Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Solutions in Baltimore, MD
At JRS Architects, we believe architecture is a collaborative endeavor that transforms communities through thoughtful design. Founded in 1993, our firm specializes in creating inspiring spaces for education, worship, and civic life, with a focus on Baltimore and Maryland. Our approach prioritizes local knowledge, recognizing the inherent value in existing structures to drive meaningful renewal. We champion design equity, ensuring beauty and functionality intersect across diverse projectsfrom historic restorations to modern educational facilities.As a certified MBE and LEED-accredited firm, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Our team of eight architects brings decades of experience in navigating complex building codes and delivering tailored solutions that honor each client's unique needs. By bridging innovation with practicality, we strive to elevate everyday human experiences through architecture that resonates with purpose.
Services
Architectural Design
Historic Restoration
Educational Facilities
Adaptive Reuse
Institutional Projects
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We are a woman-and-minority-owned MBE-certified firm
- We specialize in adaptive reuse of existing structures
- We have over 25 years of experience in Baltimore communities
- We combine LEED-certified sustainability with local expertise
- We focus on design equity for educational and civic spaces
Associations and certifications
- MBE
- MDOT
- LEED
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions for educational and civic spaces. Our process begins with understanding client needs, site context, and community impact. By integrating sustainable practices and local materials, we deliver functional, aesthetically meaningful buildings that enhance their surroundings while meeting budgetary requirements.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in revitalizing historic structures, we balance preservation with modern functionality. Our team meticulously restores architectural details while incorporating contemporary systems. This approach maintains historical integrity while ensuring buildings meet current safety standards and serve evolving community needs.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform underutilized buildings into vibrant spaces through creative adaptive reuse. By assessing structural potential and reimagining layouts, we extend building lifecycles while reducing environmental impact. This method preserves architectural heritage while addressing modern functional requirements efficiently.
Educational Facilities
Our educational facility designs prioritize flexible learning environments that inspire students and educators. We create spaces that support diverse teaching methods, incorporate natural light, and integrate technology. Each project emphasizes safety, accessibility, and community engagement through thoughtful spatial planning.
Institutional Projects
We design institutional buildings that serve as community anchors. Our approach focuses on creating accessible, durable spaces that reflect organizational values. From religious institutions to public buildings, we balance aesthetic vision with practical considerations to deliver functional, enduring structures.
People
Ana Maria Castro
Co-Founder
Co-founded JRS Architects in 1993. LEED-certified architect with expertise in educational design and community advocacy. Holds degrees from Auburn University and North Carolina State University. Registered in Maryland and member of AIA.
John R. Srygley
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years of architectural experience. Specializes in large-scale public projects and historic preservation. Graduated from Johns Hopkins University and University of Texas Austin. AIA member with deep Baltimore roots.
Elizabeth Bulger
Architect
16+ years of experience in public building design. Expertise in historic restorations and educational facilities. Skilled in navigating complex building codes and delivering construction documentation for Baltimore-area projects.
Nicole
Architectural Intern
Recent graduate from Roger Williams School of Architecture. Interned at JRS during studies. Focus on modern design approaches and international architectural perspectives gained through European travel experience.
Questions
What architectural services does JRS Architects offer?
We provide architectural design, historic restoration, adaptive reuse, educational facility planning, and institutional project development across Maryland.
How long has JRS Architects been in business?
Our firm has served Baltimore and Maryland since 1993, with founders maintaining architectural practices since the 1970s.
Are you certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we're a woman-and-minority-owned firm certified as an MBE by MDOT and other relevant authorities.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine local knowledge with design equity principles, focusing on community engagement and revitalizing existing structures to create meaningful spaces.
Do you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we specialize in historic restoration and adaptive reuse projects that preserve architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.
