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Design Line
Newsletter | October 2026
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Patron Member Spotlight:
Fichtner Home Exteriors
The Exterior Contractor Homeowners and Builders Rely On
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For more than 30 years, Fichtner Home Exteriors has been a trusted partner for homeowners, builders, and remodelers throughout the greater Annapolis area. Offering a full range of residential and commercial exterior services, including roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors, decks, porches, and porticos, Fichtner combines skilled craftsmanship, professional equipment, and in-house gutter production and metal fabrication to deliver quality results efficiently. Founded on honest pricing, transparency, and quality workmanship, the company remains committed to personalized service, dependable scheduling, and beautiful, durable exteriors built to last. [ To read this entire feature, follow this link.]
For more information, visit www.fichtnerservices.com.
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A Shell of a Good Time at Our Annual Crab Feast
On September 23, more than 60 GADD members gathered at Stan & Joe’s Riverside for our Annual Crab Feast!
Guests enjoyed steamed Maryland crabs, classic sides, an open bar, and—most importantly—a great evening of food, fun, and networking.
We’re incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, Kitchen & Bath Creations and Lynbrook of Annapolis, for helping make this year’s Crab Feast such a successful and memorable event. We appreciate your continued support of GADD and our membership!
Did you attend? We’d love your feedback! Please take just two minutes to complete our short survey HERE. Your feedback will help us plan next year’s Crab Feast and ensure we continue creating events our members enjoy.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we hope you had as much fun as we did!
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Trivia Night: Fun, Camaraderie & Friendly Competition
GADD members gathered at The Melting Pot on October 1 for an evening of trivia, networking, and fun! Teams tested their knowledge with questions about Annapolis and the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD), making for a lively night of friendly competition and plenty of laughs.
Attendees enjoyed a complimentary drink courtesy of GADD while mingling with fellow members and making new connections.
Congratulations to our winning team! Each team member received a $20 gift card to Rise Up.
- Amy Gaeta – Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove
- Beth Kuhl – What’s Up? Media
- Debby Stehr – Stehr Enterprises
- Cathy Terranova - Kitchen Encounters
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fantastic evening! Events like these are a great way to strengthen connections, build relationships, and enjoy the community that makes GADD special.
| | Congratulations to GADD Patron Member Deshaies Electrical Services, LLC celebrating 15 years in business! | | Elevator Works is looking to hire elevator technician helpers. | | |
Ready to join GADD?
Click HERE to become a member today!
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Pella Blocks & Brews
November 4
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Pella Mid-Atlantic at their Timonium showroom to grab a drink, connect with fellow industry professionals and put your LEGO-building skills to the test.
members and guests, free
Pella Mid-Atlantic
2066 York Rd., Ste. A
Timonium, MD 21093
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Annual Membership Drive & Networking Event
November 5
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Current and prospective members are invited to meet, mingle, and make new connections. Bring a guest who is interested in learning more about GADD! Enjoy appetizers and beverages during the evening.
members and guests, free
Market House
25 Market Space
Annapolis, MD 21401
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Gramophone 50-Year Celebration
November 6-8
- November 6: 10 AM–7 PM
- November 7: 10 AM–5 PM
- November 8: 10 AM–5 PM
Shop the best pricing of the season and explore exciting opportunities to enter Gramophone’s $80,000+ Anniversary Giveaway.
members and guests, free
Gramophone
4 West Aylesbury Road
Timonium, MD 21093
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Bright Light Design Center Fall CEU & Open House
November 12
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy refreshments, pumpkin decorating, networking and a CEU course on the science of downlighting.
members and guests, free
Bright Light Design Center
111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 102
Annapolis, MD 21401
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GADD Monthly Networking Breakfast
November 19
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
3rd Thursday of each month
Featured presenter - Debby Stehr of Stehr Enterprises. Enjoy a cup of coffee on Debby (tell Rise Up you are with GADD).
members only, free
Market House
25 Market Space
Annapolis, MD 21401
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Ferguson Showroom Event
November 19
5:30 P.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Enjoy an evening of hospitality, networking, and inspiration as you connect with industry professionals, partners, and friends while experiencing Ferguson’s refreshed showroom.
members only, free
Ferguson
302 Harry S. Truman Pkwy., Ste. M-P
Annapolis, MD 21401
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GADD Book Study
November 24
5:30 p.m.
Read and discuss your favorite books and latest releases in architecture, design, construction, business, sales and marketing.
members only, free
49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery
49 West St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
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12 Key Takeaways on AI in Home Design and Construction
Parker, M. (September 1, 2026) Houzz.com
Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from experimentation to everyday use among construction and design professionals, according to the just-released 2026 U.S. Houzz State of AI in Construction and Design report. Forty-one percent of firms now use AI for business tasks, up 7 percentage points from a year ago, with more than half of those users saving at least three hours a week. Nearly all pros expect AI to transform the industry within the next five years, even as their concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content have grown.
For the first time, the report also looks at AI use among renovating homeowners and finds that 22% have used AI for their projects, primarily to gather ideas, visualize concepts and compare options. But when it comes to executing those ideas, homeowners continue to rely on professionals, with 80% hiring a pro for their renovation.
Here’s a closer look at how pros and homeowners are using AI, where they’re seeing value and where the technology has room to improve.
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GREATERANNAPOLISDESIGNDISTRICT.COM
202 Legion Avenue, #7, Annapolis, MD 21401
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