Business Details
Award-Winning Annapolis Architects for Custom Home Design
Hansen Architects is a boutique architecture firm with over 30 years of experience specializing in residential, waterfront, and LEED-certified green architecture across Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region. Our firm has designed over 250 distinctive homes, including cottages, estates, and family compounds, while maintaining a focus on quality over quantity through limited regional projects. We have earned 14 American Institute of Architects awards and numerous other accolades, with our work featured in national publications like the Wall Street Journal and HGTV. Our approach combines artistic vision with technical expertise, led by Marta Hansen, AIA, who personally oversees architectural decisions for each project. We excel in navigating complex regulatory environments, including Annapolis Historic District requirements and Sherwood Forest community standards.Our portfolio demonstrates mastery in maximizing buildable potential on challenging sites such as flood plains and steep slopes. Clients benefit from our integrated approach to natural daylighting, interior design, and landscape architecture that creates cohesive living environments. We maintain transparency throughout the design process, helping clients understand budgetary constraints and permitting frameworks to achieve optimal investment outcomes. Our 300+ completed projects reflect a commitment to timeless designs that enhance daily quality of life without additional cost compared to formulaic approaches.
Services
Residential Design
Waterfront Architecture
LEED Certification
Historic Renovation
Modern Farmhouse Design
Commercial Architecture
Site Analysis
Permit Acquisition
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience designing 300+ award-winning residential and commercial buildings
- Our firm maintains direct involvement from lead architect Marta Hansen on every project
- We specialize in navigating complex regulatory environments for waterfront and historic properties
- Our integrated approach combines architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture
- We have successfully obtained permits for challenging sites including flood plains and steep slopes
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- American Institute of Architects
What people say
Award-winning designs
Expert regulatory navigation
Integrated approach
30+ years experience
Timeless architecture
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential designs tailored to site-specific challenges and client lifestyles. Our approach integrates architectural history, structural engineering, and artistic visualization to produce functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Clients benefit from our 30 years of experience in designing over 250 distinctive homes across the Chesapeake Bay region.
Waterfront Architecture
Our firm specializes in maximizing waterfront potential while addressing regulatory and environmental challenges. We've successfully completed projects in flood plains and other sensitive coastal areas, balancing aesthetic appeal with structural resilience. Our designs incorporate natural elements to create seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences.
LEED Certification
We implement sustainable design principles to achieve LEED certification for environmentally conscious projects. Our approach combines energy efficiency with aesthetic design, ensuring eco-friendly buildings maintain architectural integrity. Clients receive expert guidance through the certification process while achieving cost-effective, sustainable solutions.
Historic Renovation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage while modernizing structures for contemporary living. Our expertise includes navigating Annapolis Historic District requirements and Sherwood Forest community standards. Projects maintain historical authenticity through careful material selection and period-appropriate design elements.
Permit Acquisition
We navigate complex permitting processes for challenging sites including steep slopes and urban parcels. Our proven track record includes securing variances for waterfront properties and historic buildings. Clients benefit from our established relationships with local review boards and regulatory agencies.
People
Marta Hansen
Principal Architect
30+ year architecture veteran with 14 AIA awards, combining fine arts background from William and Mary with Rice University architecture training. Specializes in integrated design solutions for challenging sites.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential design, modern farmhouse, pavilion style, and historic renovation projects along the Chesapeake Bay region.
How do you handle complex building sites?
Our team has successfully maximized buildable potential on flood plains, steep slopes, and regulated waterfront properties through innovative design solutions.
Can you assist with historic preservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience working within Annapolis Historic District guidelines and Sherwood Forest community standards for heritage preservation.
What is your approach to sustainable design?
We incorporate LEED-certified practices and natural daylighting techniques to create environmentally responsible buildings without compromising aesthetic quality.
How are architectural decisions handled?
Principal architect Marta Hansen personally oversees all design decisions for each project to maintain consistent quality and vision.
Do you work on commercial projects?
While primarily residential, we also handle commercial architecture projects that align with our design philosophy and expertise.
