Business Details
41 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture in Washington, DC
At Hamilton Snowber, we approach every project as a collaborative journey between client, architect, and builder. Founded in 1985, our firm has cultivated a reputation for creating homes that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting the unique needs of each client. Our principals, Cynthia Hamilton and Chris Snowber, bring decades of experience in residential design, historic preservation, and sustainable architecture across diverse regions including Washington, DC, New England, and the Midwest. We prioritize understanding the landscapewhether urban, suburban, or ruralas a foundation for every design decision. Our commitment to environmentally responsible practices is evident in our use of green materials, energy-efficient systems like geothermal heating, and passive solar design.With a process that spans programming, construction documentation, and administration, we ensure projects remain aligned with both aesthetic visions and financial realities. Our work with historic districts and review boards demonstrates our ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Through strategic contractor selection and hands-on project management, we deliver homes that balance beauty, functionality, and long-term value. Our teams academic backgroundsfrom Yale and Carnegie-Mellon to practical field experienceinform our innovative yet grounded approach. Clients benefit from our dedication to transparency, communication, and solutions tailored to their specific lifestyles and sites.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Contractor Selection
Home Purchase Review
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in residential architecture and historic preservation.
- Our collaborative process prioritizes client needs and site-specific design solutions.
- We integrate sustainable practices like geothermal systems and green materials.
- Our team has successfully navigated complex historic district regulations.
- We maintain long-term relationships with trusted regional contractors.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential designs that balance aesthetic vision with functional living needs. Our approach integrates site-specific context, client preferences, and sustainable materials to deliver enduring homes. Projects range from new construction to renovations across urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable practices include geothermal heating, solar energy systems, and high-performance insulation. We prioritize locally sourced materials and energy-efficient designs that reduce environmental impact while maintaining architectural integrity and long-term cost savings for homeowners.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in navigating historic district regulations and preserving architectural character. Our work includes adaptive reuse of period structures, material restoration, and modern updates that respect historical context while meeting contemporary living standards.
Contractor Selection
We assist clients in selecting qualified contractors through our network of trusted partners. Our process evaluates bids, schedules, and past performance to ensure alignment with project goals, budget, and timeline for successful construction outcomes.
Home Purchase Review
We provide expert analysis of potential home purchases, evaluating structural condition, renovation feasibility, and budget considerations. Our assessments help clients make informed decisions about properties requiring updates or expansions to meet their long-term needs.
People
Cynthia N. Hamilton
Principal Architect
Cynthia Hamilton founded the firm in 1985 after teaching architecture at Auburn and Carnegie-Mellon Universities. She holds a Master of Architecture from Yale and specializes in residential design and historic preservation across diverse regions.
Christopher R. Snowber
Principal Architect
Chris Snowber co-founded the firm in 1990 and leads community initiatives like pro-bono design services. He earned his Master of Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon and focuses on residential projects integrating sustainable practices and modern functionality.
John Clark
Registered Architect
John Clark joined in 2015 with 15 years of residential architecture experience. He graduated from Catholic University and contributes technical expertise to projects while managing fieldwork and construction oversight for the firm.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you specialize in?
We design custom single-family homes, renovations, and additions across urban, suburban, and rural settings, including historic preservation and new construction.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your designs?
We use geothermal systems, solar panels, high-efficiency insulation, and locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact while maintaining design integrity.
Do you work outside the Washington, DC area?
Yes, we’ve completed projects in New England, Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Virginia, and the Midwest, adapting designs to regional climates and contexts.
How do you handle historic district regulations?
We have experience with boards like DC’s Historic Preservation Review Board and Montgomery County’s Historic Preservation Commission to secure approvals efficiently.
Can you help select a construction team?
Yes, we provide contractor referrals and evaluate bids based on experience, schedule, and budget to ensure project success.
