What series Andersen and Marvin? I would not use or recommend anything Pella.

We have Milgard windows and so many of them are failing and foggy. IDK when they were installed, but they don't seem very old. Also, ours are the horizontal sliding type and the latches catch so badly, you have to muscle them open. It's not a frame swelling issue either (I won't bore you with the details, but all that's here if you're curious).

I've never had to purchase other windows though, so I don't know enough to compare them to other brands. I figure that failure can partly be blamed on the installer though, since they have to custom assemble them to size.

On Andersen, the patio doors have to be at least Series A and the windows have to be at least Series 400 - due to exterior trim. I am being told that I can intermix Series A patio door hinged with Series 400. I do not have an equivalent for comparison in Marvin. I am just beginning my research.

Vinyl or wood-clad? Is there a sliding glass door as well? I would cross Pella off the list. If you are also considering vinyl windows, there are several recommended brands such as Okna and Sun-Lite. I will link a good information page from a website of Windows on Washington located in Virginia - they often comment on this forum as well. The linked page is all about replacement windows not new construction windows, but is still helpful to understand the various windows options and terminology.

https://www.windowsonwashington.net/replacement-windows

"the rear elevation is all windows and will likely face west due to lot"

This will be a problem. West-facing windows will have burning setting sun coming in - in the summer in particular you will roast, but in Virginia, it will even be a problem year-round. It's one thing to have a few windows facing west, but another to have the west elevation be "all windows". Go to your architect and discuss this at length.

IMO ask your architect which windows he has used with good experience as you see here already different thoughts I would not do black vinyl ever FYI

Thank you - I have read the comments here on Pella. So, rule out Pella. Andersen would be Series A and Series 400, at a minimum. I do not know the Marvin lines, yet. There are two patio doors hinged, no sliding doors. I would like the rear elevation windows to be wide open without the bar of the double hung; the front elevation will have grids, potentially four over four if double hung, haven't made a determination for casement. A white brick with a dark trim on the exterior (black or dark bronze), style is Southern, Acadian, ... I like what I have learned about casements and I really don't want the bar of double hung on the rear elevation; I understand this choice(casement) will increase the cost. My preference is to use same "type" of window throughout, although I could used double hungs on the front elevation. I prefer wood on the interior, not vinyl. Potentially even primed, so that the windows can be painted with the trim - ie no mismatch of colors. I am a total newbie at this; in my 60s and hoping this is my forever home. I don't know on vinyl, wood clad or fiberglass - I am just starting.

There are great products made in each material, it really just depends on your goals. Assuming that we are talking about higher end models of each, vinyl will generally offer the best performance and value, wood the richest aesthetic, and fiberglass has some unique aspects as well. Based on your preference of a paintable interior, wood or a paintable fiberglass interior may be the best fit.

A black or bronze exterior can be done successfully on any of the three. Stating that black should never be done on vinyl would be like me stating that I would not do a wood interior ever. I see plenty of rotted wood interiors at 10 years, but I also know that they are due to poor product quality, lack of maintenance, or some of both. Similarly, failures of black on vinyl are poor product quailty, or improper paint/coatings used. The reflective properties(to mitigate heat build up) and durability of that option when done correctly is very good.

Agree with the above comment.