--- title: "James McDonald Associate Architects, PC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcdonald-associate-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~755449749 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755449749.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "James McDonald Associate Architects, PC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b7e3b77d015efba4_1516-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "10135 Colvin Run Road Suite 200, Great Falls, Virginia 22066, United States" latitude: 39.0039 longitude: -77.3083 phone: "(703) 454-8390" website: http://www.jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 365 last_updated: 2026-08-28 --- # James McDonald Associate Architects, PC > Innovative & Creative Architects & Building Designers Servicing VA Original Houzz profile: [James McDonald Associate Architects, PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcdonald-associate-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~755449749) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Great Falls, VA - **Serves:** Arlington, Reston, Ashburn, Sterling, Jefferson, Herndon, Fairfax, Chantilly, Tysons Corner, Idylwood, Vienna, Wolf Trap, Great Falls, Falls Church, Dranesville, Lowes Island, Countryside, Dunn Loring, Greenbriar, Floris, Pimmit Hills, Dulles Town Center, Bethesda, Cabin John, Darnestown, Derwood, Dulles, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glen Echo, Glen Echo Heights, Greenway, Kensington, Mc Lean, North Bethesda, North Potomac, Potomac, West McLean - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Offers Custom Work - Verified Hires - Provides 3D Visualization ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Offers Custom Work - 1 Verified Hire - Provides 3D Visualization James has been designing award-winning and best-selling homes for nearly 20 years. He has provided a range of services to clients throughout Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland, as well as Delaware, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The custom homes James has designed range in size, scope and style. Some of the smaller homes are highly detailed jewel boxes full of light, space, detail and charm. The larger homes range from grand manor homes to homes of understated elegance. These homes are filled with light, space and detail while keeping a balance of proportion, scale and livability. Remodeling projects provide the chance to enhance the living environment within the unique budget and project constrains of each home. We focus the energy of the project on the locations of the home that will provide the largest impact on future living. With this focus we strive to solve the unique design requirements with innovative solutions ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Restoration - 3D Home Design - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Arlington - Reston - Ashburn - Sterling - Jefferson - Herndon - Fairfax - Chantilly - Tysons Corner - Idylwood - Vienna - Wolf Trap - Great Falls - Falls Church - Dranesville - Lowes Island - Countryside - Dunn Loring - Greenbriar - Floris - Pimmit Hills - Dulles Town Center - Bethesda - Cabin John - Darnestown - Derwood - Dulles - Gaithersburg - Germantown - Glen Echo - Glen Echo Heights - Greenway - Kensington - Mc Lean - North Bethesda - North Potomac - Potomac - West McLean ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 10 million This range reflects the starting project cost for an addition through large estate homes. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | James McDonald Associate Architects, PC | | Address | 10135 Colvin Run Road Suite 200, Great Falls, Virginia 22066, United States | | Phone | (703) 454-8390 | | Website | http://www.jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 365 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-McDonald-Associate-Architects-PC/115983591767447 - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcdonaldarchitects/ ## Offers Architects & Building Designers ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [James McDonald Associate Architects, PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcdonald-associate-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~755449749) - **Website:** http://www.jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com - **Phone:** (703) 454-8390 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 0401008472 - Type: Architect License - Issued by: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation **Certifications & Awards** - 2015 GALA Awards, Custom Home 3,000-5,000 S,f,2015 GALA Awards, Remodeling $500K-$1,000,000MNCBIA 2014 GOLD Custom Home, MNCBIA 2014MNCBIA 2014 BRONZE Whole house renovation - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Maryland Building Industry Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/maryland-building-industry-association-pfvwus-pf~1761779251) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Barbara Hawthorn, July 2023** > My interior design firm, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd, has had the pleasure of working with the team at James McDonald architects on two significant projects, 2021-2023. > They are the consummate professionals. Their work product is thorough, thoughtful and creative. They have the rare ability to listen to the client's wishes, and translate those wishes into plans that not only meet esthetic objectives, but are also value engineered. I have teamed with architectural firms on projects for over 39 years, and I have only the highest praise for the professionalism and responsiveness of James McDonald Associate Architects, PC. > > Barbara Hawthorn, President and CEO of Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd, Established in 1984. ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Joy Design + Build, Dec. 2020** > As a custom home builder, it's important that every partner that we bring to the client experience shares the same dedication to excellence that we do. At Joy Design + Build we know that when we work with James McDonald, we are absolutely bringing our A-team! > > James is patient, thoughtful, creative and innovative. He's responsive and considerate both to our needs and timelines, as well as the client's vision and budget. He has magical powers with his pad of paper and pen and can bring a vision to life- literally right in front of your eyes! > > Together we've created dozens of homes for families throughout the Northern Virginia area so I can speak from experience when I say that you will never regret making the decision to choose James McDonald as your residential architect. > > John Joy > President, CEO and Builder > Joy Design + Build **★★★★★ — taraxeller, Aug. 2016** > My husband and I have been working with JMA for the last 6 months on a full home remodel in Reston. From day one, James and his staff have been a pleasure to work with. James led the design and after 2 short visit with my husband and I, he came back with exactly what we were looking for. As we have worked through additional details for the project, he has continued to be very timely and reliable in delivering on our requests. He even came to a Reston Association meeting and helped us present the project to the Design board - and we got it approved in the meeting. I would highly recommend James and his firm for anyone looking to build or remodel their home. He is creative, very professional, and has always gone the extra mile for us. **★★★★★ — Allyson Geber, Dec. 2015** > My husband and I have been working with James and his team to build our custom home, and to say that they've exceeded our expectations is an understatement! We came to James with a vision of the interior flow. He listened to everything that was important to us and was able to use his expertise to make our vision work perfectly on the lot. He also creatively designed the exterior to beautifully suit the neighborhood. We are beyond delighted! **★★★★★ — Mike Mafi, May 2015** > James McDonald Associates is my architect for the custom homes that I build in Northern Virginia. I have been doing business with Mr. McDonald for the last 12 years. He has designed from 5,500 sf to 25,000 sf houses for my company “The Building Group Inc.”. His design has received GALA and Monument awards for the last 10 years. His designs are unique and very welcoming to my clients. He is a talented individual and very creative designer. **★★★★★ — bets5283, Feb. 2014** > James McDonald and his team exceeded our highest expectations in designing our custom home! James did a great job of putting our vision on paper and guiding us to a design that met our needs both aesthetically and functionally, while keeping within our budget. We are getting ready to begin construction and are very happy that James and Lynne met every deadline. A huge thanks to a team that was knowledgeable and personable so that our overall experience was totally positive. We look forward to working with James again in the future! **★★★★★ — Architectural Construction, Jan. 2014** > James McDonald, Lynn McDonald, and staff designed a wonderful Craftsman spec house for our construction company in Great Falls, VA. Because of the fine architecture, the home sold before we even began construction. We've worked with James on other custom residential projects as well, and our clients have all had the highest level of satisfaction with the architectural process and end product. I highly recommend James McDonald Associate Architects for new home design & major additions/renovation projects. Robert McCormick, Managing Director, Architectural Construction LLC. **★★★★★ — joyeusaz, May 2013** > James listens to what my clients want. Asks the right questions. And delivers exactly what they are looking for every time. The right square footage, full of light, their special look or elevation and the perfect flow. I would recommend him to any client who is looking for a great Architect but not to my competitors! Enjoy! **★★★★★ — westine, May 2013** > My husband and I in the process of building our dream home in McLean, VA. Throughout the building experience, I'd have to say James McDonald is definitely one of the highlights. From our first conversation, he understood what we want and was able to translate our thoughts onto paper. He's approachable and he listens, he's able to give input when needed. His experience contributed so much to our project. Overall, working with James has been an amazing experience, I would highly recommend him to anyone whose in need of a wonderful experienced architect to design their dream home. **★★★★★ — Sujata Avasthi, May 2013** > James was the third architect we interviewed when we made a decision to build our dream home. After meeting him we cancelled all the rest. > > I am a real estate professional and I have come across some great works of art in the form of houses and have met their creators. What impressed me about James McDonald was his ability to listen carefully and understand our needs, It's like we told him our dream and he put it on paper even better than we had dreamt it. > > Throughout the building process he was available and willing to make any changes big or small, if practically possible. We trusted him completely and he never let us down. He has the highest work ethics and a stellar team to help him through extremely busy periods too. > > We would highly recommend him to anyone thinking of building a custom home or even remodeling an existing one. ## Selected projects - [Old Towlston Mill Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-towlston-mill-custom-pj-vj~2730254) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 17 - [Great Falls Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-falls-estate-pj-vj~1810683) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 11 - [Gallant Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gallant-green-pj-vj~6172209) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - [Bethesda Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bethesda-custom-pj-vj~6172199) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 10 - [Arbor Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arbor-street-pj-vj~2730351) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 19 - [Arlington Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-custom-pj-vj~2483914) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 25 - [Dogwood Drive Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dogwood-drive-custom-pj-vj~2018756) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 21 - [McLean Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mclean-contemporary-pj-vj~6173206) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Falls Run](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/falls-run-pj-vj~1785818) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 21 - [Poe Road Spec](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poe-road-spec-pj-vj~2554009) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 11 - [Norwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/norwood-pj-vj~6425451) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 14 - [Kurtz Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kurtz-road-pj-vj~6425444) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - [Manning Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manning-street-pj-vj~6173222) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 14 - [North Nelson Street, Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-nelson-street-arlington-pj-vj~1799087) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 14 - Description: Designing the nice sized home on a corner lot in Arlington was a balance between trying to set it as far back from the street and not falling off the hill that drops off on the back half of the lot. The house was designed to address the corner and sit at a slight angle with the center portion of the home. The garage and wings on both sides of the house step back to accommodate the corner setbacks as well as reducing the house’s impact from the street. The interior of the house revolves around th… - [West McLean Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-mclean-contemporary-pj-vj~6173212) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - [1 Turkey Run Road McLean, Va](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1-turkey-run-road-mclean-va-pj-vj~734127) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 42 - Description: Custom 14,000 s.f. home in the heart of McLean, Va. - [Deepwoods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deepwoods-pj-vj~6425433) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 16 - [Saville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saville-pj-vj~6425486) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - [Bellview Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellview-road-pj-vj~209219) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 13 - Description: 7,000 s.f. Custom home built on 5 acres in Mclean Virginia. Two story grand living room and open dining room complete a stunning open entrance with a oval clear story opening to the upper floor gallery. - [Leland Speculative Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leland-speculative-home-pj-vj~2553999) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 17 [See all 82 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcdonald-associate-architects-pc-pfvwus-pf~755449749) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840737375.m3u8?s=eae2f365e895773d8264da5d19343c14b6b43e93&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including custom homes, renovations, remodels, and additions. Our portfolio also features production attached, detached, and multi-family designs. We aim to make your dream home a reality, whether it's a grand new build or a transformative renovation. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely! Designing fully custom homes is a core part of our expertise. We believe your home should be a unique reflection of your lifestyle and vision. We work closely with you to create a personalized design that perfectly suits your needs, style, and the specific characteristics of your site. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Yes, we have extensive experience designing luxury and high-end homes. Our portfolio includes grand manor homes and residences of understated elegance, focusing on light, space, and intricate details to create exceptional living environments for discerning clients. **Do you offer 3D renderings or visualization during the design process?** Yes, we absolutely offer 3D home design and visualization services. This allows you to fully experience and understand your future home's layout, aesthetics, and spatial relationships before construction begins, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. **Do you design waterfront or shoreline properties?** Yes, we have experience designing for unique waterfront and shoreline properties. Our portfolio includes projects like the 'Severn River Renovation' and 'Point Chesapeake,' demonstrating our ability to create beautiful and functional designs for these distinctive sites. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121669024/list/staircases) — 20 ideas - [Pro Minute Video](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65477140/list/pro-minute-video) — 12 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/james-mcdonald6876) ## Community Q&A **Q: How high is the ceiling in this garage?** *(in Photo Questions)* It appears this garage has a high ceiling to possibly accommodate a car lift. A: When working on specialty garages like this, we do ask the question what type of vehicles are likely to be stacked. We will typically set the minimum height of 13' in the garage like what is shown. Obviously if you are stacking large pick ups and SUV's there might need to be a taller ceiling. The Garage door and track must also be taken into consideration. **Q: Light fixture** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you get light fixture in bathroom? A: I believe the Fixture was selected from Ferguson showroom in the Washington DC area. **Q: Refrigerator** *(in Photo Questions)* is the refrigerator counter depth and built in? A: Yes, you are correct. A counter depth refridge/freezer built into the cabinets. **Q: Nice paint color! Can you share?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you! A: This was a cementitious coating on the brick referred to as Pastel coat. I do not have the specific color from the clients selection. the coating can be found from Boral Brick and is painted on over a specif type of brick. **Q: who was the architect?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi, Thank you for your question. James McDonald Associate Architects was the Architect for this project. let me know if you have any additional questions. **Q: Vanity chair** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I purchase the vanity chair? A: I am sorry I do not know where the homeowner purchased the vanity chair. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-28.*