--- title: "CIRCLE Design Studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/circle-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~92398081 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~92398081.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CIRCLE Design Studio" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b923cdf90ed85d41_9968-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4240 Old Cave Spring Rd., Roanoke, Virginia 24018, United States" latitude: 37.2503 longitude: -80.0525 phone: "(540) 245-0269" website: http://circledesignstudio.com rating: 5 review_count: 58 best_of_houzz_awards: 23 followers: 337 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # CIRCLE Design Studio Original Houzz profile: [CIRCLE Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/circle-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~92398081) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Roanoke, VA - **Serves:** Virginia Beach, Chesterfield, Richmond, Alexandria, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Blacksburg, Danville, Winchester, Fredericksburg, Staunton, Salem, Cave Spring, Christiansburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Radford, Hollins, Williamsburg, Huntington, Martinsville, Henrico, Wytheville, Vinton, Lexington, Bedford, Rocky Mount, Cloverdale, Blackstone, Wise, Narrows, Elliston, Glenvar, Villa Heights, Hot Springs, Lafayette, Moneta, Boones Mill, Asheville, Bent Mountain, Catawba, Charleston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Hardy, Johnson City, Knoxville, Lake Norman, Memphis, Morgantown, Nashville, Raleigh, Troutman, Washington D.C., Washington DC, Winston-Salem - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (58 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 23 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves CIRCLE's body of work is consistently recognized and awarded by nationwide interior design peers from both ASID and IIDA. As a full-service architectural interior design firm offering custom solutions for commercial and residential interiors, CIRCLE creates client-focused, experiential environments that are entirely devoid of preconceived notions or formulaic design processes. Our name represents an ideology of client and consultant collaboration. We believe in a thoughtful design approach that examines each project individually. Each project is unique because each client is unique. Our award-winning body of work is the product of extensive collaboration between our hyper-creative and technically competent partners. A one-person design is limited. That is why both John (Architect and General Contractor) and Theresa (Certified Interior Designer) are involved in your design from the concept to the final touches. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Staircase Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Home Gym Design & Construction - Custom Home - General Contracting - Interior Decorating - Interior Design ### Areas Served - Virginia Beach - Chesterfield - Richmond - Alexandria - Roanoke - Lynchburg - Harrisonburg - Charlottesville - Blacksburg - Danville - Winchester - Fredericksburg - Staunton - Salem - Cave Spring - Christiansburg - Smith Mountain Lake - Radford - Hollins - Williamsburg - Huntington - Martinsville - Henrico - Wytheville - Vinton - Lexington - Bedford - Rocky Mount - Cloverdale - Blackstone - Wise - Narrows - Elliston - Glenvar - Villa Heights - Hot Springs - Lafayette - Moneta - Boones Mill - Asheville - Bent Mountain - Catawba - Charleston - Charlotte - Chattanooga - Fayetteville - Greensboro - Hardy - Johnson City - Knoxville - Lake Norman - Memphis - Morgantown - Nashville - Raleigh - Troutman - Washington D.C. - Washington DC - Winston-Salem ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CIRCLE Design Studio | | Address | 4240 Old Cave Spring Rd., Roanoke, Virginia 24018, United States | | Phone | (540) 245-0269 | | Website | http://circledesignstudio.com | | License Number | CID \#0412000781 (VA) | | Followers on Houzz | 337 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/circledesignstudio - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=75558713&trk=tab\_pro&\_msplash=1 - Blog — http://www.circledesignstudio.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CIRCLE Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/circle-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~92398081) - **Website:** http://circledesignstudio.com - **Phone:** (540) 245-0269 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Since 2008, CIRCLE has earned 47 design excellence awards from the Virginia chapters of ASID and IIDA in 13 different residential and commercial categories. Please visit our website for a full list: https://circledesignstudio.com/distinction/ Certified: NCARB, NCIDQ, Commonwealth of Virginia, LEED - **Best of Houzz:** 23 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 58 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 49.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jerry & Julie Ingraham, May 2026** > We came to Circle Design Studio with a dream that was bigger than a floor plan. We are building our forever home — a lakeside retreat we've named "Selah," a Hebrew word meaning to pause, reflect, and rest. We wanted a place where our five adult children and grandchildren would gather every summer, where friends would come for long weekends, and where we hope to welcome people seeking spiritual rest and renewal. That's a lot to ask of a design team. John and his team delivered beyond what we imagined. > > We arrived with ideas and inspiration but real uncertainty about how to bring it all together on a sloped lake lot. Circle Design Studio took us from confusion to confidence. > > From the very first conversation, they listened to what this home was meant to be, not just what it was meant to look like. The result reflects it at every turn — the breathtaking entrance that opens to the lake, the kitchen designed to be the hub of family life, and the great room that flows to the deck. > > Their detailed 3D renderings brought everything to life in a way we didn't expect. We could not only see the home — we could feel it. We found ourselves walking through the rooms in our imagination, picturing our family around the kitchen island, our grandchildren on the deck, and quiet mornings with coffee looking out over the lake. The design stopped being a drawing and became a story we couldn't wait to live. **★★★★★ — craig wieland, June 2025** > In the Spring of 2023, my wife and I decided to build a Mountain House getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains west of Blacksburg Virginia. We were living in Michigan at the time and wanted a place to escape to, and be near a slew of grandkids in the New River Valley. We approached John and Theresa after being referred to them by a friend, and explained our dreams, wants, and desires in an initial meeting. Their response to our situation was nothing short of amazing. John's creative ideas using logs, concrete, copper, glass and wood blew us away. Theresa's interior design pluck was spot on as she wove colors and texture together to make it magical. Brittany was the glue that held it all together as she specified furniture, fixtures and appliances that all blend together to make this place a showcase. In the end, we sold our home in Michigan and have moved into this "getaway" so we can fully enjoy it. Thanks to Circle Design we are living in a dream. **★★★★★ — Nathan & Valerie McCarry, Sept. 2024** > We hired Circle Design Studio in 2022 for a total home remodel and addition. We worked closely with John Dorlini and Brittany Newman, detailing our needs and desires to create a design which comprehended our aging in place over the next 30 years. After our original design/concept meetings, John was able to show us that we could fit everything we desired into the current home, saving a significant amount of money by not building an addition. We decided to gut the home on both levels completely, which allowed us to integrate a central open wood and glass staircase, a Stiltz Lift, and move the central corridor by 3 feet to allow for the enlargement of the master suite area overlooking Smith Mountain Lake. Over the years we collected a great deal of sculptural glass and other art pieces for which Circle designed several unique, custom built-in “Feature Walls” that allow us to display these pieces in an almost gallery like presentation. We feel Circle Design truly understood the unique features we were looking for and were able to creatively design them for our home. > > We have since built this home fully utilizing the architectural plans developed by Circle, which included all new framing, electrical, plumbing, lighting, doors, skylights, and windows. As a result of the excellent drawings, we were able to build our home seamlessly and had no issues with inspections or construction changes. We highly recommend Circle Design Studio for any new construction, renovation, or home addition work. **★★★★★ — Judy Graham, Feb. 2023** > We could not be more thrilled with the design and remodel of our 1970's A Frame on Smith Mountain Lake, VA, and we recommend without hesitation the team at Circle Design. Our project included the reconfiguration of the kitchen and two bathrooms, upgrades in lighting and the HVAC system, and modernization throughout the main level. Working through the pandemic via zoom--and the inherent challenges of reconfiguring an A-frame, while bringing systems up to code--presented significant challenges. Theresa, John, Emily, Casey of the Circle Design team worked through these challenges professionally and cordially. > We have done several successful home renovations and upgrades of our prior home, and this project ranks at the top; we were greatly impressed by the quality of the Circle team's workmanship and attention to detail throughout. We had an excellent working relationship with our project manager, Casey, as well as with George, Barry and their team of craftsmen. In sum, this was a great working "partnership" that provided everything we had hoped for. **★★★★★ — Gina Mar, July 2022** > I cannot recommend Circle Design Studio enough! I had asked them to redo my kitchen, master bathroom, and living room area and they did not disappoint! John and Theresa both came to my house in person, listened to my preferences and what I liked/didn't like, and created a design that was lovelier and more elegant than I could have imagined. I will also add that I had asked for a modern/Scandi style which is not commonly sought after in the area, and they did not disappoint! Previously my chief complaint about the house was that while spacious, the spaces were not very efficiently utilized. Their design was very clever, much more practical, and a way better use of the space! Several closets, a linen nook, and even a powder room bathroom were added without making the space feel cramped or awkward. The details and style were also very much tailored to my taste. > Casey and Emily were also wonderful and professional to work with during the remodel process; communication was very easy and if I brought any concerns to the table they were swift to address them. I do not plan to buy another house as I love this one so much now, but if I did and wanted to remodel I would choose Circle Design Studio again. **★★★★★ — fregenet, July 2022** > Circle design studio designed and built my dream home, I have been following circle design team for few years and I was sure I would go to them when the time came to build my home. > > Theresa, John and the whole circle design team did an outstanding job in making my dream home become a reality, they were very patient and understanding when I made multiple changes to the original plan, the degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail was excellent, there were no major issues despite supply chain problems related to the COVID pandemic. Theresa also did the interior design and furnishings which were extraordinary, I come home everyday to the place I have come to love. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes to circle design team. If I were to build another home, I will definitely use circle design studio. **★★★★★ — Matt Sheffer, June 2022** > My family moved into a new house that had a perfect space for a golf simulator/theater room. The problem was that we were having trouble visualizing it. We reached out to John at Circle Design and it was the best decision we made! They gave us a 3D rendering of what the space would look like which really helped. We had several meetings to review and if we wanted to make little changes they did so with us on the call to see it right away. > > From start to finish they were very professional, helpful and detail oriented. I would highly recommend John, Emily and the entire Circle Design team for any one looking for help on a project! **★★★★★ — Jessica Poston, May 2022** > Circle translated my wishlist and Pinterest board into a dream bathroom that checks all the boxes and puts the rest of my house to shame. The team was easy to work with, especially with the inevitable substitutions (supply chain issues with bathtubs, drawer pulls) and worked closely with the GC to make sure things were perfection. They helped make sure my budget was realistic and provided a contractor who gave clear line-item estimates and consistent communication. This was my first time working with a designer and I will happily use them for my next big project. **★★★★★ — lawsofnature, March 2022** > We had a terrific experience with Circle Design Studio. Circle was asked to create a design involving renovation of the kitchen, conversion of the laundry room to a master bathroom, and reimagination of two smaller rooms and a bathroom on the main floor. The result was a clever and restrained amalgam of functionality and aesthetics, and it exceeded our expectations. We're grateful to Theresa, John, and Emily for carefully considering our stylistic and functional needs and for working so diligently to bring many of our objectives to life in the design. We look forward to partnering with them again. **★★★★★ — Freda S, May 2021** > John and Theresa and their team were first rate. They were prompt, attentive, and really nailed the design for the look I was going for! They designed and drew plans for two large baths and a new back deck. I never thought I'd have to hire a professional to help me design a bath, but these rooms were huge and so poorly planned. John's drawings to reorient everything and Theresa's design saved the day. Plus, their mood boards and 3D mock ups made me feel confident in our choices. I would highly recommend them! **★★★★★ — Jo, Nov. 2020** > Our contractor recommended we talk to Circle Design Studio because of their quality work -- even though we are in the Richmond area and they are in Roanoke. We worked with them on a whole house remodel design for our 26-year-old home and then again on a complete new home design when we decided to build a new house instead. They really get a sense of your style. Especially with the remodel, they came up with wonderful ideas we would never have thought possible, allowing us to open up the kitchen to the great room for a more open-concept feel. And their 3D walk-thru images allow you to really visualize how the space will look. In a number of cases where we were having difficulty picturing something, they sketched out, in detail, several options for us to choose from. We especially like that they incorporated our feedback into the design, making it a truly collaborative experience. Beyond just the architectural design, they helped us select finishes -- again, sometimes suggesting things we would never have chosen but that look wonderful. Once our new home is completed, we hope to use their interior design services for the furnishings. Beyond their fantastic, inspired design capability, the entire staff is wonderful to work with. We would highly recommend them for either a remodel or a new home. **★★★★★ — HU-485513458, Oct. 2020** > We worked with the Circle Design team in 2019 to design and carry out a remodel of our 1930s Cape Cod in Roanoke, Virginia. We wanted to stay within the footprint to keep costs contained but had been unable to find a design that worked for our needs. We had a narrow-galley kitchen and a wall that blocked the kitchen from dining room and created an awkward hallway space. John Dorlini and his team took the time to listen to our needs, provided feedback, and worked with us to craft an innovative design solution. The kitchen was enlarged, walls removed, the door was flipped on a downstairs bath, our upstairs bath was enlarged, new storage spaces were added, and the whole house (except basement) was completely updated, including the kitchen and two bathrooms. This was a complex project and the Circle Design team was responsive and professional throughout the work and we were very pleased with the end result and on-budget project, despite some slight delays and minor bumps during the renovation. The work has increased our enjoyment of the home many times over, and we have had multiple guests and visitors to comment on how open, modern, and welcoming the space now feels. We highly recommend Circle Design for their creativity, vision, and professionalism. ## Selected projects - [Arden on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arden-on-the-lake-pj-vj~7753772) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Bibliophile Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bibliophile-cabin-pj-vj~7852743) - Location: McCoy, VA - Photos: 13 - Description: Set in the wooded hills of Southwest Virginia, this residence reimagines a prefabricated log cabin as a refined multigenerational retreat. Strategic architectural interventions corrected the home’s awkward proportions while introducing modern spatial connections, expansive gathering areas, and a dramatic two-story library that anchors the interior. Gray-washed wood, steel, concrete, and glass soften the traditional cabin language and create a more restrained material palette throughout the home.… - [Modern Bachelor Pad](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-bachelor-pad-pj-vj~7016021) - Location: Catawba, VA - Photos: 28 - [Richmond Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richmond-modern-pj-vj~7431336) - Location: Richmond, VA - Photos: 33 - [East Hampton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-hampton-pj-vj~7892810) - Location: East Hampton, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: An airy East Hampton residence, originally designed by Harry Bates of the legendary firm Bates Masi. Interiors by CIRCLE Design Studio and architect Peter Cho. Set on nearly two private acres in Northwest Woods, the home pairs quintessential Hamptons living with a rare amenity for the area: a private heated gunite pool. It combines layered furnishings, natural materials, and relaxed sophistication into an architecturally significant modern home. - [Zen Micro Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-micro-cabin-pj-vj~5966227) - Location: Star Tannery, VA - Photos: 20 - [Ventnor on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ventnor-on-the-lake-pj-vj~7753762) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Kid-friendly Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kid-friendly-modern-pj-vj~2002971) - Location: Charlottesville, VA - Photos: 15 - [CIRCLE by Signature Showroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/circle-by-signature-showroom-pj-vj~6745694) - Location: Cave Spring, VA - Photos: 19 - [Modern Victorian Kitchen & Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-victorian-kitchen-and-bath-pj-vj~7664962) - Location: Roanoke, VA - Photos: 13 - Description: Located in a Southwest Virginia Historic District, this remodel reflects the revival of a neighborhood rich in early 20th-century architecture. - [New River Gorge House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-river-gorge-house-pj-vj~7069700) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 94 - [Bright Art Collector's Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bright-art-collector-s-space-pj-vj~3018306) - Location: Salem, VA - Photos: 15 - [Modern Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mountain-home-pj-vj~5738343) - Location: Cave Spring, VA - Photos: 21 - [Industrial Craftsman Lakehouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/industrial-craftsman-lakehouse-pj-vj~5966237) - Location: Moneta, VA - Photos: 12 - [Spanish Modern Lakehouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-modern-lakehouse-pj-vj~1768352) - Location: Smith Mountain Lake, VA - Photos: 39 - [Modern Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-cottage-pj-vj~2576073) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 13 - [Lakeside Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-getaway-pj-vj~7424530) - Location: Moneta, VA - Photos: 19 - [Roanoke Four Square Reimagined](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roanoke-four-square-reimagined-pj-vj~6744441) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Vaulted Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vaulted-ranch-pj-vj~6422548) - Location: Roanoke, VA - Photos: 7 - [Roanoke Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roanoke-kitchen-pj-vj~7062658) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 48 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/circle-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~92398081) ## Community Q&A **Q: Would you mind sharing the white paint color of the upper cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful kitchen! A: SW 7636 Origami White **Q: Where did you get the rug from?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the colors in it, A: We agree the colors are perfect. This was HomeGoods purchase for staging. **Q: interesting floor tile** *(in Photo Questions)* Please tell me about the multidimensional floor tile. It’s beautiful! A: Merola Tile Classico Carrara Hexagon Peak 7 in. x 8 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (7.5 sq. ft./Case) FEQCRXPK (homedepot.com) **Q: CountertopsNews** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks A: Thank you for asking. **Q: hi , what is this kitchen counter material and color please?** *(in Photo Questions)* Kitchen counter A: Dark Silt - Cosmos Surfaces (cosmosurfaces.com) **Q: I \*love\* the aesthetic in the Zen Micro cabin in DC Metro / Virginia** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please advise a source for the two chairs that flank the fire pit on the small rustic deck? They even look comfortable, and I have the perfect spot for a couple at my zen house. Thanks for your time! A: Cael Patio Chair: https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/joss-main-cael-patio-chair-w005209143.html?&experiencetype=1 --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*