The Best Residential Architects in Washington, D.C.
Discover the very best residential architects and residential architecture firms in Washington, D.C.
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Our Editorial Standard for Design Professionals
Learn more about our selection criteria for design professionals
CRITERIA #1
Local Heritage
Our network is built around locally owned and operated firms whose understanding of regional landscapes, materials, and architectural traditions defines their work.
CRITERIA #2
Boutique Approach
We feature firms that embody the ideals of a boutique practice — where the founder or principal remains personally involved, ensuring quality, character, and craftsmanship in every project.
CRITERIA #3
Demonstrated Expertise
We recognize firms whose portfolio of completed work demonstrates a focus on residential design, a mastery of a distinct style, and a commitment to thoughtful presentation.
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Featured Washington, D.C. Residential Architects
Explore a curated selection of residential architects and residential architecture firms in Washington, D.C., including members of our Partner Network
Petworth Place of Petworth, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Christy Kosnic.
WASHINGTON, D.C. · PARTNER NETWORK
Third Street Architecture
Third Street Architecture is a Residential Architecture Firm in Washington, D.C.
Wing House of Bethesda, Maryland. Image courtesy of Michael K. Wilkinson.
WASHINGTON, D.C. · PARTNER NETWORK
ARCHI-TEXTUAL
ARCHI-TEXTUAL is a Residential Architecture Firm in Washington, D.C.
Craftsman Revival of Kent, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Anice Hoachlander.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of Washington, D.C.
Explore a curated collection of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic homes
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Power Rankings
Discover the top trending Residential Architects and Residential Architecture Firms in Washington, D.C.
8). BLDUS
9). HxH Architects
10). Christian Zapatka
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Field Notes
Discover the people, places, and ideas shaping life in the Mid-Atlantic
River View of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Alan Russ.
FIELD NOTES
The Most Influential Classical Architects in the Mid-Atlantic
These residential architects and residential architecture firms in the Mid-Atlantic are experts in classical architecture and design
Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.
FIELD NOTES
The Most Influential Modern Architects in the Mid-Atlantic
These architects and architecture firms in the Mid-Atlantic are experts in modern and contemporary home design
Poplar Grove of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C, Image courtesy of Ty Cole.
FIELD NOTES
The Definitive Guide to Building a Custom Home
A guide for those who plan to build their first custom home in the Mid-Atlantic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions and best practices about working with residential architects and architecture firms, including common fee structures, services, and more.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)?
Established in 1857, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the premier trade association for Architects throughout the United States.
WHAT ARE COMMON SERVICES OFFERED BY RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS?
Residential architects have a relatively broad scope of practice, ranging from a more conceptual design consultation to a hands on engagement involving construction administration, sub-contracting, and more. Common services rendered by residential architects include: Schematic Design; Construction Documentation and Permit Approval Coordination; and Construction Administration, and Owner Representation. In Washington, D.C., residential architects should also be familiar with navigating the Advisory Neighborhood Committees (ANC) and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
The best way to find a good residential architect in Washington, D.C. is to ask friends who have recently worked with an Architect on a new home or renovation. Once you have a list of recommended Architects, conduct interviews with each candidate and ask to review examples of recently completed projects of similar scope listed by address. Finally, ensure your Architect is registered with the The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture, which is supervised by the Washington, D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
DO RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HAVE TO BE LICENSED?
Yes. All Architects in Washington, D.C. must be licensed by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Residential architects in Washington, D.C. offer a number of different pricing structures. Among the most common are hourly rates, typically for consulting services; a flat fee, typical for projects with a really clear scope of work; and a fee based model relative to the gross cost of the project, which is typical if the architect will lead the design and build process from conception to completion. Other pricing. models include cost plus, which takes the total project cost and then adds the architect’s fee on top, as well as time and materials, which takes the hard costs and the architect’s hourly rate and bundles them into one cost for the project.
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