---
title: "Cawood Architecture, PLLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cawood-architecture-pllc-pfvwus-pf~813891851
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~813891851.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Cawood Architecture, PLLC"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fff32cda00143058_6422-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "610 E. Main St, Suite 200, Purcellville, Virginia 20132, United States"
latitude: 39.1436
longitude: -77.7342
phone: "(240) 876-9172"
website: http://www.cawoodarch.com
rating: 5
review_count: 7
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 65
last_updated: 2026-11-11
---

# Cawood Architecture, PLLC

Original Houzz profile: [Cawood Architecture, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cawood-architecture-pllc-pfvwus-pf~813891851)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Purcellville, VA
- **Serves:** Leesburg, Ashburn, Fairfax, Purcellville, Lovettsville, Hamilton, Round Hill, Middleburg, Waterford, Hillsboro, Upperville, Bethesda, Bluemont, Chevy Chase, DC (Washington), Lincoln, Loudoun, North Kensington, Paeonian Springs, Philomont, Silver Spring, South Kensington
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Offers Custom Work
- 24 years in business

Cawood Architecture is a custom residential and light commercial architecture firm in Northern Virginia. The principal architect, Mr. Cawood, is a graduate of Catholic University and has been working in the custom residential architecture field since 1998. Mr. Cawood is a licensed architect in Maryland, DC, and Virginia as well as being a member of the American Institute of Architects

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Design
- Floor Plans
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Kitchen Remodeling
- 3D Rendering
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Home Restoration
- Drafting
- Historic Building Conservation
- Barn Design & Construction

### Areas Served

- Leesburg
- Ashburn
- Fairfax
- Purcellville
- Lovettsville
- Hamilton
- Round Hill
- Middleburg
- Waterford
- Hillsboro
- Upperville
- Bethesda
- Bluemont
- Chevy Chase
- DC (Washington)
- Lincoln
- Loudoun
- North Kensington
- Paeonian Springs
- Philomont
- Silver Spring
- South Kensington

### Typical Job Cost

$400,000 - 2 million

$400,000 - 2 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Cawood Architecture, PLLC |
| Address | 610 E. Main St, Suite 200, Purcellville, Virginia 20132, United States |
| Phone | (240) 876-9172 |
| Website | http://www.cawoodarch.com |
| License Number | 14913 |
| Followers on Houzz | 65 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Cawood-Architecture-213895932679823/?eid=ARBL64RLEtTg-9VFKOAP0Mf2FLE4Rhwiyz
- Blog — www.cawoodarch.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Cawood Architecture, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cawood-architecture-pllc-pfvwus-pf~813891851)
- **Website:** http://www.cawoodarch.com
- **Phone:** (240) 876-9172

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
- NCARB Certified
- LEED for Homes Accredited Professional
- American Institute of Architects

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), 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)
- [AIBD - American Institute of Building Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aibd-american-institute-of-building-design-pfvwus-pf~1544540709)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)
- [AIA Northern Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-northern-virginia-pfvwus-pf~219616069)
- [Institute of Classical Architecture &amp; Art](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/institute-of-classical-architecture-and-art-pfvwus-pf~597638842)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 5.0
- Communication: 5.0
- Value: 5.0

### All 7 reviews

**★★★★★ — HU-756014985, Jan. 2022**

> Will Cawood did an outstanding job in designing the perfect country farmhouse for my wife and me.  From the very start, he listened carefully to understand what we were seeking – both in design and daily living.  Will’s final design was beautiful, innovative and delightfully functional.  Moreover, he worked seamlessly with our builder during the construction phase.
>
> In short, Will is a terrific professional, one that we recommend with great enthusiasm!
>
> Michael & Caron J.

**★★★★★ — Matthew Miller, Jan. 2020**

> William Cawood made our hopes come true by rehabilitating and expanding a 1930's Colonial while also significantly expanding our vision of what the house could be.  Overall, he provided a gracious flow of light-filled rooms, often with views of our expansive front and rear gardens.  I was particularly delighted with the now spacious kitchen, combining elegance, ample storage, and a partial opening to the adjoining family room that still keeps the kitchen largely out of view.   Previously useless parts of the house became major assets--the formerly unfinished attic now offers flexible space in two sunny rooms and the basement now includes a large, multi-windowed recreation room and a bright bedroom and bathroom.  While the house was significantly enlarged, Mr. Cawood also greatly improved the house's exterior appearance, integrating the old with the new.  Such seamlessness is not always the case in house expansions.
>
> Collaborating with Mr. Cawood was also a pleasure and problem-free throughout. Our initial, general ideas were reflected and enhanced in his plans for a spacious, bright and comfortable home, preserving the best features of the original house but making it far lovelier to see and live in.  We remain grateful for his "magic."

**★★★★★ — Vikki Woodruff, Aug. 2019**

> The finale outcome of an entire upstair renovation was successful because I had worked with an architect who was not only easy to get along with but available when any issue arose. His personality is genuine. He is knowledgeable of construction processes, building codes, many design concepts and other variables making the remodel process evolve into the vision you both sat down from the beginning to create. His amiable nature helps throughout a stressful remodel.

**★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2015**

> As a builder, we have worked with Mr. Cawood for several years now on multiple projects ... all with terrific outcomes.  With a great eye for design, Will's attention to detail is superb and his plans are comprehensive and clear with very little to be determined in the field.  He has always been available to meet on site to resolve any issues that may arise.  Will's budgets are fair to both the owners and the builders and he is one of the few architects we work with that takes the time to prepare an outline specification.
>
> The good job Will does makes our job easier and helps to create a correct and accurate expectation with the client.  We hope to continue working alongside Will for years to come.

**★★★★★ — J Little, Sept. 2015**

> Our project is a corner lot (read, lots of set backs) with a retaining wall... yet we really wanted a big open kitchen and living room.  Will did an amazing job at coming up with a creative solution we could afford.  All our neighbors have commented on the flow and design of our house.  It looks like its been here as long as the house.  We simply love our addition and the way we now live together as a family.  Plus Will is easy to work with and an extremely nice guy.  We can't recommend him high enough!

**★★★★★ — f\_rawson4848, Sept. 2015**

> Mr. Cawood was hired to be my architect.  He drew amazingly detailed plans that proved to be financially rewarding to me when blips with the contractor would occur.  During construction he would appear to inspect and keep an eye on matters to assure that nothing was overlooked.  Now in my middle 70's with health issues I wanted a home that I could live in the rest of my life.  That has been accomplished.

**★★★★★ — asafkc, Sept. 2015**

> Working with Will was an absolute pleasure. Will is a true professional who knows how to balance the technical / permitting / construction aspects with the needs of the client. We were very happy with Will's work and would recommend him to anyone wholeheartedly. Our project came out beautifully, on budget and the complements keep coming. Thank you so much, we could not be happier.

## Selected projects

- [Virginia Horse Country Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/virginia-horse-country-home-pj-vj~7040774)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
- [Light Horse Property](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/light-horse-property-pj-vj~6831849)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: photos by Christy Kosnic Photography
- [New Home Build Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-build-project-pj-vj~6829723)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: Shingle Style new home in the DC suburbs. Design by William Cawood and Michael Belisle.
- [Bethesda Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bethesda-traditional-home-pj-vj~2469746)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Mid-Century Modern Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-addition-pj-vj~65623)
  - Location: Bethesda, MD
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Renovation of a 1950's house
- [Interior Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-project-pj-vj~6829728)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Takoma Park Whole House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/takoma-park-whole-house-renovation-pj-vj~1995331)
  - Location: Takoma Park, MD
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Whole house renovation of mid century brick colonial. Great room and kitchen addition creates large open space for entertaining. New master suite includes master bath with mosaic tile in shower. New stone patio out front completes the project. Photo credit: Tommy Sheldon Photography.
- [Glaizewood Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glaizewood-project-pj-vj~6829720)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~6829722)
  - Location: Chevy Chase, MD
  - Photos: 1
- [Misc. Images](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/misc-images-pj-vj~68945)
  - Location: Bethesda, MD
  - Photos: 1
- [Architectural Drawings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architectural-drawings-pj-vj~94366)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [Custom Home Build: Carriage House with Rustic Charm and Modern Amenities in Midd](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-build-carriage-house-with-rustic-charm-and-modern-amenities-in-midd-pj-vj~7556671)
  - Location: Middleburg, VA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: This beautifully designed carriage house in Middleburg, Virginia combines rustic charm with modern functionality, making it an inviting retreat and a versatile guest house. The exterior showcases a timeless combination of board-and-batten siding with natural stone accents, creating a structure that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Rich wood tones on the garage doors and trim add warmth and depth, while the pitched roof and decorative gable details lend a classic, architectural elegance.…
- [Home Renovation: Whole Home Remodel in River Creek Community Leesburg, Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-renovation-whole-home-remodel-in-river-creek-community-leesburg-virginia-pj-vj~7556639)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: This whole-home renovation in an exclusive golf community in Leesburg, VA, blends modern luxury with functional design, creating a refined yet inviting living space tailored to an active lifestyle. Highlights include a custom basement with a rustic-chic home bar and exposed wood beams, a state-of-the-art golf simulator room, and a gourmet kitchen featuring a Wolf range, herringbone backsplash, and sophisticated cabinetry. The master suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom…
- [Custom Home Build: Modern Lakefront Home on Lake Anna with Unmatched Water Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-build-modern-lakefront-home-on-lake-anna-with-unmatched-water-views-pj-vj~7556602)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: This thoughtfully designed waterfront residence on Lake Anna was created to maximize the scenic water views from every room, with an open layout and large windows strategically placed to bring the outdoors in. A highlight of the home is the expansive back wall, which opens entirely to the backyard, offering a seamless transition to the lakefront and creating a flow of fresh air and natural light throughout the space. The outdoor living area is equally impressive, featuring multiple spaces for th…
- [Custom Home Build: Equestrian Home in the Heart of Virginia's Hunt Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-build-equestrian-home-in-the-heart-of-virginia-s-hunt-country-pj-vj~7556625)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Discover the epitome of equestrian elegance with our custom built equestrian home, nestled in the heart of Virginia’s original hunt country. This exclusive Upperville, Virginia property is designed for both the discerning equestrian enthusiast and those seeking a tranquil retreat in a storied locale. With state-of-the-art facilities, sprawling pastures, and bespoke luxury living spaces, each detail of this home celebrates the rich heritage and natural beauty of Virginia’s prestigious equestrian…
- [Home Renovation: Classic Modern Design for Purcellville Virginia Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-renovation-classic-modern-design-for-purcellville-virginia-home-pj-vj~7556615)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: Our goal for this semi-rural home renovation in Purcellville, Virginia, was to honor the client’s vision of a more cohesive flow and sophisticated detailing while making the most of the beautiful countryside setting. The client wanted a design that opened up the home to the outdoors, featuring all-new windows and doors with a timeless yet modern aesthetic that emphasized the surrounding views. We started by enhancing the foyer with classical pilasters, repairing the existing stairway, and wideni…

[See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cawood-architecture-pllc-pfvwus-pf~813891851)

## Ideabooks

- [siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33971725/list/siding) — 3 ideas
- [dentil blocks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23512442/list/dentil-blocks) — 6 ideas
- [porches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23165385/list/porches) — 10 ideas
- [hidden panels](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3894678/list/hidden-panels) — 10 ideas

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/williamcawoodarchitect)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Staircase trim help** *(in Building a Home)*

We are building a house and the trim on the stairs looks odd to me. I'm not sure what to suggest to the builder or if I should say anything at all. Does it look weird to anyone? I'm sure when it is painted it will look better but it looks funny, right?!

A: One of the challenges with stairs is that only a few trim carpenters understand how to ease/curve the top edge of a skirt board, and try to trim with straight pieces. Its a bit of a time consuming process, and the pressure to finish quickly coupled with the lack of training means that you get the original carpenters solution.

**Q: baseboard height** *(in Building a Home)*

Am I going to regret the builder’s standard 4” baseboards? Should I go to 5 1/4? 
Ceilings are 9’. Here is a recent photo of our living room.

A: You may want to look at the higher baseboard given the ceiling height. Just FYI, there are several resources that would note the height of baseboard vs ceiling height if you are following a more traditional proportion system to use as a starting point-
You don't have to use the profiles show-I have had luck with simpler beads and reveals for a modern look, but the proportion of the pieces to the whole is a key part-for example the 5 1/2&quot; tall trim is broken down to have about a 1 part cap moulding to a 4 part base board.

**Q: Crown moulding too close to the top of the window trim?** *(in Building a Home)*

Our builder is doing trim mock-ups for us right now. The style of the house is modern barn on the exterior, but we are not going hyper modern on everything inside because we like a mix.
Does this crown moulding look too close to the top of the window trim, or is this normal? The wall is 10 ft tall, baseboard is 8”, current crown is 6.5”.
Thanks!

A: I would suggest, if budget allows, to use two pieces of trim-a smaller cove moulding (3&quot; or so) with a simple square trim aligned with the top of the window backband-its an elegant look that gives height and substance without excessive weight-I am attaching a very heavy example, but something far simpler could match your look and be less typical solution, without drastically larger expense.

**Q: Home Remodeling: How to negotiate with your partner** *(in Design Dilemma)*

My husband and I are two different personalities; I like meadows and open hills.p and he likes forests and mountains. At home, I like clear and neat spaces and he likes to display almost everything. In few months we will embark in a new house remodeling project. 
When w first moved to our current apartment, we had few discussions and he almost always won. Every now and then I get frustrated with the crowded space and I make irrational decisions that makes things get worse for both of us.. kind of revenge actions. 
I want to avoid making the same mistake and get this move satisfactory for both of us. I’m just sure how to do that, he has the stamina to argue and argue ... I’m not a good negotiator and I quickly crack and say ... whatever! 
Any ideas?

A: Find a professional who will help navigate the design-it sounds like you need an advocate;) Also make sure to pick someone that you connect with, and that you feel is listening and respecting both of your ideas.

In my own work, I always try to make sure to listen to what each side wants and then make sure that they each get at least a few of the the space/features that are most important to them (sometimes its a very small request, or a special, almost private space), and if it conflicts with the other person's wants I try to find a compromise. Usually it works out great, and a couple will respect most of their partners desires, but in the end if there is still disagreement I try to remind everyone that they should each get a few things that they love, and allow the same for the other people in the project.

**Q: Drystack fireplace cut edge... what to do?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I’m working on installing dry stacked stone for a fireplace surround. I’m trying to figure out what to do with the cut edge that surrounds the fireplace. The screen isn’t going to hide all of it due to its uneven shape. Any ideas? I’m sure no one else would notice it but it’s going to bug me.

A: Joseph Corlett, LLC has a really  good idea and could look even better than corner stones with less work...

**Q: Help!  this looks wonky, right?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hi!  This is preliminary draft of my kitchen.  Appliances needto stay in their respective positions relative to each other (wall ovens, then stove, then sink, refrigerator stays where it is).  The window above the sink is actually 63&quot; wide (mouldong outside mouldong edge to outside mouldong edge), but I have the ability to make it smaller as long as it stays within that pocket.  Here it is shown to be about 49&quot;.  The stove will vent almost directly out.  Designer shows 48&quot; hood, but I prefer a 54&quot; (that's what research says to do, plus 3 on each side).  Sink wall run is 19'.  I cannot move that door opening into the dining room (plaster &amp; lathe, not happening!) 
Long story short, the lack of consistrnt symmetry between where upper cabinets begin and end vs. the bottom cabinets is messing me up.  My husband and designer are happy, me not so much.  I think it can be much better.  They keep telling me no one ever sees their kitchen like it is photographed and I won't notice these things.  The fact that I know they are there means I will most definitely notice it and it will drive me CRAZY!!!  Any and all layout suggestions are welcome.  Thanks!

A: Most designers can provide 3D images of the kitchen layout without much effort-a common program in my area is called 20/20 and most of the designers I know use it. Those images would  help to show you how the design shapes up and can be a bit easier to walk through “in your head”. 
And lining uppers and lowers rarely works out (and I find a bit boring if it does) and I think local symmetry is more important -same size uppers flanking a stove or sink, ect.

---

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