him

Learn more about some of J. Seward Johnson’s projects

John H. Wilson Jr.
1945-2020

DAS had the great pleasure of working with John Wilson on multiple award-winning hospitality properties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In 2009, DAS began work on the “Tidewater Inn” in Easton, Maryland, which included the renovations of the historic Ballrooms, guestrooms, “Hunter’s Tavern”, and the “Terrasse Spa”. Most recently in 2019, we worked closely with John on the “Tidewater House”, an historic mansion built in 1874 that offers unique guest suites. DAS also renovated the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, the iconic waterfront wedding venue overlooking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. And in 2015, the “Inn at the Beach Club” opened. The DAS-designed property includes the 65 room Inn, an 18 room Barn, 5 individual Cottages, “The Spa”, “The Market”, various outdoor venues, and “Knoxie’s Table” restaurant, named in honor of John’s wife.

We admired John’s discerning vision, his wit, and his genuine kindness. He was never lacking for ideas, so each meeting with him was a true collaboration. The goal – always to design for the people who will walk through the doors and create memories there. John found joy in building things that would grow a community, and we are grateful to be a part of his.