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 approach prioritizes thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable design tailored to each client's unique needs. With expertise in single-family residential projects, we guide clients from schematic design through construction completion, ensuring personalized attention from principal architects. Our team's extensive experience in navigating design decisions, materials, and building systems has earned recognition as one of Washington, DC's premier residential architecture firms. We maintain a small-firm structure to guarantee direct involvement from senior architects throughout every project phase.Our portfolio showcases award-winning homes across the DC region, reflecting a design philosophy that balances modernity with timeless elegance. Principals Stephen Lawlor and Lacy Brittingham bring decades of combined experience, including LEED accreditation and leadership roles in professional organizations. Our commitment to client collaboration and technical excellence has resulted in published works and accolades at local and national levels. We specialize in creating spaces that harmonize with their environment while meeting the evolving needs of homeowners. Our team's diverse backgrounds in historic preservation, sustainable design, and construction management ensure comprehensive solutions for every project.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Interior Design
Project Guidance
Historic Renovations
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Established in 2003 with 20+ years of combined experience from principal architects
- Collaborative design process with direct principal involvement throughout projects
- Award-winning designs published in local and national architectural publications
- LEED-accredited professionals specializing in sustainable residential architecture
- Small-firm structure ensuring personalized attention and technical excellence
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED Accreditation
What people say
Thoughtful design approach
Award-winning results
Collaborative process
Sustainable expertise
Personalized attention
Services
Residential Architecture
Custom residential architecture services creating tailored living spaces that balance modern functionality with timeless aesthetics. Our team specializes in new construction and renovations, focusing on sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. With decades of experience in Washington, DC's historic districts, we deliver designs that respect architectural context while meeting contemporary needs.
Sustainable Design
Eco-conscious design solutions integrating LEED standards and innovative sustainability practices. We incorporate passive solar design, rainwater management systems, and locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Our approach ensures energy efficiency without compromising aesthetic quality or functional requirements for residential projects.
Interior Design
Comprehensive interior design services creating cohesive, functional living environments. Our team coordinates finishes, fixtures, and furnishings while maintaining architectural integrity. We specialize in maximizing spatial efficiency and natural light to enhance livability in both new constructions and renovation projects across the DC region.
Project Guidance
Full-service project management from concept development through construction completion. Our collaborative process includes budget planning, material selection, and contractor coordination. We maintain continuous client engagement to ensure design vision alignment with practical execution throughout every project phase.
Historic Renovations
Specialized renovation services for historic properties maintaining architectural integrity while modernizing functionality. Our expertise includes period-appropriate material selection and code-compliant updates. We navigate historic preservation guidelines to deliver sensitive, contemporary adaptations of traditional structures in Washington, DC's historic districts.
People
Stephen Lawlor
Principal Architect
AIA-certified architect with 20+ years of experience in residential design. Graduated from University of Maryland with Master of Architecture. Former principal at McInturff Architects. Active in DC AIA and community organizations. Specializes in creating expressive living spaces.
Lacy Brittingham
Principal Architect
LEED-accredited architect with expertise in sustainable design and permaculture principles. Holds Master of Architecture from University of Maryland. Former owner of Brittingham Architecture. Specializes in helping homeowners realize their vision through innovative residential solutions.
Roberto Ramirez
Senior Associate Architect
AIA-certified architect with technical expertise in residential projects. Holds Master of Architecture from Morgan State University. Manages office standards and workflow. Former healthcare and commercial architect transitioning to residential focus over a decade ago.
Sean Sullivan
Associate Architect
Bachelor of Architecture graduate from Howard University. Pursuing ARE licensure to increase African American representation in architecture. Combines architectural history knowledge with modern residential design principles. Active in DC real estate industry.
Avery Orzechowski
Project Designer
Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ohio State University with Master of Arts in Film Production. Brings interior design experience to residential architecture. Focuses on creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces for clients in the DC metropolitan area.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential architecture including new construction, renovations, and historic preservation projects throughout Washington, DC and surrounding areas.
How does your design process work?
Our collaborative process begins with understanding client needs, followed by schematic design, material selection, and construction documentation, with continuous client engagement throughout.
Do you work outside Washington, DC?
While based in DC, we serve clients across the Delmarva Peninsula, Maryland suburbs, and Northern Virginia with award-winning residential design solutions.
Are your designs energy-efficient?
Yes, we incorporate sustainable design principles including LEED standards, passive solar strategies, and energy-efficient systems in all our residential projects.
How are you involved during construction?
Principal architects maintain direct involvement throughout construction, providing oversight and coordination to ensure design integrity and quality execution.
Can you help with historic property renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic renovations that preserve architectural character while implementing modern updates and code-compliant improvements.
