--- title: "Balodemas Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balodemas-architects-pfvwus-pf~721437578 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721437578.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Balodemas Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/87237a3f0f493d2f_2524-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4870 Chevy Chase Blvd, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States" latitude: 38.9693 longitude: -77.0789 phone: "(202) 363-4820" website: http://balarch.com rating: 5 review_count: 24 years_in_business: 32 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 16 followers: 767 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Balodemas Architects > DC Metro Architect & Design Firm > Best of Houzz Winner 2013-2021 Original Houzz profile: [Balodemas Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balodemas-architects-pfvwus-pf~721437578) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chevy Chase, MD - **Serves:** Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Potomac, Takoma Park, North Chevy Chase, Alexandria, Arlington, DC (Washington), Fairfax, Washington - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - 32 years in business - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 32 years in business - Award winning - Responds Quickly Balodemas Architects, Chtd. is a Washington, DC-based design practice founded in 1988. We have successfully guided challenging projects across a diverse client base of businesses, government agencies, developers, and home owners. We work closely with each client to achieve creative, modern solutions to their goals within established budgets and schedules. We provide architectural planning, construction document, and construction contract administration services and take pride in the attention to detail given to each and every project. Balodemas Architects is licensed in DC, MD, VA & SC. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Handicap-Accessible Design - Additions - Architectural Planning - Commercial Design - Construction Contract Administration - Construction Documents - Custom Home - Facility Planning - Reconstruction - Renovations ### Areas Served - Silver Spring - Rockville - Bethesda - North Bethesda - Potomac - Takoma Park - North Chevy Chase - Alexandria - Arlington - DC (Washington) - Fairfax - Washington ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Balodemas Architects | | Address | 4870 Chevy Chase Blvd, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States | | Phone | (202) 363-4820 | | Website | http://balarch.com | | License Number | DC-PDF000170 | | Years in business | 32 | | Followers on Houzz | 767 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — http://balarch.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Balodemas Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balodemas-architects-pfvwus-pf~721437578) - **Website:** http://balarch.com - **Phone:** (202) 363-4820 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 8188 - Type: ARCHITECT - Issued by: Maryland Department of Labor **Certifications & Awards** - 2022 - AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Merit Award - **Best of Houzz:** 16 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 Potomac Valley](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-potomac-valley-pfvwus-pf~2047859558) - [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 — 24 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — FineCraft Contractors, Design + Build, Jan. 2026** > FineCraft has greatly enjoyed working with Lou Balodemas of Balodemas Architects, and we value the thoughtful, collaborative relationship that has developed through our projects together. > > Lou approaches architecture with a clear point of view and a strong sense of purpose. His designs are clean, intentional, and well proportioned, with careful attention to how spaces function day to day. There is a quiet confidence in his work — nothing is overdesigned, yet every decision feels deliberate and well considered. > > From a builder’s standpoint, Lou is pragmatic and engaged. He understands construction sequencing, respects the realities of the field, and communicates clearly when design intent needs to be protected or refined. When challenges arise, he works collaboratively to resolve them in a way that serves the project as a whole rather than any single discipline. > > What we appreciate most is Lou’s professionalism and steadiness throughout the process. He is focused, responsive, and aligned with delivering high-quality results for the homeowner, which makes for a smooth and productive working dynamic. > > We value our collaboration with Lou Balodemas and Balodemas Architects and look forward to continuing to work together. We would confidently recommend him to homeowners and professionals seeking an architect who is thoughtful, disciplined, and a strong partner throughout the build. **★★★★★ — HU-209472481, Jan. 2024** > The team of Lou Balodemas, Veena Shahsavarian, and Pierre Lazare led us to a beautiful and functional remodel of the porch and foyer of our 1951 rambler. **★★★★★ — Glover Park Residence, Nov. 2023** > Worked with Lou and Veena to design and build a completely new bathroom and expanded office space, both resulting in a completely new updated and modern look to the back of our house. They were very thoughtful and patient. We explored numerous creative possibilities that came together in a great looking finished product. We really enjoyed working with them - they were excellent. Highly recommend them **★★★★★ — Jason Rademacher, May 2023** > So my wife found Balodemas Architects while our heads were still spinning after a catastrophic fire at our home in Chevy Chase. We had a simple request: Please give us our home back. To say that Lou, Veena, and their team delivered on our request would be an all-time classic understatement. Given the task of rebuilding an idiosyncratic early 50's back-split rambler on the same footprint (thanks, zoning!) and with the same basic size and dimensions (thanks, insurance!), they delivered an absolutely stunning house that three years later still draws gawkers and regular compliments from folks passing on the street. We love the house and we love Lou and company for helping create it for us. > > Lou's clean, modern design aesthetic meshed seamlessly with our taste (and with the original design of the house), so we were confident from the start that we would get a design that we liked. What amazed us was how he and his team re-thought the interior so that we ended up with far more space, more light, and more functionality than we started with, despite the fact that the rebuild was practically the same size as the original house. It was truly magical to watch it unfold. > > We never planned to gut or renovate our house, so we basically hadn't the slightest idea what we were doing. Lou and Veena walked us through (really held our hands through) every step of the process with knowledge and patience, from structural engineering, to contractor bidding to materials selection, to fixture shopping, to punch-list completion. They listened to our opinions and helped us make sound judgements. When we didn't know what we were talking about, they helped us learn. And when we disagreed, they took our instructions and made them the best they could be. My wife still frequently will be looking at an area of our home and will say "Lou was right about that one." Other times I'll say "We should have listened to Lou about that." The point is that Lou and Veena were there for us, and they were there for the project, and they treated it all seriously and with tremendous dedication and professionalism from start to finish. > > If you're looking to build, rebuild, remodel, or redesign, it's hard for me to imagine that you could find a better group to work with than Balodemas Architects. We recommend them without qualification and with the hope that you will have the wonderful experience that we did. **★★★★★ — Rob, Nov. 2022** > We found Balodemas Architects on Houzz in 2018 after long searches for someone to help us renovate our Arlington home. Their simple, modern style (seen in his project portfolio) appealed to us. After interviewing past clients, we hired Lou and his team to begin our project. Lou, Veena, and Romina worked on our project from concepts, to design, to execution. They were all great to work with, helped us navigate the process, and provided excellent recommendations. We couldn't have realized our renovation without an architect's guidance and vision, and Lou's team was a good fit for us. Lou clearly demonstrated his many years of experience in the trade and was both patient and open with us. Veena offered thoughtful and innovative design solutions and color/material selections. Romina kept us organized, on track, and was always responsive. They were patient with us as we worked through initial floor plans on our challenging layout; helped us sift through the contractor bidding process; shared great resources for well-designed, yet affordable materials, and provided critical management during the construction phase to ensure our plans were brought to life and nothing was missed. We love our new home and would highly recommend Balodemas Architects for your project! **★★★★★ — Irene K, April 2019** > We worked with Lou and his associate, Veena Shahsavarian, to design and see through the construction of a pop-up (adding an attic and full bath, 2nd HVAC, plus the renovation of other parts of the house) for our Chevy Chase, DC, mid-century split-level. They were extremely professional, thorough, and creative. Their attention to detail was remarkable. Highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — Dan B, Feb. 2018** > We had a tremendous experience working with Lou and his team on the renovation and addition of our home. Lou understood our vision for the home, ensured that the plan was both beautiful and functional as our kids grow up, incorporated the design features that we envisioned, and steered us in the right direction when we needed guidance. > > Lou did not just take the project as we envisioned it and make it happen, but he explained the pros and cons of some of our ideas, suggested better options, and created a design beyond our imagination. Lou was sensitive to cost and created a design that would fit within our budget. > > Even after settling on a final design and plans, Lou adjusted the project as we decided to expand the scope of the work and he helped us re-design two new bathroom layouts to maximize effective use of space and create a new walkway and portico. Lou was a huge help in the selection of the contractor, interacted seamlessly with the builder, and meticulously followed the project from start to finish. > > It was great having Lou and his team with us every step of the way during our project and we could not imagine a better experience. Highly recommend Balodemas Architects for any of your architectural needs. **★★★★★ — Shelley Brown, Nov. 2017** > As our youngest son was taking AP tests and applying to college, my husband and I turned our attention to our 1948 WC and AN Miller Sumner home in Bethesda and tried to imagine our future here. We wanted to renovate our home to suit our new empty-nest while showcasing the leafy tree-laden property that we loved. We turned to Balodemas Architects, who had helped our sister create an extraordinary inside/outside space in a neighborhood nearby. > > As we spent time talking about the new home, incorporating all of the concepts that we had dreamed of implementing, the melancholy of living without our children turned into excitement as we imagined hosting family holiday dinners for the family’s next generation. > > Lou Balodemas and Veena Shahsavarian operationalized our concept by solving complex site and limiting problems with brilliant ingenuity and insight. They were professional, prompt, met deadlines and gave us experts when we needed them. They helped us solve tricky issues such as outdated design and drainage, and in so doing, created a home that melds perfectly into its verdant surroundings. > > Veena Shahsavarian expertly led lighting design, paint and color selection along with hardware and finish choices. The result, is a remarkable, extraordinary home, we are blessed to own. Lou Balodemas coached us through the entire process including supervising the implementation. Together, Balodemas Architechts joined us in an incredible professional collaborative artistic endeavor, for which I am extremely proud, and now realizing the benefits. They took a very average feeling space and with a few design adjustments, made it feel noteworthy and generous. > > Balodemas Architects are the gold standard. They helped us see our home in a whole new way. The process was challenging and interesting and enjoyable and rewarding in many ways. I highly recommend working with them. > > Sincerely, > > Shelley Brown **★★★★★ — Anthony Haramis, Sept. 2017** > My wife and I couldn’t be happier with Balodemas Architects. We added an outdoor living area, a new family room and converted our existing family room into an ADA complaint in-law suite. Lou and his team of professionals assisted us from concept design through completion of construction. They were very professional and responsive. Their design ideas respected the integrity of the existing home while providing it a fresh up to date look. We are left with beautiful and functional living spaces. **★★★★★ — Ross and Anne Heller, July 2017** > We initially hired Lou Balodemas to assist us in remodeling our home for the installation of an elevator. Importantly, however, Lou and his team spent a considerable amount of time just talking to us to understand what we wanted to accomplish. > Importantly, and at a considerable savings in cost, Lou was able to accomplish this within the existing footprint of our home. > What resulted from these meetings was that getting the elevator on our second floor would also allow us to modestly remodel our master bedroom and an adjacent bedroom into a beautiful bedroom/sitting room suite. As well he figured out how to turn four small closets into one lovely large master bedroom closet. And, lastly, to remodel our walk-in shower to make it totally accessible. > On the first floor Lou suggested remodeling the room where the elevator would be sited from a relatively dark home office into a bright cheerful space. Further he was happy to find exterior wall space in that room to accommodate an antique stained glass window acquired while the construction was in progress as well design a unique curved wall facing what was heretofore a hidden space behind a wall. > And, after creating preliminary plans he was endlessly patient as we made modification after modification until a final design was agreed upon. > Of course his service included handling all the necessary Montgomery County and Chevy Chase Section Three permitting; a hassle we certainly were glad he took care of. > Lou recommended several contractors but was equally happy to work with the builder whom we chose. Similarly he spent ample time on-on-one with our elevator contractor to make sure his manufacturers every detail and requirement was included in the final plans. > Once construction began Lou and his team made periodic visits to insure everything was going according to his plans. > And, of course, when the job was essentially finished he came over to double-check the ‘punch list’ of final details we had come up with. > Bottom line: we would recommend Lou unqualifiedly. **★★★★★ — Kelly Torray, June 2017** > Mr. Balodemas and his associates were wonderful and easy to work with. They provided all of the architectural drawings for my recent home renovation while also giving us many fabulous suggestions on how to best utilize our space to fit our lifestyle needs. Our renovation left us with a house that is more incredible than I could have ever imagined and Balodemas Architects played a big role in that. **★★★★★ — FineCraft Contractors, Design + Build, June 2017** > An upstanding firm with an eye for quality and the utmost care for those they work with and for. It's been a pleasure working with them during these recent projects, and we felt the need to communicate how pleased we are to work together. Building is a symbiotic process, and it's best when all three parties involved - the homeowner, the architect and the builder - are on the same page and tracking with one another. It makes for a fun and most rewarding project. Thank you, and we look forward to working on more projects in the future. ## Selected projects - [Trent Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/trent-street-renovation-pj-vj~7882945) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 7 - [Welker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/welker-residence-pj-vj~7577277) - Location: Garrett Park, MD - Photos: 16 - Description: Garrett Park, MD - [Logan Circle Rowhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/logan-circle-rowhouse-pj-vj~7491900) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 26 - Description: Washington, DC - [Glover Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glover-park-residence-pj-vj~7390716) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 10 - Description: Washington, DC - [Tulip Hill Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tulip-hill-renovation-pj-vj~7307886) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: Bethesda, MD - [Somerset Split-Level Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerset-split-level-renovation-pj-vj~2777067) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 24 - [Chevy Chase Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chevy-chase-residence-pj-vj~6767843) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 31 - [Arlington Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-residence-pj-vj~7047112) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 9 - [Potomac Mid-Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/potomac-mid-century-pj-vj~5985990) - Location: Potomac, MD - Photos: 29 - [Kensington Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kensington-residence-pj-vj~6767706) - Location: Kensington, MD - Photos: 8 - [Fallsmead Addition/Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fallsmead-addition-renovation-pj-vj~7581206) - Location: Rockville, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: Rockville, MD - [Somerset Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerset-renovation-pj-vj~1134412) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 29 - [Rockville Addition/Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockville-addition-renovation-pj-vj~3156330) - Location: Rockville, MD - Photos: 19 - [Cedar Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedar-residence-pj-vj~6326593) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 8 - [Bethesda Screen Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bethesda-screen-porch-pj-vj~5919783) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 6 - [Kensington Mid-Century Addition/Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kensington-mid-century-addition-renovation-pj-vj~1844398) - Location: Kensington, MD - Photos: 23 - [Somerset Contemporary Addition/Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerset-contemporary-addition-renovation-pj-vj~65048) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 11 - [Bethesda Mid-Century Addition/Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bethesda-mid-century-addition-renovation-pj-vj~65054) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 12 - [Contemporary Split Level Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-split-level-renovation-pj-vj~65049) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 9 - [Lewis-Kadowitz Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lewis-kadowitz-residence-pj-vj~5901912) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 10 [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balodemas-architects-pfvwus-pf~721437578) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** Yes, we integrate permitting, zoning, and regulatory considerations into our architectural planning and construction document services. We guide our clients through these processes to ensure a smooth project from start to finish, drawing on our extensive experience since 1988 in the Washington, DC area. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including architectural planning, design, and construction administration for new custom homes, additions, and renovations. Our portfolio includes home remodels, extensions, ADUs, and home restorations, ensuring creative and modern solutions for diverse client needs. **How do you help clients design within their construction budget?** We prioritize designing within your construction budget from the outset. Our approach involves working closely with each client to develop creative, modern solutions that align with their goals while staying within established budgets and schedules. This collaborative process helps manage costs effectively. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we provide comprehensive architectural services from initial planning and design through construction. Our full-service offering includes architectural planning, design, construction documents, and construction contract administration to ensure your project is executed seamlessly and to our high standards. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of our residential design services. We work closely with homeowners to bring their unique vision to life, from initial architectural planning and design to creating detailed construction documents for new custom residences. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Porches/Patios/Roof Decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9685206/list/porches-patios-roof-decks) — 115 ideas - [Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6850279/list/landscape-design) — 89 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7307048/list/kitchens) — 116 ideas - [Sheds/Outbuildings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6693252/list/sheds-outbuildings) — 30 ideas - [Drawings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13129283/list/drawings) — 51 ideas - [Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11297125/list/tile) — 24 ideas - [Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7307010/list/baths) — 73 ideas - [Foyers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129829591/list/foyers) — 1 idea - [Color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7317238/list/color) — 48 ideas - [Windows/Patio Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53685034/list/windows-patio-doors) — 22 ideas - [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7735685/list/stairs) — 34 ideas - [Doors/Entrances](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7848599/list/doors-entrances) — 47 ideas - [Mud Room/Laundry Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59408298/list/mud-room-laundry-room) — 4 ideas - [Interior Wall/Ceiling Finishes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24340826/list/interior-wall-ceiling-finishes) — 9 ideas - [Rails/Screenwalls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30310734/list/rails-screenwalls) — 24 ideas - [Dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117347110/list/dining) — 3 ideas - [Houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7306963/list/houses) — 70 ideas - [Details - Interior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7307053/list/details-interior) — 5 ideas - [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7307030/list/interiors) — 73 ideas - [Closets/Casework/Shelving/Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6850263/list/closets-casework-shelving-storage) — 35 ideas [See all 35 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lbal) ## Community Q&A **Q: Interested in the door company for this style.....** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the door metal or wood? approximate cost A: The door is wood. A similar product can be found at: https://www.simpsondoor.com/find-a-door/doors/49908 **Q: Wood siding materials** *(in Photo Questions)* LOVE this house. What are the soffits and wood siding materials? Thanks! A: Cedar Siding: 1x6 shiplap vertical grain cedar with Sikkens Cetol sealer. Siding: ATAS MPV125/MPV127 in Champagne, Source: Roof Center (www.roofcenter.com) **Q: what type of floors are in the kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the floors but cannot tell the material? Thank you! A: Sheet linoleum by Forbo. Product line is Marmoleum, pattern is Walton, color is 3358 "Petrol": https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-us/products/marmoleum/marmoleum-solid/marmoleum-walton/bew6gy\#3358 **Q: Where can I get the house numbers?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I get the house numbers? A: Hi! You can find similar from the following sources: https://www.modernhousenumbers.com/ https://modmettle.com/ **Q: Siding color** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please share the siding color? A: Benjamin Moore - Westcott Navy 1624 **Q: dDetsils on hanging light fixture?** *(in Photo Questions)* Will you please provide details of the light fixture hanging over the dining table? A: The chandelier is ochre arctic pear single wave 100cm --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*