---
title: "ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alter-urban-design-collaborative-pfvwus-pf~378676100
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~378676100.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ea23e17a04b7ffdb_6791-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Washington, D.C. 20002, United States"
latitude: 38.9024
longitude: -76.9901
phone: "(202) 817-3423"
website: http://www.alterurban.com
rating: 5
review_count: 6
best_of_houzz_awards: 4
followers: 127
last_updated: 2026-09-01
---

# ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE

Original Houzz profile: [ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alter-urban-design-collaborative-pfvwus-pf~378676100)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Washington, DC
- **Serves:** Adelphi, Alexandria, Arlington, Baileys Crossroads, Beltsville, Bethesda, Bladensburg, Bowie, Camp Springs, Chevy Chase, Chillum, Clinton, College Park, Coral Hills, DC (Washington), East Riverdale, Falls Church, Forestville, Fort Washington, Franconia, Ft Washington, Glassmanor, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Groveton, Hillcrest Heights, Huntington, Hyattsville, Kemp Mill, Kettering, Lake Arbor, Lake Barcroft, Landover, Langley Park, Largo, Laurel, Lincolnia, New Carrollton, North Bethesda, North Kensington, Oxon Hill, Seabrook, Seven Corners, Silver Spring, South Kensington, Takoma Park, Walker Mill
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2021), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Published nationally
- High-end

Mission: 
Empower clients, creativity and the human experience with broad collaboration through a process where design leads new solutions to traditional & non-traditional challenges.

Philosophy:
We are creative professionals who believe design must lead solutions. Alter Urban and our team of collaborators trust in the ability of great design to add value that improves human experience, engenders progress, and promotes joy in our homes, offices, landscapes and cities. Each design challenge presents an opportunity for the betterment of function and beauty - an opportunity we meet with passion and imagination. We specialize in new homes!

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Home Restoration
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- 3D Home Design
- Accessible Design
- Construction Drawings
- Custom Homes
- Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Adelphi
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Baileys Crossroads
- Beltsville
- Bethesda
- Bladensburg
- Bowie
- Camp Springs
- Chevy Chase
- Chillum
- Clinton
- College Park
- Coral Hills
- DC (Washington)
- East Riverdale
- Falls Church
- Forestville
- Fort Washington
- Franconia
- Ft Washington
- Glassmanor
- Glenn Dale
- Greenbelt
- Groveton
- Hillcrest Heights
- Huntington
- Hyattsville
- Kemp Mill
- Kettering
- Lake Arbor
- Lake Barcroft
- Landover
- Langley Park
- Largo
- Laurel
- Lincolnia
- New Carrollton
- North Bethesda
- North Kensington
- Oxon Hill
- Seabrook
- Seven Corners
- Silver Spring
- South Kensington
- Takoma Park
- Walker Mill

### Typical Job Cost

$350,000 - 1 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE |
| Address | Washington, D.C. 20002, United States |
| Phone | (202) 817-3423 |
| Website | http://www.alterurban.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 127 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alter-urban-design-collaborative-pfvwus-pf~378676100)
- **Website:** http://www.alterurban.com
- **Phone:** (202) 817-3423

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- +Featured in Dwell Magazine, Featured in Home + Design Magazine, Featured in Washington Post
- +Best of Houzz Service & Design Award Winner

- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2021), 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)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)
- [American Institute of Architects, Washington DC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-washington-dc-pfvwus-pf~882126009)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews**

### All 6 reviews

**★★★★★ — Topher A, Jan. 2019**

> This was my first time working with an architect all the way and my experience with John was positive overall. He was great to work with, patient considering I changed my mind so many times on first floor layout we initially agreed on. His inputs were helpful as well as far as trying to come up with what's best to place in certain areas of the house due to the space constraints.
>
> This ended up being a full gut renovation for a 2-story rowhouse in DC with a basement so the permitting process can take a while. But he was constantly giving me updates on the status, etc which is crucial since renovations can be anxiety-driving.
>
> Looking forward to partnering up again for future projects. Can't recommend them highly enough.

**★★★★★ — Kate Owens, July 2017**

> We've been working with Alter Urban for more than a year on our house renovation and addition. They have been supportive since the first day when they helped us determine our priorities to the very end when they are still helping us pick out rugs. Our project is almost done and every time I walk in I can't quite believe it is real and that I get to live there because it is so perfect for our family.

**Comment from ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE:**

> Thanks, Kate! It has been a pleasure to work with you and see the project develop into an amazing space for your family.

**★★★★★ — Julie B, July 2017**

> Our experience with Alter Urban has been phenomenal.  John Sage and Ashley Lucas have been so attentive to us and have a brilliant vision of design.  We feel so fortunate to have hired them for our project!  We highly recommend them!

**Comment from ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE:**

> Thank you, Julie! It has been a pleasure working with you and your family and we are so glad that you are happy in your new space.

**★★★★★ — Ryan and Susan, Dec. 2016**

> Alter Urban and John Sage were able to help turn our dreams to a reality for our growing family by almost doubling our house.
> Their attention to detail along the creative ways for useful and practical usage of space was beyond our expectations during our project. John was very transparent as wells as accessible for our thousands of questions and concerns. They would also would be on site regularly even though our project was in NJ.
> I have and will continue to recommend Alter Urban many times over.

**★★★★★ — Kavita Kalra, July 2016**

> The team at Alter Urban has been very responsive and they are very creative in their ideas. I highly recommend John Sage.

**Comment from ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE:**

> Thank you so much. It has been a pleasure working with you.

**★★★★★ — mickey777777, July 2016**

> Amazing Creative Group!.
> Such a easy bunch of people to work with!
> Creativity is mind blowing!
> We thought we had it all nailed down, and they took what was in our head and transformed it into beautiful house design.
> Worked with us through out the process to make it so seamless for us.

**Comment from ALTER URBAN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE:**

> Very kind words, thank you. You have been wonderful to work with and to get to know.

## Selected projects

- [Nuclear Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nuclear-family-pj-vj~5462691)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Townhouse renovation and rear 2 story (w/basement) addition.
- [Modern Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-interior-pj-vj~5466724)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Interior Architecture for a single family detached, full house renovation and addition including selection of all interior finishes, stair and elevator design, cabinetry design and selection, furniture, paint, flooring, window treatment, and hardware selections.
- [Finding A New Normal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/finding-a-new-normal-pj-vj~994947)
  - Location: Towson, MD
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: Accessible, sustainable, and made in America. These three principles create a building and landscape that mediates a sloping site, shields itself from winter winds, and opens toward vistas of the surrounding countryside. The tripartite goals are also reflected in three increasingly visible masses: a green-roofed bedroom wing inset into the hillside; a gable-roofed living area facing the street; and a sky lit tower commanding views of the stream valley below. http://www.dwell.com/houses-we-love/a…
- [Stagefront House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stagefront-house-pj-vj~997157)
  - Location: Washington D.C., DC
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: On a rare empty lot in northwest DC, the new house mediates between public formality and private personality. A high stone facade is respectful to the neighborhood and with a bank of support spaces, screens the main house from the street. Inside, the courtyard and its adjoining rooms create a dynamic and transparent space that reflects the owner’s open demeanor and encourages more casual expression. Located in Forest Hills, Washington D.C.
- [Modern Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-rehab-pj-vj~1008576)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Custom casework, custom stairs and rails, skylights and transoms replace existing partition walls to maximize space and flexibility within the existing row house. Large glass doors on the rear addition, new skylights and double height space open the home to natural light. Walnut and maple wood finishes contrast with bright tile and paint colors to add warmth to the modern space plan. Located in Federal Hill, Baltimore MD.
- [The Great Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-great-room-pj-vj~1008350)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Rethinking the bungalow, we rebuilt the existing 1st floor addition and extended the 2nd floor master bedroom’s usable space above by raising the roof line and creating a new deck. Large new windows & doors blend the outside patio into the open floor plan defined by large timber columns and beams where the walls once stood. Wood louvers offer flexible shading and privacy options and a metal screen wrapping the addition allows plants and vines to envelop the exterior.
- [The Unfolded Box](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-unfolded-box-pj-vj~1008098)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Located in Bloomingdale, Washington D.C.
- [Garden As House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-as-house-pj-vj~994931)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: Located in Columbia Heights, Washington D.C.
- [1817](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1817-pj-vj~996897)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: The first Alter Urban design and development project. We purchased the property, guided its rezoning to a single family residence, designed its renovation, financed its construction and marketed the new home for resale. It’s quick and profitable sale confirmed our analysis of the neighborhood’s development potential and launched its two partner projects, 259 and 261 Robert Street. Located in Bolton Hill, Baltimore MD.
- [261 Robert](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/261-robert-pj-vj~997035)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: With 100 feet of park frontage, this building was a community eyesore and long-time candidate for demolition. At 7,000 SF and in a changing real estate market we purchased the project, rezoned it for apartments, and financed its renovation with historic tax credits. Design and developed by Alter Urban, it is now home to our offices. Located in Bolton Hill, Baltimore MD.
- [The Atrium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-atrium-pj-vj~996938)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Vacant and derelict, the home contained 6 small apartments, limited natural light and poor ventilation. The new home is designed around two interlocking premises: provide substantial natural light to every room and open up the interior to create physical and visual continuity. Skylights, double height spaces, large panel sliding doors create a free and flexible interior with a high degree of spatial customization for diverse occupants and events. Located in Bolton Hill, Baltimore MD.
- [T Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/t-street-pj-vj~1008392)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: Located in Dupont Circle, Washington D.C.
- [The Orangerie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-orangerie-pj-vj~1008876)
  - Location: Baltimore, MD
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Located in Federal Hill, Baltimore MD.

[See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alter-urban-design-collaborative-pfvwus-pf~378676100)

## Ideabooks

- [Lighting We Love](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70830187/list/lighting-we-love) — 10 ideas
- [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83389861/list/furniture) — 10 ideas
- [Alter Urban's Material Library](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70830097/list/alter-urban-s-material-library) — 15 ideas
- [Modern Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829496/list/modern-bathrooms) — 8 ideas
- [Contemporary Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829677/list/contemporary-exteriors) — 2 ideas
- [Accessible Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829559/list/accessible-bathrooms) — 1 idea
- [Sustainable Solutions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829601/list/sustainable-solutions) — 1 idea
- [Exterior Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829625/list/exterior-doors) — 3 ideas
- [Closet Organization + Storage Solutions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70829663/list/closet-organization-storage-solutions) — 4 ideas

[See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/alterurban)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Magnifique ! Pouvez vous m'aider à obtenir ?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Je cherche à obtenir les tableaux : pouvez vous m'aider ? merci

A: Oh gosh, forgive me. The artwork is by Peter Max.

**Q: towel bar!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Super cool - source?

A: Porcelanosa provided the rail, mirror and vanity system

**Q: So cool! Who makes vanity and mirror?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hello, the tile was from Porcelanosa and was called TRIBECA CALIZA

**Q: where can I find this table?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Dining table?

A: Hello, the table is from Cattelan Italia.

**Q: tread/stringer connection** *(in Photo Questions)*

how are the treads attached to the stringer?

A: Hello - There are steel clips welded to the stringers below each tread. If you take a look at the other stair photos for this project you will see them on the underside.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*