Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architecture & Design Solutions
Clawson Architects is a nationally recognized firm with over two decades of experience in residential, retail, and institutional architecture. Founded in 2000, our team of licensed professionals specializes in transformational renovations, historic preservation, and luxury custom home design. With a portfolio exceeding 600 built projects and 13 American Institute of Architects Design Awards, we combine classical architectural expertise with modern sustainability practices.Our hands-on approach includes real-time hand-sketching to align with client visions, while our 25-year track record of success with zoning variances demonstrates our commitment to navigating complex regulatory challenges. We serve clients across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Florida, prioritizing long-term relationships and tailored solutions that enhance lifestyles.
Services
Luxury Home Design
Historic Preservation
Residential Renovations
Estate Planning
Zoning Variances
Interior Design
3D Renderings
Restoration
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 25-year success record in securing challenging zoning variances
- Real-time hand-sketching for immediate design adjustments
- LEED-certified professionals and sustainability experts
- 600+ completed projects across seven states
- Specialized in historic preservation with unanimous board approvals
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Seamless construction process
Authentic period details
Creative problem-solving
Award-winning designs
Services
Luxury Home Design
Clawson Architects creates bespoke luxury homes starting at $1 million, blending client vision with site-specific elements. Our designs prioritize timeless aesthetics, functional layouts, and integration with natural surroundings. With NCARB-certified professionals, we deliver high-end residences that combine classical architectural principles with modern innovations, ensuring each home reflects the owner's lifestyle while maintaining neighborhood harmony.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in period home preservation with investments from $150,000, our team holds unanimous approval records with historical boards. We maintain original architectural integrity while incorporating modern amenities through meticulous research and traditional craftsmanship. Services include landmark submittals, facade restoration, and adaptive reuse solutions that meet contemporary needs without compromising historical authenticity.
Residential Renovations
Offering renovations starting at $350,000, we specialize in seamless additions and transformations that enhance property value. Our approach combines period-specific detailing with modern functionality, addressing structural challenges while preserving character. From kitchen expansions to full home makeovers, we ensure minimal disruption through detailed planning and experienced project management across New York and New Jersey.
Zoning Variances
With a 25-year track record in complex zoning cases, we prepare comprehensive variance applications for challenging jurisdictions. Our success stems from thorough documentation, community engagement strategies, and proven relationships with planning boards. We specialize in securing approvals for projects requiring dimensional variances, use exceptions, and historic preservation accommodations across seven states.
Interior Design
Our interior design services start at $125,000, focusing on kitchen and bath transformations, period-appropriate moldings, and material selection. Certified designers create cohesive spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality, offering procurement assistance for furnishings and soft goods. We ensure every detail complements architectural style while meeting modern lifestyle requirements through collaborative client consultations.
People
Marvin E. Clawson
Principal Architect and Partner
AIA Gold Medal Award-winning architect with NCARB certification, Marvin specializes in hand-sketching design solutions and historic preservation. With over 20 years leading residential projects, he combines classical architectural expertise with innovative problem-solving to deliver client-focused designs that respect historical context.
Mary Ren Clawson
Founding Partner
LEED-certified architect and design visionary, Ren co-founded Clawson Architects in 2000. Her expertise in color theory and period-specific detailing enhances every project, balancing artistic vision with technical precision to create spaces that harmonize with both architectural heritage and modern living requirements.
Leaha Bovino
Associate Architect
Specializing in historic preservation, Leaha brings expertise in period architectural details and community engagement. Her background in classical architecture and preservation technology ensures historically accurate yet functional renovations that meet modern standards while maintaining original character.
Colleen Kirk
Engineer
Structural engineer and LEED AP professional with experience in green building systems. Colleen ensures technical feasibility of designs while maintaining aesthetic integrity, specializing in complex structural connections and sustainable material applications for both new constructions and historic renovations.
Layla Danelle Neira
Architectural Designer
NJIT graduate with a Certificate in Classical Architecture from the ICAA, Layla focuses on detailed architectural drawings and period-specific design elements. Her award-winning design skills contribute to the firm's ability to create historically accurate yet functional spaces that exceed client expectations.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in period home detailing including Colonial Revival, Tudor, Victorian, Mid-Century Modern, Shingle Style, and Hampton Style homes, as well as new constructions that respect historical context.
Do you work outside the New York metropolitan area?
Yes, we provide services in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Florida, with NCARB certification enabling reciprocal licensure in other jurisdictions.
How does your design process work?
Our process begins with a one-hour consultation featuring real-time hand-sketching, followed by detailed planning, regulatory submissions when needed, and construction administration to ensure design integrity throughout the project.
Can you help with zoning variances?
With a 25-year success record, we prepare comprehensive variance applications for challenging jurisdictions, leveraging our relationships with planning boards and historical preservation committees to secure approvals.
What sets you apart from other architects?
Our unique hand-sketching approach enables immediate design adjustments, while our historic preservation expertise and 600+ completed projects demonstrate our ability to deliver complex, context-sensitive solutions.
Do you offer interior design services?
Yes, our interior design team provides space planning, kitchen and bath design, and period-specific detailing starting at $125,000, ensuring cohesive integration with architectural elements.
