Press & Awards

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The Spruce | What Is a Modular Home and How Much Does One Cost?

"The idea behind doing modular or prefabricated homes makes sense as there are no weather delays, workers can work in conditioned space, and finishes can be installed in a controlled environment," Seth Ballard, principal of an architecture firm Ballard + Mensua, explains.

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Interior Home Design Expertise

Ballard+Mensua's expertise in the industry extends beyond creating unique custom homes and into the interior design of these lovely homes as well. Click here to read about Seth's professional perspective on current trends in cabinetry hardware as detailed in the January edition of The Spruce.

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2022 International Elite 100 Award Winner

Ballard+Mensua Architecture is proud to be recognized by International Elite 100 as a 2022 award winner for:

Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Firm & Best Custom Home Design Washington D.C Metro Area: Ultimate Carpenters Challenge - USA

For more details about this gorgeous custom home and its beautiful timber and woodworking details in McLean, VA please click here.

International Elite 100 recognizes international excellence and honors achievements of global talents across all areas of business. 

 

M&A Today Global Awards - 2022

M&A Today has awarded Ballard+Mensua Best Full Service Custom Home Architecture Firm and Best Custom Home Design, Washington DC Metro area - 2022 for the project Ultimate Carpenter's Challenge. For more details about this gorgeous custom home and its beautiful timber and woodworking details in McLean, VA please click here.

 

 

Before and After: 3 Inspiring Back Yard Garage Conversions

To see more photos of this project see project page here: Everett Garden Designs Office | Ballard+Mensua Architecture

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What to Keep in Mind When Selecting Finishes for Your Kitchen

"In the process of remodeling your kitchen or designing one from scratch? Hardware finishes and countertop materials are likely top of mind! To ensure you’re tackling your project like a pro, keep reading—we asked experts to share the main factors to consider as you make big design decisions in your cooking space. Intentionally taking the time to do some research ahead of time will ensure you’re happy with your kitchen for the long haul."

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Ballard + Mensua Architecture named best Residential Architect in Vienna, Virginia

Ballard+Mensua Architecture

2230 Primrose Dr, Falls Church, VA 22046

 

Ballard+Mensua Architecture is an architecture and interior design firm that provides services for historic preservation, custom homes, additions, and renovations of all sizes. The firm provides turnkey services to design projects and pairs its clients with top builders who can see through clients’ visions for their projects. In addition to its in-house services, the firm maintains close relationships with top vendors and craftsmen who share the same philosophy as the firm of doing everything with care. 

 

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This historic farmhouse in Vienna was purchased and renovated for a client who was relocating from South Carolina to DC. The firm found a charming Victorian Farmhouse and set to work on developing a multi-phase plan to help the client grow into the house over time. The first phase, which is now complete, includes an expanded family room and a new main-level master suite. The firm also expanded the porch roof to encompass the family room addition.

 

 

Home Builder Digest

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NBC 4 - How to Turn Your Garage Into an Office Space

Kathryn Everett has been working from her Chevy Chase, Maryland home during the pandemic and has found her new home office was just a few feet away - the garage outside her house. News4's Erika Gonzalez reports.

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ARLINGTON MAGAZINE | "GREAT SPACES"

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Washingtonian

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Archello Home Office

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Apartment Therapy

Project picked up from the Washingtonian and published here, during the COVID pandemic.

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Architectural Digest | "A passion for quality, a taste for the unique"

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15 Farmhouse Living Room Ideas for Cozy, Laid-Back Hangouts

"Keep it cozy"
Designed by Ballard+Mensua Architecture in Washington, DC, this living room features bold blue walls paired with a mostly neutral palette. The room is extra cozy with not one but two stone fireplaces present. The leather sofa will stand the test of time and grow more rustic in appearance with additional use.

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Home Builder Digest | The Best Residential Architects of Arlington

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Livingetc | What colors make a house look expensive?

What colors make a house look expensive? Designers say that if you pepper your home with these hues you'll get a high-end finish and a luxurious aesthetic

'A lot of designers have their popular whites and work under the philosophy that neutral colors and bright spaces cause less reactions so let paint, art and furniture pop,' says Seth Ballard of the Washington, D.C. architecture firm, Ballard & Mensua.

 
 
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2018 Best Home Experts: Architects/Designers | Northern Virginia Magazine

Understandably, when it comes to repairs, maintenance and renovations, you want to make sure that you are putting your home into trusted hands. Northern Virginians voted, and here’s who they said are the area’s best home experts.

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Best of Arlington 2016 - Best Architect

Many Arlington houses were built in the 1940s and suffer from “small closets, tiny kitchens and no mudrooms,” observes architect Seth Ballard. His decade-old firm is frequently called upon to open up those cramped spaces while preserving the “character and charm” of the home’s original design. Ballard, who earned his master’s in architecture from Tulane University (his business partner is his father-in-law in Spain), says he learned a lot about how families occupy their homes simply by watching how his own four children—ages 8 to 16—live, study and play. “They come with a lot of stuff,” he says. “I try to make sure there is a place for all of it.” –Amy Rogers Nazarov
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How home renovations threaten marriages

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Rest Rooms | Washintonion

These five spaces, all evocative of luxury vacations, are even dreamier in a year when the only escape has often been locking the bathroom door.

"Sometimes there's an inner light to things," says Ballard, referring to the quartzite veining in the soapstone and the warmth of the wood. "You don't always have to have light, bright things."

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20 Exterior Window Trim Ideas to Enhance Your Home's Look

Photos from four Ballard Mensua projects appear in The Spruce. "Red window sashes are surrounded by light brown trim and add flair to this arts and crafts style home. While red and green are typically seen as contrasting colors, the presence of gray helps to weave the two together and create an artful juxtaposition" (Sarah Lyon).

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10 Home Design Trends from 2023 That Are Here to Stay

“Of the dozen kitchens we have on our boards right now, half are still white, but half are strong colors, showing that this trend is here to stay," (Seth Ballard).

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12 Cozy Breakfast Nook Ideas That Would Start Any Day Off Right

"Here, the team behind Ballard + Mensua Architecture took the space to new heights by installing a trio of hand-hewn beams on the ceiling for an added dose of texture and visual interest."

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New Survey Highlights Longevity As A Kitchen Design Trend

Ballard Mensua Architecture included in a survey of the eight top design professionals about what they’re seeing in their practices around the country.

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Residential Project of the Year

Our Cleveland Park Project was chosen as 'Residential Project of the Year' by Home and Design in 2017. This project created a balance between modern and historic by emphasizing timber beams and other historic aspects in a home that had modern interior design and amenities. 

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8 Home Exterior Trends That Go Beyond a Fresh Coat of Paint

Seth Ballard, Principal of Ballard Mensua Architecture included in one of the three experts discussing paint and color trends.

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Ballard+Mensua Architecture Receives Exclusive Honors from Houzz

"Congratulations! Your reviews and contributions to Houzz discussions have unlocked two new badges for your website. 

The Influencer badge is given to pros whose advice and knowledgeable posts are most appreciated by the Houzz community, while the Recommended badge goes only to the top-rated pros on Houzz. That's you!"

Houzz Influencer BadgeHouzz Recommended Badge

House of the Month

Ballard+Mensua Architecture's project at 3127 51st Place was named "Home of the Month" for July, 2018 by 'The Kent Connection.' Praised for its attention to detail and high quality build, the Kent Development offers a modern refuge where a homeowner can indulge in extragant leisure and comfort. The article tells readers that, "This newly completed home is going on the market this month and will offer one lucky buyer an expectional opportunity to movie into a luxury home in our great neighborhood that has been designed and detailed by a top architect and built for a discerning client who cares about quality and design." Look to the article to read more about this first class home and find it on our projects page as well as on Houzz for more pictures. 

Top 100 Designers 2014

Ballard+Mensua

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Top 100 Designers 2012

Top 100 Designers 2011

New American Luxury. December 2011

Seth Ballard discusses "craft" with Finn Mostow in the December 2011 issue.

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Fairfax Connection 2009

Ballard+Mensua's renovation of the Historic Lowery House is featured in the Fairfax Connection.

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El Dorado Stone

The "All Points of View" project, our waterfront conversion of an out-dated modern-style residence, lands a spread in El Dorado's catalogue as an exemplary application of their products.

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Architecture Leaders Today

Ballard+Mensua shows its appreciation for the American craftsman with three of the firm's most recent residential projects.

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Angie's List - 2013 Super Service Award

For achieving and maintaining a superior service rating on Angie's List throughout 2013 as determined by Angie's List members in the category of: ARCHITECTS & BUILDING DESIGN

Angie's List Super Service Award

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Best of Houzz 2014

Read our clients' reviews on one of the most popular social media websites for home design ideas.

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