--- title: "John M. Holmes Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-m-holmes-architect-pfvwus-pf~2013783591 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013783591.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "John M. Holmes Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/295327f301758b72_2057-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1220 River Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35244, United States" latitude: 33.3538 longitude: -86.8254 phone: "(205) 249-4455" website: http://johnholmesarchitect.com rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 16 followers: 242 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # John M. Holmes Architect Original Houzz profile: [John M. Holmes Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-m-holmes-architect-pfvwus-pf~2013783591) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Birmingham, AL - **Serves:** Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Helena, Hueytown, Chelsea, Pleasant Grove, Meadowbrook, Lake Purdy, Brook Highland, Cahaba Heights, Midfield, Brighton, Indian Springs Village, Lipscomb, Hollywood, Brantleyville, Dolomite, Maylene, Shannon, Siluria, southeastern United States - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves John M. Holmes Architect has been a practicing registered architect since 1978. He is registered in Alabama, Arkansas and holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He has extensive experience in residential design and renovation as well as commercial office and institutional projects of all types and sizes. His designs have been featured in numerous publications. We offer complete and comprehensive architectural services for new construction and renovations for residential projects and specialize in small scale commercial projects of all types. Creative residential and commercial architectural design firm specializing in residential renovation. Classic design with an emphasis on communication, simplicity, context, environmental impact, and energy efficiency. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building ### Areas Served - Birmingham - Vestavia Hills - Alabaster - Homewood - Bessemer - Pelham - Helena - Hueytown - Chelsea - Pleasant Grove - Meadowbrook - Lake Purdy - Brook Highland - Cahaba Heights - Midfield - Brighton - Indian Springs Village - Lipscomb - Hollywood - Brantleyville - Dolomite - Maylene - Shannon - Siluria - southeastern United States ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 20,000 based on percentage of fixed construction costs ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | John M. Holmes Architect | | Address | 1220 River Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35244, United States | | Phone | (205) 249-4455 | | Website | http://johnholmesarchitect.com | | License Number | AL 4002; AR 1279; NCARB | | Followers on Houzz | 242 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holmes-John-M-Architect/147486975296725 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/johnholmesarcht - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-holmes/15/667/722 - Blog — http://johnholmesarchitect.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [John M. Holmes Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-m-holmes-architect-pfvwus-pf~2013783591) - **Website:** http://johnholmesarchitect.com - **Phone:** (205) 249-4455 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Featured in numerous magazines and publications. - Holds certificate from National Council of Architectural Registration Board. - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — vfstewart75, May 2022** > John was absolutely incredible to work with. He is a fantastic listener, who knew exactly when to interject with advice. We took our original 3000 sq ft house to the studs and did a 2000 sq ft addition. Every idea John had was spot on and we appreciated his sensitivity to the budget as well. Our only concern is that he might retire before we get to do it again! **Comment from John M. Holmes Architect:** > Thanks Jim and Virginia...what a pleasure working with both of you... > Beautiful transparent expansive spaces and views of the water... **★★★★★ — Rich and Diane Myers, Sept. 2019** > After an extensive search, we hired John Holmes to design our new lake house. We had completed multiple home builds and major renovations in the past, so we had some pretty set ideas on what we were looking for in the overall process and in the functionality of the finished product. Selecting John M. Holmes Architect turned out to be the best decision we ever made carrying out our long list of home projects over the last three decades. Yeah for us! > > What we did not appreciate at the start of the process was John's level of commitment to the entire project from start to finish. He not only produced a great design after much back-and-forth on requirements, he also was essential in the selection process for our builder and in hammering down all elements of fit and finish during the value-engineering portion of the project. > > But wait, there's more! In my professional career, I had the good fortune to work closely with a number of exceptional project managers on large projects of many types. It turns out that John's capabilities and view of his role extended into oversight of the complete project, including the resolution of numerous week-to-week issues that arose during the project. We were blown away by John's level of personal ownership and tenacity in seeing all the details through. Suspect that there might be PMI certification in John's background somewhere. > > In the final analysis, it's all about the results. John, along with our great builder, Donald Phillips Construction, delivered us a beautiful home! The structure fits seamlessly into the lake setting, affording endless views of the surrounding lake and woods. The design brings in natural light from every angle, making each room come to life. Functionality, inside and out, is fantastic and fits our living style perfectly. > > Thanks John! **★★★★★ — Jamie Shuford, Feb. 2019** > John designed a pool pavilion for us and we couldn't be happier with the finished project. Before we met John we had some thoughts of what we wanted but John suggested a design that was truly terrific. His knowledge of the construction process and his attention to detail was extremely important to the quality of the finished product. I must have asked a thousand questions during construction and he answered all of them timely and professionally. He visited the site and met with the builder several times throughout construction and they worked very well together. > I highly recommend John for any architectural drawing and design work. > > Thanks again for the time and energy you spent making this a great outdoor living area. **★★★★★ — Martha Storm, Feb. 2018** > We hired John to remodel our outdated kitchen and he was by far the BEST decision we made. You will not find a more professional, responsive and talented architect than John Holmes. > John is the epitome of talent, integrity and expertise in his field and always goes the extra mile to make every step of the project is completed the right way. His design of our kitchen was creative, functional, and esthetically pleasing from all viewpoints, even from surrounding rooms. John was at our side throughout the entire process giving us excellent guidance, making recommendations and just listening to any concerns. We were up against a deadline on this renovation and thanks to John having regular on-site meetings with the builder and contractors to ensure we were staying on task and budget, the kitchen was finished in time for Christmas ! If a 10-star rating for excellence was on option-we certainly would give it. John is a true treasure. **★★★★★ — Craig Blair, Sept. 2017** > My wife and I engaged John to assist us with the design and construction of a rural residence, sited on a 10-acre lake on a forested tract of land. This is our first experience working with an architect, and as such, we were complete novices as to process. Our hope was that he could translate our vision and needs into a comprehensive design and assist in turning that into reality as our informed advocate. > > We could not be more pleased with the results. John was patient with us as he described the process and set expectations. His design work is exceptional and we formed a true partnership - listening, discussing and deciding on the layout, materials, siting, etc. He has a knack for providing the right amount of tension to get us to consider his ideas, while understanding that we are the client. The result of the design process exceeded our expectations and included all the technical materials required to develop a firm plan with our builder. > > One thing that surprised us was the degree of involvement John has maintained during the construction process. He has developed a great relationship with our builder and visits the construction site on a near weekly basis. Helping the team (John, our builder and my wife and I) to make those on-the-fly adjustments and decisions that are part of any sizable building project. Our seasoned builder remarks that "I've never worked with an architect as knowledgeable and easy to work with as John". High praise indeed. > > John has been responsive, dependable and supportive to us throughout the process and I would recommend him without reservation. **★★★★★ — Dave Richie, Aug. 2017** > John Holmes was recommended by 2 of our best friends to remodel our basement. We wanted this space to be comparable to the main upper areas of the house. > John immediately saw our vision and added many of his own ideas. He made some initial drawings and I must say, this is the first time in many projects that the final work is substantially what was initially envisioned. We could not be more pleased with John's oversight and professionalism throughout this project. **Comment from John M. Holmes Architect:** > Thank you Dave for your kind words.....a little "sense of place" downstairs.... **★★★★★ — Clearwater Pools and Spas, May 2017** > I have been a licensed general contractor for 36 years. We have been fortunate to work with many outstanding architects and designers. It is very rewarding when architects will listen to the actual builder for ideas and solutions. John Holmes is this type of architect. We are very much appreciative of working along side John and together we were able to produce a product for the customer that they can be proud of for years. > > Andy Lockhart, President, Clearwater Pools **Comment from John M. Holmes Architect:** > Thanks Andy....always a pleasure to work with you as well! **★★★★★ — Lisa Farris, May 2017** > What a pleasure for me to share my experience in working with John. He was able to bring my hopes and dreams of adding a beautiful sunroom to the house. His vision took my ideas to an entirely differnet level and now I have the most beautiful finished product! John is certainly a man of his word. He told me he would be there through the entire build and he was not only present but available when I had any question. He is a gentleman, professional and a man of unquestionable integrity. It would be a pleasure to recommend him without reservation and my only hope is that I could work with him again. **★★★★★ — wnelson25, May 2017** > I engaged John to design a covered porch and deck to replace an existing deck. I had a general idea of what I wanted, but wanted an experienced professional to design a plan that would tie the house in with a 3 car garage that had been added by the previous owner after the house had been built. John brought his sketch pad and amazed me with his ability to put my general ideas onto paper in ways that showed his knowledge and experience. He knew the importance of things I would never have thought of, like roof lines/slopes. I think the thing that impressed me the most was his interest in giving me exactly what I wanted and not trying to get me to do something he wanted to do. It was about me, not him. The space he designed is now one of our favorite places to relax. It has been a coulple of years some we completed the project and I wouldn't change a thing. **★★★★★ — sarah\_tosh20, July 2016** > We don't know what we would have done without John during our renovation. He has been simply wonderful throughout our renovation project. He is very professional, courteous of everyone's time, considerate of our budget and makes himself available at a moment's notice. We made several changes throughout our renovation process and he worked tirelessly to coordinate each and every one of them in a timely manner. His designs were creative, functional and esthetic. He guided us through a process that we did not know very much about and acted as our advocate. Beyond his professional services he is just a good guy - someone who truly wants the best for your and your family. We highly recommend John! **★★★★★ — sroses, June 2016** > John was wonderful. Can not say enough about his professionalism, his curtesy, and his imagination. He took our thoughts and needs and turned them into a great reality. **★★★★★ — suzannetpayne, May 2016** > After hiring John Holmes to remodel our kitchen and add a master bath to our home, we then hired him to design and supervise the building of our lake house. We learned in the beginning with our kitchen that John listened to us tell him what we wanted, and then put it in his plans. We are still enjoying that kitchen and master suite addition! He designed the most beautiful lake house for us, perfect for our lot and way of living, and stayed on top of the constructionup until it was completed - to the last detail. We could not be more pleased, and will hire him for any project that we might undertake in the future! I believe that a photo of our cedar house on Smuth Lake is still on his website. ## Selected projects - [Beck Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beck-lake-house-pj-vj~5898578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Payne-Siegal Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/payne-siegal-lake-house-pj-vj~219841) - Location: Jasper, AL - Photos: 12 - Description: simple contemporary glass house on Smith Lake. - [Haralson River Retreat-Banks Home Building](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haralson-river-retreat-banks-home-building-pj-vj~1002402) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 26 - Description: wood and glass passive solar cabin perched above a rolling river. - [McSpadden Residence Donald Phillips Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcspadden-residence-donald-phillips-construction-pj-vj~633669) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 18 - Description: single family residence in Mountain Brook, Alabama - [Beck Main Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beck-main-residence-pj-vj~219811) - Location: Fayetteville, AR - Photos: 16 - Description: timeless single family residence - [Lalor Mountain House-Kasteel Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lalor-mountain-house-kasteel-construction-pj-vj~7045888) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Appalachian Mountain House with picturesque views to the mountains - [Screened Temple on the Inverness Golf Course Banks Home Building](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/screened-temple-on-the-inverness-golf-course-banks-home-building-pj-vj~6890270) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Hanna Hays Lake Renovation - Donald Phillips Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hanna-hays-lake-renovation-donald-phillips-construction-pj-vj~6444216) - Location: Jasper, AL - Photos: 24 - Description: Extensive renovation of existing Lake House - [McKewen Mountain Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mckewen-mountain-residence-pj-vj~219924) - Location: Lookout Mountain, GA - Photos: 16 - Description: 4000 square foot mountain house overlooking a beautiful valley. - [Myers Lake Residence-Donald Phillips Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/myers-lake-residence-donald-phillips-construction-pj-vj~3179093) - Location: Double Springs, AL - Photos: 17 - Description: compact transparent Lake Residence - [Riha Lake Residence-Cramer Construction-Noah Miller at CTC Services LLC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riha-lake-residence-cramer-construction-noah-miller-at-ctc-services-llc-pj-vj~2085407) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 32 - Description: Transparent lake house taking advantage of the panoramic view of the lake. - [ARKADIANA, ARKANSAS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arkadiana-arkansas-pj-vj~4626263) - Location: Scott, AR - Photos: 9 - Description: small village along a river or bayou....hot rainy climate...natural convection and shading.......playful colorful...and picturesque.. - [Farris Sun Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farris-sun-room-pj-vj~2083323) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 11 - Description: Glass Sunroom commands the backyard. - [Stewart Lake Renovation-Donnie Proctor Contractor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stewart-lake-renovation-donnie-proctor-contractor-pj-vj~6969231) - Location: Tuscaloosa, AL - Photos: 21 - [Sketches](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sketches-pj-vj~7347339) - Location: Hoover, AL - Photos: 58 - Description: little sketches through the years - [Giles Exterior Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/giles-exterior-renovation-pj-vj~256942) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 5 - Description: exterior renovation - [Stockard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stockard-residence-pj-vj~220284) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 3 - Description: wood stone ans stucco enclave in a natural setting - [Green County Retirement Commune](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-county-retirement-commune-pj-vj~4631524) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Potter Renovation-Banks Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/potter-renovation-banks-home-builders-pj-vj~1684206) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 16 - [Smith Sun Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/smith-sun-room-pj-vj~866854) - Location: Birmingham, AL - Photos: 1 [See all 58 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-m-holmes-architect-pfvwus-pf~2013783591) ## Ideabooks - [idea sketches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67557040/list/idea-sketches) — 24 ideas - [small solar houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10704821/list/small-solar-houses) — 24 ideas - [arkadiana](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10351143/list/arkadiana) — 11 ideas - [watercolor drawings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78331223/list/watercolor-drawings) — 7 ideas - [my little solar village](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10350954/list/my-little-solar-village) — 4 ideas - [river tree house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19058865/list/river-tree-house) — 3 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/john-holmes4133) ## Community Q&A **Q: love the amount of windows and layout** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you provide more views of the front entrance and a full 360 view of the house? A: It is on my Houzz site...just look for it...plans elevations **Q: what color stain or paint was used?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful color A: "DRAGON'S BREATH".....OVER COMPOSITE SIDING.. **Q: What is the slope of this property?** *(in Photo Questions)* Our waterfront lake lot is only 2.1% slope (I believe) so I'm wondering if we will be able to walk in from the driveway into the 2nd level. A: This property is more like 15% to 20% slope....15-20 feet per hundred feet...a significant slope.. 2.1% slope is nearly flat....that would be 2.1 feet per one hundred feet. **Q: how is the ridge supported on the open end?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: this structure is not sound....there is a horizontal thrust on the exterior columns... If the winds blows hard....it might collapse.. **Q: hello! can you please tell me which brand is the cladding?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks A: Hardie vertical board and batten....paint is "Dragon's Breath" **Q: The decking looks good. What material is it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The best decking material is cumaru...tongue and groove.... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*