Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in Washington DC
Drakakis Architecture was founded in December 2009 with a vision to create meaningful spaces that harmonize with their environments. Our principals bring decades of combined experience from prestigious firms, specializing in residential, commercial, and institutional projects across historic and modern architectural styles. We approach each project with a fresh perspective, prioritizing client goals, site-specific nuances, and community impact. Our team's educational foundation includes degrees from the University of Virginia and University of Maryland, complemented by international study programs in Italy and Rome. We excel in transforming spaces through contextual additions, renovations, and new constructions while maintaining a commitment to innovative design and craftsmanship.Our work in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia demonstrates our ability to connect interior spaces with exterior environments through light-filled designs and custom fabrications. From small-scale commercial projects to whole-house renovations, we focus on creating functional, aesthetically cohesive spaces that reflect our clients' needs. Our expertise extends to unique projects like ancestral home renovations in Greece and specialized institutional work. We maintain strong relationships with engineering professionals and leverage our diverse experience to deliver tailored solutions. Our principals' additional ventures in artisan food products and product design further enrich our creative approach to architectural challenges.
Services
Residential Additions
Commercial Renovations
New Construction
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Custom Fabrications
Institutional Projects
Space Planning
Design Consultation
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years combined experience from principals with prestigious architectural firm backgrounds
- Our team holds advanced degrees from top architecture programs with international study experience
- We provide comprehensive services from conceptual design through construction completion
- Our work integrates contextual additions with historic preservation expertise
- We maintain strong engineering partnerships for complex project execution
Services
Residential Additions
We design seamless residential additions that enhance living spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Our approach prioritizes natural light integration and smooth transitions between existing and new spaces. With expertise in both modern and historic styles, we create functional extensions that complement original structures while meeting contemporary needs.
Commercial Renovations
Our commercial renovation services transform existing spaces into modern, functional environments for businesses. We specialize in updating historic commercial buildings while preserving their character. Our team focuses on creating inviting spaces for gathering while respecting community histories through thoughtful design solutions that balance aesthetics with practical business needs.
Interior Design
We create cohesive interior spaces that emphasize light-filled environments and seamless transitions between rooms. Our custom fabrication approach ensures unique solutions tailored to each client's lifestyle. From kitchen renovations to complete condominium makeovers, we integrate design elements that bring outdoor elements indoors while maintaining functional, beautiful living spaces.
New Construction
Our new construction services focus on creating structures that harmonize with their surroundings from the outset. We develop designs that optimize connections between interior spaces and exterior environments. With experience in both residential and institutional projects, we deliver modern solutions that incorporate sustainable design principles and innovative spatial planning for optimal functionality.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage while implementing necessary modernizations. Our approach maintains original character through careful material selection and traditional techniques while integrating contemporary amenities. From ancestral homes in Greece to local historic buildings, we balance preservation requirements with functional upgrades to extend the lifespan of significant structures.
People
Desire-Marie Escario Drakakis
Principal
Principal architect with 25+ years experience, previously at Muse Architects and Weinstein & Associates. Holds Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from University of Virginia and Maryland, with study abroad experience in Italy.
Kosta J. Drakakis
Principal
Principal architect with extensive experience at Shalom Baranes Associates and Hartman-Cox Architects. Holds dual architecture degrees from University of Maryland and specializes in product design alongside architectural practice.
Sophia J. Mantzouranis
Staff Architect
Experienced architect with prior engineering firm background in Dupont Circle. Has been with Drakakis Architecture since its founding, contributing technical expertise to complex projects requiring precise engineering solutions.
Questions
What architectural styles does Drakakis Architecture specialize in?
We work across historic and modern architectural styles, creating contextual designs that respect existing structures while incorporating contemporary elements.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we specialize in residential, commercial, and institutional projects with equal expertise in both sectors.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with select international projects like our Greek island renovations.
Can you manage projects from design through construction?
Yes, we provide full-service architectural solutions taking projects from initial concept through final construction completion.
Do you have experience with historic preservation projects?
Our team has extensive experience in historic renovations, maintaining original character while implementing modern updates.
What makes your firm's approach unique?
We combine formal architectural training with creative problem-solving, focusing on seamless indoor-outdoor connections and custom space solutions.
