Lawlor Architects

Lawlor Architects has earned a 4.9-star rating across 49 reviews in Washington DC, specializing in historic residential renovations in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. The firm, led by Steve Lawlor and Bonnie, guides homeowners through complex projects including rowhome renovations, basement conversions, and full home transformations. Their portfolio spans 19th-century townhouses and includes custom garage and carriage house builds.

What distinguishes Lawlor Architects is their hands-on approach to project management beyond typical architectural services. Reviewers consistently note that Steve and his team take an active role in sourcing and managing general contractors, a level of involvement that clients describe as exceptional. The firm navigates structural considerations, utility reconfigurations, and historic preservation requirements while maintaining clear communication and realistic expectation-setting throughout the process.

Ryan Moody, a trained architect and landscape architect, praised Steve for exceeding his high expectations during a Capitol Hill rowhome renovation in 2019. Jonas Stiklorius worked with Lawlor on converting an unfinished 1899 townhouse basement into usable space with radiant heat and significant structural upgrades, later returning for a backyard transformation including a garage/carriage house. Sprague Construction, a contractor, called their design and structural planning outstanding, noting easy-to-follow drawings and remarkable attention to detail.