Marengo Pass Design LLC | Design | State College, PA, USA

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Design Services for your Home and Property

Marengo Pass Design offers design and consulting services for landscape design, timber frames, and outdoor living spaces.

We also provide conceptual space planning, so your indoor and outdoor spaces flow together seamlessly.

Design should be Intentional

Water feature planting plan

Landscape Design

Landscape Design

Residential Site Planning

Residential Site Planning

& Structures

Timber Frame Structures

Space Planning

Artwork and Sketchbook

Artwork and Sketchbook

a garden
start to finish

VISIT OUR VIDEO GALLERY

Option for a timber framed event venue, featuring a monitor style frame with SIP panel exterior - with site planning to match! Full conceptual design services for a place to enjoy life. #timberframe #sippanel #sitedesign #designer

Option for a timber framed event venue, featuring a monitor style frame with SIP panel exterior - with site planning to match! Full conceptual design services for a place to enjoy life. #timberframe #sippanel #sitedesign #designer

…what he said! #hershey #placemaker #hersheygardens

…what he said! #hershey #placemaker #hersheygardens

Steel fab moving along for some heavy timber in Pittsburgh…swipe to see the illustration set this started from! (We’d share the CNC burn files, but they’re super boring to look at…)
#pittsburgh #steelplate #timberframe #designer #outdoorliving Thank you to our friends @pennsylvaniasawmillcompany for sharing these pics from the shop floor, we are thankful to work with you!

Steel fab moving along for some heavy timber in Pittsburgh…swipe to see the illustration set this started from! (We’d share the CNC burn files, but they’re super boring to look at…)
#pittsburgh #steelplate #timberframe #designer #outdoorliving Thank you to our friends @pennsylvaniasawmillcompany for sharing these pics from the shop floor, we are thankful to work with you!

The floor plan and the frame combine as the organizational framework for this event venue concept, featuring a single story layout with a monitor-style timber frame plan- mechanicals and storage and utility uses are dropped to a superior-walls style lower level to maximize ground floor seating space. #timberframe #conceptdesign #sippanel #happyvalley #designer

The floor plan and the frame combine as the organizational framework for this event venue concept, featuring a single story layout with a monitor-style timber frame plan- mechanicals and storage and utility uses are dropped to a superior-walls style lower level to maximize ground floor seating space. #timberframe #conceptdesign #sippanel #happyvalley #designer

A timber frame enclosed by SIP panels as a concept design for an event venue. We’re working on the architectural concept and the site design now, and checking in to see which part of what concept “hits” and moves to round 02. TBD…#timberframe #sippanel #structuralinsulatedpanels #venue #concept

A timber frame enclosed by SIP panels as a concept design for an event venue. We’re working on the architectural concept and the site design now, and checking in to see which part of what concept “hits” and moves to round 02. TBD…#timberframe #sippanel #structuralinsulatedpanels #venue #concept

Taking an idea for structural steel from sketchbook conversation to more formal modeling. The sketchbook allowed all the parties- the owner, the steel worker, and the timber framer- to weigh in during the discovery phase of this upcoming project.

We’ll keep dialing this in, eventually providing detailed CNC files and shop drawings for each part to bring it from 2D paper to a 3D place to enjoy. #sketchbook #steel #designbuild #timberframe

Taking an idea for structural steel from sketchbook conversation to more formal modeling. The sketchbook allowed all the parties- the owner, the steel worker, and the timber framer- to weigh in during the discovery phase of this upcoming project.

We’ll keep dialing this in, eventually providing detailed CNC files and shop drawings for each part to bring it from 2D paper to a 3D place to enjoy. #sketchbook #steel #designbuild #timberframe

sneak peek at a pair of timber frame and site design options for an upcoming central PA venue - the other 80 pages are for client eyes only until next week! #timberframe #sitedesign #venue #centralpa #placemaker

sneak peek at a pair of timber frame and site design options for an upcoming central PA venue - the other 80 pages are for client eyes only until next week! #timberframe #sitedesign #venue #centralpa #placemaker

in real life, it’s yellow! #movingday

in real life, it’s yellow! #movingday

Tonight’s earwig, last night’s cabin. #penandink #sketchbook #earwig

Tonight’s earwig, last night’s cabin. #penandink #sketchbook #earwig

First impressions and conversation starters for an upcoming project. They’re “wrong” in many ways, but even a plan that shows the wrong arrangement also shows the correct layout hidden inside. Site visits and scaled plans will follow as we look for the “right” answer together with a genuinely awesome client. #sketchbook #roughidea #firstimpression #penandink #visualnotes

First impressions and conversation starters for an upcoming project. They’re “wrong” in many ways, but even a plan that shows the wrong arrangement also shows the correct layout hidden inside. Site visits and scaled plans will follow as we look for the “right” answer together with a genuinely awesome client. #sketchbook #roughidea #firstimpression #penandink #visualnotes

Paul LeSeau sums up visual notes better than anything I’ve read in his book by the same name. To paraphrase, “People who don’t worry about writing the perfect sentence, so why stress about drawing the perfect sketch?”
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A sketchbook is more diary than art exhibit, especially when the sketch is a recipe for a darned good chicken salad sandwich #sketchbook #paullaseau #visualnotes

Paul LeSeau sums up visual notes better than anything I’ve read in his book by the same name. To paraphrase, “People who don’t worry about writing the perfect sentence, so why stress about drawing the perfect sketch?”
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A sketchbook is more diary than art exhibit, especially when the sketch is a recipe for a darned good chicken salad sandwich #sketchbook #paullaseau #visualnotes

My view from the office today.
This is another special project in a group of special projects, a venue center design aimed at connecting, healing, celebrating life events…and piano recitals, too.

a bear wandered by during my site measure today, which is always a good thing 🙂

My view from the office today.
This is another special project in a group of special projects, a venue center design aimed at connecting, healing, celebrating life events…and piano recitals, too.

a bear wandered by during my site measure today, which is always a good thing 🙂

Shout out and thank you to our friends @j.s.decorativeconcrete for sponsoring and supporting a fun night out at the Huntingdon rodeo tonight! #rodeo #huntingdon #pennsylvania

Shout out and thank you to our friends @j.s.decorativeconcrete for sponsoring and supporting a fun night out at the Huntingdon rodeo tonight! #rodeo #huntingdon #pennsylvania

…and just three short years later, the tree that became a log that became a board - is on its way to being a piece of furniture. Slowly. The mortises are done for the bottom, and the tenons are next up

Why three years? First, life is busy and there’s a lot to do. But more importantly, the rule of thumb for air drying hardwood is “one year per inch”, meaning a 1” thick board takes roughly a year to air dry; a 2” board takes 2 years, etc. so what we cut today won’t be stable for a while. in the meantime, there are no shortage of things to do.
#sawmill #patience #airdry lumber

…and just three short years later, the tree that became a log that became a board - is on its way to being a piece of furniture. Slowly. The mortises are done for the bottom, and the tenons are next up

Why three years? First, life is busy and there’s a lot to do. But more importantly, the rule of thumb for air drying hardwood is “one year per inch”, meaning a 1” thick board takes roughly a year to air dry; a 2” board takes 2 years, etc. so what we cut today won’t be stable for a while. in the meantime, there are no shortage of things to do.
#sawmill #patience #airdry lumber

“I really need to assemble those tables I started a few years ago”
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Sidebar Saturday in the tiny shop - This little table design is one of our Devotional Table designs, sized to fit a favorite beverage while studying. These are made in American Cherry and will be adorning the apartment of our family’s newest grad and registered nurse!) they’ll receive 3-4 coats of bowling alley wax before being released into the wild. #woodshop #handmade #tablemaker #devotional #woodwork

“I really need to assemble those tables I started a few years ago”
.
.
.
Sidebar Saturday in the tiny shop - This little table design is one of our Devotional Table designs, sized to fit a favorite beverage while studying. These are made in American Cherry and will be adorning the apartment of our family’s newest grad and registered nurse!) they’ll receive 3-4 coats of bowling alley wax before being released into the wild. #woodshop #handmade #tablemaker #devotional #woodwork

grad gift sketch!
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#hershey #hmc #hersheymedicalcenter

grad gift sketch!
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#hershey #hmc #hersheymedicalcenter

outdoor living and curb appeal are on the docket this week….

…and a little break from social accounts, too! We’ll see you mid summer to catch back up 🙂

outdoor living and curb appeal are on the docket this week….

…and a little break from social accounts, too! We’ll see you mid summer to catch back up 🙂

a week to appreciate the ebb of work in favor of hosting and celebrating beautiful (but very different) seasons of life
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and don’t let the long face fool you - even the neighbor’s horse paused to enjoy a sunrise and change of pace
#family #celebration #seasonoflife

a week to appreciate the ebb of work in favor of hosting and celebrating beautiful (but very different) seasons of life
.
and don’t let the long face fool you - even the neighbor’s horse paused to enjoy a sunrise and change of pace
#family #celebration #seasonoflife

steel design doesn't have to be boring, ugly, or expected, unless that's in the program statement. We're thankful we get to design fun things! #steel #wedesignfunthings #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

steel design doesn't have to be boring, ugly, or expected, unless that's in the program statement. We're thankful we get to design fun things! #steel #wedesignfunthings #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

more plates, less words
#steel #wedesignfunthings #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

more plates, less words
#steel #wedesignfunthings #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

When your timber post dimensions are 15" x 15", it's more fun to design your own post base than hunt for something off the shelf. #timber #steel #customdesign #timberbeams #pittsburgh

When your timber post dimensions are 15" x 15", it's more fun to design your own post base than hunt for something off the shelf. #timber #steel #customdesign #timberbeams #pittsburgh

While traditional joinery is timeless and concealed fasteners are trending, steel plates will always hit in a community with a history of manufacturing. Sharing a set of steel assemblies for a home entry and porch in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, or as I like to call it, the "milwaukee of the east". More to follow! #steel #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

While traditional joinery is timeless and concealed fasteners are trending, steel plates will always hit in a community with a history of manufacturing. Sharing a set of steel assemblies for a home entry and porch in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, or as I like to call it, the "milwaukee of the east". More to follow! #steel #pittsburgh #timber #timberbeams

…there are some cool structural steel plates coming up soon! #timberframe #steel #wedesignfunthings

.
on a side note, I’ve really been enjoying seeing how and when design creativity shows up. this project started with a meeting an exchange of ideas on Wednesday. my client passed along their notes and said, “take your time and I’ll be excited to see what you come up with.” I let it sit until 10 minutes ago, and scratched out this rough idea on the way to my last meeting of the week. It was nice to set it aside and pick it back up knowing the client is engaged and excited, and also giving me the freedom to do what I do - design fun things. So I’ll do this with the rest of the steel on this project, model it, and see where it goes. Happy Friday!

…there are some cool structural steel plates coming up soon! #timberframe #steel #wedesignfunthings

.
on a side note, I’ve really been enjoying seeing how and when design creativity shows up. this project started with a meeting an exchange of ideas on Wednesday. my client passed along their notes and said, “take your time and I’ll be excited to see what you come up with.” I let it sit until 10 minutes ago, and scratched out this rough idea on the way to my last meeting of the week. It was nice to set it aside and pick it back up knowing the client is engaged and excited, and also giving me the freedom to do what I do - design fun things. So I’ll do this with the rest of the steel on this project, model it, and see where it goes. Happy Friday!

it’s one thing to build it, it’s another to make time to use it!
Taking a little Thursday night break after a lot of long hours to enjoy some fire and music in the pavilion tonght #pavilion #timberframe #placemaker

it’s one thing to build it, it’s another to make time to use it!
Taking a little Thursday night break after a lot of long hours to enjoy some fire and music in the pavilion tonght #pavilion #timberframe #placemaker

Interested rain garden design in the early stages - a linear plan to make the rainwater path between points A and B more of everything. #raingarden #landscapedesign #concept

Interested rain garden design in the early stages - a linear plan to make the rainwater path between points A and B more of everything. #raingarden #landscapedesign #concept

…and let’s not forget the importance of transitioning from the pool deck patio to the yard - let’s bring the lawn up to the pool area so they both flow together like a couple of people shaking hands…

#landscapedesigner #outdoorliving #landscape #landscapedesign #poolseason #patio #spaceplanning #retreat #swimmingpool #transitions

…and let’s not forget the importance of transitioning from the pool deck patio to the yard - let’s bring the lawn up to the pool area so they both flow together like a couple of people shaking hands…

#landscapedesigner #outdoorliving #landscape #landscapedesign #poolseason #patio #spaceplanning #retreat #swimmingpool #transitions

while overall images are helpful to get the "feel" of a space, some uncluttered close views help show the practical side of an improvement - down to the towel rings and outlet locations to help understand and anticipate prior to building. #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving #landscapedesign #landscapedesigner

while overall images are helpful to get the "feel" of a space, some uncluttered close views help show the practical side of an improvement - down to the towel rings and outlet locations to help understand and anticipate prior to building. #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving #landscapedesign #landscapedesigner

two more shots of this recent outdoor kitchen rooftop balcony - a space and weight conscious addition including a propane grill, pizza oven, fridge and storage to avoid having to run off and leave this great little hidden space! #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving #landscapedesign #details

two more shots of this recent outdoor kitchen rooftop balcony - a space and weight conscious addition including a propane grill, pizza oven, fridge and storage to avoid having to run off and leave this great little hidden space! #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving #landscapedesign #details

...a little rooftop kitchen addition today, an addition to an existing rooftop breezeway between a main home and studio...more images to follow! #rooftopgarden #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving

...a little rooftop kitchen addition today, an addition to an existing rooftop breezeway between a main home and studio...more images to follow! #rooftopgarden #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving

…and a timber frame pergola brings a sense of human scale to the deck as soon as one steps out of the sunroom, without blocking out light TO the sunroom…. #pergola #deck #sunroom #humanscale #outdoorliving #landscapedesigner #landscape #landscapedesign

…and a timber frame pergola brings a sense of human scale to the deck as soon as one steps out of the sunroom, without blocking out light TO the sunroom…. #pergola #deck #sunroom #humanscale #outdoorliving #landscapedesigner #landscape #landscapedesign

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visit our work in progress

@marengopass_design

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