--- title: "The Design Guy — Building Designers and Drafters | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/the-design-guy-pfvwus-pf~93091461 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~93091461.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "The Design Guy" category: ["Building Designers and Drafters"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0c13a86c0a499e2d_4688-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "700 Rockbasket Ln, Chester, Virginia 23836, United States" latitude: 37.3475 longitude: -77.3386 phone: "(804) 768-9590" website: http://TheDesignGuyVa.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 33 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 8 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # The Design Guy Original Houzz profile: [The Design Guy](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/the-design-guy-pfvwus-pf~93091461) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Building Designers and Drafters - **Location:** Chester, VA - **Serves:** Chesterfield, Richmond, Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Hopewell, Chester, Midlothian, Colonial Heights, Henrico, Smithfield, Ashland, Fort Lee, Bensley, Ettrick, Enon, Chesterfield Court House, Matoaca, Prince George, Goochland, Surry, Hanover, Gloucester county va, Powahatan, Powhatan county, Westover Hills-RVA - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (33 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2019–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 10 Ideabook Saves We specialize in designing additions for homeowners, creating working plans you can understand. We have won BEST OF HOUZZ six times. We were voted by the Houzz community as the winner of the Best of Houzz award for 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020 & 2019! Our work won in the Customer Service category! We want to shout out to the Houzz community for their votes! This emphasizes the customer service we provide to homeowners just like you! Are you tired of searching for home plans but only finding bits and pieces of what you like? We can bring all of the parts together for your dream home. Seeing is Believing. Our state of the art computer generated images and videos allow you to live in your house before you live in your house. Once upon a time, customers needed to be satisfied with pen-and-ink sketches that lacked dimension or perspective. Customers needed to be able to read and understand a blueprint without the experience of reading them. The Design Guy knows that sketches are not enough. You want to know what your house will truly look and feel like. Many of our clients say this is what they see on HGTV! We take you through tours of your house before it is ever built. This allows you to make complicated changes in the virtual world rather than expensive changes in the field. The most dreaded aspect of home building is “change orders.” Technology allows our customers to make and see their changes in the virtual world during an online meeting session or in person before they are living the problem in the real world. To see how 3-D images and videos can change the way you see your new home, click here to see our YouTube Video channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC6qgUcv6DPS2\_iL5SDKv0g/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf\_id=0 Here is a link to a 3d model that you can move around and thru. http://thedesignguyva.com/3D%20model%20v2.htm ### Services Provided - 3D Rendering - 3d home walk through - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Building Design - Custom Homes - Design Consultation - Drafting - Floor Plans - Handicap-Accessible Design - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Home Remodeling - House Plans - Universal Design ### Areas Served - Chesterfield - Richmond - Mechanicsville - Petersburg - Hopewell - Chester - Midlothian - Colonial Heights - Henrico - Smithfield - Ashland - Fort Lee - Bensley - Ettrick - Enon - Chesterfield Court House - Matoaca - Prince George - Goochland - Surry - Hanover - Gloucester county va - Powahatan - Powhatan county - Westover Hills-RVA ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | The Design Guy | | Address | 700 Rockbasket Ln, Chester, Virginia 23836, United States | | Phone | (804) 768-9590 | | Website | http://TheDesignGuyVa.com | | Followers on Houzz | 8 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [The Design Guy](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/the-design-guy-pfvwus-pf~93091461) - **Website:** http://TheDesignGuyVa.com - **Phone:** (804) 768-9590 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) - Member of VBCOA -Virginia Building and Code Officials Association - Won Best of Houzz award four times since 2019. - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2019–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 33 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 48.0 - Communication: 48.0 - Value: 47.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-45688290, July 2026** > Ken, The Design Guy, was recruited to figure out how to screen in our back deck which has multiple roof lines. Ken came out, looked things over, took pictures and extensively talked to us. He was able to figure out how to accomplish what we wanted even though we had pretty much given up on screening the entire area and we were so pleased. Ken was very patient in answering questions, was very reasonable and also followed up to make sure we were satisfied. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! I am absolutely delighted that I could solve the puzzle of your rooflines and deliver exactly what you were looking for. Providing patient, thorough service and ensuring your complete satisfaction are always my top priorities. > > When your builder mentioned they didn't think it was possible to cover the entire deck—and thought you'd have to settle for just a small center portion—I was determined to find a workaround. I'm so thankful they passed along my contact information to you! > > Designing a new roof over your existing deck was certainly a challenge given those intersecting rooflines and the unique structural support required. Because the design sat in a bit of a gray area within the building codes, I wanted to be 100% certain it was bulletproof, so I met directly with the building inspector. Getting their official stamp of approval on my proposal was a great win. > > I am so glad we could make the full space happen for you. Enjoy your beautiful, newly screened-in deck! **★★★★★ — Trish Stratton, March 2026** > Ken is outstanding to work with!!! Meeting for the day was the best thing I could have done to get my project organized. Ken had excellent suggestions; he knows the building codes and the latest construction methods. As a result, I not only saved money on my project, but am confident that the construction will go smoothly because of his plans. I would highly recommend him to anyone considering an addition or any renovation to their home!! Thank you, Ken! **Comment from The Design Guy:** > I truly appreciate the 5-star review! Our first meeting using our interactive design methodology really helps everyone understand their project while reducing changes and errors. Helping clients navigate the complexities of their design, construction methods, and permit plans is exactly what I strive for. It was wonderful to collaborate with you on your project and ensure you feel confident heading into the construction phase. Thank you for the high recommendation! **★★★★★ — Amber Szymanski, Feb. 2026** > Ken helped us design our dream addition. He spent many hours with us helping bring our dreams to life. He zoomed us when we had questions or wanted to redo something on the design plan, and worked tirelessly on our final plans. I could not recommend him enough to others out there. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank you so much for the kind words! It was truly a pleasure helping both of you design your dream addition. That first day is always a marathon, but it’s so worth it to find the design that perfectly fits your family's needs. > > I know how much this project means to you, and I’m so glad we could use those follow-up Zoom sessions to get every detail exactly right. Seeing your vision come to life in 3D and video, and then finally in the blueprints, was incredibly rewarding. > > I added your addition to my projects and added pictures under your name Szymanski > > Enjoy your new space, and please send me some photos once it’s finished! **★★★★★ — Linda Armstrong, Dec. 2025** > Ken was very helpful and insightful in helping us design an addition and kitchen remodel of our home. The plans were completed in a timely manner and he was very easy to work with. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > ⭐️ Thank You for Your insightful Houzz Review! > We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience on Houzz! > > It is wonderful to hear that I was very helpful and insightful as we designed your addition for the expanded and remodeled kitchen. We aim to make the planning stage smooth and collaborative, and knowing that the plans were completed in a timely manner and that I was very easy to work with is a fantastic compliment. > I remember you saying how much the videos, renderings and seeing the addition in our online meetings helped you to visualize your new living space. > Ken (The Design Guy) > > Thank you again for choosing us for your home project! **★★★★★ — Luke Todd, Nov. 2025** > Entire Process from Contact to schedule to delivery of design and drawings with seamless. Detailed renderings and drawings with Great professionalism. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > So Grateful for Your Houzz Review! > Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us on Houzz! We truly appreciate you leaving such a honest review. > > We are delighted to hear that the entire process—from initial contact and scheduling to the delivery of the final design and drawings—was seamless for you. Providing detailed renderings, videos, and drawings with outstanding professionalism is exactly what we strive for, and your feedback confirms we hit the mark. > > Your kind words are a huge encouragement to me. Thank you again for your business and for your time! > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — David Kimbriel, Nov. 2025** > Ken was prompt, professional, and competent. He was able to design an addition to our cape cod that matched perfectly the vision in our minds. Would highly recommend! **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank You for Your Wonderful Feedback! > We are absolutely thrilled to read your review! > It means the world to us to hear that I was prompt, professional, and competent. Our highest priority is ensuring that our clients' visions are brought to life, and knowing that I was able to design an addition that matched perfectly what you had in mind for your Cape Cod is the best compliment we could receive. > > Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and for your very kind recommendation. We truly appreciate your business and your trust! > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — Faye Anderson, Sept. 2025** > Tracy and Faye in Highland Springs > > Ken delivered exceptional results on our recent construction project. We are adding 640 square feet to our home that will include enlarging the main bedroom, adding a walk-in closet, a bathroom, laundry room and a sunroom. From initial concept drawings to the final detailed plans, his design work was professional, thoughtful, and aligned perfectly with our vision. He took the time to understand our vision. He made creative suggestions that were both functional and aesthetically impressive. He went out of his way to help us get closer to being back on track due to an issue with a previous designer that had us 2 months behind schedule. > > Ken arrived on time and stayed with us the entire day to ensure he captured all aspects of the design. He set up his computer and went to work. He answered our questions and didn’t mind explaining requirements and answering questions while he worked. His communication was clear and consistent throughout, which resulted in one revision that was handled quickly. What stood out most was his attention to structural details and code compliance, which gives us total confidence moving into the build phase. > > If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and creative partner for construction design, I highly recommend The Design Guy services. Ken made what was already a stressful situation smooth and efficient, and the results were amazing. Currently waiting for permit approval but I don’t think we will have any issues. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Dear Tracy and Faye, > Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with The Design Guy's services. We loved hearing about the success of your 640-square-foot addition, including your new sunroom and enlarged master suite! It's gratifying to know our work ethic and communication helped turn a stressful situation into a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable process, especially as we helped you get back on schedule. > You perfectly described our philosophy: we work differently because we believe that understanding the final outcome is essential before anyone lifts a hammer. > That’s why I spent the entire day with you. Our process begins by measuring your existing home to create a highly accurate 3D digital model of the house as it is today. Then, that same day, we work interactively with you to develop the full concept plan in 3D. This allows everyone—the client and your builder—to truly visualize and understand the project before it’s ever built. > While this intensive approach does require a full day of dedication, as you noted, the benefits are enormous: maximum confidence, clarity on structural details and code compliance, and, as you experienced, typically very few changes are required after that first session. > Your confidence in moving into the build phase means the world to us. Thank you again for your trust and for recommending The Design Guy services so highly. > Sincerely, > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — Daniel and Carolyn Bolvin, July 2025** > My wife and I would highly recommend Ken Latham (The design guy). His knowledge and expertise made the addition to our home went as seamlessly as humanly possible. He even assisted us with finding an outstanding builder. We are completely happy with his efforts and his recommendations in the designing process. We found him very easy to work with and he totally allowed us to feel that this was indeed our project. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > What an incredible review—thank you both! Knowing that you felt this was truly your project is the highest compliment we could receive. It was a joy helping you bring your vision to life, and we're so glad you love the outcome. We wish you many happy years in your newly designed addition! > > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — HU-922270, Dec. 2024** > We met Ken through friends of ours that highly recommended Ken after he helped them design a bedroom and bath addition to their home. > It’s always nice when someone recommends someone to you and living in the country, Ken traveled over an hour to visit with us. > He was very courteous. listened to what we had in mind. We discussed the dimension's and adjusted it to help us stay within our budget. > Our project was adding on a bigger living room with A connecting garage. > It was pretty interesting to see our design on his 3-D project visualization come to life and makes changes as needed. > The Design includes everything you need from start to finish plumbing windows walls. Even the builder if needed.. > He helped with the dimensions of our huge sliding double door that we wanted that looks gorgeous! > The builder said that’s the biggest double slider that they’ve ever put in:) > We also worked together to design the dimensions of our fireplace with window seats on each side. > Looks beautiful!!! exactly what we wanted. > My husband loves his finished new garage. > If you have ideas In mind and you’re not sure where to start, I would highly recommend you give Ken a call. He can make your dreams come true too! > I smile every time I walk into our new rooms :) > Thanks again, Ken **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face! I appreciate you taking the time to share your wonderful experience. Hearing about positive transformations in people’s homes and lives is always heartwarming. We worked great together as a team to bring your vision to life, navigating the design process. The 3-D project visualization is an exciting part of seeing your ideas take shape immediately. Our clients truly appreciate the 3-D views of their new living space—what a fantastic tool! The old 2d plans alone are too difficult for most people to understand. > > Adding a larger living room with a sliding double door and fireplace with window seats gives stunning views in both directions. The finished garage is undoubtedly your husband’s favorite part of the addition project! I'm sure you will enjoy parking in the garage, especially on wet and cold days! No more scraping frost off of the windshield. > It’s great to hear that your new spaces meet your expectations and bring you so much joy. > > Your recommendation of my work speaks volumes, and I’m sure many will find inspiration in your story. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, and I wish you many happy moments in your newly designed addition! > > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — HU-621803895, Nov. 2024** > Ken designed a deck and sunroom addition for our home. It was a challenge in defining a design due to the complexity of our roof and the back of our house. It was thought our vision could not be done but Ken came through with a design that gave us our vision and more. The contractors we selected was so impressed with the plans that they began recommending Ken to other customers who needed design services. We were told that obtaining the building permit would take 2 to 3 weeks with Chesterfield county. However our plans were approved and permit provided within 24 hours. I attribute this to the quality, accuracy, clarity and attention to details that was part of the creation of our design by Ken. Also his professionalism and willingness to support after the plan is complete is wonderful - he will be available to help when you need him for questions from the contractor or the customer. This process was less stressful especially for someone like me that had not done this type of home project before. Ken has our sincere appreciation. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! Working with you on your deck and sunroom addition was a pleasure. Your vision and project challenged me to think creatively to get the challenging roofs to tie in and work. I’m thrilled we could turn it into a reality that exceeded your expectations. > Knowing that both the contractors and Chesterfield County building inspections appreciated the quality and detail of the plans is incredibly gratifying. My goal is always to make the process seamless and stress-free, especially for homeowners taking on such a project for the first time. > I’m also glad to hear that my ongoing support has been helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or your contractor have any questions—I’m always happy to assist. > Thank you again for your trust and appreciation. It means so much to know you’re happy with the final result! > > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — Donnie Deaver, Jan. 2024** > From the time we first called Ken about our plans for 2 additions and a complete renovation of our home 4 years ago he was very courteous and professional. It has taken us some time to get started and we are now complete. He came to residence and spent most of the day listening to our vision and plans. Ken was taking notes, writing down measurements and entering them in his CAD program. When he left we were able to see his drawings with his CAD program a general idea as to what our vision was going to look like. After a few more meetings and recommendations from Ken on changes to our design he produced our plans that we could submit to our builder and the county for our permits. We did have one problem with a measurement that I found once the brick for the addition was removed. I called Ken and he answered his phone on the second ring. I explained the problem and he asked me to send him some pics and measurements so he could make the necessary changes. I had an updated plan within 2 hours. In kens defense this was some thing that was hidden by the brick veneer that he was not able to see during the design phase and was revealed when the brick was removed. This was the only problem we had with his drawings and he made corrections immediately. Ken always told us through this process that there is the chance for problems and if we have them to call him immediately and he will take care of them whether it was a problem with the plans, contractor or the county. We ended up with a one of kind gorgeous home that we plan to live in for the rest of our lives. If I was to ever do another build I would most definitely us him a gain. Donnie and Sherri (Sensitive Information Hidden) **Comment from The Design Guy:** > I was incredibly honored to receive your 5-star review and read your kind words reflecting our journey together. > I vividly remember the day I spent at your home, listening to your thoughts and translating them into tangible plans through sketches and CAD drawings. It was a day full of ideas and promise. I'm glad I could help visualize your home's potential. Adjusting and perfecting the design through our meetings is a typical part of the design process. I will always appreciate it, especially seeing the plans come to life. > I look forward to visiting you and getting photos of your completed home. I plan on doing a before and after comparison with the pictures. > > Hearing that you have completed and are residing in a one-of-a-kind, gorgeous home that you plan to enjoy for the rest of your lives is the greatest reward for my work. Your affirmation that you would choose my services again for a future project is the highest compliment I could receive. > Ken (The Design Guy) **★★★★★ — HU-250108274, Dec. 2023** > Ken Latham is everything his website says he is, and I am so glad I chose him to help me with the addition to my home. I knew what I wanted, but didn't know how to make it happen. Ken did that for me. He translated my idea into reality, showed me a 3D rendering of what that would look like, and then patiently made real-time changes until I had exactly what I wanted. He remained a resource throughout the building process, always available to address any question or concern I had. He went well beyond what he was required to do for me, and he will do the same for you. **Comment from The Design Guy:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with our services! It was truly a pleasure to work with you on the addition to your home. Hearing that I was able to bring your vision to life, from the initial concept through to the final 3D renderings and adjustments, is incredibly rewarding. Your satisfaction is my top priority, and I'm delighted to know that I was able to exceed your expectations and remain a supportive resource throughout the building process. > > I'm deeply grateful for your kind words and confidence in my work. It's feedback like yours that motivates me to go above and beyond for all my clients. Thank you for choosing me for your project, and please know that I'm here for any future needs or questions you might have. Your project was a wonderful journey, and I look forward to the opportunity to assist you or your friends in the future. > Ken (The Design Guy) ## Selected projects - [Szymanski Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/szymanski-addition-pj-vj~7805665) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Bayfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bayfront-home-pj-vj~5638075) - Location: Shady Side, MD - Photos: 41 - [3 Seasons room with covered and open deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3-seasons-room-with-covered-and-open-deck-pj-vj~7561735) - Location: Richmond, VA - Photos: 13 - Description: 3 Seasons room with covered outdoor cooking area and open deck - [Family Room & Garage Addition with Remodeling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-room-and-garage-addition-with-remodeling-pj-vj~7593628) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Family Room & Garage Addition with Remodeling - [Rendering of Porch remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rendering-of-porch-remodel-pj-vj~6332307) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Craftsman in Powhatan VA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-in-powhatan-va-pj-vj~2863533) - Location: Powhatan, VA - Photos: 10 - [1890's home addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1890-s-home-addition-pj-vj~2860625) - Location: Chesterfield, VA - Photos: 5 - Description: We go to great lengths to make the addition look like it was part of the original home. Project Parameters The owners wanted to maintain above all the farmhouse look of their 1891 home. The front porch, an obvious addition, was being used as a meeting place for their business, but was too small and interrupted by the traffic flow of the entry. The angled side setback limited how far the addition could project forward, yet we were still able to increase the first floor space by 60%. The entry, mo… - [Raising home in flood plain & adding garage under with elevator](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raising-home-in-flood-plain-and-adding-garage-under-with-elevator-pj-vj~5568861) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [In-laws Suite & Garage Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-laws-suite-and-garage-addition-pj-vj~2863468) - Location: Midlothian, VA - Photos: 4 - [Our YouTube Channel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/our-youtube-channel-pj-vj~2860635) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/the-design-guy-pfvwus-pf~93091461) ## Ideabooks - [Dog Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159056726/list/dog-baths) — 9 ideas - [Donnie & Sherri](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118778366/list/donnie-sherri) — 2 ideas - [Baldwin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101841393/list/baldwin) — 1 idea - [Sally & David](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45514317/list/sally-david) — 2 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/kenlatham) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*