Meta All Microsites Pixel

The Best Design Build Firms in Washington, DC

10 Min Read

Washington, DC, is one of the largest cities in the United States. It has the feel of a small town while also being cosmopolitan and educated. The unique skyline of the city is made up of international offices, a huge population, and a wide range of food cultures, all of which keep residents and visitors busy exploring every inch of it. Washington is a great place to settle down for single people, couples, families, foodies, sports fans, and young workers with goals.

Choosing the right contractor is a key part of a design-build project. This article lists eight of the best design-build firms in Washington, DC. These impressive firms were evaluated based on their skills, experience, expertise, and exceptional portfolios. 


WINN Design+Build

6723 Whittier Ave, McLean, VA 22101

WINN Design + Build is a full-service design-build firm that serves Washington and its nearby areas with residential projects. Since its inception in 1996, the firm has earned an impressive portfolio with diverse projects that range from whole-house renovations, additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and custom homes. The firm offers a one-stop solution for its clients, meticulously handling every project from conceptualization to delivery and aftersales. Its team of builders, designers, production managers, and tradespeople offer the right skills, knowledge, and experience to understand each client’s vision and turn it into a reality. The firm delivers high-quality craftsmanship, creative techniques, and cost-efficient solutions to create customized, well-planned projects that offer the best value possible. 

This Greenway Downs colonial home got a small, one-story addition that made room for a bigger kitchen and a new main bedroom suite. The new addition was seamlessly integrated into the home’s original design. Its blue cabinetry and white backsplash add a modern touch to the transitional design, with large windows bringing in natural light and breeze. 


Sun Design Remodeling

6862 Elm St, Ste 330, McLean, VA 22101

Since its inception in 1988, Sun Design Remodeling has delivered exceptional projects and extensive services for clients across Washington and its nearby areas. The firm earned its well-deserved reputation as a reliable and trustworthy firm by consistently delivering high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. It takes the time to communicate closely with its clients to get a good understanding of their vision and create designs that reflect their needs and goals. As an architectural design-build remodeler, the firm has established an impressive portfolio and solid track record that showcases its ability to exceed expectations. Its team of experts creates homes that fit each client’s lifestyle and personality lifestyle. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to ensure a smooth and seamless project delivery and an enjoyable experience. 

In this featured project, the clients wanted more space to meet their new needs. Sun Design Remodeling added a main suite addition, a large walk-in closet, and a primary bathroom. The new plan of the kitchen is open, taking advantage of the space. It is both visually pleasing and functional, becoming the center of most daily activities. 


Kohlmark Builders

5206 B Rolling Rd, Burke, VA 22015

Since its inception in 1963, the name Kohler has been linked to great design and high-quality work. Mark Kohler founded Kohlmark Builders with the goal of serving clients across Washington with exceptional and high-quality projects. With 60 years in the industry, the firm has continuously grown and expanded its services to meet its clients’ changing needs. It remains committed to its core values of quality, honesty, customer service, and the environment. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm’s integrated and personalized approach allows it to communicate and collaborate closely with its clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners to produce quality results. Its single-source solution ensures that the transition from design to building is smooth, accurate pricing is made from day one, and the whole design/build process is streamlined. 

Photography: Greg Hadley

This featured home has had a lot of additions over the years. The firm was tasked to renovate the space to meet its client’s needs. The first step of the change was a facelift for the outside, which included a new standing seam metal roof, siding, and trimming. The inside was torn down to the studs and rebuilt from scratch to look like an open house. A media room, new beds, a laundry room, porches, decks, and a crow’s nest are all made possible by the additions. 


Commonwealth Home Design

208-A Dominion Rd. NE, Vienna, VA 22180

Commonwealth Home Design has been in the industry since 1986, offering a single-source solution for its clients by combining different types of knowledge in-house. This strategy allows the firm tight control over schedules and processes, ensuring a smooth and seamless project delivery. Whether it is a simple kitchen remodel or a full-scale custom home, the firm focuses on communication and collaboration to work closely with its clients and help them make sound decisions for their space. Its personalized and hands-on approach allows it to keep a close eye on every detail and deal with any problem quickly and effectively during the planning and building process. The firm’s in-house team has included experts in designing kitchens and bathrooms for decades. Over the years, the firm has earned an impressive portfolio of kitchen and bathroom design, built-ins, fireplace design, and interior design that showcases its ability to deliver successful results with the best value possible. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is a whole-home renovation project in Northern Virginia. It includes a 1960s single-story rambler tract home’s kitchen, which features a unique mix of classic and contemporary design elements. The project was highlighted in Arlington Magazine and won the 2019 CotY Grand Award Winner for an Entire House under $250,000.


Jordan Design-Build Group

10856 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030

Jordan Design-Build Group (JDBG) is a full-service residential design-build construction firm. Since its inception in 2009, the firm has helped countless clients across Washington and its nearby areas with a lot of home improvements, like remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, building out basements, and adding on to homes. It has a team of skilled professionals who deliver exceptional designs that offer the best value for its clients. The firm’s integrated and personalized approach allows it to create unique designs and take care of every project detail, from the first design ideas to the end of the building. It utilizes the “JDBG” method, which aims to simplify the process, ensuring communication and collaboration, handling everything and reducing the need for various point persons. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm offers the capabilities of a big, experienced company while maintaining the hands-on management of a small one. 

The clients purchased their Chevy Chase DC home because of its size, location, and incredible potential. Built-in 1936, the brick Colonial was expanded by the previous owners in 1995, but the rest of the home remained largely untouched. The original first-floor layout could have been smoother, and the spaces were disconnected, dated, and dysfunctional. JDBG completely transformed this home to reflect the client’s eclectic style and functional needs. 


The Alexander Group

6106 Harvard Ave. #427, Glen Echo, MD 20812

The Alexander Group is a general construction firm that offers general contracting, design-build, and construction management in Washington and its nearby areas. Since its inception in 1985, the firm has believed that the wants of each homeowner are as different and unique as the homes they live in. Every project has its problems, and the firm’s team of experts is dedicated to listening to its customers to come up with a solution that fits their needs. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm takes the time to understand each client’s needs and transform them into a reality. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to pay close attention to every detail and stick to high standards of quality and expertise during every step of the building process.

This stunning kitchen remodel is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features a transitional design with a unique mix of classic and modern elements that give it a warm and welcoming feel. The unique L-shaped layout maximizes the available space, creating a functional layout with lots of workspace and storage. It features large windows that bring in sunlight. 


Boss Design Center

7220 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, VA, 20814

Boss Design Center has helped many clients with their unique design and construction needs. From kitchen remodels, basement finishing, bathroom remodels, or room additions, the firm has earned an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver exceptional projects. Its hands-on approach, combined with its streamlined processes and tried-and-true methodologies, allow it to deliver exceptional projects that guarantee satisfaction and exceed expectations. The firm offers a single-source solution that allows it to handle every part of the project, from the drawing board to the finished product. It utilizes high-quality craftsmanship, creative solutions, and cost-efficient practices that ensure the best value for its clients’ hard-earned investment. Over the years, the firm has earned a long list of satisfied clients who testify to its quality and professionalism.

This stunning kitchen remodel is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features white cabinetry paired with light hardwood floors, giving it a warm and elegant look. The kitchen island is placed at the center to create a functional layout. Its unique gold hardware adds visual interest to the overall design. 


Karma Construction Group

201 Ritchie Rd. Bld. D, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Karma Construction Group is a small construction company that is based in Washington, DC. Since its inception in 2012, the firm has always prioritized its clients’ needs and goals. It is committed to offering the best value for various home remodeling projects. The firm’s team of experts works hard on every job to ensure each client is happy and satisfied with the results. Its full-service construction allows it to do everything from the beginning to the end, ensuring smooth processes and enjoyable experiences. The firm’s impressive portfolio and solid track record serve as a testament to its ability to deliver high-quality projects consistently. It has earned a long list of clients through its quality and professionalism. 

This whole-condo renovation project is a perfect example of the firm’s portfolio. It features a rustic design, with natural elements and earthy tones throughout the space. The large windows seamlessly connect the indoors and outdoors, taking advantage of the stunning views.