--- title: "Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hiser-kopits-hiser-architects-p-c-pfvwus-pf~2047662570 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2047662570.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/33b324c10361168a_1691-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Towson, Maryland 21204, United States" latitude: 39.4072 longitude: -76.6038 phone: "(410) 656-6427" website: http://www.hkharchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 years_in_business: 30 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 75 last_updated: 2026-08-09 --- # Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C. > Baltimore Premier Residential Architect Original Houzz profile: [Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hiser-kopits-hiser-architects-p-c-pfvwus-pf~2047662570) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Towson, MD - **Serves:** Dundalk, Towson, Catonsville, Essex, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Parkville, Milford Mill, Middle River, Carney, Perry Hall, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Rosedale, Overlea, Mays Chapel, Timonium, Garrison, Fallston, White Marsh, Lutherville, Hampton, Baldwin, Brooklandville, Butler, Chase, Fork, Glen Arm, Glyndon, Hydes, Long Green, Lutherville Timonium, Nottingham, Phoenix, Riderwood, Sparks Glencoe, Stevenson - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2021), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Woman owned - 30 years in business ### Business highlights - Woman owned - 30 years in business - Best of Houzz winner Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects is a residential architecture practice based in Towson, Maryland. From tiny bathroom renovations to spacious new custom homes, we meet every residential design challenge. We can recommend excellent contractors to build the designs we develop with you. Helen Kopits Hiser has been president of Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C for more than thirty years, holding a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Maryland. She has been a licensed, practicing architect in Maryland since 1990. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Francis Neighborhood Center in the Reservoir Hill neighborhood of Baltimore City. "Volunteerism is an important part of my life, and I bring the same level of professionalism, imagination, and personal integrity to my volunteer projects as I do to my business, whether it entails providing advice during a nonprofit’s capital campaign or facility renovation, or using recycled materials to create decorations for fundraising events." Simply put, the philosophy of our firm is one of service, to our clients as well as to the global community. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Laundry Room Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Dundalk - Towson - Catonsville - Essex - Owings Mills - Pikesville - Parkville - Milford Mill - Middle River - Carney - Perry Hall - Hunt Valley - Cockeysville - Rosedale - Overlea - Mays Chapel - Timonium - Garrison - Fallston - White Marsh - Lutherville - Hampton - Baldwin - Brooklandville - Butler - Chase - Fork - Glen Arm - Glyndon - Hydes - Long Green - Lutherville Timonium - Nottingham - Phoenix - Riderwood - Sparks Glencoe - Stevenson ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C. | | Address | Towson, Maryland 21204, United States | | Phone | (410) 656-6427 | | Website | http://www.hkharchitects.com | | License Number | 8557 (State of Maryland) | | Years in business | 30 | | Followers on Houzz | 75 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hiser-kopits-hiser-architects-p-c-pfvwus-pf~2047662570) - **Website:** http://www.hkharchitects.com - **Phone:** (410) 656-6427 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 8557 - Type: ARCHITECT - Issued by: Maryland Department of Labor - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2021), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Dana Goode, March 2026** > I cannot recommend HKH architacts highly enough. Helen Hiser was a pleasure to work with at all times. We had a complicated project in a small kitchen in a 120 year old Baltimore home. Her suggestions were always helpful, and reflected her willingness to listen to our concerns and vision. She responded quickly to any changes we needed, which not only made it easier for our contractors to understand, but also improved the adaptations to our original drawings. The result was a renovation which respected the beauty of the existing features of the kitchen, yet gave us the much-needed upgrades we had hoped for. > The compliments we receive from our neighbors (who also own 100 year old homes!) are a testament to the success of our collaboration with HKH. We have already engaged Helen Hiser for another project, with complete confidence. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > You and John are a joy to work with! I can't wait to see the result of our latest collaboration. **★★★★★ — lisa525, March 2026** > Helen has a terrific eye and I appreciated her design guidance. You can't go wrong with Helen and Fred. > I have seen other projects they have done - beautiful attention to detail. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thanks so much, Lisa! I'm glad to have been of help. **★★★★★ — imdbraun, March 2026** > Over the last 30 years, Helen has taken on 3 projects for me: 2 in the house we live in now, and the third and current one is a condo we plan to move to when the renovations there are complete. These projects were spaced 15 years apart, and all are in very modest neighborhoods and circumstances. I mention this because many folks have the idea that an architect designs a house from the ground up, and only for those in the most fortunate of circumstances. While I'm sure that's true in many cases, in my case 30 years ago, I was trying to turn a small attic into a functional, apartment-type, top floor, so that we could live there and care for my elderly parents who owned the house and lived on the first floor. The restriction was not to raise the roof or create more dormers. Helen was referred to me by a number of trades people, and from the moment she entered that dark, small space, she showed nothing but respect and interest in what I was trying to do and agreed to take on the job. Her plans were exactly what I requested. I was amazed that what was on my "wish list" was there in black & white on her plans. Fast forward 15 years, I asked Helen to perform the same magic for the unfinished basement in the same house - AND SHE DID! It turned out amazing. I have been able to live with her designs for 30 years now, and they are still as functional, efficient, and pleasant to live in as they were when they were installed. That's the best thing I can say: we have never tired of the layout, or wished this applicance was in a different spot, or thought a door should be somewhere else. Everything today makes just as much sense as the day she presented the plans. The benefit of her training and experience, and a really good ear for listening, is what makes her projects work and keeps all the costs affordable. The current project is our retirement condo and we both can't wait to see it finished. I wish I could give Helen more than 5 stars! **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > It's always so much fun working out the latest design puzzle with you! **★★★★★ — Cathleen Michael, March 2026** > Helen has worked on two major projects for us; a two story addition to the back of our home with expansive kitchen and home office space and then a front porch space. Helen exceeded all our needs and expectations while keeping the integrity of the architecture of the home. The additions look as if they have always been part of our 68 year old house. She is extraordinarily talented and knowledgeable. She is professional, friendly and caring. She was able to explain the construction to me so that I understood what was happening. Helen is well respected and connected to the construction community. She was able to refer us to a contractor that is amazing. They worked well together making the whole process pleasant and fun, (which isn't always the case with construction:)) > I would highly recommend Helen to anyone looking for a architect that will listen to your needs and make them a reality. Pricing for both projects was affordable and fair. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much, Cathy! I truly appreciate your kind words, and even more, the opportunity to work with you and Wes. **★★★★★ — Amy Provan, Sept. 2020** > Helen went above and beyond on our porch design. She is very detail oriented and continued to work with our contractor even though she had already fulfilled our agreement. The porch completely transformed the exterior of our home and we couldn’t be happier! We would definitely use her again without any reservations whatsoever!!! **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much! It was a joy working with you and with Peter Forbes. **★★★★★ — Jodie Hillman, Aug. 2019** > I chose Helen Hiser because I loved what I saw in her portfolio. When I met her, I knew I had chosen perfectly. She listened carefully to what we said and observed how we lived in our house. She had ideas for our kitchen extension, screened porch replacement and family room that I never thought of and proved to be exactly what we needed. The homeowners association members were impressed with how her designed updated our 1973 home and respected the neighborhoods aesthetic. She worked great with our contractor, too. Helen never forced her ideas on us and was respectful of cost. The final result is our forever dream home. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much, Jodie! I'm so happy you're so happy. **★★★★★ — Karen Benckini, Feb. 2018** > We engaged the services of Hiser & Kopits Hiser Architects when designing a large screened in porch addition. Helen Kopits Hiser was wonderful to work with! She was with us every step of the process to facilitate a great final plan, provided excellent design guidance, and gave us a beautiful space to live in. Our contractor enjoyed working with her so much that he is now recommending her to other clients who need architectural designs! **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thanks so much, Karen! You and Todd were a joy to work with and I'm so pleased that you're happy with your new space. **★★★★★ — Rich DeCosta, Jan. 2018** > Terrific architect! Very knowledgeable. Had a solid grasp of the county codes. We had a 2 car detached garage and portico built including moving our driveway and landscaping. Also we had her design a kitchen addition and a Family Room addition for the future. She listened to what we had to say about what we wanted in design and she nailed it. She also offered some excellent and well thought out options. Her communication with us and well as the contractor was great throughout the project. A true professional. > I would recommend her in a heartbeat!! **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thanks so much for your kind words, Rich! The best part of my job is meeting and working with people like you and Peg. I'm so glad you're happy with the results. **★★★★★ — jpricer001, June 2016** > We were referred to Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects from a friend and could not be more pleased. Our need was for a consult/design brainstorm for a fixed roof over our patio and Helen was awesome. She was very flexible, easy to work with and provided multiple design ideas based on our vision. I would not hesitate to use Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects in the future. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your new outdoor room for many summers to come. **★★★★★ — foresthillgordo, May 2016** > Outstanding! Professional! An expert job well done! Just a few words to say how great Helen did on our job. We needed a licensed architect to design, create and provide drawings for a small addition to our office located in an older building. As a small non-profit, we needed to find a professional architect who was not only excellent, but also did not break our budget. Hiser + Kopits Hiser was just that. Helen's knowledge, expertise and guidance made the project come together perfectly. She came to the office, studied the current structure, and designed an addition that fit with the current structure and feel of the building. She met every benchmark set by the Office of Permits. They, too, were impressed with her work as was the builder who is using the drawings to build the addition.. Helen gave everything she promised and was right on the mark for the date she delivered. All of this professional work was done with a sensitivity and a personal touch. Helen was awesome to work with. I cannot wait to invite her to share a glass of wine in the new addition. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much! You were a joy to work with and I'm looking forward to that glass of wine. **★★★★★ — sulekhaparshad, July 2015** > we hired HKH to remodel our house which was a road filled with obstacles and problems we had constant support of the HKH at every step of the way even 5 years later when our kitchen and family roof leaked despite many calls to the builder but our architect rushed to our house in bad icy weather to check out the site. > Her efforts brought the original builder to inspect the roof who chose not to address the problem . HKH provided us with another builder choice at our request we will always be grateful to HKH. > No matter what happens in life or in projects we undertake support honesty kindness compassion conscience and trust is the key to any relationship. HKH has a foundation of these values which will not leave you. **Comment from Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, P.C.:** > Thank you so much for your kind words! Home renovation can be a very stressful process but we try our best to make it as pleasant an experience as possible. Even if things go wrong, which they sometimes do, we stand by our clients to resolve problems and give them joy in their beautiful new space. **★★★★★ — drkkry, Feb. 2015** > I can recommend without reservation Hiser + Kopits Hiser (HKH). > > We brought in HKH after another architect and a contractor failed to solve a critical problem in our house. HKH not only solved the problem, but significantly improved on our overall living space. > > We had purchased a 150-year old house in downtown baltimore that was four stories and divided into separate apartments. Our goal was to combine two of the apartments into one owner's unit and the only way to do this was by building a new internal stairway between two floors. Then challenge was that structurally the only place where the stairs could go was adjacent to an addition that had been built many years ago where the floors intentionally did not align by 4 feet. In other words, the stairway needed to incorporate three runs of stairs between four separate levels between the two floors we needed to move between. And all this while retaining the light loft-like look we had throughout the rest of the house. Complicated. > > The principal of the firm, Helen Hiser, spent significant time on the site, measuring, drawing, taking photos, talking with contractors, talking with us, and eventually came up with an elegant, functional, and solid solution. She worked with good cheer and humor and was always available for consultation with contractors. > > Sadly for HKH, the finished project looks like it has always been there, it is so well integrated into the fabric of the house. We have had preservation architects compliment us on retaining the original layout of the house, when in fact the original layout would have been cramped, dark, dangerous, and not come anywhere close to meeting either building codes or modern aesthetic sensibilities. > > Helen was a pleasure to work with and we would not hesitate to use her again. ## Selected projects - [Near Thicket](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/near-thicket-pj-vj~7623932) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This house began its life more than 140 years ago as a bank barn in Baltimore County horse country. Over the years, the property was subdivided, and an 8-acre parcel containing the barn and a caretaker’s cottage were separated from the original estate. It was purchased in the early 1990’s by a family who saw the potential for a beautiful home in the bones of the barn. The new owners planned to entertain on a large scale several times a year, but at the same time, wanted the house to be a comfort… - [Cedarcroft House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedarcroft-house-pj-vj~2626775) - Location: Baltimore, MD - Photos: 12 - Description: A cramped, out-dated kitchen and a single second-floor bathroom made living in this otherwise attractive, welcoming home less than comfortable for the family of four residing in it. A two-story addition extended the renovated kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook, a functional mudroom, and a powder room. Part of the existing bedroom above the kitchen became a new bathroom and the rest of it was incorporated into a new, larger bedroom in the second floor of the addition. A new bathroom in the existi… - [Towson Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/towson-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~1487721) - Location: Baltimore, MD - Photos: 8 - [Bathroom Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-renovation-pj-vj~1353553) - Location: Towson, MD - Photos: 5 - [Private Residence in Baltimore City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-in-baltimore-city-pj-vj~936852) - Location: Baltimore, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners had purchased a 150-year old house in downtown Baltimore that was four stories and divided into separate apartments. Their goal was to combine two of the apartments into one owner's unit and the only way to do this was by building a new internal stairway between two floors. The challenge was that structurally the only place where the stairs could go was adjacent to an addition that had been built many years ago where the floors intentionally did not align by 4 feet. In other words, th… - [Private Residence in Towson](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-in-towson-pj-vj~536553) - Location: Towson, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: The young family who owned this house needed a family room addition for their growing brood. However, the site is so steeply sloped that the main floor is an entire level above grade at the rear. The parents were concerned that they would not be able to keep an eye on their young children while they were playing. Solution? The existing TV room was converted to a dining room loft overlooking the new family room so Mom and Dad could just poke their heads out of the adjacent kitchen and check on th… - [Professional Kitchen + Garage + Porch Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/professional-kitchen-garage-porch-addition-pj-vj~534047) - Location: Towson, MD - Photos: 4 - Description: When the owners of this home first approached us, they wanted to add a two-car garage and a welcoming front porch. Unfortunately, a financial setback kept the project on the drawing board for several years. By the time they were ready to build, one of them had embarked on a new career as a personal chef, and they asked for the project to be expanded to include a professional kitchen. Not only did the kitchen function well, it ended up being the perfect expression of the chef's sunny personality. - [Private Residence in North Baltimore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-in-north-baltimore-pj-vj~539581) - Location: Baltimore, MD - Photos: 1 - Description: This older home lacked a powder room and coat closet on the main floor, and one of the three bedrooms on the second floor was too small to be used comfortably as a bedroom. The existing kitchen was large but dated, and there was a longer walk than necessary from the garage at the rear of the property. Solution? A large bay was added on the first floor to house the breakfast area while accommodating a new powder room, coat closet and new wall ovens in the kitchen, which was reconfigured to allow… - [Reisterstown Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reisterstown-farm-pj-vj~536576) - Location: Reisterstown, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners of this farm needed additional garage space and wanted to create an in-law apartment above, which could be used by visiting family or, possibly, someone to look after their horses. They asked that the new structure be connected to the house, while maintaining a separate entrance for the new apartment. - [Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/details-pj-vj~539571) - Location: Towson, MD - Photos: 4 - Description: The beauty of architecture is often found in the details. - [From Garage to Great Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-garage-to-great-room-pj-vj~2669815) - Location: Towson, MD - Photos: 3 - Description: Previous renovations had made the existing attached garage for this Baltimore County house obsolete. The owners had used the space as a makeshift TV room and storage but wanted to make the space more pleasant and open to the adjacent finished basement. Replacing the overhead garage door with sliding glass doors and enlarging the doorway from basement to garage were the first steps toward creating a beautiful, comfortable family room, complete with fireplace. - [Anneslie Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/anneslie-kitchen-pj-vj~7623920) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: By the time the clients for this project reached out to Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects, they had already begun taking apart the kitchen, living and dining rooms themselves.They wanted to expand their kitchen into the dining room, and to open up the first floor to the extent possible, but they weren’t sure how best to do that. Once the layout was solved, they dived back in, choosing the cabinets, countertops, and some other elements themselves. - [Southland Hills Attic Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southland-hills-attic-bedroom-pj-vj~7623913) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Hiser + Kopits Hiser Architects has designed many a renovation and /or addition to this house in the Southland Hills neighborhood of Towson, the largest of which added a family room with primary suite above and finishing the attic. On the second floor, a tiny bedroom at the back of the house became the hallway connecting the addition to the existing house and housing the new stair leading up to the new attic bedroom. The dormer window was added at the time of the renovation. - [Southland Hills Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southland-hills-kitchen-pj-vj~7623880) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This renovation of the kitchen (the third by Hiser+ Kopits Hiser Architects for this house) removed a wall between the existing, smaller kitchen and the dining room, creating a much better flow of space for entertaining. The challenge with this project was maintaining a formal dining room while opening it up entirely to the kitchen. The solution was to make the kitchen a more formal space with elegant details, finishes, and furnishings. - [Southland Hills Screened Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southland-hills-screened-porch-pj-vj~7623898) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: The pandemic inspired the owners to add a screened porch for open-air entertaining over an existing stone patio. The porch had to reflect the character of the original house and its 1998 family room/primary suite addition. It has extended the functionality of the patio, making it possible to enjoy summer evenings without insects, rainy days without getting wet, and the heat of the day under shade. - [Baltimore Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/baltimore-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~7623835) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This charming but shabby kitchen in a century-old house in Baltimore City was full of character but lacked functionality. Next to it was a full pantry that needed renovation, and the client asked that a new powder room be carved out of the existing space while leaving as much storage area as possible. The design for this renovation was focused on retaining and enhancing the architectural interest of the original kitchen and improving its layout. The only redeemable feature of the original pantry… - [Lutherville Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lutherville-residence-pj-vj~7623823) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Two generations of a Towson family have grown up in this mid-century rancher, most recently replacing the existing small screened porch with one that better accommodates the lifestyle of the current occupants. Two of those occupants in particular presented quite a design challenge. The family’s two large, spirited dogs tended to go through screens when they were excited, so the decision was made to add a decorative railing around the bottom of the porch to protect the lower screen panels. - [New Front Porches on Old Houses](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-front-porches-on-old-houses-pj-vj~7829289) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hiser-kopits-hiser-architects-p-c-pfvwus-pf~2047662570) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, from comprehensive custom homes to various remodels and additions. This includes everything from tiny bathroom renovations and kitchen designs to attic conversions, basement designs, and significant home extensions. We're equipped for any residential design challenge. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is one of our core specialties. We pride ourselves on creating unique, personalized residences that perfectly reflect our clients' visions and lifestyles, from initial concept to detailed construction drawings. **Can you work with the builder I select, or do you recommend specific builders?** We are happy to work with the builder you select. Additionally, based on our extensive experience in the Towson area, we can recommend excellent contractors who we trust to bring our designs to life with quality and professionalism. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Amundsen Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184306146/list/amundsen-residence) — 4 ideas - [Jolle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112181363/list/jolle) — 179 ideas - [Stokes-Reichert](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112181689/list/stokes-reichert) — 15 ideas - [Hines](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104954216/list/hines) — 2 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/hkharchitects) ## Community Q&A **Q: Please let me know what is the make and model of this sink?-** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The sink was provided by the owner. **Q: backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* where did the painted backsplash come from? A: I'm sorry, but I don't know. It was provided by the owner. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-09.*