Every successful project is built on a foundation of strong collaboration. Throughout the Washington, DC metro area—including Northern Virginia and Maryland—we’ve developed close working relationships with structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers whose expertise we trust. These consultants are brought into our projects as needed, allowing us to seamlessly integrate technical systems into the architecture from the earliest phases of design.

By working with professionals who understand our process and share our standards, we’re able to uphold the quality, efficiency, and attention to detail that our clients expect across the region.

Seth Ballard’s experience in construction began at age 14, and that hands-on background continues to shape how we manage projects throughout the DC area. We’ve built strong relationships with local contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and vendors—teams that appreciate our commitment to communication, planning, and execution.

While many residential contractors in the DC metro area are excellent builders, we often step in to provide critical support with coordination, product selections, and schedule management. For clients who want added peace of mind during construction, this service is invaluable.

All projects are built by Class A licensed general contractors, and we remain actively involved to help protect your investment and ensure a successful outcome.

In a region as environmentally aware as the DC metro area, sustainable design is more important than ever. At Ballard + Mensua, we’ve long embraced green building practices—from passive solar design to minimizing material waste.

We stay informed on the latest green technologies and advise clients on energy-efficient materials and systems suitable for homes in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. When appropriate, we collaborate with local solar consultants, mechanical engineers, and geothermal experts to implement advanced solutions.

We also work with clients pursuing LEED, Energy Star, or the Green Building Program of the National Association of Home Builders—helping them reach their sustainability goals without compromising design or comfort.

Much like Frank Lloyd Wright, we believe that architecture, interiors, and landscaping should be conceived as a unified whole. Across our DC-area residential projects, we design kitchens, bathrooms, millwork, railings, and lighting layouts with the overall home in mind.

We collaborate with top kitchen and bath showrooms in the region and partner with in-house designers to bring your vision to life. Though we don’t select furniture or décor, we often help clients refine their interior expression within a well-structured design framework.

We apply the same holistic approach outdoors—designing patios, walkways, pergolas, and ponds, and planning the placement of trees and planter beds. For detailed planting design, we refer to trusted local landscape specialists.

Many of our clients in the DC area want to plan renovations or additions over time. Our master planning service creates a long-term vision for your home, divided into carefully phased, budget-conscious stages.

Whether you’re considering multiple renovations in Northwest DC, a whole-home upgrade in Arlington, or a staged addition in Bethesda, we help you plan wisely from the start. Each phase is designed to fit seamlessly into the next—so your investment today supports your future plans.

In the tight, character-rich neighborhoods of the DC metro area, making the most of limited space is essential. We specialize in intelligent space planning that enhances function without necessarily adding square footage.

From historic townhomes on Capitol Hill to older homes in Chevy Chase, we’ve helped clients rethink layout, improve flow, and solve long-standing spatial challenges. A small move—like removing a wall or extending a room by two feet—can yield a significant improvement in livability.

Our approach is about precision and purpose—designing smarter, not bigger.

We provide complete architectural services throughout the DC region—from design development through permit-ready drawings and construction oversight. Our understanding of local codes and zoning in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia helps streamline the approval process and keep your project on track.

We also assist with contractor selection, bid review, and remain actively engaged during construction to ensure quality and consistency. Your general contractor leads the build, but we act as your advocate and your eyes on-site, helping deliver a result that matches the design intent and meets your expectations.

To learn more about how a typical residential project unfolds, visit [Our Process].

For homebuyers in the fast-moving DC real estate market, timing and insight are everything. We offer pre-purchase design consulting for clients considering homes with renovation potential. Whether it’s a fixer-upper in Silver Spring or a classic row home in Georgetown, we help you understand a property’s possibilities—and its limitations—before you buy.

We assess layout options, zoning constraints, and likely construction costs to support your decision-making. This service is available on short notice to align with real estate deadlines, and can help you avoid costly surprises or missed opportunities.