--- title: "mossArchitects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mossarchitects-pfvwus-pf~58817946 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~58817946.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: mossArchitects category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c2f3f40b0c4f461b_1965-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "5122 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, United States" latitude: 40.4642 longitude: -79.9448 phone: "(412) 441-6400" website: http://mossarc.com rating: 5 review_count: 5 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 312 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # mossArchitects Original Houzz profile: [mossArchitects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mossarchitects-pfvwus-pf~58817946) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Pittsburgh, PA - **Serves:** Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon, Whitehall, Monroeville, Allison Park, Baldwin, West Mifflin, Upper Saint Clair, Franklin Park, Wilkinsburg, New Kensington, Munhall, North Versailles, Brentwood, Glenshaw, Swissvale, Pleasant Hills, Castle Shannon, Bellevue, Dormont, White Oak, West View, Forest Hills, Crafton, McKees Rocks, Sewickley, Fox Chapel, Turtle Creek, Green Tree, Arnold, Avalon, Port Vue, Etna, Millvale, Springdale, Mount Oliver, Ingram, Sharpsburg, Churchill, Pitcairn, Aspinwall, Emsworth, East McKeesport, Braddock, Wilmerding, West Homestead, Rankin, Braddock Hills - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Pittsburgh-based architectural firm creating responsive, artful, expressive design solutions ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Interior Design - Master Planning ### Areas Served - Mt. Lebanon - Pittsburgh - Mount Lebanon - Whitehall - Monroeville - Allison Park - Baldwin - West Mifflin - Upper Saint Clair - Franklin Park - Wilkinsburg - New Kensington - Munhall - North Versailles - Brentwood - Glenshaw - Swissvale - Pleasant Hills - Castle Shannon - Bellevue - Dormont - White Oak - West View - Forest Hills - Crafton - McKees Rocks - Sewickley - Fox Chapel - Turtle Creek - Green Tree - Arnold - Avalon - Port Vue - Etna - Millvale - Springdale - Mount Oliver - Ingram - Sharpsburg - Churchill - Pitcairn - Aspinwall - Emsworth - East McKeesport - Braddock - Wilmerding - West Homestead - Rankin - Braddock Hills ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | mossArchitects | | Address | 5122 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, United States | | Phone | (412) 441-6400 | | Website | http://mossarc.com | | License Number | RA402935 | | Followers on Houzz | 312 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/mossarchitects/107600478547 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/\#!/mossarchitects - Blog — http://www.pinterest.com/mossarchitects/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [mossArchitects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mossarchitects-pfvwus-pf~58817946) - **Website:** http://mossarc.com - **Phone:** (412) 441-6400 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - PGH Magazine 2017 Home of the Year Award, Ligonier Street Residence, SARA PA 2016 Award Penn-Mathilda Apartments, SARA PA 2015 Award Woodland Residence, PGH Magazine 2014 Home of the Year Award, AIA Pgh 2012 Award Croghan’s Edge Townhomes, AIA Pgh 2011 Award Lola House, SARA PA 2011 Award Lola House - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA Pittsburgh](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-pittsburgh-pfvwus-pf~1200885856) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — johnelisco, March 2021** > Moss Architects designed our dream home, helped us navigate city codes and requirements, and made the process enjoyable. I highly recommend the firm. **★★★★★ — Michael Hills, June 2017** > mossArchitects were a pleasure to work with! Andrew, Darren, Heather and team felt like family by the time our new home project was complete. They owned every piece of the project from beginning to end; from design, to recommending a top quality builder, to ultimately managing the whole construction effort for us. We've been through some pretty frustrating design and construction projects in the past. But this certainly wasn't one of those. They helped insure that the project was done on time and helped us balance all of the ideas that we had with what our budget would allow. In the end, we now come home (a year later) to a brilliantly designed modern home that we can't believe we are lucky enough to live in (and that ended up being named Pittsburgh Magazine's 2016 New Build Home of the Year)! **★★★★★ — Jeff Catalina, Jan. 2013** > My wife and I have worked with Moss Architects on three projects: our home, plus our two restaurants. They exceeded expectations each time, resulting in spectacular, award-winning spaces. They're not just passionate professionals; they're good people. And we hope to work with them many times more. **★★★★★ — Erin Catalina, Jan. 2013** > Of all of the decisions involved in building our Pittsburgh home, choosing mossArchitects was the best decision we made. In fact, we subsequently hired them to design both of our restaurants, commercial projects they approached in the same thoughtful and personal way to deliver similarly comfortable, contemporary spaces. > > In our architect selection process, we found mossArchitects to be the most approachable, most engaging, and most willing to listen about our vision for a new home. They asked all the right questions, helping us arrive at a set of parameters to work with such as lifestyle preferences that helped us hone in on a building location, as well as room adjacencies that represented the spaces and circulation desired for our home. The team expressed a genuine interest in us and understanding our needs for the home of our dreams. > > They also clearly stood out in their approach to design. We were surprised to find that many architects injected incredibly formal processes and procedures into their method. By contrast, we shared with mossArchitects the desire for a more iterative approach, while still adhering to an overall development process consistent with AIA standards. We believed such flexibility absolutely critical—not only because that’s how we work, but also because we were entering the process long distance, via conference calls and emails. > > During the construction process, mossArchitects became our critical advocates and problem solvers. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Andrew and the rest of the team helped to make building our dream home the incredibly fun project that it should be. Their website says that the firm’s “design process begins and ends with the client: their dreams, values and goals.” We couldn’t agree more. **★★★★★ — Brian Mendelssohn, Jan. 2013** > I've come to truly trust Andrew and his crew over the years. His architecture, ability to understand my projects, and deliver when he says we will are all fantastic. ## Selected projects - [Carnegie Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carnegie-residence-pj-vj~6012133) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Situated within a dense line of rowhomes in Pittsburgh’s Upper Lawrenceville neighborhood, the project was a complete renovation of a 13-foot-wide traditional rowhome into a modern, light-filled efficient residence. The overall design priority was to create open space, while maximizing natural daylight to the narrow house. The design for the 1,570 square foot home maximized the original building footprint. An open and airy living, dining, and kitchen space was created on the first floor by remov… - [Murrysville Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/murrysville-residence-pj-vj~6012079) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Situated within an established residential development of prominent homes, the project creates a modern, light-filled alternative to a traditional suburban residence for a young family. As one of the few remaining undeveloped properties in the neighborhood, the nearly two-acre triangular parcel slopes downward from the street level to a seasonal pond and forest beyond the rear of the site. The home is carefully placed midway along the slope to provide separation, privacy, and seclusion from the… - [Ligonier Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ligonier-street-residence-pj-vj~2093229) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 7 - Description: Designed for a young, city dwelling couple in Pittsburgh’s popular Lower Lawrenceville neighborhood, the Ligonier Street Residence creates a modern, efficient, durable, and light-filled home that maximizes the building footprint and height allowed by the municipal zoning code, while capitalizing on sweeping views of the downtown skyline and bridges. The massing of the Ligonier Street Residence largely consists of a narrow, articulated rectangular volume that is bisected by a custom central stair… - [Lola House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lola-house-pj-vj~16038) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 5 - Description: Lola House is the design of a new single-family home located on a vacant, in-fill, urban lot in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The design of this house reflects the industrial and working-class evolution of the neighborhood. The massing is kept simple and straight-forward, maintaining the surrounding rowhouse residential scale. The unique hillside site allows for a break from the rowhouse typology of the street, providing an opportunity to step outside the mold of the typical rowh… - [Woodland Road Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-road-residence-pj-vj~1299330) - Location: Sewickley, PA - Photos: 9 - Description: This project involved designing a new, modern home with primary living on one main level in the spirit of Palm Springs modernism. The approximately 8,000 SF private, single family residence is located 11 miles west of Pittsburgh, PA, in Sewickley. In terms of palette, the client expressed interest in incorporating white and black building materials into the structure and was also seeking some warmth in the interior finishes. The new house design solution centers upon a large living area includin… - [Silver Top House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-top-house-pj-vj~59127) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 8 - Description: Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Southside neighborhood on 22nd Street, the site is on the edge between the dense residential rowhouses and the large scale industrial warehouse district. The site is embraced by the old warehouses of the past Duquesne Brewery and most notably the, now defunct, corrugated metal warehouse bridge crossing 22nd Street. Design Solution The design of the Silvertop house started as a response to the dense urban landscape in which it is situated. The house begins to… - [Creek Drive Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creek-drive-residence-pj-vj~60703) - Location: Pittsburgh (Edgeworth Borough), PA - Photos: 10 - Description: This is a renovation to an existing circa 1970’s home located in Edgeworth Borough. The existing 2-story house is approximately 3,700 SF with a 1,500 SF addition as part of the make-over and re-envisioning of this home. The renovation goals were to essentially create a new modern home out of the existing house. The existing house was dark, drafty and nondescript. By adding a small addition the front entry and a larger 2-story addition to the rear of the house as well as opening up the interior r… - [Gateway Towers Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gateway-towers-residence-pj-vj~715288) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 9 - [Croghan's Edge Townhomes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/croghan-s-edge-townhomes-pj-vj~57665) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 8 - Description: In the Croghan’s Edge Townhouse project, mossArchitects was asked to address a difficult infill challenge in Pittsburgh’s dense urban neighborhood of Lawrenceville. The challenge was to accommodate four distinct for-sale residences on a small triangular site of only 3,300 square feet, an area that is bounded by two streets and an alley. Additionally, the developer was seeking to use factory-built modular components for the upper stories. The solution was to develop a scheme that not only address… - [38th Street Row](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/38th-street-row-pj-vj~337871) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 3 - Description: This project was an opportunity to bring new, invigorated row houses into the almost 200 year-old Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville. The neighborhood was developed as a working class neighborhood of dense, narrow row houses. This 3 parcel project incorporates the renovation of two row houses with the addition of a new third floor to each and then the construction of a new row house adjacent to the existing two. The solution was to renovate the two existing row houses with a very complimen… - [Doughboy Square](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/doughboy-square-pj-vj~337859) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 1 - Description: mossArchitects was asked to develop new in-fill townhouses along Butler Street in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Five townhouse units were designed to make the best use of the sloping site as well as integrate into the existing urban street front context. The rear alley provides parking access to each unit with private garages. The additional 3 stories are comprised of main living space on the first floor with a front entry on Butler Street. The second floor has two bedrooms, laun… - [Charlotte Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlotte-street-residence-pj-vj~902173) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 5 - Description: Charlotte Street Residence was built on a 14’ wide lot that used to be a row house, so the layout was carefully considered to provide optimal functional space for the new owners. Built flush to the side lot lines, a large picture window in the front room and double glass doors to the rear terrace allow ample natural light into the space. The second floor features two large bedrooms, a guest bath and laundry room. The third floor is the master suite and walk-in closet, with stairs to the roof dec… - [Meadow Lane Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meadow-lane-residence-pj-vj~338912) - Location: Pittsburgh (Edgeworth), PA - Photos: 16 - Description: This is a renovation and addition to an existing circa 1890’s carriage house that had originally been a part of a larger estate in Edgeworth Borough (Pittsburgh). This renovation and addition was focused on the main living space of the home, the kitchen and outdoor covered patio. - [Highland Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-park-residence-pj-vj~301877) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 9 - Description: This 1960's modern home with a butterfly roof now boasts fantastic views of Highland Park and Stanton Heights thanks to a new third floor addition completed in May. A walnut stair case connects the second floor to the third floor addition. Now a master suite, the addition contains the master bedroom, bathroom and a private deck. New windows, exterior cladding and paint at the existing house tied the addition in. We also designed a completely new open kitchen with Italian-inspired cabinets, sleek… - [48th Street Row](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/48th-street-row-pj-vj~119508) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 14 - Description: 48th Street Row Renovation: Situated in Lawrenceville’s 10th Ward, these existing five row houses had become a dilapidated eye sore and detriment to the surrounding neighborhood. The challenge was to discover a re-birth of these homes that could build upon the inherent strengths and qualities while creating a new urban, contemporary lifestyle within the walls of these buildings. The existing corner rowhouse was, by far, in the worst condition, with collapsed floors and roof structure. The larges… - [4209 Butler Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/4209-butler-street-pj-vj~338024) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 5 - Description: The renovation of 4209 Butler Street was undertaken by an ambitious developer/contractor (Botero Development) in close collaboration with mossArchitects. The building had for decades been the Lawrenceville neighborhood’s location of regional dairy and delicatessen outlet, Isaly’s. The building however predated even that occupant, and showed evidence of several layers of renovation. The second floor of the two story building had essentially been abandoned since at least the 1930's where not even… - [East Liberty Prototype Houses](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-liberty-prototype-houses-pj-vj~339023) - Location: Pittsburgh (East Liberty), PA - Photos: 3 - Description: mossArchitects created four ‘Prototype House’ designs commissioned by East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI) for the East Liberty neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s East End. The initial house designs were constructed as infill housing for a block of vacant lots on North Euclid Street and will subsequently be built individually on vacant sites scattered throughout the residential neighborhood. The unique urban needs of the market and neighborhood are reflected in design and performance, ensuring that t… - [Field Club Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/field-club-residence-pj-vj~338883) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 8 - Description: An active couple with five children purchased a home with the location and square footage they desired, but required a more open floor plan, modern amenities and a more contemporary interior. Though almost every room in the house was touched in some way, the kitchen, laundry/mud room/pantry and bathrooms were the focus of the renovation. The existing kitchen was gutted and walls were removed opening it up to the dining and living rooms. The new kitchen includes recessed lighting, a thirteen foot… - [Buena Vista Street Row House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/buena-vista-street-row-house-pj-vj~59830) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 9 - Description: Buena Vista Rowhouse Pittsburgh, PA, Size: 400 SF + 240 SF deck Situated in Pittsburgh’s Mexican War Streets neighborhood, this project was an opportunity to reinvision and recreate a narrow, century old rowhouse. The renovation was limited to the Kitchen and Dining room at the rear of the old house. The goal was to create a new modern Kitchen and living space for the family that would be a significant change from the small, dark existing rooms of the rowhouse. To do so, a wall was removed betwe… - [Y Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/y-loft-pj-vj~145286) - Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Photos: 7 - Description: Located in the former YMCA in East Liberty (c.1908), this residential loft unit balances a clean, simple, modern aesthetic against the historic Classical Revival structure. The 1,395 sq. ft. unit occupies the northeast corner of the third floor, with six over-sized windows framing a sweeping view of the East Liberty cathedral. The design objective was to create within the shell of the building an airy and elegant, informal yet luxurious living space. Punctuating the white palette and historic bu… [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mossarchitects-pfvwus-pf~58817946) ## Ideabooks - [interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28343549/list/interiors) — 6 ideas - [Grand view](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74171975/list/grand-view) — 42 ideas - [industrial loft](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54198653/list/industrial-loft) — 7 ideas - [small houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26517737/list/small-houses) — 2 ideas - [metro-wightman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32332975/list/metro-wightman) — 3 ideas - [mA & E Properties projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22388278/list/ma-e-properties-projects) — 17 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12094967/list/bathrooms) — 9 ideas - [exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26517529/list/exteriors) — 12 ideas - [houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5113225/list/houses) — 2 ideas - [home offices](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26548861/list/home-offices) — 14 ideas - [modern additions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26517603/list/modern-additions) — 2 ideas - [windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26517624/list/windows) — 1 idea - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4122070/list/kitchens) — 21 ideas - [buildings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1381090/list/buildings) — 8 ideas - [living rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1381091/list/living-rooms) — 17 ideas - [doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23519337/list/doors) — 1 idea - [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22388329/list/stairs) — 5 ideas - [mA & Botero projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22387748/list/ma-botero-projects) — 19 ideas - [Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6777017/list/lake-house) — 3 ideas - [Gateway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7495367/list/gateway) — 10 ideas [See all 25 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/amoss) ## Community Q&A **Q: What size is the skylight?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the skylight! What kind and size is it? A: There are actually two skylights above this patio, each is approximately 3'-6" x 3'-6". Vellux skylights. **Q: love the windows!!!** *(in Photo Questions)* are they steel? where are they from? A: Jenn, yes these are steel windows produced by Hope's Windows, www.hopeswindows.com **Q: great faucets & lockers!** *(in Photo Questions)* I absolutely love this space!! the layout is outstanding and I love all the little details, such as the kitchen faucets and the colored lockers in this pic. can you source them please? A: The colored cabinets are custom fabricated. **Q: Who manufactures the front door?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for the question! Unfortunately this door was selected by the homeowner and we do not have specifics on this product. Sorry we cannot be of more assistance. **Q: Large House Numbers** *(in Photo Questions)* Where does one find such large house numbers? thanks!! A: try architecturalnumbers.com **Q: Which specific color name and brand is the white?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's 4 x 8 Hardie Panel in Arctic White (smooth finish). --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*