Business Details
23 Years
experience
Residential Architects in Washington, DC
Lawlor Architects, established in 2003, is a full-service residential architectural firm rooted in Washington, DC. Our collaborative approach prioritizes thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable design tailored to each client's unique needs. With a focus on single-family residential projects, we guide clients from schematic design through construction completion, ensuring individual attention from principal and project architects at every stage. Our team brings extensive expertise in navigating design decisions, materials, and building systems, creating clean-lined, modern-classic spaces that reflect our clients' lifestyles.Recognized for award-winning work in the DC region, we blend technical precision with creative vision to deliver homes that are both functional and aesthetically enduring. Our principals, Stephen Lawlor and Lacy Brittingham, lead with decades of combined experience, supported by a dedicated team of architects and designers committed to excellence in residential architecture.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Interior Design
Project Management
Custom Home Design
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer a collaborative design process tailored to individual client needs
- Our principals provide hands-on oversight from concept to construction
- Specialized expertise in sustainable and LEED-certified residential design
- Award-winning portfolio demonstrating design excellence in DC projects
- Deep experience guiding clients through complex material and cost decisions
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED
What people say
Award-winning designs
Collaborative process
Sustainable solutions
Personalized attention
Timeless aesthetics
Services
Residential Architecture
Lawlor Architects specializes in creating bespoke residential spaces that merge modern functionality with timeless aesthetics. Our full-service approach includes schematic design, material selection, and construction oversight. We focus on crafting homes that reflect each client's unique lifestyle while maintaining architectural integrity and sustainability.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services integrate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials to create environmentally responsible homes. We employ LEED-certified practices and passive design strategies to reduce environmental impact while enhancing living comfort. This approach ensures homes meet rigorous sustainability standards without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Interior Design
We offer comprehensive interior design services that extend our architectural vision to interior spaces. Our team focuses on creating functional layouts, selecting finishes, and integrating lighting solutions that complement architectural elements. The result is cohesive, livable spaces that enhance the overall design narrative of each home.
Project Management
Our end-to-end project management ensures seamless execution from concept to completion. We coordinate with contractors, manage timelines, and conduct quality control checks throughout construction. This comprehensive approach guarantees adherence to design specifications while maintaining budgetary constraints and project schedules.
Custom Home Design
We specialize in designing one-of-a-kind homes tailored to specific site conditions and client preferences. Our process emphasizes contextual design that respects neighborhood character while incorporating innovative solutions. Each project receives individualized attention to create distinctive residences that stand the test of time.
People
Stephen Lawlor
Principal
Stephen Lawlor, AIA, founded Lawlor Architects after 16 years at McInturff Architects. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland and actively contributes to DC AIA initiatives. His career focuses on creating expressive residential spaces that balance modernity with timeless design principles.
Lacy Brittingham
Principal
Lacy Brittingham, AIA, brings expertise in sustainable design, including LEED accreditation and Living Building Challenge experience. She founded Brittingham Architecture before joining Lawlor Architects, specializing in helping homeowners realize their vision through environmentally conscious design solutions.
Roberto Ramirez
Senior Associate Architect
Roberto Ramirez, AIA, contributes over a decade of residential architecture experience. With a background in healthcare and commercial design, he now focuses on technical standards and regulatory compliance for Lawlor Architects. He manages office workflow while maintaining hands-on project involvement.
Sean Sullivan
Associate Architect
Sean Sullivan, a Howard University graduate, pursues licensure as one of few African American architects. He combines architectural history knowledge with modern design principles to create intentional living spaces. Active in DC real estate, he advocates for greater industry representation.
Paula Schumann
Interior Designer
Paula Schumann brings fine art expertise to residential interiors, balancing form and function in every project. With a Syracuse University background, she specializes in creating personalized spaces that harmonize architectural elements with client lifestyles through thoughtful material and color selections.
Questions
What types of architectural services do you offer?
We specialize in full-service residential architecture including custom home design, sustainable building solutions, interior design, and construction oversight for single-family homes in the Washington, DC area.
How involved are the principals in each project?
Our principals provide hands-on leadership throughout every project phase, ensuring consistent design vision and direct client communication from initial concept through final construction details.
Do you work outside the Washington, DC region?
While our portfolio primarily features Washington, DC projects, we consider select opportunities in surrounding areas that align with our design philosophy and client collaboration approach.
How do you incorporate sustainable design principles?
We integrate LEED-certified practices, passive solar strategies, and eco-friendly materials to create energy-efficient homes that reduce environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
What is your design process timeline?
Project timelines vary based on scope but typically include 3-6 months for design development followed by 12-24 months of construction, with continuous client collaboration throughout the process.
Can you work with existing architectural styles?
Yes, we specialize in creating designs that respect historical contexts while incorporating modern functionality, ensuring new constructions harmonize with established neighborhood character.
