--- title: "Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/archer-and-buchanan-architecture-ltd-pfvwus-pf~2114024296 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114024296.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e203e6e10b327aa4_3040-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "125 West Miner Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382, United States" latitude: 39.9441 longitude: -75.5882 phone: "(610) 692-9112" website: http://www.archerbuchanan.com rating: 5 review_count: 47 best_of_houzz_awards: 18 followers: 3895 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. Original Houzz profile: [Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/archer-and-buchanan-architecture-ltd-pfvwus-pf~2114024296) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** West Chester, PA - **Serves:** Radnor, King of Prussia, West Goshen, Glen Mills, West Chester, Newtown Square, Westtown, Downingtown, Lionville, Exton, Kennett Square, Paoli, Media, Chesterbrook, Pocopson, Berwyn, Malvern, Lima, Devon, Chadds Ford, Avondale, Rose Valley, Wayne, Glenmoore, Toughkenamon, Unionville, Arden, Birchrunville, Cheyney, Claymont, Concordville, Edgemont, Garnet Valley, Immaculata, Lyndell, Mendenhall, Pennsbury, Pennsbury Township, Thornton, Valley Forge, Wilmington - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (47 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000,000 Ideabook Saves Archer & Buchanan Architecture is an award winning custom design firm dedicated to the thoughtful design of traditional, sustainable structures from homes, horse farms and estates to college and university buildings. Founded in 1996, the firm strives to meet the needs of sophisticated clients who value a collaborative design process, attention to detail and quality construction. The staff of 21 architects and designers is nationally recognized for its exceptional residential projects, including new homes, additions and renovations, historic restoration, country property planning and equestrian facilities. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Basement Remodeling - 3D Home Design - Adaptive Reuse - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Equestrian facilities - Estate Property Planning - Historic Preservation - Interior Architecture/Design - Master Planning/Site Analysis - Programming and Space Planning - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Radnor - King of Prussia - West Goshen - Glen Mills - West Chester - Newtown Square - Westtown - Downingtown - Lionville - Exton - Kennett Square - Paoli - Media - Chesterbrook - Pocopson - Berwyn - Malvern - Lima - Devon - Chadds Ford - Avondale - Rose Valley - Wayne - Glenmoore - Toughkenamon - Unionville - Arden - Birchrunville - Cheyney - Claymont - Concordville - Edgemont - Garnet Valley - Immaculata - Lyndell - Mendenhall - Pennsbury - Pennsbury Township - Thornton - Valley Forge - Wilmington ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - $1,000,000+ Archer & Buchanan works on a variety of different projects of many different scales from several thousand dollar additions and renovations to multi million dollar restorations, renovations, and new construction custom homes. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. | | Address | 125 West Miner Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382, United States | | Phone | (610) 692-9112 | | Website | http://www.archerbuchanan.com | | Followers on Houzz | 3895 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/archer-buchanan-architecture-ltd/105819252818505 - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/archerbuchanan - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/archer-&-buchanan-architecture-ltd. - Blog — www.archerbuchanan.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/archer-and-buchanan-architecture-ltd-pfvwus-pf~2114024296) - **Website:** http://www.archerbuchanan.com - **Phone:** (610) 692-9112 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Palladio Awards ('14, '07, '05), National Society of Registered Architects ('13), PA Society of Registered Architects ('16, '15, '13 '12, '11, '10, '09, '08), AIA Philadelphia Award ('12), AIA Small Projects Award ('08), Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia ('16, '10). - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2013–2026), 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 Pennsylvania](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-pennsylvania-pfvwus-pf~59869250) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 47 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Kerry Harper, Nov. 2018** > We recently completed our new home and barn project with Archer and Buchanan. From start to finish, the team at A&B handled both client and project with the utmost care and professionalism. We feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Richard Buchanan and his talented team in bringing our collective vision to life. Although a somewhat complex build, we never felt overwhelmed by the process. Richard and Matt were always there to help us navigate the inevitable roadblocks or trade offs that occur when tackling a project like this. The end result- our dream home (and barn)! **★★★★★ — Lauren Plaza Baran, July 2017** > We worked with Peter Archer of Archer & Buchanan to design our new home. A&B was intimately involved in all phases of the design including evaluating the attractiveness of various lots, converting our desires into a comprehensive design plan and staying involved through construction to the completion of our home. The A&B team was instrumental in all aspects of the design including the selection of the windows, exterior stone and various other finishes. They partnered extremely well with our custom home builder forming a very effective team. Most importantly, A&B treated our home as if it was their own. They worried about the details, remained engaged from start to finish and delivered a finished product that exceeded our expectations. We love our new home and thank A&B for all they did to make it a reality. **★★★★★ — Ruth Duffine, April 2017** > Peter Archer helped design both the inside and outside of an addition (great room) to our second empire stone house. We didn't want just a room stuck on. From the outside you cannot tell where the old house ends and the addition begins. Incredible. The room is cheery and bright due to the large skylight. Other small changes inside made this old house far more liveable and entertainment worthy. He was a delight to work with and helped us make decisions that really worked. Use them again? You betcha! **★★★★★ — Traci H, April 2017** > Peter Archer & his team understood our vision and translated it into a > beautiful home. If you love perfection, these are the people to call. **★★★★★ — Linda McCormick, March 2017** > Richard Buchanan and Chris Olstein designed our new home, where we plan to live until death do us part, and we couldn't be more pleased. We wanted a house that would be functional and practical so we can age in place, and that it is, but so much more. The detail work inside and out is gorgeous and our visitors literally walk through with their mouths open - actually, so do we and we can't believe we get to live here. It was a pleasure to work with Richard, Chris, and Laura Woolford, who came to the project later; their goal was to build a home that we would love and they absolutely fulfilled our dream. **★★★★★ — artist1945, March 2017** > The collaboration from start to finish with Archer and Buchanan architectural firm was as seamless and as pleasant a experience that one could only dream about. > We asked for an addition that would be my mother-in-law suite. It was important to have my autonomy and be connected to the outdoors as well as tothe main house. Peter realized our dream from the get go. > The comments from the neighbors and friends goes beyond stellar. The addition looks as if it is a part of the whole home. > Without reservation, I highly recommend their firm. You will not be disappointed. **★★★★★ — John C, Feb. 2017** > I hired Archer & Buchanan to design a sports court with a two story attached pavilion. The two architects that worked on my project (Matt and Peter) were extremely professional and knowledgeable. I generally knew what I wanted but they were able to offer countless suggestions and alternatives that helped me decide where to focus my time and budget. I was particularly impressed with the speed with which they were able to turn around what had to have seemed like endless design tweaks from me. The quick feedback really kept the design phase of the project moving along. They work with the top builders and contractors in the area and helped me through the process of searching for the right ones for me. I am constantly getting compliments on the project, many of them on things that Peter and Matt suggested or even just decided for me because they knew it was the right way to do it. I could not have been more pleased with the final result. **★★★★★ — tbyhoden1, May 2015** > We hired Archer & Buchanan for a 3 phase project including exterior updates, bathroom renovation(s), and garage/office construction. Their plans were exceptionally well done, and their service and project management were exemplary. While the firm seems to be doing projects all over the Main Line, we never once felt like we got anything but highly responsive and personal attention. I would never do any kind of home renovation again without using Archer & Buchanan. We highly recommend the firm, and are thrilled now that our work is just about complete and we are inhabiting the beautiful space that has been created. **★★★★★ — ebzelov, March 2015** > Archer and Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. did an excellent job of making our addition tie in with the original house beautifully. The new space looks as though it has always been there. They took great care to integrate materials from the old portion of the house with the new area. The scale is appropriate and they were a pleasure to deal with from first meeting to finished product. **★★★★★ — greenbriarlane, March 2015** > After purchasing a 50+ year old stone home in the Willistown, PA countryside, we hired Archer & Buchanan to design a complete overhaul of the interior, including a new floor plan and new architectural details throughout. Peter Archer took our vision for the the home and turned it into a reality that is even better than we could have imagined. He took the time to really understand our family and our daily routines so that he could design the spaces to best accommodate the way we live our lives. > > Aside from designing an amazing home for us, Peter is incredibly knowledgeable on the vendors in our area, from builders to decorators to landscapers. He provided invaluable recommendations in each of these areas and helped us build a team that worked cohesively throughout the life of the project. Peter also maintains a positive attitude while finding a way to work through any challenge, and many Houzz readers will know that a large-scale renovation like ours is never short on challenges. We could always turn to Peter for guidance and support when something didn't go as planned. **★★★★★ — Jacob T, March 2015** > We are currently in the process of designing a home with Peter, Chad and the team at Archer & Buchanan. We are building a "new old" house on open countryside in central Kentucky on a property that has historical family significance. We want to do this project right and we want someone on our team that understands the importance of getting every detail. We also have a budget, and we want an architect who will keep that in mind throughout the process. Peter has done a wonderful job of taking our ideas of what we want the outside of the home to look like and molding that shape with the rooms and spaces we want inside the house. He and his team have opened our eyes to new ideas and also taken what we classified as "must haves" and made each and every one of those work. We even drove up to PA to meet with Peter and Chad after we had the basic design done so that we could see different PA fieldstone variations - we learned a lot! We are currently finalizing the documents and I can't wait to come back and update this review when construction documents are complete and we have a beautiful home going up. **★★★★★ — katharinejoyce, March 2015** > Peter Archer not only designed our new 3 story addition but also he was able to pass this design through the incredibly picky Lower Merion Historical Board. Our 100 year old home has a lot of quirks and Peter was able to design our addition to blend perfectly with the original structure so it looks like it was part of the original house. Peter listened to all of our wishes for what we wanted and was able to give us exactly what we had envisioned but better. We also really appreciated that Peter designed an addition within our budget. He did not design something for us to fall in love with only for us to not be able to afford it's construction. Finally, Peter's team stayed a part of our project until the very end and was always available for consultation and site visits with the builder. I would highly recommend Archer & Buchanan for any project! ## Selected projects - [Hobbit House at Dragonfly Knoll](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hobbit-house-at-dragonfly-knoll-pj-vj~7359466) - Location: Mosier, OR - Photos: 17 - Description: Clients in Mosier, Oregon, envisioned building a getaway cottage designed in the spirit of a J.R.R. Tolkien Hobbit House on their 27-acre rural property. The resulting project, the Hobbit House at Dragonfly Knoll, is sited on the edge of a steep hill and overlooks a pond with a beautiful, wooded backdrop. The 1,200 SF cottage plan has a diminutive Entry through a round Hobbit-scale door opening into a cathedral-like timber framed Living, Dining and Cooking space. A Bedroom and Bath sit off to on… - [Bough Haus](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bough-haus-pj-vj~7634221) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: The modern home design of Bough Haus, an energy efficient timber house sited on a gently sloping hillside amid lush meadows, blends beautifully with the surrounding dense woodland in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is the result of a highly-collaborative effort with our client, who desired a well-built, easy-to-maintain custom home designed in a clean aesthetic and constructed with durable, natural materials to accommodate their active family lifestyle. The modern home design configuration maxi… - [Bucksnort Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bucksnort-farm-pj-vj~7634170) - Location: Kennett Square, PA - Photos: 11 - Description: The primary intention guiding the architectural design of a new 5,500 SF home for a couple returning to the area to be near their large extended family is for the home to function as a gathering spot for the growing clan. The couple passionately yearned to create a home that would occupy a special place in the memories of their children and grandchildren. When not filled with family, the house also meets the pair’s interests by creating a haven for cooking, entertaining and gardening as well as… - [Towerfield](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/towerfield-pj-vj~6785999) - Location: Villanova, PA - Photos: 15 - Description: Towerfield sits on the northeastern edge of the 800-acre Ardrossan estate, among the last grand estates of Philadelphia’s “Main Line” and home to the Montgomery Scott family. The project is named for the Edwardian stone water tower located at Ardrossan and the fields where the Montgomery Scott family landed their pioneering aircraft among prized Ayrshire cattle. Designed in the Pennsylvania farmhouse vernacular, Towerfield is a nod to the gentleman-farmer lineage of the Montgomery Scotts. The re… - [Burrows Run](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burrows-run-pj-vj~6786158) - Location: Wilmington, DE - Photos: 15 - Description: Burrows Run was designed in 1939 for Nicholas and Genevieve (Bunny) du Pont by R. Brognard Okie, a favored architect of the du Ponts. This house, previously known as “Ridgely,” was smaller and less formal than Okie’s typical designs for the family, but otherwise displayed his signature details and imaginative composition of masses. The current generation called in Archer & Buchanan to preserve the original character of Okie’s vision, eliminate awkward interventions, and provide a contemporary re… - [Garage & Guest Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garage-and-guest-suite-pj-vj~6832169) - Location: Gladwyne, PA - Photos: 9 - Description: Archer & Buchanan designed a standalone garage in Gladwyne to hold a client’s vintage car collection. The new structure is set into the hillside running adjacent to the driveway of the residence. It acts conceptually as a “gate house” of sorts, enhancing the arrival experience and creating a courtyard feel through its relationship to the existing home. The ground floor of the garage features telescoping glass doors that provide easy entry and exit for the classic roadsters while also allowing th… - [Clocktower Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clocktower-farm-pj-vj~6203340) - Location: West Chester, PA - Photos: 14 - Description: The Clocktower Farm project scope is simply defined as a restoration of the farmhouse, originally constructed in the 1830s, with a rear Addition of new program spaces. The elegant front rooms of the original residence —the Drawing Room, Parlor, Library, Stair Hall, and Dining Room—were restored to the splendor of significant renovations completed in 1882. On the second floor, bedrooms were restored for visitors, and the Master Bedroom was expanded into the new addition. The 1882 renovations relo… - [Saucon Valley Homestead](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saucon-valley-homestead-pj-vj~5919710) - Location: Bethlehem, PA - Photos: 13 - Description: Saucon Valley Homestead is set in an area rich in natural and man-made beauty – part of the thousands of acres earmarked by Bethlehem Steel Corporation in the 1950s for executive homes. Purchasing an existing, partially-renovated home on 4 acres, the new owners of Saucon Valley Homestead sought to completely renovate and expand the home to create a perfect retirement retreat. New elements added include a first-floor master suite, and a timber frame “party barn” providing space for recreation and… - [Chadds Ford Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chadds-ford-cottage-pj-vj~7005470) - Location: Chadds Ford, PA - Photos: 11 - Description: The design of Chadds Ford Cottage addresses our client’s desire to easily age in place with a plan that completely supports first floor living. The open concept public spaces of the home provide unimpeded views to the private back yard and a perfect setting for entertaining while still feeling cozy for just two. This multi-generational home is distinctive in that it includes two full master suites. Bright and airy throughout, the home uniquely incorporates a row of transom windows along an inter… - [Greenville Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenville-contemporary-pj-vj~5904052) - Location: Chadds Ford, PA - Photos: 13 - Description: After living all around the country, our clients chose Wilmington, Delaware, for their retirement retreat. Their broad architectural interests led to the design of a home that reflects the English Arts and Crafts tradition of integrating a house into the land, as well as its American cousin, the Prairie Style. To give structure to a house of such openness, a framework of piers and arches seen in and out of the house were used instead of solid walls, and the entire structure overlaid with a broad… - [Colby's Run](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colby-s-run-pj-vj~5407068) - Location: Villanova, PA - Photos: 24 - Description: Part of a former 800-acre country estate, Colby’s Run achieves the homeowners’ goals of designing a residence of less than 6,000 SF with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance, moving beyond the “farm house”. The stone home with a central block and wings is punctuated with orderly dormers and chimneys. The tight limits of the site coupled with long views to the south and west dictated the angled plan geometry, which provides separation of the Entry Court from the garage parking as well as comple… - [Chadds Ford Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chadds-ford-residence-pj-vj~5919878) - Location: Chadds Ford, PA - Photos: 12 - [Mapleshade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mapleshade-pj-vj~5920266) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Greystone Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greystone-barn-pj-vj~4200374) - Location: West Chester, PA - Photos: 10 - Description: Greystone Barn in Westtown Township was a working animal barn prior to its conversion into a home in the 1970s. Before its purchase by the current residents, no work was done to the structure in more than four decades. The new owners, relocating from an urban townhouse, wished to create a vibrant and livable space while still honoring the traditional form and design of the early 19th century stone barn. Originally four isolated floors, the barn was transformed by a design approach that opened th… - [Villanova Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/villanova-residence-pj-vj~34280) - Location: Villanova, PA - Photos: 22 - Description: When an opportunity to own 14 acres in the historic Ardrossan estate in Villanova came up, the family knew it would be a great opportunity to create a lasting contribution to the countryside near old Philadelphia. Conceived as homage to the gentleman farmer estates restored in the early 1900’s by famed Chester County architect R. Brognard Okie, this new property drew liberally from the examples of Quaker vernacular architecture that had been restored or created by Okie with his characteristic ar… - [Green Lane Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-lane-cottage-pj-vj~1828932) - Location: Malvern, PA - Photos: 8 - Description: The Green Lane Residence is a grandmother’s house located on an out parcel of her own previous farm, now home to her daughter’s expanding family and near other family houses. As a cottage for one, but living on the edge of extended family, the home expresses her individuality, encompasses a modest footprint but receives impromptu family gatherings of four generations with ease. High quality materials like the Vermont slate roof and local field stone walls make for ease of long term maintenance.… - [Merion Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/merion-residence-pj-vj~755488) - Location: Merion Station, PA - Photos: 28 - Description: Sited on a corner property on 4 acres in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Merion Residence is a new home, built among varied early 20th century estates found along a tree-lined street. The home has a formal entry responding to the corner, with the plan arranged in a “U” shape relating to an axis from front to back. Formally, the layout of spaces is based on the idea of arrival, entry, axial relationships through the house, and the separation of public and private spaces.… - ["Sunny High" Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunny-high-residence-pj-vj~1970416) - Location: Gladwyne, PA - Photos: 13 - Description: "Sunny High" is an extraordinary 6,600 square foot estate designed and built by architect Francis Gugert in 1902 in Wayne, PA. We were commissioned by the new owners to preserve and restore the original fabric of this Arts and Crafts interpretation of the Tudor style with its rich detail but also to update the house to meet the needs of their family. We were charged with making that restoration livable for today’s world with kitchen, family entry, garage, master suite and systems improvements th… - [Fox Hollow Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-hollow-residence-pj-vj~451847) - Location: Chadds Ford, PA - Photos: 32 - [Leaning Timber Haus](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leaning-timber-haus-pj-vj~755196) - Location: Newtown Square, PA - Photos: 13 - Description: This contemporary, Arcadian-style residence was sited on a hilltop overlooking the 2.1 acre property. The house has a zen-like quiet and diminutive feel at the approach but is expansive toward the garden for outdoor living and entertaining, which includes a terrace with a sunken spa and outdoor fireplace. Exposed timber frames express structural lines of force and warmth to the house. The timber and stone lend themselves to an organic expression of the structure growing out of the contour of the… [See all 120 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/archer-and-buchanan-architecture-ltd-pfvwus-pf~2114024296) ## Community Q&A **Q: where can I purchase the stools with zebra fabric? this is something I** *(in Photo Questions)* where can I purchase the stools with the zebra print? A: Hi and thank you for your inquiry! The stools can be found at https://stuartmemberyhome.com/products/mandarin-zebra-ottoman/ **Q: Love the green cabinets!** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that a paint or another type of finish? I see the refrigerator is the same. Thanks for the help! A: Hi and thank you for the question! We confirmed the color with the cabinet designer/fabricator - it is matched to Farrow & Ball's \#93 'Studio Green' paint color. If you have any additional questions about the cabinetry, feel free to reach out directly to them at Christiana Factory Studio. Hope this is helpful! **Q: What is brand of light fixture above kitchen island?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the lights over kitchen island. Where can I find something similar A: The home owner selected them so we can't be 100% certain, but they do match up with Paul Ferrante 2038 Theo Hanging Fixture https://paulferrante.com/product/2038-theo-hanging-fixture-2/ Hope this is helpful! **Q: White Trim Color on Exterior** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to know what white you used for the siding and window trim and shutters etc. Thank you! A: We don't have a record for the color of this house in particular, but Benjamin Moore White Dove is a popular choice for this application. **Q: exterior paint colors** *(in Photo Questions)* We have a similar stone on our home. Do you have the white paint color you used and the black paint color? Thanks! A: Unfortunately we don't have the paint colors but can say that in these instances a deep dark green, like "Charleston Green", is often used rather than a true black. **Q: I really like the colour on the walls. Where can I get it?** *(in Photo Questions)* We will soon be moving to a house that's around 6 years old and the walls are quite bland. The colour on these walls would work very well with the furniture we have. A: Apologies but the color was selected by the client and we do not have a record of the paint color name. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*