--- title: "CHECA Architects PC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/checa-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~2114352580 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114352580.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CHECA Architects PC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/41b39d45019a565e_1165-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "Washington, D.C. 20007, United States" phone: "(202) 299-0186" website: http://www.ChecaArchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 20 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 333 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # CHECA Architects PC Original Houzz profile: [CHECA Architects PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/checa-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~2114352580) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Washington, DC - **Serves:** Washington, Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Baileys Crossroads, Bethesda, Bowie, brinklow, brookeville, cabin john, Chevy Chase, clifton, College Park, Coral Hills, DC (Washington), fairfax station, Falls Church, Forest Heights, Fort Washington, garrett park, great falls, Hillcrest Heights, Hyattsville, Idylwood, Lake Barcroft, Laurel, Lincolnia, Mclean, North Bethesda, North Chevy Chase, North Kensington, poolesville, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Springfield, Takoma Park, Tysons Corner, vienna, White Oak - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - Offers Custom Work CHECA Architects is a firm founded on the belief that good design speaks to your unique sensibilities and reflects who you are. We have the experience and creative mastery to communicate and design beautiful practical solutions. Working closely with our clients, we weave dreams, aspirations, and lifestyle considerations into a shared vision and a distinctive design process. Our focus is on creating harmonious interplay between form, light, and space – celebrating the natural beauty of the surroundings and lifting the human spirit. As a full-service firm, our hallmark is our ability to attend to every well-crafted detail – from lighting to landscaping – to create elegant, modern homes in the city, in the country, or in-between. Throughout the design and construction process, we leverage a team of green-minded architects, engineers, landscape architects, and builders. We integrate the highest standards in sustainable design and construction techniques to ensure our work is good for people, for business, and for the environment. Lorena Checa, AIA, LEED AP Lorena Checa is the visionary and Principal Architect of CHECA Architects – a firm specializing in beautiful, conscious design. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Lorena’s 30+ years of innovative design draw upon her upbringing in Lima, Peru, a lifetime of travel, exposure to different perspectives, and an innate passion for sustainability. Her design approach is rooted in ancient wisdom and informed by simple science. She has a unique capacity to incorporate modern technologies and materials in ways that enrich the human experience and create new paradigms for ecologically sensitive architecture. Lorena, one of Washington, D.C.’s top green architects, considers the design process a co-creation with her clients and her highly integrated team of architects, engineers, landscape architects, and builders. Her vision of using architecture as a channel for celebrating the human spirit and the depth of her experience in creating sustainable solutions have captured both critical acclaim and media attention. In 2003, she was awarded the Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design by the D.C. chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Lorena’s work has been featured on HGTV and in numerous publications including: Home and Design, Chesapeake Home, Natural Home & Garden, and the Washington Post. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Washington - Alexandria - Annandale - Arlington - Baileys Crossroads - Bethesda - Bowie - brinklow - brookeville - cabin john - Chevy Chase - clifton - College Park - Coral Hills - DC (Washington) - fairfax station - Falls Church - Forest Heights - Fort Washington - garrett park - great falls - Hillcrest Heights - Hyattsville - Idylwood - Lake Barcroft - Laurel - Lincolnia - Mclean - North Bethesda - North Chevy Chase - North Kensington - poolesville - Potomac - Rockville - Silver Spring - Springfield - Takoma Park - Tysons Corner - vienna - White Oak ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CHECA Architects PC | | Address | Washington, D.C. 20007, United States | | Phone | (202) 299-0186 | | Website | http://www.ChecaArchitects.com | | License Number | ARC4920 | | Followers on Houzz | 333 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ChecaArchitects - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/CHECAarchitects - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/checa-architects/?trk=hb\_tab\_compy\_id\_3124757 - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/lorena.checa.architects/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CHECA Architects PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/checa-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~2114352580) - **Website:** http://www.ChecaArchitects.com - **Phone:** (202) 299-0186 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, LEED AP AIA/Washington DC Chapter 2003 Award: Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design for Cole Residence in McLean, VA; Home & Design 2018 Winner of 100 Top Designers - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2026), 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 Potomac Valley](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-potomac-valley-pfvwus-pf~2047859558) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 47.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Leslie Traub, Sept. 2025** > Lorena brings a rare sensibility to space and design—one that seamlessly integrates indoors with outdoors and honors the natural beauty of the land. Her contemporary style is warm, organic, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Whether she’s designing a new home or reimagining a single room, she ensures each detail complements the whole, reflecting the unique assets of the property and the character of the client. > Natural materials are at the heart of her work—beautiful woods, stone, and textures that feel timeless and alive. Lighting, too, plays a central role, and Lorena collaborates with a trusted circle of specialists to create atmospheres that elevate each space with subtle, artful touches. > What makes Lorena truly exceptional is her ability to align design with the values and lifestyle of her clients. She brings clarity and practicality to every decision—knowing where it’s worth investing for lasting impact and where thoughtful adjustments can achieve beauty without excess. > We found working with Lorena to be a truly joyful partnership. The spaces she creates reflect the spirit of trust, care and connection. **★★★★★ — Miriam and Michael Fitzpatrick, Oct. 2022** > Lorena Checa brilliantly redesigned the first floor of our center-hall colonial home in NW Washington, DC. Her keen eye and creative vision turned a somewhat static, traditional space into an open, airy, bright, and modern (but warm) living environment for our family. It took a brain like Lorena's to problem solve and see what could be! We love our new space and are so grateful to have completed the renovation before the pandemic hit. The flow and coziness she was able to maintain in an open floor plan brings our family and guests great comfort and joy. She also beautifully redesigned the rear external side of our home to reflect the more modern feel of the interior . Lorena is organized, warm and full of great energy, creative ideas and touches. She is also strongly committed to eco-friendly building /sustainable architectural practices. Bravo Lorena! **★★★★★ — chuck\_stark7, June 2021** > We hired Lorena Checa to design and oversee the down-to-the-structure renovation of the three full bathrooms in our 1960's townhouse, and couldn't be more satisfied. Now, four years after the job's completion, I still smile with pleasure at the rooms' overall design and superb details. Lorena's sense of space, of light, of functionality, and her taste and flair, were brilliant. We used a contractor that she recommended, and her insistence that everything be done to the highest standard is reflected in every aspect of the outcome. Besides all that, she's a lovely person and was a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — HU-221709763, Feb. 2021** > Lorena Checa is an inspired architect who carefully considers every detail of the project - space, form, lighting, materials, finishes. Working with Lorena is a creative partnership that ends with a product as beautiful as you can imagine. She partners with local specialists providing custom finishes in metal, etc. We have worked with Lorena three times in the 20+ years on various phases of renovations. Our house and new garage/studio are incredible. We hope that she can help you create your dream home too, we recommend her highly! **★★★★★ — kzacarias, March 2016** > Lorena Checa is a genius. If you want contemporary style with warmth ....look no further. Lorena mixes elegant simple design, with natural stones and woods... and a dash of dare. So many modern houses can look so cold and sterile...Lorena's style is elegant, spare and very warm and inviting. She sought innovative ways to bring in the most sunshine and natural light and sky to our townhouse. She helped us prioritize where to save money and where to invest. She understood our budget and our priorities. As a family of 5 (3 kids) she was constantly aware with the practical parts of being a family with kids and how to make the house work and shine at the same time. We bought a complete fixer upper and have very limited remodeling experience. We have heard nightmare stories from friends about theirs...but working with Checa Architects was a joy (we also had great contractors Kelly And Steve from Space Crafters). Her wisdom and experience helped narrow our choices down to one or two things. She listens and understands our concerns. Her commitment to environmentally friendly building and beauty...not only transformed our home...but it has pushed us all to declutter and simplify...and appreciate the beauty of what we have. We tore down walls in every sense of the word. Checa Architects understand the practicality and poetry of how a real people live and thrive. I cannot recommend them enough. Trustworthy, warm, smart, and deeply committed to making your house a really beautiful modern healthy home. **★★★★★ — swyman1, Sept. 2014** > Checa Architects PC, and primarily its principal Lorena Checa, designed and supervised the remodeling of my apartment during the summer of 2012. This was a challenging task since the apartment essentially was one large room around a floor-to-ceiling enclosed atrium open to the sky. I chose to work with Checa Architects because in the past Lorena had worked with me and my late wife on two other design/remodeling projects. I knew from experience that I could rely on her for practical, innovative, tasteful and attractive solutions. > > Lorena quickly saw the redesign opportunities and possibilities for the one room: she converted it into four distinct activity areas by removing the atrium entirely and putting in a roof structure with skylights. With sliding pocket doors she separated the open kitchen from the rest of the one room. She enlisted a trusted contractor to handle and coordinate construction jobs, electrical works and plumbing needs. She brought in lighting experts and color/paint specialists, and integrated their work with the contractor. She brought an experienced carpenter/millworker to design, build and install bookshelves and cabinets with drawers along the walls of two of the four activity areas. Without exception Lorena was on top of the project from start to finish. In a word, the end result is spectacular. The remodeled apartment is a joy to live in: fabulous and innovative lighting, plenty of space with natural movement, and a welcoming, eco-conscious and gracious atmosphere. > > I would not hesitate to recommend Checa Architects. Lorena’s attention to detail and keen spatial and color sense are exceptional. She always was available for consultation and visited the site almost daily to stay on top of the work. Lorena has an easy-going temperament that makes her a pleasure to deal with. **★★★★★ — rondacole1, May 2014** > “Everyone who walks into this house says, “Wow, what a great house!” But what is even better is that it has been nearly two years since the renovations, and my own reaction to this house is, “WOW”.” > > “The design process of our renovation was fun and exciting. We had our own needs and ideas to start with, but it felt like a really collaborative effort. Mostly we liked what she offered. She easily and graciously listened, including all of what we wanted, or instead, convinced us that what we thought we wanted, we wouldn’t like when we saw it. She could really see what wasn’t yet there better than we. She listened to our lifestyle and how we would use the house. In the finished house there is not a single corner that is not attractive and well used.” > > “Lorena was sensitive to our budget concerns. She would show us the focal points where we should install the "top of the line" fixture or hardware but then show us other locations that could do with less pricey fixtures.” **★★★★★ — mneifach, May 2014** > We recommend CHECA Architects without hesitation for any size home renovation or addition. We loved our house but were simply outgrowing it. When faced with the decision whether to expand or move, we couldn't bear the idea of leaving our neighborhood. > We interviewed 3 different architecture and GC firms to get an idea of what options we had for expanding our very traditional older home in a way that could better utilize our limited space and give us the updates we needed without completely losing the current features we love with house. > CHECA Architects worked with us as a team, listened to what we envisioned and provided us multiple options at various budgets to achieve our vision. Together we were able to keep our traditional dining room area, while blending it into a modern and more useable fully renovated kitchen and open family room. > Lorena Checa has an incredible eye for detail, evident at every stage of the process. Her attention to detail and onsite presence as the renovation took place gave us great confidence that the renovation would be timely completed and look fantastic. > We are thrilled with our renovation and addition and would work with CHECA Architects again without hesitation. **★★★★★ — claresw, May 2014** > Lorena Checa did a brilliant job of designing our two-story addition and making it fit with the existing house. The interior feels spacious and light (I especially appreciate the use of glass blocks upstairs -- as a clerestory), and the exterior fits well with the traditional neighborhood. I have had enthusiastic compliments from passers-by as well as from our guests; one neighbor said that the redesigned entrance has a “Zen-like serenity”. > What I especially appreciate, still, is the process that brought the end result. My husband and I were full partners in working out the possibilities and deciding on the final plans, in every detail. I never felt that any idea of ours was beneath consideration. > Lorena was not only conscientious in the use of her time on out behalf, but she always pointed out ways that we could cut down on professional costs by doing a bit of legwork ourselves. It is rare to find someone who combines practicality with true artistic talent, and that’s exactly what one needs in an architect! **★★★★★ — Business\_Name\_Placeholder, May 2014** > I have worked with Lorena as a supply and design resource, on several projects over the years. Lorena is very creative, exceptionally thoughtful, and she listens carefully and intently to the needs of her clients. She makes each project collaborative and enjoyable - always with the goal of getting the best result for her clients. She stays current on the latest in design and material possibilities, with a particular passion for green design. I would highly reccommend Lorena for any of your design requirements **★★★★★ — jschasnoff, May 2014** > Most importantly, I love the design work done by Checa Architects. The result is the creation of environments that show off the very best qualities of our cabinet and furniture collaborations. The attention paid to both natural and artificial lighting is high up on the long list of attributes that distinguish Lorena Checa’s designs. > > The successful completion of an architectural project is more complex than most people can understand until they see it actually happening. It requires excellent communication skills, coordination of efforts by clients, architects, contractors, suppliers, trades people and laborers. Checa Architects brings the communication skills, the patience, the level of relentless attention to detail and the experience to foresee and avoid difficulties that result in the end in a satisfied customer. > > For me as a crafts person and furniture maker, I get to work efficiently and see the full completion of drafted design, brought to reality. It is the original design concept, the planning, the careful drawing, and the unique level of follow through of Checa Architects, which make me so happy to participate in these rewarding projects. **★★★★★ — tarabrach, May 2014** > I loved working with Lorena Checa of CHECA Architects! > > I most valued her integrative approach - considering how all the elements of what we were doing fit together and supporting us in how to weave the project together on every level. Lorena was entirely respectful of our taste and brought all of her talents to help us manifest what we wanted. > > > She was able to balance our budget concerns and insure an outcome that was high quality and truly aesthetic. Bottom line, Lorena’s intuition and caring heart made her a person that we could trust as we navigated a complex and naturally stressful process. > > > Lorena’s firm was supportive on even the most practical level, guiding us in how to locate and purchase the many accouterments we desired. > > > I hope this expresses the truth of how grateful and delighted we are with the outcome. Thank you. ## Selected projects - [Fitzpatrick Residence - Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fitzpatrick-residence-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~7224384) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 19 - Description: A busy family of four tasked us with modernizing and upgrading a large center-hall Colonial in coveted American University Park. A very choppy renovation had been performed prior to our clients owning the house. Unfortunately, all the window-heads to the great view out the hill-top and Southern façade, were way low and compromised not only the views but the daylight. We took inspiration from our clients’ art collection, a beautifully landscaped and South-facing back yard and a family who appreci… - [Southern MD - Waterfront Family Compound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southern-md-waterfront-family-compound-pj-vj~7101323) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [DC Renovation \| Featured in the Washington Post!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dc-renovation-featured-in-the-washington-post-pj-vj~6508274) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 24 - Description: Whole House renovation in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, DC for a creative family of five! - [Depue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/depue-residence-pj-vj~240036) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 31 - Description: Whole House Renovation & Addition in Arlington, VA The owners were empty-nesters and looking forward to retirement. They liked the location and knew the house had potential for a big change. They started with the idea to add a family room over the garage. The clients reached out to CHECA Architects and we helped them see that the house could also be redesigned to have better flow, more openness, and a lot of natural light. Pretty soon a third floor was added that would be their haven in retireme… - [Merritt Condo Guest Suite & Foyer Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/merritt-condo-guest-suite-and-foyer-renovation-pj-vj~6512764) - Location: Reston, VA - Photos: 16 - Description: The owners had renovated the rest of their condo a couple of years back and now wanted to update their Guest Room Suite. They told us they wanted their guests to feel like they were staying at a 5-star hotel. - [Wyman Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wyman-master-bathroom-pj-vj~6548781) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 10 - Description: The owner asked us to renovate his condo a couple of years back and decided not to tackle the Master Bath at that time. When he came to us again, he was ready to have a splendid Master Bath and dressing area. The space was very tight, but by taking on the adjacent dressing area as well, we were able to expand the bathroom and create a combination of spaces that are both efficient and beautiful - inviting the daily renewal that we all seek. - [Johnson Art Studio / Garage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/johnson-art-studio-garage-pj-vj~6535828) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 18 - Description: Our clients came to us with a desire to create a studio space for an increasingly important hobby for one of them. We soon found out that an art studio as a separate structure would only be allowed if it was in a garage. So we set out to design a wonderful garage that could also be used as an Art Studio. Our Resident Artist works with metal, so it was fitting that we all agreed on working with a fantastic metalworker in York, PA: Salvaging Creativity, for the decorative Corten panels on the fron… - [Brach-Foust Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brach-foust-residence-pj-vj~239216) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 10 - Description: Renovation & Addition in Great Falls, VA The clients expressed a desire to live next to each other on the daughter’s Great Falls estate. The mother wished to retain her independence and connection with nature. The daughter wanted to expand her existing home to create additional rooms to dine and to write. CHECA Architects worked closely with the green-minded mother and daughter to co-create a new addition for the main house and an adjacent guesthouse. In the main house, the reimagined spaces are… - [Johnson Whole-House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/johnson-whole-house-renovation-pj-vj~6535871) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 21 - Description: We like to say that this is an example of how a rather small house can live BIG! Over several years and in 3 phases, a DC couple engaged us to modernize and update their well-located Chevy Chase, DC home. It is a corner lot which offers its own set of challenges and opportunities. When we started their two boys were little and as we completed the last phase along with the Art Studio (featured as a separate project on this page), their oldest child was off to college as an art student. The creati… - [Cole Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-residence-pj-vj~239543) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 6 - Description: Whole House Renovation & Addition in McLean, VA The clients dreamed of a house closer to nature. Although situated on a lovely wooded site, the existing structure afforded few views of the serene setting. CHECA Architects worked closely with the clients to co-create a master plan to transform the dark and dated 1970s home into an elegant, modern, eco-conscious retreat. To create a more intimate connection with nature, CHECA Architects introduced natural materials and organic rounded shapes to th… - [Stansbury Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stansbury-residence-pj-vj~239562) - Location: Kensington, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: Whole House Renovation & Addition in Kensington, MD The Owners purchased their home knowing that it needed a major renovation. CHECA Architects immediately saw a solution to the home’s stair situation. The existing stair to the basement took up valuable space from the front room, and at the other end of the house, the stair to the second floor was tight and difficult to navigate. We redesigned the center of the home with a new, modern, airy staircase that connects all three floors. On the second… - [Brach-Foust Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brach-foust-guest-house-pj-vj~239072) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 10 - Description: New Guest House in Great Falls, VA The clients expressed a desire to live next to each other on the daughter’s Great Falls estate. The mother wished to retain her independence and connection with nature. The daughter wanted to expand her existing home to create additional rooms to dine and to write. CHECA Architects worked closely with the green-minded mother and daughter to co-create a new addition for the main house and an adjacent guesthouse. In the main house, the reimagined spaces are brigh… - [Kern-Deegan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kern-deegan-residence-pj-vj~239822) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 13 - Description: Whole House Renovation & Addition in Foxhall Village, Washington, DC The clients had purchased adjoining townhouses, which had been connected by a previous owner, but still felt fragmented with two front doors, cramped rooms, and little natural light. They were seeking to unite the combined spaces into a cohesive, stylish and efficient home to suit a busy family of four. Green design and connecting to the natural beauty of the Georgetown neighborhood were early goals. For CHECA Architects, trans… - [Roth Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roth-residence-pj-vj~379151) - Location: Washington, DC, DC - Photos: 15 - Description: Renovation & Addition in Palisades, Washington, DC The clients, a mother-daughter team, purchased a home on a large corner lot so that the Mother’s suite could be built of the Main level. Taking advantage of an East and South orientation and buildable area to the side and front of the original home, CHECA Architects designed a sunny living space with a home office niche. The open floor plan allows for a cozy bedroom with a private terrace to the back which connects to the family yard and pool. A… - [Wyman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wyman-residence-pj-vj~240094) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 8 - Description: Condo Renovation in Cathedral Heights, Washington, DC "Checa Architects PC, and primarily its principal Lorena Checa, designed and supervised the remodeling of my apartment during the summer of 2012. This was a challenging task since the apartment essentially was one large room that included a floor-to-ceiling enclosed atrium open to the sky. I chose to work with Checa Architects because in the past Lorena had worked with my late wife and I on two other design/remodeling projects. I knew from ex… - [Pomerance Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pomerance-residence-pj-vj~273303) - Location: Adams Morgan, DC - Photos: 14 - Description: Renovation & Addition in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC Bringing light and a sense of spaciousness into their small master bedroom, without expanding the structure of the house, was the goal of our Clients. They also had two small bathrooms they were looking to remodel. By expanding up into the attic, we were able to increase the size of the room and dramatically change the feel of the space. Existing attic dormer windows and new skylights brought in light and created a sense of spaciousness. The… - [Western Avenue Live-Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/western-avenue-live-work-pj-vj~273143) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 5 - Description: New Construction in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC A psychiatrist with a successful practice dreamed of a simple, sustainable lifestyle and an eco-conscious live/work environment. In essence, she wanted an integrated space connected to nature and nourishing to her and her patients. She chose a Friendship Heights property within easy walking distance to the Metro, shops, and restaurants, with an alley leading to handicapped parking and ramp access. CHECA Architects worked closely with the client to… - [Warner Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warner-residence-pj-vj~240135) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 7 - Description: Kitchen Renovation & Addition in Tenleytown, Washington, DC The Owners of a center-hall brick colonial wanted a new family room in their basement. Once in the space Lorena Checa noticed the basement for the family room had a very low ceiling and the floor would need to be excavated. Lorena also observed that the existing kitchen on the first floor was very small - the family of four had to squeeze into a vestibule to sit at the breakfast table. Before proceeding with the initial design, Lorena s… - [Tuset Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuset-residence-pj-vj~273291) - Location: Fairfax Station, VA - Photos: 4 - Description: Whole House Renovation & Addition in Fairfax Station, VA The clients were thrilled with their country property, but less enthusiastic about their house. The exterior was unimaginative and boxy, while the interior felt closed-in and dark. After considering several designs, the clients agreed to a major overhaul of the inside and a new foyer to enhance the home's entrance. The original entry had an out-of-proportion porch with a roof a story and a half up. The front door opened to a small landing… - [Decks & Screened Porches by CHECA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decks-and-screened-porches-by-checa-architects-pj-vj~356895) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 13 [See all 29 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/checa-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~2114352580) ## Ideabooks - [Kitchens by CHECA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19094253/list/kitchens-by-checa-architects) — 21 ideas - [Master Bath by CHECA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27626436/list/master-bath-by-checa-architects) — 6 ideas - [Interior Stairs by CHECA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27625869/list/interior-stairs-by-checa-architects) — 10 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/checaarchitects) ## Community Q&A **Q: what is the color of the office walls** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the paint color of the office. Could you please let me know what paint number is? A: You are most welcome Robin! I used that color in my own home. I love it - very warm! Have fun with it. Lorena Checa **Q: Paint color of buttery yellow used in living room?** *(in Photo Questions)* Maker and color of buttery yellow paint used in living room. A: This is a Benjamin Moore Aura paint. The color is pale daffodil - we love it! **Q: What type of cabinets did you use? Great looking** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you explain what type of material used? A: Hi Azuka, I am pretty sure it was one tall cabinet box, and I believe they were the only glossy while contemporary style cabinet line. The base cabinets all have the standard IKEA doors. **Q: color of walls in office?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the color used on walls of office….. what is it? A: So glad you like it! I even used it in my own home...It is Benjamin Moore Pale daffodil \#2017-60 in AURA. **Q: What color stain is the porch ceiling?** *(in Photo Questions)* What color stain or what kind of wood is the porch ceiling? A: I believe it was mahogany on cedar. **Q: About the stone?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the type of stone used on the border and the stone in the middle? A: I believe the field is Tennessee Limestone. The edges and column caps were a sandstone. Very beautiful and not expensive. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*