Where HOOFBEATS Meet BLUEPRINTS

Wellington has long been a sanctuary for the world's most passionate equestrians, where the rhythm of hoofbeats mingles with the soft rustling of palm trees. But beyond its renowned competitions and pristine paddocks, there's a quiet architectural revolution taking place - one that speaks to the soul of this distinctive community.



Enter Kligerman Architecture & Design (KAD), a name synonymous with seamlessly blending the elegance of tradition with the clarity of modernity. Led by architect Margie Lavender and her four partners, their work doesn't just create homes; it creates experiences, places where craft, nature, and personal expression coalesce into something genuinely extraordinary.

Kligerman Architecture & Design is known for its distinctive residential design that is rooted in tradition, giving it that deep sense of "home," yet feels crisp and modern in its restrained trim, glass expanses, and sculptural folded or gently curved planes. It is a warm, tactile modernity, rich in craft and materiality that is not fussy or ornate. More than once, this transitional approach has proven to be the perfect answer to the dilemma of when one side of a couple prefers modern, and the other traditional. It is not a compromise. Rather, it is an inventive design that appeals to both sensibilities. For a current project, Margie is pairing traditional New England building materials like cedar shingles and simple wood trim with a modern glass curtain wall system. The expansive glass gives a transparency to the house, merging inside and out, connecting an internal courtyard garden to the Peconic Bay beyond while maintaining the scale and charm of its more traditional neighbors.

In many ways, KAD’s internal process reflects its approach to design as projects are realized through traditional handicraft and cutting-edge technologies. Structures are imagined in impressionistic watercolors and communicated through sketches; later they are digitally rendered and designed using the latest technologies, including 3D printed models and Virtual Reality renderings. From these initial designs through construction, the firm focuses on selecting the best materials with a reverence for craft. But the introduction to Wellington came not through architecture but through family. Margie’s niece, who began riding horses as a curly-haired child in Dallas, eventually found her passion, leading her to Wellington’s Winter Equestrian Festival. As her dedication grew, so did Margie’s fascination with the equestrian world — its elegance, discipline, and beauty.

As Margie first drove through the gates of Wellington, she was met with endless skies, lush green fields, and the unmistakable aroma of hay and leather. There’s something special about how Wellington’s architecture and nature coexist — the barns and stables, elegantly understated yet rich with purpose, seamlessly blending into the vibrant landscape.

From the veranda of the Viewing Room, Margie fondly recalls sharing a cup of coffee with her sister while watching her niece train, surrounded by the quiet hum of morning activity. It’s a setting where the line between natural beauty and architectural design blurs, creating something undeniably captivating. To Margie Lavender, beauty is about the engagement of the soul, the harmony of shape, movement, color, and form. It’s why the tailored rider against a backdrop of green feels like living art. And just as Wellington’s architecture finds its harmony within nature, Margie strives to create structures that are both elegant and inviting, designed with the reverence of classical craft but executed through modern innovation.

Reflecting on her journey, Margie recalls a transformative experience during her time as an architecture student in Japan. Traveling from Hiroshima in the South to Hokkaido in the North, she discovered a deep appreciation for connection to nature, beauty, craft, and reinvention. These principles have continued to inform her work ever since.

From a horse barn in Virginia to a chapel in Houston, to a pool house in Palm Beach, Kligerman Architecture & Design’s portfolio showcases a mastery of craft and creativity, and in her work, Margie celebrates individuality, encouraging clients to make their own statements rather than follow the crowd. In Wellington, a place where tradition and sophistication are revered, Margie Lavender’s presence feels like a natural extension of the community’s ethos.

As Margie Lavender continues to expand her influence, one thing remains clear: her journey is about more than creating beautiful buildings. It’s about building connections — to the landscape, to the client, and to the deeper meaning of home.