--- title: "FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fitzharris-designs-architects-designers-pfvwus-pf~1291921309 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1291921309.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4f53cd70021b6043_7008-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3623 N 21st Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States" latitude: 38.9033 longitude: -77.1263 phone: "(703) 598-9318" website: http://www.fitzharrisdesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 43 best_of_houzz_awards: 14 followers: 188 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers Original Houzz profile: [FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fitzharris-designs-architects-designers-pfvwus-pf~1291921309) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Arlington, VA - **Serves:** Arlington, Alexandria, Oakton, Vienna, Great Falls, Falls Church, Potomac - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (43 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Woman owned - 17 years in business Founded in 2003, FitzHarris Designs is an award winning architecture firm that provides clients high-quality design and attention to detail for new construction, major additions, infill projects, historic renovations, and interiors. Most of our projects are located throughout the Washington DC metro area including Virginia and Maryland. Each project is unique based on the site, surrounding context, and owner's requirements and style. We always seek intelligent and universal design solutions that will adapt and endure the test of time. We incorporate sustainable design concepts for day lighting and energy efficiency. We have extensive experience with historic renovations, additions, major transformations, and new contemporary projects. Prior to FitzHarris Designs, Heidi FitzHarris worked in a few architecture firms including Gensler, Ligon Flynn FAIA, and the Department of State. She designed many new luxury homes and estates ranging from 6,000 to 24,000 SF in addition to commercial interiors, retail, offices, US Embassies, etc. Heidi graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor in Science of Architecture and from Virginia Tech with a Master of Architecture. Originally from RI, she now lives in Arlington with her husband, three children, and dog. She enjoys running, hiking, sailing, and playing in the ocean in her free time. FitzHarris Designs has won several DESIGNArlington awards and several Arlington Preservation Awards. We've had over 20 projects certified in Arlington's Green Home Choice program and sponsored the Tuckahoe Home & Garden Tour for several years. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Arlington - Alexandria - Oakton - Vienna - Great Falls - Falls Church - Potomac ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - 3 million $400,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers | | Address | 3623 N 21st Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States | | Phone | (703) 598-9318 | | Website | http://www.fitzharrisdesigns.com | | License Number | 0401014857 | | Followers on Houzz | 188 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — http://www.fitzharrisdesigns.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fitzharris-designs-architects-designers-pfvwus-pf~1291921309) - **Website:** http://www.fitzharrisdesigns.com - **Phone:** (703) 598-9318 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - DESIGNArlington 2017, DESIGNArlington 2013, DESIGNArlington 2011, Arlington Preservation Awards, NARI CotY Awards, Arlington Green Home Choice Certifications - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-virginia-pfvwus-pf~1956081853) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 43 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — John Levock, March 2026** > I cannot say enough good things about Heidi, she is amazing! Our neighbors recommended using her, regretting that she was not available for their design. With luck, she was available to help us with our custom design. She met with us and took our interests, our must haves, our dislikes, and came back with three amazing designs that included everything we wanted and new options (a garage!) we didn’t even consider! > > Her eye to detail is unbelievable and her drawings left nothing to the imagination. Our contractor and his team knew exactly where everything was supposed to go, down to the smallest detail, and during our walkthroughs as our house progressed, she called out anytime they veered from her design plans. You would think this would drive our contractor crazy…but guess who he chose to design his house, which was being built around the same time as our house. > > Heidi was also instrumental with a number of choices we made during construction (outside colors, roof shingles, flooring etc.) and let me tell you: Heidi is always right. Anytime we veered off her suggestions, 3-4 decisions later would realize we made a mistake and go back to Heidi’s original suggestion. She’s just that good! **★★★★★ — Fiona Lydon, Oct. 2024** > We just completed a major project with Heidi at FitzHarris Designs. We knocked an existing house and built a much larger one in its place. We were continually impressed by Heidi’s professionalism, creativity, attention to detail and the support she provided during this project. She is a good listener and provided several design options for us to consider. She made changes until we had a design we were happy with. She helped steer us in the right direction and I’m glad we listened to her advice. She was mindful of our budget and made thoughtful recommendations on where to splurge and where to cut costs. > > We would highly recommend Heidi. We love the light filled house she designed for us! > > Fiona Lydon & Dave Cahill **★★★★★ — Jenelle Chase, March 2024** > We worked with Heidi FitzHarris to architect and design an addition and whole-house remodel for our home in north Arlington. It was a complicated project because we added to the front rather than the back, and it was important to us to preserve the character/charm of our street that has many older colonials and capes. I hired Heidi because I liked her process of creating a few conceptual designs to start with, and I was familiar with her work in our neighborhood (the N Harrison St house is gorgeous!). > She was awesome to work with, from start to finish. She is an expert at navigating all the permit requirements and her blueprints are extremely detailed. She gave us excellent advice along the way, and I am so glad I trusted her and took it! > The result exceeded all of my expectations. I wasn’t thrilled with the initial set of conceptual drawings, but Heidi listened and revised them until our vision was achieved on paper. She transformed our 1940s cape into a beautiful, larger home that achieved the modern cottage look we wanted and preserved the character of our street. The best compliments from the neighbors include how integrated the house looks - like it’s always been there even though it’s brand new and larger than the surrounding homes. > The inside is seamless and interesting with a healthy mix of traditional and modern components that work beautifully together. We have a sleek staircase, arched doorways and vaulted ceilings mixed in with lower ceilings of the original house. she brought the old and new parts together so expertly that you can’t tell where original ends and new begins. Heidi is a total pro, and you should not hesitate to hire her. > Professional pictures should be coming soon! **★★★★★ — Francis and Maria OConnell, Jan. 2024** > Heidi designed a full-gut renovation of our 1953 Cape Cod and we couldn’t be happier with the end product. Having never gone through a renovation before, Heidi made the experience so easy for us. Her knowledge and wealth of experience was apparent throughout the project. Additionally, her creativity and adaptability were invaluable. When challenges arose, she offered insightful solutions. Heidi is imaginative, process oriented, flexible and a pleasure to work with. She is a good listener and designed a house to meet all our family needs. The house turned out more beautiful that we ever imagined. We highly recommend her! **★★★★★ — Diane Zamylina, Sept. 2023** > Great gob! thank you, i highly recommend this company for all homeowners who want to get work done and within budget **★★★★★ — sdemske, Oct. 2022** > We had a wonderful experience working with Heidi, and we absolutely love our remodeled house. Months after moving back in, I am repeatedly struck by the thoughtfulness, beauty, and the attention to detail of her design that make our house a daily joy to live in. Heidi helped us with a 3-story addition to our 1930s Arlington colonial. We, like many, were overwhelmed by the number of decisions. She provided invaluable guidance throughout the entire process, from the initial architectural design to advice we sought about fixtures and finishes. She was very generous with her incredible design style to help us pick out items ranging from cabinets and vanities to sofas and drawer pulls. We could never have envisioned it ourselves, and we are thrilled with the results. Throughout the process, Heidi also worked seamlessly with our building contractor so that the design and construction went hand-in-hand, and, on the several occasions of unforeseen construction challenges, to ensure we found solutions that maximized both form and function. Our favorite new space might be our screened-in porch, which is gorgeous due to Heidi’s advice and which we use all the time to entertain and relax. Just today, friends told us it is the only house they have ever visited that gave them house envy. Heidi was also just a joy to work with; we are so grateful that we found her and for our lovely new home! **★★★★★ — Amanda Bartelme, Dec. 2021** > When we first considered remodeling our 1940's colonial it seemed a like a daunting task. Luckily, we were referred to FitzHarris Designs as a potential architect and owe the success of our project in large part to working with Heidi. She took the time to really understand our space and how we used it, and then drew up sets of plans that would enhance our space significantly. Heidi's familiarity with local building codes was incredibly valuable in making sure that we avoided any permitting headaches or challenges that can significantly delay projects. We also greatly appreciated Heidi's willingness to answer our questions and stay involved throughout the building process, working closely with our contractor. We now have a beautiful and functional remodeled home, thanks to Heidi's vision and guidance! **★★★★★ — Jason Curry, Feb. 2021** > We worked with Heidi on our 1949 colonial where we did a complete gut and addition. We ended up doubling the size of the house. To start let me say that this process is daunting. The amount of decisions that you have to make is overwhelming. Which is why it's important to have a team that you trust. > > We gave Heidi our vision of what we wanted the house to be and she came up with the perfect design. More so than that she gave suggestions that were very helpful. Honestly, there were times where we didn't listen to her and we now wish we would have. > > We're hoping to add a screened-in porch in the future and we'll be working with Heidi on that design. Feel free to direct message me with any questions. **★★★★★ — Susan Shuckra, Feb. 2021** > Heidi served as our architect for a new build in Arlington. She helped us create exactly what we wanted. She worked through numerous challenges that the county presented (working around easements) and was always responsive to our questions and concerns. We always felt that we were in good hands with Heidi. She is professional, personable, and good at what she does. She has a keen eye for design. Our builder, Cherry Hill Custom Homes, who she had never worked with, commented on how the extra detail through her design really took their standard new build up a notch. We are thrilled with the home and would highly recommend Heidi. We would certainly work with her again! Here are some shots of the house: > https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5e2dlyml8sx99vx/AADiYcx62Xh7THdBZOFtOrtqa?dl=0 **★★★★★ — Jenny R, Jan. 2021** > Working with FitzHarris Designs on our home renovation was one of the best decisions we’ve made! We could not be more pleased with both the process and the outcome. We undertook a major renovation: nearly fully gutting our existing brick rambler and adding a second floor. We had been trying to get the project underway for years but couldn’t come up with a new floorplan that worked within the existing footprint of the house and it wasn’t in our budget to completely tear down the house to start totally from scratch. Heidi came in with new ideas for layout that we and others hadn’t thought of, and the outcome is exactly what we had hoped for – actually, it’s more than what we had hoped for because of Heidi’s creativity. The architectural design process was very smooth. Heidi is knowledgeable, professional, and enjoyable to work with. She made smart suggestions and also listened carefully to what we wanted and reflected that in the plans while keeping us within budget and within local building codes and regulations. She also helped us find a general contractor who has been a dream to work with for the building process. She has continued to be helpful with design elements as the interior details have formed up. We highly recommend FitzHarris Designs. **★★★★★ — Jon Jeffreys, Sept. 2020** > We could not be happier with the house Heidi designed for us. As our kids got bigger, we needed more space and better ways to entertain. Going into our first meeting we had no idea what was possible- Heidi was able to walk us through options, trade offs, and practical approaches to achieve our goals. She was very responsive in listening to our needs and asking questions on how we plan on using our home- this was critical to designing our home. Having the experience Heidi brings, she was able to bring best practice experience to what was a foreign process for us. Heidi was integral in helping us choose materials for our project that were in line with the quality we wanted- but kept us within budget. From windows to tiles Heidi always had suggestions and options for high quality materials. During the bidding phase she helped explore ways we could stay on budget but not sacrifice quality. We couldn’t be happier with our home- and would recommend using Heidi to anyone. **Comment from FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers:** > Thank you Jon and Kristen! I had such a fun time working with you and so excited how your house was transformed! It is absolutely gorgeous now and a real show stopper from the street! I hope you are enjoying your new house with your family in these crazy pandemic times! **★★★★★ — Kimberly Estes, Dec. 2019** > Heidi was simply amazing and we owe the success of our renovation to her. Her design, collaboration and insights were invaluable as we made our plans to expand our house while dealing with a tricky set of zoning limitations and setbacks due to our corner lot. Heidi helped us through the variance process with the county but more importantly her knowledge allowed us to get approval without sacrificing what we wanted out of the new home. From there, Heidi stepped up even more by assisting us with a difficult contractor situation. Heidi ensured that the addition was built to her detailed specifications, which was a life saver in a few situations where we otherwise may not have realized something was done wrong or needed to be fixed. Heidi made herself available throughout the process and her advice and assistance were priceless. We could not recommend her any higher. Thank you so much to her Heidi and her team! ## Selected projects - [New Transitional on Longfellow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-transitional-on-longfellow-pj-vj~7784502) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 26 - [Triple Contemporary on 3rd Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/triple-contemporary-on-3rd-street-pj-vj~7669014) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 24 - Description: Major addition to an original brick and siding rambler. New Contemporary style with three gable, three sidings, and three colors. Urbane Bronze paint on the front ship-lap v-groove vertical siding. Taupe paint on the middle Board and Batten. Shoji White paint on the rear lap siding. - [New Creamy Contemporary on 25th](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-creamy-contemporary-on-25th-pj-vj~7363798) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 39 - [Modern Foursquare on 25th](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-foursquare-on-25th-pj-vj~7589666) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 15 - [Lost River Solar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lost-river-solar-pj-vj~6429514) - Location: Lost River, WV - Photos: 41 - [Vienna Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vienna-contemporary-pj-vj~5845080) - Location: Vienna, VA - Photos: 19 - [Contemporay Cape on 22nd](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporay-cape-on-22nd-pj-vj~7276673) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 18 - [Contemporary in Rocky Mountains](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-in-rocky-mountains-pj-vj~2218752) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: mountain contemporary - [New Transitional Farmhouse in Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-transitional-farmhouse-in-arlington-pj-vj~6735496) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 25 - [New McLean Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-mclean-contemporary-pj-vj~6449591) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - [Contemporary Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-bungalow-pj-vj~2859978) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 21 - [Transitional Cape Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-cape-transformation-pj-vj~5958297) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 27 - Description: Original double gable brick Cape Cod was fully gutted and renovated into a clean, bright transitional home for one level living. Additional exterior space was added with new front porch and rear screen porch. Large Marvin bifold glass doors allows for indoor-outdoor living. - [Brick Colonial Side Expansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brick-colonial-side-expansion-pj-vj~6449670) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 10 - Description: Traditional Arlington brick Colonial with new side addition for kitchen and bedroom with dormer. New rear addition for family room and master suite. New front porch and awaiting new rear screen porch. - [Expanded Blue Cape on 22nd](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/expanded-blue-cape-on-22nd-pj-vj~6445918) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 20 - [Charming Cape on Harrison](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-cape-on-harrison-pj-vj~5699756) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 16 - [Quebec Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quebec-bungalow-pj-vj~5637756) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 14 - [Contemporary Maywood Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-maywood-farmhouse-pj-vj~2477419) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 16 - [Tudor Cape on 16th](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-cape-on-16th-pj-vj~3032903) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 19 - Description: Renovation of a Tudor Cape Cod. New second level addition for four bedrooms under new roof line, plus a new rear addition for great room. Maximize windows and natural light while keeping it a traditional style home. - [White Foursquare with Contemporary Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-foursquare-with-contemporary-addition-pj-vj~1591513) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 9 - [New Bungalow in Del Ray](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-bungalow-in-del-ray-pj-vj~2218900) - Location: Alexandria, VA - Photos: 9 [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fitzharris-designs-architects-designers-pfvwus-pf~1291921309) ## Ideabooks - [Exterior Warm Modern - mix materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178999917/list/exterior-warm-modern-mix-materials) — 3 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116048779/list/wish-list) — 4 ideas - [Jarvis](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171646860/list/jarvis) — 3 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/fitzharrisdesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: Size of window? Thanks:)** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The casement window is 30" wide by 42" high. Good luck with your project! **Q: Paint Color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello! Adorable house, can you please share the exterior paint colors used? Thank you in advance! A: Thanks for the interest! The homeowners selected the exterior color and we don't have it on our records. Good luck with your project! **Q: Can someone tell me where I can purchase a sink like this one?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The owners found this sink in an antique salvage store. Good luck with your project! **Q: What were the dimensions of this kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This kitchen is 20' long. We tried to maximize the width due to existing conditions. It varies in width from 11'-6" wide from behind refrigerator wall to opposite -- then bumps back 12" more at far end. Good luck with your project! **Q: Countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful kitchen. Could you give me any information about the countertop. Material, colour? Thank you A: Thank you! The counters are Jerusalem Gold Limestone. They were honed and sealed. Good luck with your project! **Q: Cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me about the cabinets, wood type and finish? A: These are cherry cabinets from Crystal. We specified a low satin finish so they aren't too glossy. Good luck with your project! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*