SMS Architects RVA

4.915 Reviews

Architects

3x Best of Houzz winner

13 years in business

High-end

About Us

Refined Architectural Design Firm Located in Richmond, VA, since 2008

At SMS Architects, we take a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to envision the opportunities presented to us by each of our projects. All of our architectural jobs have a unique and special quality – it’s our mission to identify and enhance that quality through our design work. However subtle or distinct the design, we give each project as much dimension as the program’s scope and budget avails. In doing so, we incorporate the codes required of the building locality, our customers’ budgets and expectations, and our blend of appropriate and tasteful design. We manage the many moving parts that go into a build, bringing the pieces together to deliver a comprehensive drawing package. We work closely with our clients throughout the course of their project to communicate our intention and arrive at a solution together. Clients can expect a commitment to efficiency demonstrated in all aspects of our work. Scott Stephens grew up on the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia. After receiving a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia, he spent 15 years in the boat business, designing and building custom offshore sport fishing boats. Scott's profession then shifted into architecture when he returned to graduate school to get his masters degree from Virginia Tech. In 2002, Scott began his architecture career in Richmond, VA. After interning for two Richmond firms and earning his license, Scott founded SMS Architects in the fall of 2008.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Building Design, Floor Plans, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, New Home Construction, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Custom Homes, Construction Drawings, 3D Home Design, Remodeling, Custom New Homes

Areas Served

Bon Air, Glen Allen, Henrico, Highland Springs, Lakeside, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Richmond, Short Pump, Tuckahoe, University Of Richmond, Tidewater, Northern Neck

Awards

LEED AP

Back to Navigation

11 Projects

Weems, VA

Credentials

Back to Navigation

Featured Review

Tom Osgood

Relationship

Client

We enjoyed working with Scott very much. He took our concepts, helped us to refine them, and put them down on paper quickly to help us refine them further. Read Full Review

Write a Review

15 Reviews for SMS Architects RVA

4.9|15 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

5.0

Value

5.0

George Parrish

Relationship

Client

Scott did an addition and garage to our existing house. We already had a lot of roof lines to deal with and his creation perfectly blended the existing and the new. He is very laid back and easy to deal with and has good ideas and creativity. Would definitely recommend him.

April 30, 2021

mark Webb

Relationship

Client

This was the third project SMS has designed for us. Creative, responsive and timely. SMS has provided tremendous added value to each project we have undertaken, coming up with great solutions that balanced practicality with great design.

April 29, 2021

cynthiaco

Relationship

Client

Scott Stephens at SMS Architects was the perfect choice for me. I have lived in this home for over 25 years and last year he helped me make decisions and finish plans for renovating the bedrooms, adding a beautiful new Main Bath with a large tub, separate shower huge double vanity and another area where I can store and apply my makeup and dry my hair without needing to leave my cozy bath with heated floor. I also worked with Scott to turn our basement into a living space with a kitchen, laundry and bath for future live in help. I’m very slow to commit to a design and Scott was patient and always cheerful when I told him I want this changed or I wanted to check with a designer friend to make sure I would be satisfied with the end result. Scott just gave me the plans for my new kitchen and enlarged family room. I am thrilled to finally update the kitchen since my husband and I have been cooking every day since COVID 19 and he seems to have found a new talent (which makes me very happy), cooking Italian food. If you are looking for a creative, knowledgeable, friendly architect I can recommend Scott Stephens at SMS architects without reservation.

April 29, 2021

Mary Poggi

Relationship

Colleague

Scott has designed two projects for us. We love his ideas and his deep listening skill. He takes what we tell him about our vision and designs something better than we envisioned. We are currently working on a modern indoor/outdoor poolhouse with pool, patio, wall and outdoor space. He's interested to try new ideas, styles and materials. He is just a pleasure to work with.

September 9, 2017

Tom Osgood

Relationship

Client

We enjoyed working with Scott very much. He took our concepts, helped us to refine them, and put them down on paper quickly to help us refine them further. The process was efficient and enjoyable. Besides his design ideas, Scott's other big strength is working hand in hand with contractors, getting out to the field to make sure that what was drawn is being constructed and/or helping to make any decisions in the field that invariably come along in the construction process.

August 25, 2017

Chandler Construction

Relationship

Colleague

I have worked with Scott on numerous projects ranging from large scale, whole home remodeling to ground up, new construction. He and I have referred a number of clients to one another, and have found a working partnership that is enjoyable. Scott has been well liked by my clients and I too have enjoyed his openness, thoughtful approach to design and easy going demeanor. I would recommend Scott to anyone that would prefer a partnership in home design!

August 22, 2017

Perry Guy

Relationship

Client

Scott designed a fabulous river house for us and is he great to work with. He is an excellent choice for an architect!

August 22, 2017

Kelly Stuart

Relationship

Client

Scott is highly professional, down-to-earth, and responsive to our needs. He understands that our house is a place where we actually live. He creates beautiful, livable plans. We have used him for multiple small projects and plan to use him for a two-story addition.

January 11, 2017

Boogs

Relationship

Client

We worked with Scott Stephens on an addition with two bedrooms, a playroom and the re-configuring of our kitchen and den. He was creative and collaborative and took into account both our needs and our budget. His drawings were excellent and all the builders we spoke to were highly complimentary of his detail and design. He had great vision and was able to design a plan that maximized our space but maintained the character of an older home. He was responsive and always punctual - to our questions and those of our builder. If we ever do another addition, Scott will be the first call.

August 8, 2016

JL Builders, LC

Relationship

Colleague

Great architect who is hands on in every aspect of new home and renovation designs. Scott is very knowledgeable in all phases of construction and uses that knowledge in his designs to make a more cost effective project for the end user. If/when questions arise, he is always their to take the time to thoroughly answer to everyones satisfaction.

August 1, 2016

HU-887340

Relationship

Client

SMS Artchitects did a great job planning our home renovation. They listened to our requirements, provided several thoughtful options and were available throughout the project. The process from start to finish was easy.

July 26, 2016

Denise Leonard

Relationship

Client

We worked with Scott last fall to design plans to extend our poolhouse and provide us with some shade. He was so easy to work with and very responsive to any questions we had. He was able to email us some early drawings as well which help guide us into the direction we wanted to go. I would use him again in a heartbeat.

July 24, 2016

Jeffrey Hamm

Relationship

Colleague

Scott is an unbelievable architect. He is a rare find. His turnaround time is spectacular. He is reasonably priced and the quality of his work is phenomenal. I specialize in high end restoration and renovation and Scott was great to work with. I highly recommend this guy. He is smart and he gets it. He has done addition plans, worked with me on new homes and he is very good at designing interior spaces. He will give you great elevations to work with. Five Stars...no question.

July 21, 2016

Tim O'Shea

Relationship

Client

Scott worked to understand our interests, taste and budget. His design of our "garden house" garage completed our project, with the new building perfectly integrating with the property and our older home. He was easy to work with and inexpensive relative to his impact. We would use Scott again.

July 20, 2016

Custom View LLC

Relationship

Colleague

I've worked with Scott Stephens for several years now and consider him to be one of the best architects I know. His plans are clear and concise and his knowledge and experience shine through on every project. Scott is a pleasure to be around. He has an easy going, "down-to-earth" type personality, yet conducts meetings with the efficiency and professionalism homeowners need and require. Scott has my highest endorsement and I recommend him for anyone considering building a new home, or addition. Scott Wagner, Custom View

July 20, 2016

Back to Navigation

2 Ideabooks

Back to Navigation

3 Comments

Commented: white walls in foyerI have no idea. The owner selected it.

June 6, 2020

Commented: CountertopsThese countertops are Super White Extra Marble. Some may call it a Quartzite or Granite, but this will age more like marble.

September 26, 2016

Commented: Who is the manufacturer and style of this wall &bfloor tile?The wall tile is Cosa's Thassos 3x6 Polished Glass Stone with a matching 3/4" Pencil cap. The floor tile is Raffi's Water Jet Arabesque "Marble O & X." The O is Thassos Chrystal W...

September 22, 2016

SMS Architects RVA