Lawlor Architects

Lawlor Architects is a residential architecture firm in Washington, DC, specializing in full-service design for single-family homes. Based at 120 4th St SE in the city’s Capitol Hill historic district, the firm serves individuals and families seeking thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable residential design. Their approach integrates clean-lined aesthetics with comprehensive planning, covering everything from schematic design to construction completion. They focus on tailoring homes to their owners’ unique needs, budgets, and sites, emphasizing collaboration throughout every phase of a project. Their work is concentrated in the Washington, DC region, with many completed projects featured in their portfolio and recognized through local and national awards.

Established in 2003, Lawlor Architects operates as a small, purposefully intimate firm, ensuring that each project receives individual attention from principal architect Stephen Lawlor and the project team from initial consultation to final punch list. This consistent, engaged process fosters a unified design language across every home they create. The firm values a collaborative and enjoyable design journey, helping clients navigate decisions on materials, building systems, and cost with confidence. Stephen Lawlor, AIA, brings a background in architecture and urban studies from Hobart College and the University of Maryland, with prior experience in New York City and a deep commitment to residential design rooted in both modern and classic expression.

The firm’s emphasis on personalized attention, sustained design integrity, and client-centered collaboration distinguishes it within Washington, DC’s architectural landscape. Their work reflects a dedication to creating homes that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply aligned with the lives of those who inhabit them.