Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Residential Architects in Washington, DC
Lawlor Architects, established in 2003, is a full-service residential architectural firm based in Washington, DC. Our collaborative design process prioritizes thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. With expertise in single-family residential projects, we guide clients from schematic design through construction completion, ensuring individualized attention from principal architects. Our team's extensive experience in design, materials, and building systems creates homes that balance modern functionality with timeless aesthetics. Recognized for award-winning work in the Washington, DC region, we maintain a small-firm approach to preserve personal client relationships while delivering nationally acclaimed designs.Our principals bring decades of combined experience, including LEED accreditation, advanced architectural education, and leadership in local community and professional organizations. We specialize in transforming residential spaces through a comprehensive understanding of site-specific challenges, budget constraints, and client lifestyles. Our portfolio demonstrates a consistent design language that merges clean-lined modernity with classic architectural principles. Active participation in the DC AIA and other community groups underscores our commitment to professional excellence and local engagement. By focusing exclusively on residential architecture, we cultivate deep expertise that directly benefits homeowners seeking personalized design solutions.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Interior Design
Project Guidance
LEED Consulting
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer a collaborative design process with direct principal involvement
- Our team includes LEED-accredited architects and AIA members
- Award-winning designs published in local and national publications
- Specialized expertise in Capitol Hill historic district renovations
- Personalized attention from initial consultation to project completion
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accreditation
Services
Residential Architecture
Custom residential architecture services focusing on single-family homes. Our approach combines modern aesthetics with functional living spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in Capitol Hill historic district renovations while serving broader Washington, DC area projects. Our process includes schematic design, material selection, and construction oversight.
Sustainable Design
LEED-accredited architects implement sustainable design principles in residential projects. Services include energy-efficient systems integration, eco-friendly material selection, and passive design strategies. We balance environmental responsibility with aesthetic appeal and functional requirements for modern living spaces.
Interior Design
Comprehensive interior design services focusing on residential spaces. Our team creates cohesive environments that reflect client personalities while optimizing functionality. Services include finish selection, furniture specification, and lighting design for both new constructions and renovations.
Project Guidance
Full-service project guidance from initial concept to construction completion. We provide budget management, contractor coordination, and technical oversight. Our collaborative approach ensures client involvement throughout the design and building process for residential projects of all scales.
LEED Consulting
LEED certification consulting for residential architecture projects. Our accredited professionals guide clients through sustainable building standards, documentation requirements, and eco-friendly design strategies. Services support achieving green building certifications while maintaining aesthetic and functional design goals.
People
Stephen Lawlor
Principal Architect
AIA-certified architect with 20+ years experience in residential design. Graduated from University of Maryland with Masters in Architecture. Former principal at McInturff Architects. Active in DC AIA and community organizations.
Lacy Brittingham
Principal Architect
LEED-accredited architect specializing in sustainable residential design. Holds Permaculture Design Certificate and PassivHaus training. Over a decade leading residential projects with focus on environmental integration and energy efficiency.
Roberto Ramirez
Senior Associate Architect
AIA member with technical expertise in residential architecture. Masters from Morgan State University. 10+ years focused on residential projects after commercial healthcare experience. Manages office standards and workflow processes.
Sean Sullivan
Associate Architect
Howard University graduate pursuing architectural licensure. Specializes in architectural history and residential design. Active in DC real estate industry. Advocate for diversity in architecture profession.
Paula Schumann
Interior Designer
Syracuse University fine arts graduate with 15+ years residential design experience. Former color consultant, now focusing on interior architecture. Combines artistic background with functional space planning for residential clients.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential architecture with a focus on single-family homes, sustainable design, interior architecture, and LEED-certified projects in the Washington, DC area.
How long have you been in business?
Lawlor Architects has provided residential design services since 2003, with our principals collectively having over 50 years of architectural experience.
Do you work outside Washington, DC?
While based in DC's Capitol Hill, we serve the broader Washington region and have completed projects on the Delmarva Peninsula and in Virginia.
What design approach do you use?
Our collaborative process emphasizes sustainable solutions, combining modern aesthetics with classic principles while maintaining individual client needs and budget constraints.
Are you LEED certified?
Yes, we have LEED-accredited architects on staff who implement sustainable design principles in residential projects seeking green building certifications.
Have your designs received recognition?
Our work has been published in architectural journals and received local and national awards for innovative residential design solutions.
Reviews (7)
Jason Slaysman
Aug 31, 2021
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Had the pleasure of leading the build team for a spectacular new home project in Rehoboth Beach, DE, designed by Lawlor Architects. Steve is a great architect, great communicator, all around great guy! Lawlor Architects brings an unparalleled level of professionalism to the architect-client-builder partnership. Looking forward to any future opportunity to work with Steve and his team!
Jessica Berman
Jul 02, 2021
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Our experience with Lawlor Architects was exactly what we hoped it would be. Steve and the team were patient and attentive throughout a design process that was longer than they might have wished for, paying attention to our needs, really listening, and respecting our design aesthetic. The most lasting impression of our work with Lawlor Architects is their joy in finding creative solutions to problems, whether about design choices or managing the inevitable construction surprises. Their approach to treating every challenge as an opportunity turned what is often a stressful process into an
Kathleen Burke
Jul 02, 2021
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If you are envisioning and wishing for your dream house, seek no further. You will achieve your aspiration with Steve Lawlor. Our charming, but cramped and outdated, 1920s Chevy Chase, DC cottage presented multiple challenges. The configuration of the lot also imposed constraints. We had consulted three previous architects, but each time, the preliminary plan proposed to us seemed pedestrian and predictable. Discouraged, we delayed undertaking a renovation. Enter Steve Lawlor. The impressive aspect of Steve's work is that he melds imagination and inventiveness with structural engineering expertise
Mark Stern
Jun 29, 2021
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Steve is extraordinary in every respect. Our project presented a difficult challenge--- to preserve the charming and unusual front wing of a 1928 house while incorporating it into a new rear wing and new second story. Other architects had previously drawn up plans. When we saw Steve's brilliant design, we knew we'd found the genuine article. Equally important is Steve's method of working. The project remains his from beginning to end. He solicits bids from contractors he trusts and then oversees every aspect of the construction, bringing his judgment, taste and perfectionism to bear on each of
Maureen Holla
Jun 15, 2021
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Outstanding work --on time and on budget. We were overseas and needed experienced architects to make our lovely Capitol Hill home usable to a family of five --that means installing ensuite bathrooms from scratch , a pantry, new floors, windows, paint, etc. We need it done with a high bar for excellence, we wanted it beautiful, and we needed someone else to manage the contractors and ensure excellence/budget/timeline. Lawlor did it all. They understood I didn't want to pick out tile or paint or countertops, or mirrors, or lamps, or sinks or toilets or any of it --gasp! They brought their design
Linda Kessler
Jun 13, 2021
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Lawlor Architects transformed our 1800s dark, outdated farmhouse in the middle of Capitol Hill into a modern work of art and light. Steve and his design team came up with many out-of-the-box solutions that were as functional as they are beautiful. His interior design team made thoughtful choices with finishes that will never be out of style. They all worked with us to make sure we were comfortable with every decision and loved every detail, and were with us every step of the way during construction. Steve promised me the budget would hold and (except for some things I added) it did! I highly recommend
Ryan Moody
Nov 30, 2020
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We worked with Lawlor Architects on a rowhome renovation in Capitol Hill in 2019. Steve and Bonnie did an incredible job guiding the entire project. As a trained architect and practicing landscape architect my expectations were set high. Steve exceeded them. Lawlor Architects outlined the right expectations and delivered. A significant home renovation is never an easy undertaking. Lawlor's experience, dedication, and focus made the process enjoyable and collaborative.
