Business Details
23 Years
experience
Residential Architects in Washington, DC | Lawlor Architects
Lawlor Architects is a full-service residential architectural firm established in 2003, dedicated to creating thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable designs tailored to our clients' needs. Our collaborative approach ensures personalized attention from initial concept through construction completion, with a focus on clean-lined, modern, and classic spaces. Based in Washington, DC, we specialize in single-family residential projects, leveraging over two decades of experience to deliver award-winning homes that reflect each client's unique vision. Our small-firm structure allows principal architects to maintain direct involvement in every project, ensuring consistency and quality. We prioritize understanding client goals, materials, and budgets to craft spaces that balance functionality and aesthetics.Our portfolio includes nationally recognized projects concentrated in the Washington, DC region, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. Our team of licensed architects and designers brings diverse expertise in sustainable practices, historic preservation, and technical precision. We believe living in an architecturally designed space enhances quality of life and strive to make this experience accessible to every client. Our principals actively engage with local community groups and professional organizations, maintaining industry leadership. With published works and accolades, we continue to push boundaries in residential design while staying rooted in client-centric values.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Interior Design
Project Management
Custom Home Design
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years of experience in Washington, DC residential architecture
- Our principals maintain direct involvement in every project from start to finish
- We combine sustainable practices with technical precision and aesthetic innovation
- Our team includes LEED-accredited and award-winning architects
- We offer comprehensive project guidance through all phases of design and construction
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential designs that merge modern innovation with timeless aesthetics. Our process begins with understanding client lifestyles and site contexts to develop functional, beautiful living spaces. With expertise in both new construction and renovations, we deliver homes that reflect individual needs while meeting technical and sustainability standards.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach integrates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials without compromising design integrity. We employ LEED standards and passive design strategies to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort. This includes daylight optimization, thermal performance analysis, and material lifecycle assessments tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Interior Design
We craft cohesive interior environments that balance form and function. Our team specializes in material selection, lighting design, and spatial organization to create livable, aesthetically pleasing spaces. From historic renovations to contemporary additions, we ensure interior elements harmonize with the overall architectural vision while meeting practical needs.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from design development through construction completion. This includes coordinating with contractors, managing timelines and budgets, and conducting site visits to ensure quality control. Our hands-on approach maintains design intent while addressing technical challenges that arise during the building process.
Custom Home Design
Each custom home is uniquely crafted to reflect client preferences and site characteristics. We focus on creating personalized spatial narratives through bespoke floor plans, material palettes, and architectural details. Our experience with complex projects ensures that even the most distinctive design visions become functional, buildable realities.
People
Stephen Lawlor
Principal
Licensed architect with over 20 years of experience, graduated from University of Maryland. Former principal at McInturff Architects, active in DC AIA, specializes in residential design. Holds Master of Architecture degree and maintains involvement in community initiatives.
Lacy Brittingham
Principal
LEED-accredited architect with expertise in sustainable design, including Living Building Challenge and PassivHaus standards. Holds architecture degrees from Kansas State University, brings decade of principal experience in residential projects focused on environmental integration.
Roberto Ramirez
Senior Associate Architect
Licensed architect with technical expertise in residential projects, graduated from Morgan State University. Manages office standards and workflow, brings decade of focused residential experience after working in healthcare and commercial sectors.
Sean Sullivan
Associate Architect
Howard University graduate pursuing architectural licensure, specializes in residential design and historic preservation. Active in DC real estate industry, advocates for diversity in architecture as part of the 2% of licensed African American architects.
Avery Orzechowski
Project Designer
Project designer with architecture degree from Ohio State University and film production background. Combines interior design experience with architectural training to create functional, aesthetically balanced spaces for residential clients.
Questions
What areas do Lawlor Architects serve?
We primarily serve Washington, DC and surrounding regions, with completed projects in Delmarva Peninsula, Brooklyn, and Vineyard locations.
What architectural styles does the firm specialize in?
Our designs balance modern and classic elements, creating clean-lined, sustainable spaces that respect context while embracing innovation.
How does the design process work?
We guide clients through schematic design, material selection, and construction phases with continuous principal involvement and collaborative decision-making.
Are the architects licensed and accredited?
All principals are licensed architects with AIA membership, including LEED-accredited professionals and award-winning designers.
What makes Lawlor Architects unique?
Our small-firm approach ensures direct principal engagement, personalized attention, and a proven track record of award-winning residential projects.
