Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Residential Architecture Services in Washington, DC
Founded in 2005, Ballard + Mensua has established itself as a leader in residential design and renovation across the Washington, DC metro area. Our firm combines over 33 years of professional experience with a hands-on approach rooted in Seth Ballards early construction background. We specialize in creating personalized spaces through custom home design, historic preservation, and large-scale renovations while maintaining a commitment to transparency and collaboration.Our teams expertise spans construction management, interior detailing, and sustainable building practices, supported by trusted relationships with local engineers and contractors. We deliver comprehensive architectural services from concept to construction, ensuring every project aligns with our clients unique needs and long-term visions.
Services
Custom Home Design
Historic Preservation
Renovations & Additions
Sustainable Design
Master Planning
Space Planning
Construction Oversight
Pre-Purchase Consulting
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 33 years of architectural expertise with hands-on construction knowledge.
- Our client-centered process integrates design-build efficiency with traditional oversight.
- We provide comprehensive project management from concept to construction completion.
- Specialized expertise in historic preservation across diverse architectural styles.
- Deep local relationships with trusted engineers and contractors in the DC region.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- NCARB
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke homes tailored to your lifestyle and site. Our designs integrate architectural vision with practical construction knowledge. Each project emphasizes durability, aesthetics, and long-term value for homeowners in the DC region.
Historic Preservation
Our team preserves architectural heritage through meticulous restoration of historic properties. We balance original character with modern functionality, serving clients in Washington, DCs historic neighborhoods and beyond.
Renovations & Additions
We transform existing spaces with thoughtful renovations and additions. Our approach maximizes functionality while maintaining design integrity across kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home projects.
Sustainable Design
We implement energy-efficient solutions and eco-friendly materials. Our sustainable practices include passive solar strategies, waste reduction, and collaboration with local specialists for advanced green technologies.
Master Planning
We develop phased renovation plans that align with your evolving needs. This service ensures each project stage supports future improvements while maintaining budget and design cohesion.
People
Seth Ballard
Principal Architect
With over 33 years of experience, Seth leads design and construction oversight. His early hands-on construction background informs our firms practical approach to architectural solutions.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom home design, historic preservation, renovations, additions, and interior projects across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
How does your design process work?
Our phased process includes early cost studies, detailed design development, and construction oversight to ensure clarity, budget alignment, and quality execution.
Do you work outside the Washington, DC area?
While our primary focus is the DC metro area, we also take on projects in surrounding regions that align with our expertise.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
Our unique combination of design expertise, construction experience, and integrated project management sets us apart in delivering seamless client experiences.
Can you help with sustainable building practices?
Yes, we incorporate green building strategies like passive solar design, material efficiency, and collaboration with local sustainability experts.
Reviews (4)
Taj M.
Oct 28, 2020
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I requested a quote via Yelp. Seth immediately emailed back providing a phone number to continue our conversation. I called him and he immediately went to work with my request for building a conex box residence in DC.
Seth took his time with me and spoke with me like I was his only client. He asked all the right questions and went out of his way to explain the process in detail. He even researched the property while we were talking. All in all, It looks like I won't be needing his services. However, if he treats his clients the same way he treated me (a complete stranger on the
Seth took his time with me and spoke with me like I was his only client. He asked all the right questions and went out of his way to explain the process in detail. He even researched the property while we were talking. All in all, It looks like I won't be needing his services. However, if he treats his clients the same way he treated me (a complete stranger on the
Jack Levy
May 06, 2019
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We just finished a spectacular custom home project in McLean, VA and we are so very grateful to Seth Ballard and his team! If you are considering hiring his firm, look no further. There can be no better architect in the DC/VA/MD area and his pricing is more than fair. We first picked Seth because we loved his architectural style and heard that he had a reputation for ensuring that his plans are executed with impeccable precision and attention to quality. Also, his references were stellar.without exception, his former clients offered glowing praise for his talent, diligence, and follow-through
Al D.
Dec 10, 2018
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My wife and I had two great meetings with Seth Ballard regarding a potential remodel or teardown in North Arlington. Seth is knowledgeable, creative, and energetic. His knowledge and confidence about what was possible, especially in terms of permits and variances on a very small lot, took a lot of anxiety out of the process. He gave us great initial floor plan sketches and cost outlines. Our plans ultimately took a different turn, but I had full confidence in Seth to create a great result.
Erik G.
Dec 26, 2011
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I'm thinking that the first guy who posted here was working with a different architect. Our experience with Seth was excellent. He is beyond talented, and he was an excellent collaborator throughout. Seth understood our needs and worked with us to come up with a truly original design that worked with our budget. He recommended a great contractor -- a real craftsman who actively looked for ways to trim the budget and almost never charged us for a change order. People walk and drive by our house all the time and make comments about how beautiful it is (we spend a huge amount of time on
