Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Historic & Sustainable Architecture Services
Encore Sustainable Architects has dedicated over five decades to advancing architectural excellence through historic preservation and sustainable design. Our team of registered architects, preservationists, and LEED Accredited Professionals combines deep technical expertise with a holistic approach to design, specializing in adaptive reuse, historic restoration, and sustainable building practices. We prioritize client collaboration, guiding projects from feasibility studies through construction administration while navigating complex regulatory requirements.Our work has earned recognition through multiple awards, including AIA DC Historic Resources Merit Awards and The Architect's Newspaper Best Design Award. We maintain affiliations with leading preservation organizations and have completed landmark projects such as the Menokin/Glass House and Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Our commitment to quality extends to pro bono initiatives and community service, ensuring historic buildings receive the care needed to serve modern purposes while preserving cultural heritage.
Services
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Adaptive Reuse
Tax Credit Applications
Construction Administration
Building Assessments
LEED Certification
Government Approvals
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in historic and sustainable architecture.
- Our team includes registered architects and LEED Accredited Professionals.
- We provide full-service project management from feasibility studies to construction.
- Our firm holds Maryland SBE certification for small business compliance.
- We maintain active affiliations with preservation and sustainability organizations.
Associations and certifications
- Maryland SBE
- LEED AP
What people say
Wonderful professionals
Visionary team
Exceeded expectations
Timely communication
Preservation expertise
Services
Historic Preservation
Our historic preservation services encompass National Register nominations, tax credit applications, and adaptive reuse projects. We conduct building condition assessments, prepare historic structure reports, and ensure compliance with Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Our team has completed award-winning work on National Historic Landmarks and local heritage sites across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Sustainable Design
We integrate LEED certification, energy modeling, and net-zero strategies into both new construction and historic renovations. Our approach preserves building integrity while implementing modern efficiency solutions. Services include material analysis, sustainability documentation, and compliance with green building standards for commercial and residential properties.
Adaptive Reuse
Our adaptive reuse expertise transforms historic structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining architectural character. We manage full-scale renovations of commercial buildings, multifamily housing, and institutional facilities. The process includes feasibility studies, code compliance, and coordination with historic review boards to ensure successful project outcomes.
Tax Credit Applications
We specialize in preparing and submitting historic tax credit applications for federal and state programs. Our team navigates complex documentation requirements, coordinates with SHPO and NPS, and ensures compliance with preservation standards to maximize financial incentives for restoration projects.
Construction Administration
Our construction administration services include quality control, schedule monitoring, and contractor coordination for historic and new construction projects. We manage change orders, approve payments, and ensure adherence to design specifications throughout the building process.
People
W. Ward Bucher III
Principal Architect
With over 50 years of experience, Ward Bucher is a registered architect in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. He has led preservation projects for National Historic Landmarks and authored 'The Dictionary of Building Preservation.' His expertise spans adaptive reuse, historic tax credits, and sustainable design.
Joseph Wojciechowski
Architect
Joseph Wojciechowski serves on the Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission and specializes in navigating regulatory requirements for historic projects. He provides technical expertise in building documentation and preservation treatment plans.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Delaware.
Do you handle both historic and modern building projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation while also providing design services for new construction and adaptive reuse projects.
Can you assist with historic tax credit applications?
Yes, we prepare and manage federal and state historic tax credit applications as part of our preservation services.
Are your architects LEED certified?
Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals who integrate sustainable practices into historic and new construction projects.
What building types do you work with?
We work with commercial, institutional, residential, and nonprofit properties including museums, churches, multifamily housing, and historic landmarks.
