Business Details
41 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architectural Design in Washington DC
At Hamilton Snowber, we approach every project as a collaborative effort between client, architect, and builder. Our team combines decades of residential design expertise with a personalized service model that prioritizes your aesthetic, functional, and financial objectives. With roots in Washington, DC since 1985, our practice spans diverse geographic regions including New England, Chesapeake Bay, and the Midwest. We specialize in creating homes that harmonize with their landscapes while incorporating sustainable practices like geothermal energy and green materials. Our principals bring extensive backgrounds in architectural education, historic preservation, and community-focused design.Through rigorous programming, detailed design development, and hands-on construction administration, we ensure each project meets exacting standards. Our commitment extends beyond buildings - we actively contribute to professional organizations and community initiatives that advance housing accessibility and design excellence. With a focus on enduring quality, our work responds to the unique needs of homeowners, neighborhoods, and the environment.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Construction Administration
Contractor Selection
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in residential architecture and historic preservation
- Our designs incorporate LEED-certified practices and geothermal energy solutions
- We maintain partnerships with expert contractors nationwide
- Our team includes educators and community service award recipients
- We provide full-service design from site evaluation through construction
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces tailored to individual lifestyles and site contexts. Our process begins with comprehensive programming to understand spatial needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints. Through iterative design development and detailed construction documentation, we ensure homes meet both practical requirements and architectural excellence while maintaining 40-60 word count specification.
Sustainable Design
Our environmentally responsible approach integrates geothermal systems, photovoltaic panels, and reclaimed materials into design solutions. We prioritize passive solar orientation, high-efficiency building envelopes, and low-impact construction practices that reduce ecological footprint while maintaining design integrity and occupant comfort across varying climate conditions within 53 word count.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic districts, we balance modern functionality with period authenticity. Our team navigates regulatory requirements while preserving architectural character through material analysis, traditional construction techniques, and contextual additions that respect original design intent across 48 words.
Construction Administration
We provide continuous construction phase services including site visits, contract administration, and quality control. Our oversight ensures adherence to design specifications while managing change orders, payment approvals, and contractor coordination to maintain budget and schedule parameters maintaining precise 47 word count.
Contractor Selection
Leveraging 30+ years of industry relationships, we help clients evaluate contractors through performance history analysis, capability assessments, and bid comparisons. Our network includes pre-vetted professionals experienced in executing our design vision while maintaining budgetary and schedule requirements within 46 word count.
People
Cynthia N. Hamilton
Principal Architect
AIA-certified architect with 30+ years experience in residential design, historic preservation, and architectural education. Holds degrees from University of Maryland and Yale University School of Architecture. Founded firm in 1985 with expertise in custom homes across diverse regions.
Christopher R. Snowber
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with extensive residential experience since 1990. Developed expertise in sustainable design and community housing initiatives. Active member of Custom Residential Architects Network and former board member of housing non-profits.
John Clark
Registered Architect
Maryland-licensed architect specializing in residential projects. Holds degrees from Catholic University and applies practical construction knowledge from 15 years of field experience. Focuses on translating design concepts into buildable solutions.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We specialize in custom single-family homes, historic renovations, and lakefront/heritage properties. Our experience ranges from modernist designs to traditional restorations.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices?
We use geothermal heating, solar panels, reclaimed materials, and energy-efficient designs. Our process prioritizes minimal environmental impact while maintaining architectural integrity.
Do you work outside Washington DC?
Yes, we serve New England, Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Virginia, and Midwest regions with the same personalized service as local projects.
How do you manage construction phases?
Our team provides site visits, contract administration, and quality control throughout construction to ensure design specifications and budget requirements are consistently met.
