Our work has been recognized by leading publications, industry organizations, and national media outlets for its commitment to thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and enduring quality. From custom homes that blend modern innovation with historic character to distinctive renovations that enhance daily living, our projects have been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, Martha Stewart, Washingtonian, Veranda, Home & Design, and many more.

Our team is honored to have received numerous awards, including Best Home Experts, Residential Project of the Year, and multiple accolades for excellence in custom residential architecture. These articles, features, and recognitions reflect not only our passion for architecture but also our dedication to helping clients create spaces that feel personal, inspiring, and built to last.

Explore our press and awards below to see how our projects and expertise continue to shape homes across the Washington, D.C. region and beyond.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture was named Custom Home Design Firm of the Year 2025 – Mid-Atlantic USA by the Homes & Gardens Design Awards, honoring excellence in custom residential architecture.

Homes & Gardens features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture discussing future kitchen trends, including work station sinks, steam ovens, and a shift away from all-white cabinetry.

Good Housekeeping features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture sharing insights on overrated home features, from oversized primary bedrooms to overly complex smart systems that don’t stand the test of time.

Homes & Gardens features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture sharing the most valuable home design investments, from built-ins and spa bathrooms to mudrooms and outdoor kitchens.

New American Luxury features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture discussing the role of craftsmanship in creating unique homes, highlighting the Carr Residence’s blend of New England tradition and modern design.

El Dorado Stone showcases Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s All Points of View project, a waterfront home transformation highlighting exceptional use of stone finishes and modern design details.

The Kent Connection named Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s 3127 51st Place project Home of the Month, celebrating its thoughtful design, high-quality construction, and luxurious modern living spaces.

Martha Stewart features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture among three experts discussing outdoor living trends, including pools, spas, and full outdoor kitchens that redefine home exteriors.

Forbes features Ballard + Mensua Architecture in a survey of top designers, highlighting their focus on aging-in-place kitchens with accessible layouts, cabinet organizers, and ADA-friendly details.

Apartment Therapy features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture discussing the rise of vibrant kitchen colors, with half of their new projects moving beyond classic white palettes.

The Spruce highlights four Ballard + Mensua Architecture projects in their roundup of exterior window trim ideas, showcasing colorful sashes and thoughtful detailing that elevate curb appeal.

Washingtonian showcases Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s Timberline Lodge–inspired bathroom, blending soapstone slabs, Mission-style oak cabinetry, and warm wood details for a dramatic retreat.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture was named Best Architect in Arlington Magazine’s 2016 Best of Arlington, honored for blending thoughtful renovations with the historic character of classic Arlington homes.

Northern Virginia Magazine named Ballard + Mensua Architecture among its 2018 Best Home Experts, recognizing the firm’s trusted reputation for exceptional residential design and renovations.

Livingetc features insights from Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture on using neutral colors and bright spaces to create a luxurious, high-end look that lets art and furnishings stand out.

Home & Design named Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s Cleveland Park renovation Residential Project of the Year, honoring the firm’s transformation of a 1913 home with historic oak beams, Belgian oak floors, and modern amenities.

Architectural Digest features a farmhouse living room by Ballard + Mensua Architecture, highlighting bold blue walls, two stone fireplaces, and timeless leather furnishings for a warm, inviting retreat.

Architectural Digest showcases Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s “Ultimate Carpenter’s Challenge,” a 7,000-square-foot McLean home blending Japanese, Spanish, and Arts and Crafts influences with exquisite custom craftsmanship.

Apartment Therapy showcases Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s garage conversion into a bright, flexible home office, a project first featured in Washingtonian and designed to meet work-from-home needs during the pandemic.

Archello features Ballard + Mensua Architecture’s garage conversion into a Spanish tile–accented home office and guest suite, blending reclaimed materials and custom details for a warm, functional space.

Washingtonian highlights Ballard + Mensua Architecture for transforming an unused garage into a bright artist’s studio, blending reclaimed materials with modern design for a warm, functional workspace.

Arlington Magazine showcases a custom McLean home by Ballard + Mensua Architecture, featuring Gilded Age-inspired timber framing, western red cedar, and handcrafted woodwork celebrating natural materials.

Home Builder Digest recognized Ballard + Mensua Architecture as the best residential architect in Vienna, Virginia, celebrating the firm’s expertise in historic preservation, custom homes, and thoughtful renovations.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture shares expert advice in this guide to selecting kitchen finishes, offering tips on hardware, countertops, and design details to create a timeless, functional space.

Houzz features a backyard garage conversion by Ballard + Mensua Architecture, transforming an underused Chevy Chase garage into a bright garden office and guest cottage with classic design details.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture received the 2022 M&A Today Global Award as Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Firm and Best Custom Home Design in the Washington DC Metro Area for their acclaimed Ultimate Carpenter’s Challenge project.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture received the 2022 International Elite 100 Award as the Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Firm and Best Custom Home Design in the Washington D.C. Metro Area for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design.

The Spruce features insights from Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture on kitchen hardware trends and the benefits of modular home construction, highlighting the firm’s expertise in thoughtful design and modern building solutions.

Veranda magazine features Seth Ballard of Ballard + Mensua Architecture sharing expert tips on using cherry, walnut, birch, or maple flooring to make any home look more beautiful and distinctive.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture was named among Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2024 Best Home Experts, recognized for outstanding residential design and exceptional client service throughout the Washington, DC region.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture received the 2013 Angie's List Super Service Award, recognizing their commitment to exceptional client service in the Architects & Building Design category.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, was named among Home & Design magazine’s “Top 100 Designers” in 2011, 2012, and 2014 for their excellence in custom residential architecture.