Architects, Architecture Firms, & Building Designers Near Chevy Chase

“Nehemiah Construction exceeded all of my expectations! From the very beginning, they made the insurance restoration process so much easier by walking me through every step of my insurance claim and answering all of my questions. Their knowledge and professionalism gave me peace of mind during a stressful time. The construction crew was outstanding. They were always punctual, courteous, kind, and respectful of my home. The work was completed quickly, the job site was kept clean, and the workmanship was excellent. I was also very impressed with the packing and moving team. They carefully packed and removed my belongings before the work began, and when everything was finished, they returned every item to its exact place. Their attention to detail and care for my home was exceptional. I highly recommend Nehemiah Construction to anyone needing insurance restoration or remodeling services. Their customer service, craftsmanship, and commitment to doing the job right are second to none. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to all of my friends and family!”

“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.”

“I am a builder/developer. My wife and I hired Broadhurst Architects, Inc. after interviewing 3 architectural firms, all expert in designing custom homes and large, complex additions to existing homes. Our goal was to add two large additions to allow us to age in place; to provide a new bedroom wing for a luxurious master bedroom suite, a studio, a guest suite for overnight guests and a large storage bay for outdoor recreational equipment; and to create a new family gathering and entertainment wing with the large spaces, amenities and features of a vacation home to provide a welcoming and comfortable destination for family and friends. The excellent “bones” for the new additions were provided by a 1955, all brick, custom rambler of excellent quality that featured a finished, walkout lower level and a full, unfinished attic topped by a steeply pitched slate roof on a 2 acre wooded lot. After thoroughly considering our goals and concepts, Jeff Broadhurst responded with site plans that showed six completely different alternatives for locating our two new building wings. After we selected the plan that best met our goals, we then worked with Jeff to modify that plan to even better meet our needs. Jeff and his team then proceeded to create architectural and permit plans for each of the two phases of construction consecutively. The plans created two additions perfect in design and materials to conceal the fact that they were new. Further, the plans retained the lovely, country-cottage ambience of the original, although square footage was increased from 2,600 SF to 5,700 SF. The designs created by Jeff created elevations and interior spaces of remarkable beauty and function, with sections and details that provided all the complex technical information required to mate the new additions to the original and to build and install the custom millwork and intricate trim details. I personally served as general contractor, and although my superintendent and I both reviewed and edited drafts of the plans, upon their finalization, the plans for the two phases contained no errors, a truly remarkable accomplishment. Jeff is a savvy and skilled artist with strong capabilities in creating livable spaces and in design function, proportion, balance, color, texture, mass, architectural history, construction techniques and materials. Jeff was a consummate professional throughout the creative process, from the first concept plans; to the stainless steel linking multilevel adjacent foundations; to underground and through-house utility chases; to the sophisticated MEP systems and their space requirements; to energy conservation products; to the exposed timber framing for two sections of the home (using oak selected and harvested from a Pennsylvania forest for shaping and assembling by hand in Maryland); to helping us select finishes compatible with both the classic colonial detailing of the original home and the rustic timber frame sections that are a reflection of a mountain lodge. Jeff listened intently to our stated goals for design and function and for harmonious indoor and outdoor living, and expertly transformed those statements into plans that became a construction reality. If you consider making changes to his plans, he will (if asked) explain his reasoning for his original concepts, how he views those concepts in comparison to the changes you may be considering, and then accepts without ego-involvement any changes in plans that you decide to make. He worked smoothly with all other members of the development team, from various engineers to our interior designer. He also assisted in recommending subcontractors and engineers. Each of the two phases took 3 months to prepare the detailed architectural and permit plans and 9 months in construction. We lived in the home for during the entire period and each new wing was isolated from the remainder of the home during construction. Construction began in 2010 and was completed in 2012. Out of pocket costs exceeded $1m. In my experience, Jeff is able to work by the hour or if you are able to provide a detailed design request, by a fixed rate. His rates are remarkably reasonable compared to those charged by many other similarly experienced architects. The final product exceeded our expectations and even our fondest hopes. We give Broadhurst Architects, Inc. a ten-star recommendation. And even beyond that superb rating, if you are considering commissioning Jeff as your architect and do not hire him, I expect there is a likelihood you made a mistake. I have taken the time to write this extensive review (instead of simply rating him as five-stars and adding a few sentences) out of respect and in thanks for Jeff’s skills and dedication in helping my wife and I achieve the home of our dreams, for us and our family, and one that literally could stand as an heirloom for a 1000 years with adequate care. Good luck with whatever design and construction adventure you are considering. I continue to use Jeff professionally through my business. If you wish to speak with me personally, you can reach me through Jeff Broadhurst, AIA.”