--- title: "Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/barnes-vanze-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1292022945 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1292022945.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d83322f000abacd6_4682-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1000 Potomac Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, United States" latitude: 38.9144 longitude: -77.074 phone: "(202) 337-7255" website: http://www.barnesvanze.com rating: 5 review_count: 3 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 1749 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/barnes-vanze-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1292022945) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Washington, DC - **Serves:** Washington, DC (Washington), Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Canada, Cape Cod, Chevy Chase, Falls Church, Florida, France, Lake Barcroft, Maine, Martha's Vineyard, Mclean, North Bethesda, Potomac, South America, Utah - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2020), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - 1,000,000 Ideabook Saves Since 1989, BarnesVanze Architects has built a prolific practice known for exceptional beauty and craft. Based in Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown, the 23-member firm consists of six principals and a talented studio team who together create sophisticated architecture in a range of contexts, climates, and historical traditions. The firm’s portfolio of expertly designed residential, commercial, institutional, and ecclesiastic projects can be found nationwide and in six other countries, from Canada to the Caribbean. Principals Wayne Adams, Melanie Giordano, Ellen Hatton, Michael Patrick, and founding principals Anthony “Ankie” Barnes and Stephen Vanze guide the organization’s commissions — whether new construction, restoration, renovations or additions — addressing all equally with experience, knowledge, imagination, and skill. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Staircase Design - Custom Homes - Interior Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Washington - DC (Washington) - Alexandria - Arlington - Bethesda - Canada - Cape Cod - Chevy Chase - Falls Church - Florida - France - Lake Barcroft - Maine - Martha's Vineyard - Mclean - North Bethesda - Potomac - South America - Utah ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 40 million BVA focuses on large custom home design and major, whole-house remodeling and historic renovation. Interior design services are performed across a wider price range. Please inquire directly for more information. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc. | | Address | 1000 Potomac Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, United States | | Phone | (202) 337-7255 | | Website | http://www.barnesvanze.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1749 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/barnes-vanze-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1292022945) - **Website:** http://www.barnesvanze.com - **Phone:** (202) 337-7255 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - The John Russell Pope Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art; Traditional Building magazine’s Palladio Awards; Awards for Excellence by the American Institute of Architects, DC Chapter; Firm of the Year Award by AIA\|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation. - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2020), for Design. **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews** ### All 3 reviews **★★★★★ — Helen Pearson, Dec. 2015** > Working with BVA was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Ankie and his team are highly talented, knowledgeable, and experienced architects and are a pleasure to work with. We came to them with ideas for an ambitious renovation on a tight timeline, and they rose to the challenge without hesitation. They have a deep understanding of the personal nature of residential projects and work hard to design thoughtful spaces that respond to the individual needs of their clients. We appreciate their thoughtful and beautiful work with each passing month as we continue to settle into our renovated house. I highly recommend this outstanding team of professionals. **★★★★★ — Michael G Imber, Architects, Nov. 2015** > As a colleague of Barnes Vanze Architects I can think of few architectural firms that garnish the level of respect and admiration of the profession as this firm merits. Their work has been noted for both its beauty as well as its importance in the development of traditional and classical design on the East Coast. As a result, they have won numerous design awards for their work and have influenced the practice of traditional architecture nation-wide. I highly recommend this firm for its professionalism and its ability to create beautiful and noteworthy architecture. **★★★★★ — Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Jan. 2015** > Known for their flexible and dynamic designs, Barnes Vanze consistently designs imaginative solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Teaming with Barnes Vanze results in outstanding projects that are much more than the sum of their parts, proving that collaborating with true professionals at the top of their fields produces stellar work. ## Selected projects - [Architecture: Mediterranean Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-mediterranean-revival-pj-vj~2139626) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 25 - Description: Renovation, Addition: They say beauty is only skin deep—a true statement for this 1920s “Mediterranean” in DC. Once you looked past the barrel-tile roof, the windows, doors and interior layout were straight out of the Colonial playbook. The new owners approached us with a desire to authenticate it as a true Mediterranean Revival, at the same time adding a new wing to make it comfortable for their young family. They also wanted the interior layout to provide a neutral, unfussy backdrop for their… - [Interiors: Color-Packed Makeover in DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-color-packed-makeover-in-dc-pj-vj~2172328) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 13 - Description: When your client has a good eye and impeccable taste, decorating her home is a thrill. We helped this homeowner choose paint, fabrics and wallpaper for a major home renovation (which we also designed) that added a kitchen and family room over an existing garage, a master suite above, and an extra bedroom in the attic. The client already had a distinctive collection of furnishings, so we helped her place them throughout the new areas, along with a few new pieces that would tie it all together, an… - [Interiors: Soothing Kitchen and Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-soothing-kitchen-and-family-room-pj-vj~2172588) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: The soaring new family room and expanded kitchen had to be soothing and comfortable. Our clients wanted calm, cool colors for this open environment, furthermore, and durable furnishings that could easily welcome a crowd. Designer Miriam Dillon responded with sophisticated finishes and fabrics, and rustic accents that tie the two spaces together. - [Architecture: New England Shingle Style—in DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-new-england-shingle-stylein-dc-pj-vj~115025) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 14 - Description: New Custom Home: Conceived as a cottage with New England roots, this classic shingle-style house is situated on a hilly site overlooking the Potomac River and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park in Northwest Washington, D.C. The site was occupied by an older house in disrepair when the owners purchased the property in 2005. After evaluation, it was more cost effective to build a house from scratch; therefore, the existing structure was removed in a “green” manner, so we recycled as much of… - [Architecture: Ridgeside Vineyard Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-ridgeside-vineyard-farmhouse-pj-vj~141351) - Location: Bluemont, VA - Photos: 11 - Description: New custom home: Our clients were in the process of retiring and had three main interests that needed to be satisfied by their new home. One, they wanted to be near their grandchildren, two, they love to cook, and, three, they produce and enjoy fine wine. They wanted to start a vineyard. A thorough search of rural land within driving distance to their grandchildren finally produced 25 acres in Bluemont, Virginia with a commanding view of the valley. One visit to the site with our clients made it… - [Interiors: Colorful Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-colorful-modern-kitchen-pj-vj~1406826) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Kitchen design: We worked with Poggenpohl to create a new atmosphere, starting with the company’s sleek line of cabinetry and countertops. Next came a statement-making turquoise backsplash, because our client seemed most drawn to blues and greens. With those major elements in place, we brought out the fabrics that would enhance the backsplash and the pale wood veneer of the cabinetry. Kitchens don’t normally feature a lot of fabrics or upholstery, which makes this one so special. Rich draperies… - [Architecture: Fresh Modern Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-fresh-modern-colonial-pj-vj~138968) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 15 - Description: New custom home: This new house on a mature lot turns a private but polite facade to the street and overlooks a Park at the rear. The crisp painted stucco and slate exterior refers to the long noble tradition of the American Colonial, while the interior is fresh and filled with finely proportioned details: the simple elliptical stair's handrail pays homage to its plan geometry, the leaded-lite transoms in the public rooms add old-world charm, and the mudroom and Dutch door tidily accommodate the… - [Architecture: Modern Treatment, Traditional Form in DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-modern-treatment-traditional-form-in-dc-pj-vj~1324797) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: New custom home: You can’t go wrong when the clients are a custom homebuilder and interior designer. Michael Banks, the co-owner with his brother of Banks Development Co., and his designer wife Ally Banks, were close collaborators on the design of their new home in Northwest Washington. The house brings modern details to traditional form. Steel-framed windows and doors, clean lines devoid of fussy molding and iron pergolas outside mingle with a classic layout and a stately, porticoed façade. Und… - [Architecture, Interiors: Modern Perch on the Potomac River](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-interiors-modern-perch-on-the-potomac-river-pj-vj~1331715) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: New Custom Home, Interior Design: Modern design can be the best solution when children are pets are involved. Its open layout and unfussy interiors can easily forgive things like running, chasing, and the occasional game of catch. This was certainly the case for a young couple with two high-energy boys and a happy golden Lab. They asked us to design a house on a DC plot overlooking the Potomac River that could handle lots of activity. The family needed space both inside and outside for playing a… - [Architecture: Flemish Revival on DC's Embassy Row](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-flemish-revival-on-dc-s-embassy-row-pj-vj~1324936) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Remodel, Addition, Historic Renovation: Our client purchased the abandoned Libyan Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue, which had been vacant for 17 years. This shipping executive, along with his wife and three sons, saw through the damage and neglect to realize that the Flemish Revival townhouse had promise. The Embassy Row location was ideal, moreover, being within walking distance of Dupont Circle and backing up to Rock Creek Park. Talk about a diamond in the rough. A generation of neglect had ren… - [Architecture: Northern European Manor in MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-northern-european-manor-in-md-pj-vj~1325648) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: New Custom Home: The house comprises three radiating wings anchored by an entry tower—two wings comprise the living spaces, while a third garage wing fronts a private motor court. Both living wings radiate from the entry tower, and capture the sun and sweeping garden views all day. The eastern wing houses informal family living and service spaces, while the western wings is reserved for more formal, public spaces. Bedrooms span both wings on the second level, which all have bright, pleasing gard… - [Interiors: Tone on Tone Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-tone-on-tone-interiors-pj-vj~138966) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Space planning, decoration: The owner, who loves creamy colors against dark woods, felt out of place in a house where everything was dark with no distinction, from the floors and walls to the furniture and artwork. We cleaned house—literally—repainting the walls in creams and whites, tearing out a huge dark built-in, and replacing dark kitchen cabinetry with white Shaker-style storage and a soothing gray and white backsplash. Next, we repurposed many of the spaces. An unused living room became a… - [Architecture: Rustic French Villa in DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-rustic-french-villa-in-dc-pj-vj~138826) - Location: Washington D.C., DC - Photos: 12 - Description: New Custom Home: The soft country palette and picturesque massing of this new country French cottage speak of “home." The clipped gables, engaged dormer and belvedere stair tower connect with their inspirational rural examples in France from Normandy to the Dordogne. The use of natural materials, craft, details and scale enrich the experience. Reclaimed wood, tiles, stone, natural stucco and interior plaster offer patina and familiarity, while wrought-iron details and handmade tile add fine-scal… - [Architecture: Rock Creek DC Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-rock-creek-dc-renovation-pj-vj~1326113) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Renovation, addition: The new owners wanted a better flow throughout the house and more space to welcome frequent visits from their children and grandchildren. They also wanted to age in place, so they requested an elevator to access their home’s four levels. We gave the kitchen a major upgrade, squaring the space off from a previously awkward alignment and adding a rear pantry to house the ovens, microwave and warming drawer in addition to storage. A new rear entrance provides direct access fro… - [Architecture: Lakeside Family Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-lakeside-family-cottage-pj-vj~141114) - Location: Gibson Island, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: New Custom Home: This summer retreat is located on a private community island on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The two and a half acre wooded site slopes down from the road to a fresh water lake. Inspired by the informal character of the owner’s previous house on the island and the cottages in the area, our goal was to provide a comfortable home for the family where they could entertain while enjoying the amenities of the site. The first floor is organized around the kitchen, with hal… - [Architecture: Pool House Pleasure Dome](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-pool-house-pleasure-dome-pj-vj~1345712) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Renovation: Longtime Maryland clients asked us to address a glaring problem on their property: A tired-looking pool inside a leaky, mold-infested glass structure. The owners initially wanted to tear it all down and start over, but we found a way to renovate and recycle what was already there, turning this eyesore into the ultimate party pad. We started by filling in the old pool and building a new one outside, leaving the interior of the structure open for a lounging area, fireplace and hot tub.… - [Architecture: Contemporary DC Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-contemporary-dc-addition-pj-vj~144526) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 9 - Description: Addition: This kitchen was a dead-end space with outdated cabinets and finishes. The clients are avid cooks and frequent hosts, so this dark, poorly laid-out room shut off from the rest of the house was a focal point of the renovation. Our new addition adds both floor space and ceiling height, expanding the kitchen and opening it up to a new breakfast and family room. A hierarchy of “primary” and “secondary” spaces emphasizes an open prep and cooking area, with support functions discretely tucke… - [Interiors: Bright, Crisp and Tailored](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-bright-crisp-and-tailored-pj-vj~1346459) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Decorating: We first chose rugs to set the stage in this interior design project. Our client had found a pattern she liked for the living room, and we helped choose the silvery-gray color, which works as a foil for the champagne coffee table, the gray slipper chairs, and the white, curved-arm sofa. The dark console, which we moved from another room, along with the smart end tables provide visual anchors to the natural light that floods this room. We took color cues from the herring-bone brick pa… - [Architecture: French Cottage, Transformed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-french-cottage-transformed-pj-vj~144374) - Location: Washington DC, DC - Photos: 14 - Description: Renovation, addition: Often the key to an informed renovation is to enhance a unique feature that was understated in the initial design. This residence already possessed a powerful element in its relationship to the site. From the street, the visitor is presented with a modest one-story cottage, but the truth is revealed upon entry and passage through the house. Hidden beyond the contained front facade is a magnificent site that slopes gently down into a large expanse of forested ravine. The hou… - [Architecture: Glass Kitchen Conservatory in DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architecture-glass-kitchen-conservatory-in-dc-pj-vj~1325728) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Addition, kitchen design: The owners loved the detailing of this old house, but not its dark interior. The wife, an avid cook, felt especially trapped in a half-underground kitchen. She envisioned a grand culinary stage instead, enclosed in glass like a conservatory—so that’s exactly what we gave her. A custom English conservatory crowns the new addition, enclosing a kitchen, dining and sitting area that seems to float into the home’s wooded back yard, just above a pool we designed below. To pre… [See all 39 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/barnes-vanze-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1292022945) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*