Washington, DC
Architectural Services

Our Eight-Step Architectural Process

1. Discovery & Architectural Programming

Every project begins with a comprehensive understanding of your goals, lifestyle, site conditions, and long-term vision for your home. 

We lead you through:

- In-depth interviews about how you live and what you value
- Architectural programming to define required spaces, adjacencies, and priorities
- Site analysis—light, grading, views, privacy, zoning, and unique opportunities
- Architectural precedent studies and early conceptual direction

Why it matters: From the outset, our architectural team collaborates with construction leadership to flag structural realities, cost drivers, and permitting requirements. This early alignment makes us a trusted home architect in Washington, DC, ensuring your vision fits your timeline and budget.

2. As-Built Documentation & Existing Conditions Survey

For renovations, additions, and historic homes, we begin with a thorough field survey of your existing structure. 

We provide:

- Laser-measured or scanned as-built drawings
- Detailed documentation of mechanical systems and structural conditions
- Existing elevations, sections, and roof geometry

Why it matters: Precise documentation ensures constructability and code compliance, especially crucial for clients seeking an architect for historic home remodels in DC. As both designers and builders, we know exactly what’s needed to move seamlessly into construction.

3. Schematic Design — Concept, Massing & Layout

This is where your ideas come to life. Our architects explore multiple design directions with:

- Conceptual floor plans
- Massing studies and 3D models
- Preliminary exterior elevations
- High-level structural assumptions
- Early budget alignment informed by actual construction data

Why it matters: Unlike firms that design in isolation, we integrate direct feedback from our field teams to ensure the designs are elegant, efficient, and feasible. This collaborative model is ideal for clients comparing architect vs. design-build in Washington, DC.

4. Design Development — Materials, Systems & Solutions

In this phase, your architectural vision becomes highly detailed. We refine:
-Floor plans, building sections, and exterior elevations
- Window and door schedules
- Cabinetry and millwork design
- Material selections and finishes
- Lighting strategies and electrical layout
- Structural and trade coordination

Our architects work closely with project managers, estimators, and trade experts to align every decision with real construction realities. Clients searching for a modern residential architect or a team focused on timeless architectural design benefit most at this stage.

5. Permit Drawings & Technical Documentation

We prepare a complete permit-ready architectural set, including:
- Fully dimensioned plans
- Structural coordination
- Exterior elevations and building sections
- Life safety and code compliance sheets
- Site and grading plans (as required)

Why it matters: Our background in construction shapes how we document designs. We focus on clarity, sequencing, and coordination, developing “buildable drawings” that reduce confusion, cut costs, and speed up approvals.

6. Construction Documents & Pre-Construction Coordination

Before breaking ground, we finalize an exhaustive construction package. This includes:

- Material specifications and finish schedules

- Millwork and cabinetry details

- Tile layouts and hardware selections

- Mechanical and electrical plans

- Integration of structural, civil, and other engineered drawings

Our architects coordinate directly with project managers, lead carpenters, and trade partners. This ensures alignment across every discipline and reduces the risk of costly change orders, especially valuable for home addition architect projects.

7. Architect Involvement During Construction

Many architecture firms step back once construction begins. Not us. Our architects remain involved throughout the build by:

- Conducting site visits
- Reviewing mockups and material samples
- Resolving field details
- Ensuring every finish meets the original vision

This close connection between design and execution is what sets us apart as a true design-build architect in DC. It also protects your investment and keeps your project on schedule.

8. Completion, Close-Out & Long-Term Support

At the end of construction, we conduct a final walkthrough and provide:
- Detailed punchlist review
- Warranty support
- Documentation of all materials, finishes, and systems

Because we’ve designed and built your home, we remain a reliable resource long after move-in, ready to support any future needs or enhancements.

Why Choose Four Brothers for Your Architectural Design and Planning?

Unmatched Integration of Design and Construction

As a unified team, we streamline communication between architecture and construction, avoiding the costly missteps common in more fragmented processes. If you’re weighing architect vs design-build in Washington, DC, our model gives you the best of both worlds: artistic vision paired with practical execution.

Accurate Pricing from Day One

Because we build what we design, we don’t guess at pricing. We rely on real construction data from hundreds of local projects, allowing us to create clear, reliable budgets. This means fewer change orders and less financial stress for you.

Focused Expertise in Complex Homes

From tight urban lots to strict zoning and historic preservation rules, we thrive in challenging environments. If you need an architect for historic home remodels in DC or are navigating zoning restrictions on a home addition in the DC Metro, we know the process inside and out.

Architects Who Stay Involved

Unlike many architecture firms that vanish after permit approval, our architects remain engaged from concept to final punchlist—ensuring design intent is honored in every detail. This is especially important in high-end projects like kitchen and bath architect DC renovations and custom home builds.

One Team, One Vision, One Point of Accountability

Our Service Area

As a leading residential architecture firm in DC, Four Brothers specializes in designing homes that respect the charm, complexity, and regulatory landscape of the Washington DC Metro area. From historic rowhomes in Dupont to spacious estates in Potomac, we understand the intricacies of local zoning, permitting, and architectural styles.

Our expertise in architecture for older homes in DC, as well as new custom builds and additions, makes us the go-to partner for homeowners seeking timeless design and seamless execution in some of the region’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Our service areas include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an architect do for a residential project?

A residential architect designs spaces that are functional, beautiful, and code-compliant. They coordinate structural needs, materials, zoning, and lifestyle considerations. At Four Brothers, our architects also integrate construction knowledge, making sure your home is not only well-designed but fully buildable and aligned with your budget.

Do I need an architect for my home renovation, addition, or custom build?

Yes, especially for complex or high-investment projects. An experienced architect for home renovation in the DC Metro will help you avoid delays, structural surprises, and design regrets. For home additions, custom builds, or major remodels, having an architect is essential.

How do I choose the right architect for my project?

Look for local expertise, a proven portfolio, and a clear design process. If you're seeking a residential architecture firm in DC that also understands construction, Four Brothers offers the rare combination of creativity, technical insight, and real-world experience.

What’s the difference between hiring an architect vs. a design‑build firm?

Planning a remodel, addition, or custom build? Our team is ready to guide you through a design process that’s inspiring, transparent, and fully aligned with your goals.

Contact Four Brothers today, and let’s create something remarkable together.