---
title: "David Lawrence Brown, AIA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-lawrence-brown-aia-pfvwus-pf~344741625
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344741625.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "David Lawrence Brown, AIA"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/04a3f953033b1975_9577-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Alpine, New Jersey 07620, United States"
phone: "(424) 422-8192"
website: http://brownbuilt.net
rating: 5
review_count: 22
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 587
last_updated: 2026-11-06
---

# David Lawrence Brown, AIA

Original Houzz profile: [David Lawrence Brown, AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-lawrence-brown-aia-pfvwus-pf~344741625)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Alpine, NJ
- **Serves:** Los Angeles
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (22 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves

Designing custom homes is all about chemistry and communication.  Chemistry is about making a connection with our clients whether they live in the next town or three thousand miles away.  Communication is about our clients knowing we understand their needs and have incorporated their specifics into the home design and, if they choose, into the building process.  Whatever style you desire: French country, federal, neo-classic or modern, contact David for the home of your dreams and the chemistry and communication that your project of a lifetime deserves.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Universal Design
- Home Restoration
- Project Management
- Tiny House Construction

### Areas Served

- Los Angeles

### Typical Job Cost

$15,000 - $5,000,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | David Lawrence Brown, AIA |
| Address | Alpine, New Jersey 07620, United States |
| Phone | (424) 422-8192 |
| Website | http://brownbuilt.net |
| License Number | C-39241 |
| Followers on Houzz | 587 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/HomeBuilderLA/
- Blog — brownbuilt.net

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [David Lawrence Brown, AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-lawrence-brown-aia-pfvwus-pf~344741625)
- **Website:** http://brownbuilt.net
- **Phone:** (424) 422-8192

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- American Institute of Architects, NCARB, Green Building Council, Institute of Classical Architecture & ArtBest of Houzz 2015Best of Houzz 2016Green Building Council

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 22 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — nick2076, Feb. 2016**

> We have used David Lawrence Brown on a prior job.  His vision and professionalism were something that we were looking for and found in this talented individual.
>
> We are excited to see him transform yet another home into a castle.
>
> Thank you David, you truly bring beauty into the world.

**★★★★★ — neilscal00, Jan. 2016**

> David Lawrence is a true professional. For him, it's about creating successful projects and not about the bottom line. He is about the integrity seldom seen and unsurpassed honesty.

**★★★★★ — brianac43, Jan. 2016**

> David Lawrence came highly recommend by a Civil Engineer that had worked with him on many projects. From our first meeting I had great confidence that this would be a successful  journey. David has confidence, great skills and is a true visionary. Thank you David.

**★★★★★ — Steven Kaplan, Jan. 2016**

> David has provided both architectural and building services for me, and several people I know. He has proven himself to be extremely competent, creative (especially with the most difficult and complex problems which need solutions) and equally important, 100% honest.  He cares as much about his results as the homeowners and takes enormous pride in his work and client satisfaction.  He is truly unique and a gem to a business that is often littered with unscrupulous participants.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Proof that you can work for friends. Thank you Steven.

**★★★★★ — dsteiner212, Dec. 2015**

> I can't say enough about David Lawrence. He is passionate, he is visionary, he is professional, and he is a problem solver. And those are the elements that make a great Architect.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> You always have the nicest things to say. Thank you so much.

**★★★★★ — Mary Corvelli, Dec. 2015**

> David Lawrence understood what I wanted and turned it into Architecture. He was available and an all around Pro. I thought that my project wasn't substantial enough for David, but he informed me that good design is not about budget, it's only about good design. Thank you for making my Project a pleasure.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thank you so much Mary for your kind words. When is the next project?

**★★★★★ — Tom Fulleman, Dec. 2015**

> Having David as a colleague is a unique and inspiring opportunity in the design and build process that left me with the summer project of a lifetime. A solid mahogany deck featuring circular step work and multi-level tiers was a memorable experience that I had the pleasure of collaborating with David on. It is some of his most creative and innovative work. A fine architect and designer, I would recommend him to any client in need of such services.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thank you Tom. Looking forward to the next collaboration with you and your team.

**★★★★★ — Expert Consultants Inc, Dec. 2015**

> So much talent and vision, He is a true artist. Anyone who hires David will appreciate his vision and professionalism.
> He met every deadline necessary and worked really well with everyone involved in the project and stayed within the budget,
> David is definitely our guy for my next project., I enjoyed working with him.
>
> Nicholas Mamary, CPA

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Nick, I think you missed your calling. You are a born Architect.

**★★★★★ — paccionej, Nov. 2015**

> Completed the job as promised in the time frame  and budget discussed.  Transformed a mundane split level into a magnificent architectural specimen.
>
> Totally professional, well spoken and educated. Loves what he is doing and that shows in the quality of his work. I highly recommend David Brown and I am planning on using his expertise, on another project I am working on.
>
> Janet
> Bergen Property Partners LLC

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thank you so much Janet. Looking forward to the next and the next and the next.

**★★★★★ — Tiffany Kaplan, Nov. 2015**

> David Lawrence Brown is in a class by himself. He is talented, dedicated and loves what he does as is evident by the end results. He was always there for me; communication with David was very easy. Working with David throughout our many projects (family room, outdoor entertainment design with bar, BBQ, wood burning oven & daybed and more), from beginning of planning through ground breaking till the very end was a pleasure. He helped us resolve issues with the town and permits etc. I recommend David Lawrence Brown for his architectural services as well as for building! I won't change anything in my home without first consulting with David! He is not just an architect but an artist!

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thank you for your kind words. You are always a pleasure to work with.

**★★★★★ — Jay Morrison Real Estate Partners, Oct. 2015**

> I'm a Real estate developer and finding the David Lawrence Brown team has become my most valued tool in putting together successful ventures. David Lawrence is a true visionary, but what puts him in a league of his own is his passion. The passion to make every project as good as it can be acting as a vested partner. I give high praise.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thanks Jay. I am honored to be associated with you.

**★★★★★ — j Bougher construction, Oct. 2015**

> Not only does dave have great vision he goes above and beyond to get a project done. He never cuts corners or takes the easy way like most in the industry. Every detail right down to outlet and switch placement is thought out.

**Comment from David Lawrence Brown, AIA:**

> Thanks Mr. Bougher. And thank you for your professionalism and Craftsmanship.

## Selected projects

- [Chateau Grandes Chenes, Alpine NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chateau-grandes-chenes-alpine-nj-pj-vj~504616)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
- [Villa Paulina, Alpine, NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/villa-paulina-alpine-nj-pj-vj~744109)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
- [Shingle Style Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shingle-style-home-pj-vj~504650)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Traditional Exterior and Transitional Interior
- ['Dacha' Quogue NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dacha-quogue-ny-pj-vj~504676)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Koorang House, Saddle River, NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/koorang-house-saddle-river-nj-pj-vj~744074)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [Le Collines, Saddle River, NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/le-collines-saddle-river-nj-pj-vj~743862)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Post & Beam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/post-and-beam-pj-vj~1471211)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Ho-Ho-Kus NJ Dutch Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ho-ho-kus-nj-dutch-colonial-pj-vj~745512)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ho-ho-kus-nj-interiors-pj-vj~753883)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Tudor Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-pool-house-pj-vj~745523)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Cresskill Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cresskill-interior-pj-vj~1471179)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [Miscellaneous Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miscellaneous-projects-pj-vj~773310)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/under-construction-pj-vj~1473299)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [On The Boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/on-the-boards-pj-vj~1239330)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscapes-pj-vj~744169)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
- [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/furniture-pj-vj~745412)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
- [Interior Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-details-pj-vj~1443178)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 79
- [Exterior Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-details-pj-vj~1445951)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 41
- [DachaBu](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dachabu-pj-vj~7599730)
  - Location: Malibu, CA
  - Photos: 4

[See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-lawrence-brown-aia-pfvwus-pf~344741625)

## Ideabooks

- [Audio / Video / Equipment Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57051073/list/audio-video-equipment-room) — 9 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53444723/list/kitchens) — 42 ideas
- [Wall-Units / Built-Ins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57219120/list/wall-units-built-ins) — 10 ideas
- [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57218972/list/fireplaces) — 12 ideas
- [Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57051257/list/landscapes) — 12 ideas
- [Closets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53448569/list/closets) — 13 ideas
- [dlbro's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33080751/list/dlbro-s-ideas) — 2 ideas

[See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dlbro)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Lighting** *(in Photo Questions)*

Cool light. Who's is it?

A: I designed it and had it fabricated with a stainless look. It is based on two Stellar Constellations. Thanks for asking!

**Q: Stair posts** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where did those Finials come from?

A: They come from Enkeboll Architectural Wood products in Cali. And they are so beautiful. Thanks.

**Q: Where to place the garage?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We are hoping to add a garage this year and cannot decide where to place it on our property.  There is an old shed (Shed A below) that will need to be removed.  Given the architecture of the house, we do not want to attach it to the house unless it is in the back. We would like to keep everything balanced, Should the garage go to the left, right or back? 
The garage will be used as a workshop and home office above.  Similar style of the house.


Thanks for the feedback.

A: If there isn't a driveway connecting to the Garage then the Shed location is fine. I prefer it off the circle behind the well head. Facing the circle. That's very organized with both buildings addressing the circle. I also like the driveway access and the resale aspect. Someone may want to use it as a garage. You could also attach to the house on the right side and create a court yard in the rear. Hard to say without knowing what the plan of the house is. Go circle.

**Q: Need kitchen floor/cabinet/counter/tile/paint combo ideas** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hello. For a kitchen renovation, I am looking for suggestions on good material/color combinations. We are using natural maple with clear coat for the cabinets, with a shaker style. The appliances are stainless. The kitchen does not get much natural light.  We'd like the kitchen to have a modern but warm and inviting look. Currently the kitchen is white, and given the lack of natural light we are concerned about going to dark. That said, we'd prefer a darker, natural-looking floor to hide dirt (maybe slate tiles of some sort). 
I would very much appreciate suggestions for specific floor tile, counter color, backsplash tile, and paint combinations that tend to look good with natural maple cabinets and look good together ... or links to such examples that could be replicated. The color of the wood can be seen here (http://www.barkercabinets.com/Maple-wood-sample-p/maplecleartam.htm -- the clearcoat image). 
Thanks for any tips.

A: The first is cream limestone looking porcelain floor. Island is your Maple, the other cabs are white with Crema Silestone tops on the Island  and black Silestone on the rest. Warm.

Second, same floor, same cabinets but opposite, white counter on the 'L' and Rojo Alacante ( or Silestone facsimile )marble on the Island top. Warmer.

Third, do your Maple on the 'L' with White Carrara tops ( or Silestone facsimile ), soft color on the island with Carrara tops again, limestone looking floor again. 

Porcelain on the floor with sealed grout joints and Silestone or Caesar Stone counters makes for a maintenance free kitchen.

**Q: Recessed Lighting** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Doing partial kitchen update.  Need to remove large fluorescent light fixture and relocate some or all of recessed lights. Do I schedule electrician first and then have handyman fix ceiling holes somehow or have handyman remove all the lights and fix ceiling to leave blank canvas for electrician? Also need to repair leak damage in ceiling. Would leave one hanging fixture in same place so would have some light.

A: Handy Men should not be touching the wiring of your House, only a Licensed Electrician. Call the Electrician first and go with LED.

**Q: Posts** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where did you find those corner posts?

A: I purchased re-claimed Timbers from the Bottom of the Mississippi and we turned them on the Lathe. We also turned the Balusters. Thanks.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-06.*
