In Bedford, New York, the unassuming weekend retreat known as Booth House is now the focus of a meticulous restoration effort. This home represents Philip Johnson’s first residential commission, and its revival will serve as the inaugural project for the newly established firm RnD. The initiative combines architectural expertise with hands-on construction under a unified framework.
Architect Drew Lang of Lang Architecture and builder Ravi Arps of Plane Remodeling announced the acquisition in April 2026. Their collaboration formed RnD, a design-led development company that merges creative vision with practical construction, ensuring accountability throughout the process.
The house, completed in 1946, predates Johnson’s iconic Glass House by three years. Commissioned by Richard and Olga Booth, it introduced a design language defined by openness, minimal material use, and a deliberate connection to its wooded surroundings. Beyond its architectural significance, the residence reflects a period when architects, domestic life, and nature were reimagined together, shaping a defining era of American modernism.
The property’s history extends beyond its original construction. In 1955, architect Sirkka Damora and architectural photographer Robert Damora purchased the house, preserving it as an intact example of Johnson’s early work through decades of stewardship. Their occupancy ensured the home remained a living example of mid-century design rather than a static relic.
Restoration strategy
RnD’s approach prioritizes preserving the building’s original architectural clarity while integrating updates to meet contemporary living standards. The firm will oversee every phase—from concept development to final detailing—under a single accountability structure. By focusing on material integrity and long-term usability, they aim to honor the house’s historic value while making it functional for modern occupants.
This method aligns with a broader principle: that good design should enhance daily life rather than serve only as a decorative object. Restoring early modernist homes like Booth House maintains a direct link to an era when architecture sought to harmonize form, purpose, and environment. Such preservation keeps the experimental spirit of mid-century design accessible for future generations.
The renovation will maintain the property’s essential connection to its wooded environment. Careful interventions will address modern needs, such as upgraded utilities and climate control, without altering the original spatial experience. The site’s relationship with nature remains central to the project’s philosophy.
Throughout the restoration, RnD will document each stage, from structural repairs to material selection, making the process transparent to the public. This openness reflects the firm’s commitment to treating restoration as both a physical project and an educational opportunity. By sharing decisions and craftsmanship, they aim to bridge the gap between design intent and execution.
Documentation and transparency
The restoration will include full photographic and written records, capturing every phase, from structural repairs to material choices. RnD will publish these documents, providing insight into the challenges of adapting mid-century modernism to current standards. The firm’s transparency extends to the craftsmanship involved, highlighting the skills of tradespeople and artisans contributing to the work.
Key decisions, such as selecting period-appropriate materials or integrating modern systems, will be explained in accompanying essays. This approach demystifies the restoration process, revealing the collaboration between design and execution. By making the project’s evolution visible, RnD ensures it serves as both a physical and intellectual resource for future study.
A rare opportunity for ownership
Once restored, Booth House will be listed for sale, presenting a unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant property with modern amenities. Its provenance, from the original commission by Richard and Olga Booth to the Damoras’ decades-long stewardship, will enhance its appeal. Potential owners will inherit not only a preserved architectural work but also a documented history spanning eight decades.
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