Randall Mars Architects

We had the pleasure of working with Randall and his team. Everything was smooth and easy from the very beginning!

Working with Randall Mars was truly a pleasure and - dare I say it for a major home remodel - even fun. Randy is responsive (phone, text, email), creative, offers helpful and practical solutions, and his architectural eye delivered us a beautiful, modern addition to our 1920s bungalow. Our project lasted almost 11 months of construction in 2016, plus several months of pre-construction planning/permitting in mid-late 2015. We started with an 1100 sq. ft and added another 1900 sq. ft. with almost every pre-existing room re-created. Architects aren't cheap, but Randy was worth every penny and more as he helped us navigate through a very difficult relationship with our general contractor (whom we ultimately fired). Randy's vast network in the construction trade led us to other highly qualified vendors who delivered. Now, eight months after moving in, we couldn't be happier with our fabulous new digs!

We visited many homes designed by experienced residential architects and decided to hire Randall Mars to design our new home. We could not be happier! Randall has the unique gift of incorporating modern ideas about living spaces into old homes like ours, in ways that not only look natural with the old style, but also have the warmth that sometimes goes overlooked in contemporary design. From his ideas about finishes and fixtures to his clever uses of space, we were able to maximize utility and add tons of natural light without sacrificing the quaint bungalow style that defines our DC neighborhood. Yay Randy! We are so grateful to have benefited from his talents.

We worked with Randall Mars on our house renovation involving expanded kitchen and new family room. He prepared designs and supervised the construction phase . During the design phase he was cooperative and helpful in finding the best solutions. In the construction phase he was instrumental in solving issues with the contractor and was available for sometimes difficult negotiations. He was always professional and pleasant, available at short notice and easy to work with.

Helped us turn a traditional center hall colonial into a modern masterpiece that takes full advantage of its space and surroundings. The details are inspiring. We are nearing completion. Photos will follow later.

We received a referral to Randall Mars from a contractor we interviewed. They indicated that Randall was the best contemporary architect working in Northern Virginia. They were not wrong. Randall helped us extensively remodel a huge contemporary, extremely customized home into a truly magnificent, modern, light-filled space. And in spite of his relationship to the contractors, Randall always fought for us and made sure everything was done to his exacting standards. In addition, he's really a nice person and easy to work with. He has tons of great ideas, but is also curious to learn what yours might be as well. We have kept him on to help us with other projects. After working with a number of architects and contractors, Randall truly deserves his 5-star rating.

Hiring an architect for a major remodeling project is a huge decision since you'll be working closely with whomever you hire for 18-24 months. I did a lot of research, contacted four firms, interviewed two, and selected Randall Mars. I could not be happier with the result. Randy and I worked closely on the design of what became a whole-home remodel of a 1965 ranch. The original home had a unique footprint and aesthetic that I wanted to preserve, but it suffered from a previous poorly executed addition and was sorely in need of updating. Randy was personally involved in all aspects of the project. He spent countless hours at the site considering how his design would fit into the landscape and how the landscape would affect the home. He carefully reviewed my requirements and designed a floor plan that delivered in every way I had hoped -- great spaces for entertaining, a natural separation between public and private areas, outstanding exterior "rooms", and phenomenal use of glass to connect to the outdoors. With floor to ceiling glass in many rooms, the outdoor spaces are as important as the interior, and Randy recommended and worked closely with an outstanding landscape architect who made sure the whole project came together. Randy worked with me on literally every decision -- including finishes, fixtures, and furniture. He paid special attention to the lighting scheme turning what had been a dark and dreary house into a bright, inviting home. Randy brought a wealth of experience but also an open mind as we looked at hundreds of photos of other projects to highlight what I liked and didn't and to develop the project that fits my personal style. I get compliments on the result of Randy's work from everyone who visits the house -- from guests to the guy who delivers groceries. If I were ever to tackle a project like this one again in the future, I would hire Randy without hesitation.

Randall Mars and his team have an incredible understanding of space that is both design-focused and client-driven. Randall's process, from design through construction, is effortless and his knowledge of finishes and attention to details was a perfect fit for us.

We worked for 2 years from requirement to design, to choosing contractors and suppliers and finally to construction of a contemporary residence with Randall Mars. It was a rewarding and very satisfying experience to be able to combine our very specific requirements with Randall's creative and flexible approach to architecture. Randall's firm works in fine detail - has a great sense of aesthetic and quality - and ensures execution of the design through to completion of construction. We would wholeheartedly recommend Randall and his firm of professionals to anyone embarking on the construction of a new residential project - large or small.

I interviewed three architects for my home renovation project and chose Randall Mars Architects. Randy was the one who saw my vision for the home and made it happen! His experience and professional, coordinated efforts made this large project move smoothly forward. The weekly organized meetings with the builder, interior designer and me made for a very clear framework for all to create a successful, award-winning end product! Take a look on the links below for a tour: http://www.ramars.com/viola.html http://www.howarthdesigns.com/ (bottom row, click on second photo from left icon)

Randy is great to work with and an enthusiastic collaborator on selections. I would highly recommend Randy to clients looking for a modern aesthetic with liveable interiors.

It was a pleasure to work with Randall Mars on the complete transformation of my home from a colonial in two parts on a sloping hillside to a beautiful, cars stopping to look, contemporary. I especially appreciate Mr. Mars passion for excellence, sensitivity to budgets and outstanding construction management skills. He is so very talented.

We have had the pleasure of working with Randy on many projects over the past ten years, including one presently. Randy is very creative and, in particular, unique in his ability to integrate new and innovative building materials and design elements into each project. He has an excellent eye and is extremely disciplined in his approach to design, resulting in some of the very best modern projects in the Washington area. Additionally, his sharp wit and sense of humor make working with him fun.

As a high-end general contractor who focuses on architect-driven projects, I truly appreciate an architect whose plans are comprehensive, clear and precise. Additionally, I also appreciate an architect who has a hands-on approach, who communicates well and who is takes a tremendous amount of pride in what they do. All of these characteristics are evident at Randall Mars Architects. Randall's reputation and body of work has cemented him as being one of the best architects the Washington, D.C. area has to offer.