"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.

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.

 

 

"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."

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.

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

"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.

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.

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

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."

“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).

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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