RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

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

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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

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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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The Homes of Virginia

Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes in Virginia

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

Power Rankings

Discover the most popular Virginia Residential Architects in 2024









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Field Notes

Discover the stories, sights, and sounds that make life in Virginia truly extraordinary

River View of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Alan Russ.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

The Waterfront Homes of Virginia

These waterfront homes are among the finest in Virginia

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Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.

THE ART OF LIVING

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

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Poplar Grove of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Ty Cole.

MARKET TRENDS

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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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. 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 registered with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects, which is supervised by the 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 homes such as single family homes and townhomes.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER?

An Architect is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and holds an active license with the 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.

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