The Best Residential Architects in Virginia
Discover the very best residential architects and architecture firms in Virginia, including Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Hunt Country.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
What is a Residential Architect?
Serving as the liaison between custom home builders, local municipalities, and end users, Residential Architects help design the built environment of a new home or home renovation. Certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Residential Architects work collaboratively with various experts such as Custom Home Builders and Interior Designers across a number of different service offerings, including Schematic Design and Construction Documentation to Bidding and Construction Administration. In short, Residential Architects offer a framework and blueprint for ensuring your vision becomes a reality.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Featured Virginia Residential Architects
Explore a curated selection of the very best residential architects and architecture firms in Virginia
Windsor Farms Revival of Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of Ansel Olson.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Designs by Aaron Olson
Designs by Aaron Olson is a Residential Architecture Firm in Richmond, Virginia
Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
Reader & Swartz Architects
Reader & Swartz Architects is a Residential Architecture Firm in Winchester, Virginia
Saddleback Farm of Afton, Virginia. Image courtesy of Greg Goodson.,
MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA
Jacobsen Architecture
Jacobsen Architecture is a Residential Architecture Firm in MIddleburg, Virginia
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RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Find a Residential Architect in Virginia
Whether a new build or home renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best architect for the job.
Windsor Farms Revival of Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of Ansel Olson.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Richmond, Virginia
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Richmond, Virginia
Windsor Farms Revival of Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of Ansel Olson.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Coastal Virginia
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Coastal Virginia
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Refined Farmhouse of McLean, Virginia. Image courtesy of Anice Hoachlander.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Northern Virginia
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Northern Virginia
Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Blandemar Farm Estate of Charlottesville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Darren Setlow.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Charlottesville, Virginia
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Charlottesville, Virginia
The Sageview Estate of Upperville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Studio Trejo.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Virginia Hunt Country
Discover the best residential architects and architecture firms in Virginia Hunt Country
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Power Rankings
Discover the most popular Residential Architects in Virginia for the year ending 2024
1). ARCHITECTUREFIRM
8). 3North
9). BOB Architecture
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Field Notes
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River View of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Alan Russ.
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The Waterfront Homes of Virginia
These waterfront homes are among the finest in Virginia
Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.
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The Most Influential Modern Architects in the Mid-Atlantic
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Poplar Grove of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Ty Cole.
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RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions and best practices about residential architects and architecture firms in Virginia, 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 more conceptual design oriented exercises to a full-service 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.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT?
The cost to hire a residential architect depends on the desired scope of work and pricing structure. Residential architects that charge hourly rates can range anywhere from $100 to $250 per hour. Residential architects that are tasked with managing a larger project may levy a fixed fee of the total cost of the project, which could be anywhere from 5% to 20% of the total project cost. Additional cost structures include cost per square foot as well as flat fee. As always, the cost of a residential architect can vary based on project complexity, location, and the residential architect's experience. It's essential to discuss fees upfront to ensure clear expectations.
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT IN VIRGINIA?
The best way to find a good Residential Architect in Virginia is to ask friends who have recently worked with a Residential Architect on a custom home or home renovation. Once you have a list of recommended Residential Architects, conduct interviews with each candidate and ask to review examples of recently completed projects of similar scope listed by address. Finally, see if your Residential Architect is licensed with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects, which is supervised by the Virginia Department of Regulatory and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). If they are not, ask them to confirm their ability to serve your specific needs and what additional resources they may require to complete the job.
DOES A RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT IN VIRGINIA HAVE TO BE LICENSED?
No. While Virginia does offer licensure through the Department of Regulatory and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), licensing is not required for architects who design residential dwellings such as single family homes and townhomes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER?
A Residential Architect is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Additionally, Residential Architects may hold an active license with the Virginia Department of Regulatory and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). An Architectural Designer, on the other hand, is someone who prepare plans, specifications, documents and designs but may not hold a license to practice or formal trade designation. Architectural designers often assist licensed architects with drafting and modeling but cannot sign official documents or take primary responsibility for projects.
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