Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and a dynamic political scene. Its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and eclectic neighborhoods offer a unique living experience for all those who choose to explore it. The city is also home to some of the finest interior architects, eight of which are featured below. Each of these firms has been selected based on its prestigious awards, extensive experience, and impressive portfolios.
FOX Architects
1240 22nd St. NW., Washington, DC 20037
FOX Architects, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm, has been creating healthy, high-performance spaces that maximize value through innovative design for nearly 20 years. The firm’s interdisciplinary team brings a wealth of expertise and collaborative insight to every project, ensuring successful partnerships with clients and countless unique projects.
The firm’s principals, including Derek Wood, Bob Fox, JP Spickler, Andy Yeh, and Marie Moutsos, boast a combined experience of over 100 years in the field. They are all members of prestigious organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and hold various certifications, including as LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) and with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Under their leadership, FOX Architects has been recognized with numerous awards, including the AIA Urban Design Merit Award and the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) Best of the Best: Building Award. The firm’s work has been featured in multiple press outlets, including Architect Magazine, Washington Business Journal, and The New York Times.
Bonstra | Haresign Architects
1728 Fourteenth St. NW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009
Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS, established in 2000, is a DC-based firm that believes in the transformative power of architecture. With a team of 30 skilled architects and designers, it specializes in creating innovative solutions that address urban and neighborhood challenges.
The firm’s managing partners, William J. Bonstra and David T. Haresign, bring a wealth of experience to the firm, with over 215 combined national, regional, and local design awards and publications. The firm itself has also been honored with over 50 awards for excellence in design and construction, historic preservation, and the creative use of materials and technology. These have included the Multifamily Executive Awards, the NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards of Excellence, and awards from the AIA.
//3877
3299 K St. NW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20007
//3877 is a boutique design firm with a focus on high-end residential, multi-family, restaurant, and hospitality projects. With over a decade of experience in the field, it has established a reputation for delivering impactful architecture that addresses each client’s unique needs and aspirations. This has led the firm’s work to be featured in numerous press outlets, including Architect Magazine, Hospitality Design, and the Washington Business Journal.
The firm is led by partners David Shove-Brown and David Tracz, both of whom bring extensive industry experience and a strong academic background to the table. With their guidance, //3877 has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Top Interior Designers (TopID) Award from the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) and the Award for Excellence in Interior Historic Renovation from DC Historic Preservation. The firm is also accredited by the AIA, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, reflecting its commitment to upholding industry standards.
OTJ Architects
580 Water St. SW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20024
OTJ Architects is a distinguished architecture and design firm that collaborates with prominent organizations during pivotal stages of their growth. Established in 1990, it has offices nationwide and is committed to delivering lasting solutions that prioritize diversity, wellness, and sustainability. Its expertise spans various sectors, including commercial real estate, corporate, government, life science, multi-family, arts, culture, education, and nonprofit. The firm holds accreditations from the AIA, US Green Building Council (USGBC), and other esteemed organizations.
The firm’s team of principals, led by Senior Principal and CEO Lance Jaccard, is composed of industry experts with extensive design and construction experience. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award and the Pinnacle Award from the IIDA. The firm’s innovative designs have also been featured in prominent publications such as Architectural Record and Interior Design Magazine.
Kube Architecture
818 18th St. NW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006
Established in 2005, Kube Architecture is a nationally recognized modern architecture studio that redefines the norms of daily life through high-performance designs and elegant architectural solutions. With a team that brings unique experiences and passions to the design process, it approaches every challenge creatively. It views its clients as partners, and therefore makes sure to develop customized spaces that suit their lifestyles, desires, functional needs, and budgets.
The firm also emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, durability, and longevity in its designs. It continually researches new materials and construction methods, creating efficient spaces that achieve both richness and simplicity. Its work includes residential designs of all scales, commercial and retail spaces, and office tenant fit-outs. This occurs under the leadership of Janet Bloomberg, a Fellow of the AIA (FAIA) with over 30 years of experience who has led the firm to receive numerous awards and be featured in various publications.
FORMA Design, Inc.
1524 U St. NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009
FORMA Design, Inc., a Washington, DC and Miami Beach-based firm, has been a prominent name in the field of architecture and interior design since its establishment in 1994. With a portfolio that boasts over 200 projects published in local, national, and international books and magazines, it has significantly impacted the industry. The firm’s innovative and thoughtful designs have also earned it 15 awards from AIA and 21 from IIDA, and have led it to be nominated for the National Design Awards by Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum for seven consecutive years.
The firm’s principal, Andreas Charalambous, brings over 40 years of experience to the table, having worked in various global cities before co-founding FORMA Design. Charalambous spearheads the firm’s expertise and services, which range from modern residential design to healthcare design, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to excellence.
EL Studio
1319 Naylor Ct. NW., Washington, DC 20001
EL Studio is an esteemed architecture and design firm that has been in operation since 2007. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, it excels in creating unique designs within challenging constraints. It achieves this largely through its commitment to redefining the use of techniques and materials through research and testing. The firm’s approach to design is client-centric, ensuring that it caters to the precise needs and desires of its clients.
The firm is led by co-founders Elizabeth Emerson and Mark Lawrence, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their work at the firm. Both are licensed architects with diverse project experience, and they each hold teaching positions at reputable universities. Under their leadership, EL Studio’s excellence in design has been recognized with numerous awards, including the AIA’s Residential Award for Design Excellence in 2022. The firm’s projects have also been featured in prominent publications such as Architect Magazine and The Washington Post.
CHECA Architects, PC
2336 Wisconsin Ave. NW., #32130, Washington, DC 20007
Founded in 1992, CHECA Architects, PC is a full-service architectural firm that believes in the power of design to reflect individuality and elevate the human spirit. Focusing on the harmonious interplay between form, light, and space, it creates modern homes that celebrate their natural surroundings. The firm is also committed to sustainable building practices, which is evident in its team of green-minded professionals and its integration of sustainable design and construction techniques.
The firm’s principal, Lorena Checa, brings over 30 years of industry experience to the firm as a LEED AP and an AIA member. Checa has led the firm to be recognized for its work, receiving the 2018 100 Top Designers Award from Home & Design, as well as a Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design from the AIA in 2003. It is also accredited by several organizations, including the AIA and USGBC, and has been featured in publications such as Architecture DC Magazine and The Washington Post. These accomplishments are a testament to the firm’s dedication to quality and to creating innovative and sustainable design solutions.
