Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Annapolis, MD
J Mayer Architects has been delivering industry-leading architectural services since 1989, building long-lasting client relationships through our commitment to quality, consistency, and reliability. Our firm specializes in high-end residential and custom commercial projects, with expertise in new construction, renovations, and redevelopment across diverse sectors including education, healthcare, and historic preservation. With over 30 years of combined experience, our licensed architects and project managers bring deep technical knowledge of national building codes and construction documentation to every project. We serve clients across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware, managing complex, code-intensive developments while maintaining a focus on client-specific needs. Our portfolio demonstrates mastery in both single-family residential remodeling and large-scale commercial projects, including restaurants, office buildings, and religious facilities.The firm's leadership combines decades of hands-on construction experience with specialized skills in waterfront development and critical area design. Through rigorous attention to detail and collaboration with engineering consultants, we ensure code compliance and constructability in every design solution. Our team's extensive background in USDA facility planning and healthcare architecture further enhances our ability to deliver tailored, high-quality outcomes. By maintaining direct communication with jurisdictional authorities, we streamline permitting processes and expedite project timelines. This combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and client-focused service establishes J Mayer Architects as a trusted partner for complex architectural challenges.
Services
Residential Remodeling
New Construction
Commercial Projects
Historic Preservation
Code Compliance
Project Management
Design Documentation
Tenant Build-Outs
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural experience in complex, code-intensive projects
- Our team includes licensed architects in four jurisdictions (MD, VA, DC, DE)
- We specialize in both residential and commercial projects with equal expertise
- Our staff brings direct construction industry experience to every design solution
- We maintain direct communication with jurisdictional authorities for expedited permitting
Services
Residential Remodeling
Specializing in high-end residential remodeling, we transform existing spaces while maintaining structural integrity and design aesthetics. Our expertise includes waterfront properties and critical area developments. With licensed architects in four jurisdictions, we ensure compliance with local regulations while delivering customized solutions that enhance functionality and value for homeowners seeking premium renovation services.
Commercial Projects
We design and document commercial spaces for restaurants, offices, and community buildings with a focus on code compliance and operational efficiency. Our team manages large-scale developments requiring specialized construction documentation. From tenant build-outs to complete redevelopments, we create functional commercial environments that meet business owners' specific needs while adhering to strict regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Historic Preservation
Our firm specializes in preserving historical structures while integrating modern functionality. We combine architectural expertise with regulatory knowledge to maintain original character while meeting current building standards. This service addresses the unique challenges of maintaining historical integrity in renovation projects, ensuring compliance with preservation guidelines while delivering practical, updated spaces for contemporary use.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management for complex developments, coordinating all aspects from initial design to final implementation. Our team ensures code compliance, manages documentation, and facilitates communication between stakeholders. With experience in both public and private sector projects, we deliver structured oversight that maintains timelines, controls costs, and guarantees quality execution across residential and commercial developments.
Design Documentation
Our detailed design documentation service creates precise technical drawings for construction projects. We produce comprehensive plans that address structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements while ensuring compliance with national building codes. This service includes coordination with engineering consultants and jurisdictional authorities to create accurate, actionable documentation that streamlines the permitting process and guides successful project execution.
People
Joseph G. Mayer
Principal Architect - Founder
With over 34 years of experience, Joe Mayer founded J Mayer Architects in 1989. He specializes in residential and commercial architecture, with expertise in waterfront properties and historic preservation. Licensed in four jurisdictions, he oversees firm operations and project development.
Shawn Rupertus
Lead Project Manager
Shawn has managed project workflows at J Mayer Architects since 2005. With prior construction industry experience and USDA engineering background, he ensures code compliance and constructability. His expertise includes national building code requirements and construction detailing for complex architectural projects.
Francisco Lobos
Project Manager / Draftsman
Francisco joined the team in 2014, bringing healthcare architecture experience from KMA Architectural Group. He develops schematic designs, coordinates documentation, and communicates with jurisdictional authorities to ensure efficient permitting processes for both residential and commercial projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential remodeling, commercial projects, historic preservation, and code-compliant design documentation across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware.
How long has your firm been in business?
J. Mayer Architects has provided architectural services since 1989, with over 30 years of combined experience among our leadership team.
Are your architects licensed in multiple states?
Yes, our principal architect is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware to serve clients across different jurisdictions.
How do you handle complex building code requirements?
Our team has extensive knowledge of national building codes and maintains direct communication with jurisdictional authorities to ensure compliance and expedite permitting.
What types of commercial projects do you handle?
We work on restaurants, office buildings, community facilities, religious structures, and retail developments with specialized construction documentation and management.
Can you manage large-scale redevelopment projects?
Yes, we have experience managing complex, code-intensive developments including multi-million dollar healthcare facilities and large-scale commercial redevelopments.
Reviews (6)
Bruce Rankin
Dec 19, 2019
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I have had the pleasure of working with Joe and his team over the course of five projects ranging from the renovation of a small cottage, rehabbing two investment properties, completing a historic restoration and expanding our primary residence. Every project included surprise discoveries where Joe was incredibly resourceful and creative in addressing these challenges to our complete satisfaction. I highly recommend J. Mayer Architects.
Unique Looks
Oct 06, 2019
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We had Joe design two barber shops for us. He guided us thru the process with First class service.. We look forward to doing business with him in the future..
Ray Tacoma
Aug 25, 2019
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We enlisted Joe's help to design and manage a major renovation of our home in Annapolis. He was great to work with: open to new ideas, creative, work finished promptly and very professional. I would recommend J. Mayer Architects to anyone architectural services -- and I have done so to numerous friends.
Albert Holt
Aug 14, 2019
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We asked Joe Mayer to create our waterfront home in Annapolis. He was with us from beginning to end. He made many useful suggestions that improved the result. He was good about helping us understand the cost of any changes. Upon completion we were pleased to realize a number of subtle benefits he had incorporated into the plan. He worked well with our contractor. Any call-backs were minor because he plans were explicit and he worked with the contractor from day one. When we sold our home in 2015 we enjoyed top dollar because of the inherent beauty and practicality of the design. We have worked
Greg Strott
May 18, 2019
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We have used Joe Mayer for three projects. All of them turned out great. Exactly what we wanted. We will use Joe again for our next project.
Jason Copeland
Oct 09, 2013
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I contracted Joseph Mayer and his firm to architect changes to a home I am renovating. I met Joe at an event in Annapolis and had saved his card. Every aspect of the initial quote process was excellent. Joe was punctual and provided a detailed approach to the design process. He delivered a set of "As Built" drawings with minor flaws and I was satisfied until that point. Everything changed when it was time for Joe to deliver ideas to paper. His "sketches" were drawn in poor fashion and without regard for the ability to actually engineer the design. Multiple questions regarding his "sketches" resulted
