Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential & Institutional Architects in Maplewood, NJ
At Clawson Architects, we specialize in transformational renovations, custom home design, and historic preservation, delivering solutions that harmonize with both client visions and environmental stewardship. Our team of licensed professionals brings over two decades of experience in residential, retail, and institutional projects, with a portfolio exceeding 600 built works. Recognized nationally with 13 AIA Design Awards, we prioritize hands-on collaboration, leveraging hand-sketching techniques and sustainable practices to create timeless spaces.Our expertise in navigating zoning variances and historic boards ensures seamless project approvals, while our commitment to preserving architectural integrity has earned trust from homeowners and industry peers alike. With services spanning from concept to construction administration, we provide tailored guidance that reflects our clients' lifestyles and enhances property value.
Services
Luxury Home Design
Historic Preservation
Residential Renovations
Estate Architecture
Zoning Variances
Interior Design
Restoration Services
3D Renderings
Construction Administration
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 25-year record of variance approvals in challenging jurisdictions
- Hand-sketching approach enables real-time design adjustments and client collaboration
- LEED-certified professionals prioritize sustainable, context-sensitive solutions
- 600+ built projects spanning luxury homes, historic preservation, and estates
- Award-winning expertise with 13 AIA Design Awards and counting
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED
- NCARB
- ASID
- CID
What people say
Award-winning designs
Exceeded expectations
Creative solutions
Meticulous attention to detail
Seamless transitions between old and new
Services
Luxury Home Design
Crafting bespoke estates and new homes starting at $1 million, blending client vision with site-specific elements. Our designs prioritize timeless aesthetics, functional layouts, and seamless integration with natural surroundings. With NCARB-certified architects, we ensure code compliance and exceptional spatial planning for discerning clients.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in landmark buildings and period homes with investments from $150K. Our team navigates historic boards, maintains architectural integrity, and modernizes systems while preserving original details. Services include facade restoration, window replacement, and contextual additions that honor historical significance.
Residential Renovations
Transforming spaces through high-end renovations priced $350K$20M. We enhance functionality while maintaining stylistic coherence, offering kitchen/bath redesigns, structural modifications, and smart technology integration. Our process ensures minimal disruption and maximum value enhancement for existing properties.
Estate Architecture
Comprehensive estate solutions including pool houses, garages, and accessory buildings priced $175K$3M. We design cohesive outdoor living spaces that complement primary residences while meeting zoning requirements. Services extend to site planning and landscape integration for luxury properties.
Zoning Variances
Navigating complex zoning laws with a 25-year track record of successful variance applications. Our experts prepare detailed submissions for local boards, ensuring compliance while achieving client objectives. Services include hearings before historic preservation committees and land use boards across multiple states.
People
Marvin E. Clawson
Principal Architect and Partner
AIA Gold Medal award-winning architect with NCARB certification, Marvin specializes in hand-sketching real-time solutions and historic preservation. He leads design consultations and has over 25 years of experience transforming period homes while maintaining architectural integrity.
Mary Ren Clawson
Principal Architect and Founding Partner
LEED AP-certified architect and founding partner with expertise in color theory, interior design, and sustainable practices. Ren co-founded Clawson Architects in 2000 and oversees project team coordination while maintaining active client engagement throughout the design process.
Leaha Bovino
Associate Architect
AIA-certified historic preservationist with specialized knowledge in 18th-20th century architectural styles. Leaha focuses on contextual additions and restoration projects, ensuring modern functionality while preserving historical accuracy for landmark properties across the Northeast.
Colleen Kirk
Engineer
PE and LEED AP-certified engineer specializing in structural detailing for historic renovations and sustainable building systems. Colleen brings technical expertise to complex projects including timber structures and playground design elements requiring precise engineering solutions.
Layla Danelle Neira
Architectural Designer
NJIT graduate with a classical architecture certificate from ICAA. Layla contributes to residential projects with a focus on period detailing, having received AIA design excellence awards for her work on Victorian and Colonial Revival style homes.
Questions
What architectural services does Clawson Architects offer?
We provide luxury home design, historic preservation, renovations, estate architecture, zoning variances, interior design, and sustainable solutions across NY, NJ, PA, and beyond.
Do you specialize in historic home renovations?
Yes, with 13 AIA awards and 25+ years of experience navigating historic boards and preserving architectural integrity while modernizing spaces.
Can you help with zoning variances?
Our team has a 25-year track record securing variances in challenging jurisdictions, including NY, NJ, PA, and New England regions.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in NY, NJ, PA, MD, VT, RI, FL, and can apply for reciprocal licenses nationwide through NCARB certification.
How does your design process work?
We begin with hand-sketching sessions to visualize solutions, followed by detailed planning, material selection, and construction oversight to ensure quality execution.
Are you LEED-certified?
Yes, our team includes LEED AP professionals who integrate sustainable practices while maintaining period authenticity in all projects.
Reviews (5)
Karina Linares
Feb 23, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism
Very rude lady picks up the phone. Cuts you off in the middle of asking questions.
Very rude lady picks up the phone. Cuts you off in the middle of asking questions.
Vitamins Plus
Feb 22, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
We''re working with Marvin, Rene and their team on our third project with Clawson Architects and couldn't be more pleased. They are responsive and professional and wonderful to work with. We highly recommend thir gracious, talented team!
We''re working with Marvin, Rene and their team on our third project with Clawson Architects and couldn't be more pleased. They are responsive and professional and wonderful to work with. We highly recommend thir gracious, talented team!
Michael G.
Dec 06, 2020
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Just relocated to NJ and about to purchase a lot for a new build. Called Sept 14, 2020 1:35pm to speak about getting some information on a new build. The lady who answered the phone was very rude and unpleasant. Every questiion I asked was responded with "I will not answer that". how am I supposed to judge viability of a project if the architect can't explain anything. then she started putting my project down by saying that she only works on special projects insinuating mine isn't. Very unprofessional service. Beware!
MJewish Center
Dec 06, 2017
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We have worked with Marvin and the Clawson Architect firm on several different design projects. Their designs are extremely thoughtful with attention to historical detail, flow and use of space. They are consummate professionals and a real pleasure to work with. . We have always been extremely pleased with the end results.
Jeff Markel
Sep 10, 2017
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Marvin and Ren Clawson do fabulous work - during the design stage all the way through to completion of the project. We couldn't have hoped for better partners to help us with our major renovation!
