---
title: "Melville Thomas Architects, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/melville-thomas-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761616655
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1761616655.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Melville Thomas Architects, Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ffc342560f69d4ef_9880-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "608 West University Parkway, Baltimore, Maryland 21210, United States"
latitude: 39.3507
longitude: -76.6321
phone: "(410) 409-9152"
website: http://laura.mtarx.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 18
best_of_houzz_awards: 12
followers: 258
last_updated: 2026-09-14
---

# Melville Thomas Architects, Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Melville Thomas Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/melville-thomas-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761616655)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Baltimore, MD
- **Serves:** Baltimore, Towson, Reisterstown, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Mays Chapel, Timonium, Hampton, Adirondack Mountain Homes, Brooklandville, Glyndon, Maryland + Delaware Coast, Remote locations/ Second Homes, Ruxton
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Locally owned
- 33 years in business

Laura Thomas Studio is the residential studio of Melville Thomas Architects. Laura, president and founder of Melville Thomas Architects, is an architect with over 40 years of experience. Her residential work is characterized by her knowledge of historic forms, but also a willingness to take risks and apply bold solutions when appropriate. Laura is a specialist with appreciation for gracious and proportional residential details and materials. Every design is unique, beautiful and meets its client’s individual needs.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Sustainable Design
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Home Restoration
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Staircase Design
- Garage Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Home Gym Design & Construction
- Custom Homes/Local
- Neighborhood Association Reviews
- Vacation Homes/Out of state

### Areas Served

- Baltimore
- Towson
- Reisterstown
- Hunt Valley
- Cockeysville
- Mays Chapel
- Timonium
- Hampton
- Adirondack Mountain Homes
- Brooklandville
- Glyndon
- Maryland + Delaware Coast
- Remote locations/ Second Homes
- Ruxton

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Melville Thomas Architects, Inc. |
| Address | 608 West University Parkway, Baltimore, Maryland 21210, United States |
| Phone | (410) 409-9152 |
| Website | http://laura.mtarx.com |
| License Number | MD Arch Registration \#6893-A |
| Followers on Houzz | 258 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/mtarx
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/LauraMTARX
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/lthomas58
- Blog — http://laura.mtarx.com/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Melville Thomas Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/melville-thomas-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761616655)
- **Website:** http://laura.mtarx.com
- **Phone:** (410) 409-9152

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Licensed in MD, VA, WVA, GA, DE, NJ

- **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [AIA Baltimore](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-baltimore-pfvwus-pf~59797478)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)
- [Virginia Tech Architecture & Urban Studies](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/virginia-tech-architecture-and-urban-studies-pfvwus-pf~1419354857)
- [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — amcs64, Aug. 2020**

> We have known and worked with Laura Thomas/Melville Thomas Architects for over 20 years.  After various, multi-project renovations to our old (1904) house in Baltimore, we turned to Laura three years ago to help us with full design and planning of a second home in the mountains of New York State.  Laura was the obvious choice, given our history and comfort level with her, and our shared vision for an architecturally-appropriate design for the location.  Going from renovation projects to a full house build (not to mention doing it from a distance) was a quantum leap on many levels, but Laura made the process really manageable and successful.  Her design talents are obvious, and she works seamlessly with contractors.  She is responsive, she communicates well, and she is fun to work with.  We highly recommend Laura Thomas!

**★★★★★ — High Peaks Builders, Jan. 2020**

> I am a custom home builder and Laura and I have only worked on one project together.  She has made the process seamless.  There are many miles between her office and the job-site, but that did not change the professionalism and attention to detail she exhibited.  This project has been a great success and we have already partnered up for a second build.  I look forward to working with her on many projects to come.

**★★★★★ — Suzanne Siegel, Jan. 2020**

> Working with Laura on this custom residence was an outstanding  experience from the initial phase to the final construction drawings.  She understood the homeowner’s vision and delivered on their expectations and goals.  Great thought went into the selection of all products for this unique, high-end residence.  The completed project has that “WOW” factor that catches your eye instantly.
> Laura’s architectural creativity, attention to detail, and professional integrity created a beautiful, quality home.
> Shenandoah Sash & Door looks forward to working with Laura on the next project.

**★★★★★ — Katherine Crosby, Jenkins Baer, Jan. 2020**

> I have had the pleasure of working with Laura Thomas on a number of projects. She brings creative ideas and the highest professionalism to all of her interactions, both behind the scenes and with clients. And on top of that, she is a delightful person!

**★★★★★ — Linda Rosenthal, Dec. 2019**

> Our house is unusual, a cross between contemporary and tree house.  The challenge for Laura was to help our guests identify where the front door is!  Laura was up to the challenge and solved all our problems,  We now have a wonderful front with beautiful doors, a roof over the front portion of the house and a clear path that leads to it.   She saw our style and heard our needs immediately.  Her first drawing was perfect!  Laura is very thoughtful, responsive  and available to  answer questions.  She is a pleasure to work with.

**★★★★★ — Nancy Palmer, Dec. 2019**

> I have had the pleasure of working with Laura and George Thomas on several buildings at my place of work over the past five years.  I was so pleased by the quality of their design and follow through with construction details, that we hired them to design a residence for us in South Carolina.  They have a very good eye for details related to scale, quality and regionality of materials, functionality and massing.  And, they listen well to what the client is trying to achieve.  They are also great people, I highly recommend using them!

**★★★★★ — ehsheehan, Dec. 2019**

> After buying a property with 2 dwellings on it, we presented Laura with the challenge of making it into one cohesive home. She developed several concepts and thoroughly explained the attributes of each in a manner that allowed us to determine the best solution while we were still working ideas out on paper. Once we chose a direction, the construction documents were created in a timely and efficient manner and the project went under construction without a hitch. We were thrilled with the final product, a beautifully renovated home that met all our needs.

**★★★★★ — Jane Barton, Nov. 2019**

> Laura is the consummate professional. Her work, particularly with historic homes, is fresh and interesting, while respectful of the original architecture. She is fun and energetic to work with. Laura's attention to design and detail makes for a crafted and seamless solution.

**★★★★★ — Rackl-Christopher Associates, Nov. 2019**

> I always enjoy working with Laura Thomas and the crew at Melville Thomas Architects. Laura is a spot on professional, talented, creative, organized and a fun collaborator.

**★★★★★ — Jeffrey Helman, May 2016**

> Laura and her team were extremely easy to work with. She listened to our needs and translated our vision into reality. Her attention to detail was excellent and everything was delivered on-time, as promised. We are extremely happy with her work and hope to work with her again.

**★★★★★ — smead21, May 2016**

> Excellent experience with Laura. She worked our small kitchen/breakfast room space into an open space with two eating spaces, a mudroom and beautiful layout. she also came up with an idea to open up a wall to our living room that improved the flow of our house immensely. Laura was a please to work with on our project. We would do again and again.

**★★★★★ — Anne Gummerson Photography, June 2014**

> I have done photography for Laura and her associates for many years. Their projects I always look forward to shooting. The architecture is clean and inviting. Her spaces flow seamlessly from one to the next. Her great attention to detail extends to the photography we do as well... down to props and flowers organized in advance. Its always a pleasure to work with Laura.

## Selected projects

- [New Mountain House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-mountain-house-pj-vj~6484101)
  - Location: Keene Valley, NY
  - Photos: 10
- [New Maryland Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-maryland-home-pj-vj~6077615)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: The client wanted a new home that could adjust to the needs of himself and his wife. His vision was for a “condo-like” one bedroom — a master suite, a great room and maybe a small den – a one level home. But, if their children were visiting, two more bedrooms and baths would be adjacent, and could further expand for guests with two more guest rooms over a breezeway attached garage. All enclosing a lovely stone and brick courtyard terrace.
- [Farm House Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farm-house-addition-pj-vj~2853618)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 13
- [Historic Alterations and New Elevator](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-alterations-and-new-elevator-pj-vj~6025554)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 9
- [Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-pj-vj~751862)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16
- [Beach House/Tree House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-tree-house-pj-vj~6077656)
  - Location: Bethany Beach, DE
  - Photos: 9
- [Historic Addition & Alterations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-addition-and-alterations-pj-vj~58482)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 7
- [Interior Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-renovation-pj-vj~852688)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Historic Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-addition-pj-vj~58498)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 5
- [Contemporary Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-renovation-pj-vj~1855567)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-renovation-pj-vj~1720006)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Contemporary Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-refresh-pj-vj~6291111)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: Owners requested a refresh of their dated contemporary exterior and entry.
- [New Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-residence-pj-vj~58529)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 13
- [Historic Addition & Alteration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-addition-and-alteration-pj-vj~264136)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [New Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-pj-vj~615453)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Country Addition and Alterations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-addition-and-alterations-pj-vj~57598)
  - Location: Baltimore County, MD
  - Photos: 6
- [Addition and Pool Deck Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addition-and-pool-deck-renovation-pj-vj~58485)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 4
- [Residential Elevator Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residential-elevator-addition-pj-vj~58860)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [House Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-addition-pj-vj~1855535)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [New Farm Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-farm-home-pj-vj~58516)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 7

[See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/melville-thomas-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761616655)

## Ideabooks

- [Range hood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181328526/list/range-hood) — 8 ideas
- [Craftsman exterior colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179058798/list/craftsman-exterior-colors) — 5 ideas
- [pool house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177275777/list/pool-house) — 6 ideas
- [Coastal exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168763737/list/coastal-exterior) — 14 ideas
- [Wright](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152503394/list/wright) — 16 ideas
- [Brightwood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146877900/list/brightwood) — 26 ideas
- [Circle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140420796/list/circle) — 3 ideas
- [Gore](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133220783/list/gore) — 12 ideas
- [Exterior Details/Stairs/Rails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129320287/list/exterior-details-stairs-rails) — 7 ideas
- [Joppa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102737771/list/joppa) — 64 ideas
- [Builtins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120822050/list/builtins) — 3 ideas
- [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120264671/list/lighting) — 15 ideas
- [Regan ADR](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115858907/list/regan-adr) — 44 ideas
- [Clean contemporary strong](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10801805/list/clean-contemporary-strong) — 71 ideas
- [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2005056/list/interiors) — 57 ideas
- [Pool/Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5966810/list/pool-landscape) — 45 ideas
- [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5313305/list/stairs) — 50 ideas
- [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5446735/list/bathroom) — 46 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5313355/list/kitchens) — 81 ideas
- [Siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43960752/list/siding) — 49 ideas

[See all 43 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lauramelvillethomas)

## Community Q&A

**Q: delete Ideabook photos** *(in Other)*

How do I delete a photo from my Ideabook?  None of the icons come up as a delete option.

A: same....

**Q: Floor plan** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is there a floor plan?

A: Such a great response!  Thank you!!

**Q: Exterior.** *(in Photo Questions)*

I am in LOVE with all the little glimpses of the exterior of this home!  Thank you for sharing with us.  Do you have any other exterior photos we could see?  Thanks so much!

A: Not right now, sorry!

**Q: Stone.** *(in Photo Questions)*

Beautiful stone selection.  Do you remember what you used?  Thank you.

A: Pennsylvania field stone..cut on the site.

**Q: Hi .. can you please tell me brand and color of windows used?  Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Marvin clad windows/dark bronze

**Q: What is the shingle roofing material -- vendor and color?  Beautiful!** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: IKO roofing, Cambridge Architectural series asphalt roof. Color: "Harvard Slate"

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*