Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Historic & Sustainable Architecture Services in Baltimore & Washington DC
Encore Sustainable Architects has dedicated over five decades to advancing architectural excellence through historic preservation and sustainable design. Our team of registered architects, preservationists, and LEED Accredited Professionals combines deep technical expertise with a passion for revitalizing historic structures while meeting modern sustainability standards. We specialize in navigating complex regulatory requirements for historic tax credits and green certifications, ensuring projects align with both preservation guidelines and environmental goals.Our holistic approach spans feasibility studies, schematic design, construction documentation, and administration, serving clients in the Baltimore-Washington DC corridor and Mid-Atlantic region. With a proven track record in adaptive reuse and government approvals, we deliver tailored solutions that balance historical integrity with innovative design. Our leadership in industry organizations and commitment to community service underscore our dedication to advancing the field while maintaining client-centric values of transparency and reliability.
Services
Historic Restoration
Sustainable Design
Adaptive Reuse
Government Approvals
Construction Administration
Preservation Documentation
Energy Modeling
Tax Credit Applications
Building Condition Assessments
3D Design Visualization
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in historic preservation and sustainable architecture.
- Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and registered architects with specialized certifications.
- We streamline complex regulatory processes for historic tax credits and sustainability certifications.
- Our holistic design approach balances historical integrity with modern functionality.
- We maintain active leadership roles in regional preservation and sustainability organizations.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Visionary team
Exceeded expectations
Deep expertise
Timely communication
Preservation specialists
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized preservation services for historic buildings, including National Register nominations, tax credit applications, and adherence to Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Our team conducts building condition assessments, develops preservation treatment plans, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. We maintain historical accuracy while integrating modern functionality through adaptive reuse strategies.
Sustainable Design
LEED-certified design solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining architectural integrity. Services include energy modeling, material selection analysis, and integration of renewable energy systems. Our approach prioritizes resource efficiency and long-term sustainability in both new construction and historic building renovations, meeting modern environmental standards without compromising historical value.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming existing structures into functional modern spaces while preserving historical elements. We specialize in converting historic buildings for contemporary uses such as retail, residential, and institutional purposes. Our process includes feasibility studies, code compliance assessments, and creative design solutions that maintain architectural heritage while meeting current operational needs.
Government Approvals
Navigating complex approval processes for historic tax credits, zoning variances, and sustainability certifications. Our team prepares documentation for Section 106 reviews, Determination of Eligibility forms, and LEED submissions. We coordinate with agencies like SHPO and NPS to ensure projects meet all regulatory requirements while maintaining design integrity.
Construction Administration
Comprehensive construction management services from bidding to project completion. We monitor schedules, review contractor submittals, and ensure quality control during historic renovations and new builds. Our team provides on-site expertise to address challenges while maintaining compliance with design specifications and preservation standards.
People
W. Ward Bucher III
Principal Architect
With over 50 years of experience, Ward Bucher is a registered architect in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He holds AIA and APT certifications and has led preservation projects for National Historic Landmarks. Author of 'The Dictionary of Building Preservation,' he specializes in adaptive reuse and sustainable design.
Joseph Wojciechowski
Architect
Appointed to the Bel Air Historic Preservation Commission, Joe brings expertise in historic building codes and regulatory compliance. He contributes to projects requiring Section 106 reviews and LEED certification coordination, ensuring both historical accuracy and modern sustainability standards.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We specialize in projects across Maryland, Washington DC, and the broader Mid-Atlantic region, with experience in both urban and rural historic contexts.
Can you help with historic tax credit applications?
Yes, our team has extensive experience preparing documentation for federal and state historic tax credit programs, including compliance with Secretary of the Interior standards.
How do you balance preservation with sustainability?
We integrate LEED-certified practices with historic preservation techniques, using energy modeling and material analysis to maintain architectural integrity while improving efficiency.
What building types do you specialize in?
We work with commercial, institutional, residential, and cultural heritage buildings, including National Historic Landmarks and properties listed on state inventories.
How do you handle regulatory approvals?
We manage Section 106 reviews, Determination of Eligibility forms, and coordination with SHPO/NPS to streamline the approval process for historic and sustainable projects.
