J. Neal Design

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J. Neal Design

J.Neal Design is a multi-faceted architecture firm that provides design, fabrication, product, and

J.Neal Design is a boutique architecture firm with big-project experience who tailors their process to each client’s visions individually. We work collaboratively and openly, bringing in consultants as necessary to ensure project goals are met in an appropriate timeline, yielding a uniquely designed space that is both practical and beautiful. Our devotion is concise design, that strives to harmoni

ously rise to the opportunities that today's challenges present. We believe is asking more of ourselves, beyond the conventional architectural practice by building close relationships with clients, contractors, and consultants that share our values, understanding the significance of the built environment and the long standing effects quality design brings to our lives and those of future generations.

02/26/2026

What happens when a project gets complicated and where do the answers actually come from?

At NDC’s Behind the Build: Making Public Art Happen, I had the chance to lead a breakout session on the design, engineering, and collaboration realities of light-based public art. And the more I’ve sat with this work, the more I believe:

The community isn’t just the audience — they’re the solution.

Artwork has the ability to solve its own problems. The inspiration is already out there, living in the people we build for. Our job is to bring folks together, make order out of the chaos — and still let the art breathe.

03/20/2025

We believe architecture is more than structures—it’s about equity, opportunity, and community. That’s why we’re proud to be the design architect and construction consultant for Carver House, a transformative space rooted in vocational education and neighborhood impact.

Carver House is more than a building; it’s a living, working classroom where students gain hands-on experience in construction and design while directly contributing to their community. Inside, organizations like Requity [] operate a working kitchen, providing meals to neighbors in need. It’s a beacon of possibility among tough conditions, proof that design can drive change.

Our role is to ensure that Carver House doesn’t just stand—it serves. From design solutions to construction problem-solving, we’re here to support students, educators, and partners in building a future where vocational training leads to real-world impact.

𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚.
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Carver House, Passive House Rehabilitation, Baltimore Row Homes, Vacant Row Homes, High-Performance Standards, Stone Foundation Homes, Baltimore Bay Window Homes, Material Transitions, Rehabilitation Projects, Vocational Education, Architecture For Equity, Construction Consulting

03/18/2025

Every decision in construction impacts our environment—from material choices to site design. One of our latest projects tackles this head-on with a rain garden that helps manage stormwater while reducing runoff impact.

We’re also rethinking concrete use, recognizing its undeniable utility while striving to minimize our carbon footprint. Thoughtful siting and design adjustments—like strategically placed cutouts for better pedestrian access—allow us to create functional spaces without unnecessary material waste.

Sustainable infrastructure isn’t about entirely eliminating materials like concrete and steel but using them smarter. Innovations like fly ash additives help, but they are not the final solution. The goal? A built environment that works with nature, not against it.
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SBCLT Passive Home Project, Thermally Modified Wood, Sustainable Building, Exterior Siding, Natural Durability, Long-lasting Building, Eco-Friendly Design, Building w/ Local Sourcing, Carbon Footprint, Chemical-Free Building, Building Materials

03/10/2025

These plants are going to be a vibe! Let’s be inspired—make your Monday as vibrant as these lights!

🎨Artist - phaanlove
🧱Architecht -
🔨Fabricator -

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Plant Sculpture, Airplane Art Installation, Nature-Inspired Art, Environmental Art, Sustainable Art, Large-Scale Sculpture, Public Art, Site-Specific Art, Creative Fabrication, Art and Design, Artistic Collaboration, Art and Technology, Art and Nature

03/04/2025

Join me at Baltimore Climate Tech+ 2025!

Excited to speak at Climate Tech+ 2025, where industry leaders and innovators will explore Healthy, Smart, High-Performance Homes and the drive for expansion, affordability, and innovation in climate justice.

📍 Baltimore, MD
🔗 Hear the conversation virtually! Learn more: climatetechplus.com
📅 Thursday, March 20

02/21/2025

Congrats to the ARCH 611 students at on completing their final! Watching them grow in integrating energy modeling with design tools like Rhino, SketchUp, and EnergyPlus has been inspiring.

From optimizing window-to-wall ratios to refining net-zero strategies, these students took on real-world challenges with precision and creativity. Huge thanks to Professor Woo and the team for fostering such an innovative learning environment.

Excited to see where these future architects take their knowledge next!
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Architectural Design Education, Energy Modeling, Building Performance Analysis, Net-Zero Design, Sustainable Architecture, Rhino 3D, SketchUp, Window-To-Wall Ratio, Architectural Students, University of Maryland Architecture Program, Energy Efficient Design

02/14/2025

Engineering meets artistry on this one ⬆️

Phaan Howng [] had a vision—massive, mutant snake plants taking over a building—and I got the call to make it structurally (and scientifically) possible. As the fabricator and engineer behind Big Ass Snake(plant)s On A Plane, my role is to take her wild, action-movie-scale concept and make it a reality—without defying physics (too much).

These aren’t just leaves. They’re 16-foot-long, 4-foot-wide sculptural forms that have to appear to grow from the Charles Street Garage. That means designing custom mounting systems, ensuring weight distribution holds up against the elements, and integrating lighting that will make these plants feel alive. We’re working with the same lighting tech that was used on the Natty Boh Tower—meaning the veins of these snake plants will pulse, mutate, and glow, creating an organic takeover of the building.

A project like this is a constant puzzle—aligning the artistic integrity with real-world engineering. It’s about problem-solving in the weeds (literally), ensuring every bracket, every anchor, and every lighting element not only works but enhances the experience.
Honored to be working alongside Phaan, Malcolm Majer at Majer Metal Works, and the team bringing Inviting Light [] to life, led by Derrick Adams [] and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Spring 2025, these plants are coming to life. Stay tuned. 🌱

Fabricator -

02/05/2025

The 𝘽𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙀 𝘽𝙐𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙒𝘼𝙍𝘿 whitepaper, authored by Brendan McCluskey of Trident Builders, outlines a bold strategy: factory-built, energy-efficient row homes designed to revitalize communities without displacing residents.

We are proud to be actively engaged in these discussions alongside Professor Thompson and Trident Builders to explore innovative approaches to affordable, sustainable, and modular housing.

With a strong focus on collaboration and adaptability, we’re helping drive conversations that bring together developers, architects, and community leaders to rethink how Baltimore builds forward.

Credit ⬇️
Author: Brendan McCluskey
Creative Artist: Laura Little

02/04/2025

Alright, we’re pretty pumped about this one. Huge shoutout to [] for helping us bring our custom hat to life!

So, if you catch me wearing this nonstop, just know that it’s not just a hat—it’s a walking QR code. Stop me and scan it.
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Baltimore Architect, Baltimore Architecture, Residential Architecture, Commercial Architecture, Baltimore Architect, Landscape Architecture, Architecture Design, Commerical Architecture, Sustainable Architecture

01/31/2025

Big change starts small. The Bmore Co-Lab, a partnership with Johns Hopkins CITY LAB and the Whiting School of Engineering’s Bmore Collaboratory, is transforming the way Baltimore’s smaller urban developers build.

By organizing a developer Co-Op, Bmore Co-Lab allows local builders to pool resources, share knowledge, and scale up their impact. The goal? To make energy-efficient housing attainable, boost workforce development, and create a pipeline of sustainable projects that benefit Baltimore’s communities—not outside investors.

By joining forces, small developers can break barriers, access factory-built modular housing, and unlock economic opportunities that were once out of reach.
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Bmore Co-Lab, Baltimore Urban Development, Baltimore Small Developers, Sustainable Housing, Energy-Efficient Homes, Modular Housing, Maryland Developer Co-Op, Johns Hopkins CITY LAB, Whiting School of Engineering

01/14/2025

One of our favorite parts of any project is immersing ourselves in the environment and uncovering the stories that make a place unique. This past year, we had the opportunity to do just that while working on a project in Cape May.

During a site visit, we collaborated with clients on selecting GCS elements and took time to explore the project’s rich history. A highlight was visiting the Franklin Street School, a historic building near the Harriet Tubman Museum. Built in 1927, it originally served as a segregated elementary school until 1948, when segregation was outlawed in New Jersey. Recently, it has been beautifully repurposed as Cape May’s public library, preserving its significant role in African-American history while providing a modern space for the community.

Cape May’s connection to the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman’s time spent here, and even the hidden crawl spaces beneath historic homes reveal layers of history that made this site visit unforgettable. Designing with context means embracing the environment—and Cape May gave us so much inspiration.
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Contextual Design, Architectural Site Visit, Historic Building Repurposing, Underground Railroad History, Cape May History, Franklin Street School, Public Library Design, Community Space Design

12/26/2024

Innovation meets education as we dive into the power of technology in architectural modeling and energy simulations. From leveraging tools like SketchUp and Rhino with EnergyPlus to empowering students to explore the physics of their designs, we’re committed to driving sustainable and impactful solutions.

This year, we worked closely with talented students and professors, analyzing everything from building forms, to window-to-wall ratios, and even prevailing wind impacts. The goal? Understanding how design decisions influence energy usage and optimizing for net-zero performance.

With cutting-edge tools and simulation software, these students are learning to refine their concepts, quantify energy demands, and integrate real-world design strategies. It’s incredible to see their dedication and growth—many of them embracing these tools to produce thoughtful, sustainable designs.

From site analysis to shading studies, we guide students through conceptual modeling stages and beyond, ensuring they grasp how small design tweaks can lead to big energy savings. Watching this next generation of architects thrive is both inspiring and promising for the future of sustainable design.
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Sustainable Architecture, Net-Zero Energy, Architectural Education, Building Performance Simulation, Energy Modeling, Sustainable Design, Passive Design Strategies

Address

1400 Greenmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD
21202

Telephone

(540) 239-2336

Website

http://www.jnealdesign.com/

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Our Story

The Pursuit of Relentless Design.

At JND, we utilize our collective skills in architecture and digital fabrication to provide a range of services and products within the construction industry. We specialize in innovative thinking for leveraging the built environment through transmaterialism.

Our vision is to embrace projects with inclusive collaboration as we push the values and technologies of our time. We invest on our design solutions in hopes to better society and the environment.