Find a Architectural Professional in Washington, D.C.

As a member of the Valley Vista Condominium Unit Owners’ Association Board since 2021, including serving as President and Treasurer, and a member of our Roof Committee since 2018, I am pleased to share my views about our very professional experience in working with DBMC. DBMC has provided our condo unit owners’ organization with exceptional service since May 2017 in designing and managing two large infrastructure projects in our nearly 100-year old building in Kalorama Heights overlooking Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. After the successful completion of these complicated projects—a 24,000 square foot roof replacement and a laundry ventilation system—last year we again engaged DBMC to design and manage the construction of a loading dock in our alley. Both the age of our building and its location in a historic district overlooking federal property introduced a steady stream of surprises which translated into technical and design challenges. The roof project involved extensive consultation and site visits from the US Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the DC Historic Preservation Office (HPO) and the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission. DBMC expertly crafted a design that ensured structural integrity and function while meeting the strict design and aesthetics of these organizations. From the outset, DBMC demonstrated impressive professionalism and enormous patience as the process moved from concept to completion. Through close coordination with the Board and periodic presentations, DBMC gained the confidence of the residents of our 165 unit building. Throughout the process, DBMC consulted with the Board and our owner’s representative to identify and help us vet a wide range of service providers including structural engineers and construction firms. This strong connection with our community was critical as we navigated through the supply chain delays and price fluctuations during covid. We were pleased when the project was completed in several months ahead of schedule. A second year-long project (2023-2024) was to retrofit a ventilation system in our laundry room which houses 15 washers and 15 dryers. After learning that our facility did not meet current code, we turned to DBMC who crafted complex designs for exhaust pipes to pass through the boiler room to the exterior. Once again, DBMC helped secure approvals from the CFA and DC HPO. There was little downtime in the use of our laundry facilities while the project was underway. We are now mid-point in the loading dock project which requires three variances from the DC Government. The original loading dock built circa 1926 was intended for an era with small cars and small trucks to transport fewer worldly possessions. DBMC has skillfully drafted and redrafted designs in response to comments from the DC Government’s Bureau of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). We are pleased that DBMC has secured a spot on the BZA public hearing agenda meeting in early 2026. I wholeheartedly recommend DBMC and would be happy to answer any questions. Margaret Keshishian Owner, Valley Vista Condominium

The project was a cutting edge modern design. The design process was exciting, educational, and very enjoyable. The result went beyond our wildest expectations.

OPal not only builds beautiful homes that are thoughtfully designed and constructed, but they operate with unprecedented professionalism and pride in their craftsmanship. They take the time to review the details and systems within their homes so that the owner fully understands how to best take care of their investment for years to come. They empower owners to not just love their new home, but to understand how it works and why it was built with the consideration it was and what that means for the long term. We didn't buy just a beautiful, well proportioned home, we invested in a home that was built with efficiency and technological advancement as the foundation with a special focus on the details and consideration to the material selections. Our experience has been the BEST, and coming from an interior designer who has worked in the industry for 8 years, I didn't know I could be "wowed" on the subject I study daily.

Update: (31Aug2014), We had a problem with one of our cabinet doors and Courthouse Kitchen and Baths was very quick in coming out and taking care of it. Based on the great long-term customer service I am upgrading my rating to 5 stars. We have also recommended them to several friends who have followed through with using them as well.We came to Jim with a general idea of what we wanted to do and he helped us plan-out the design, choose cabinets, and prepare plans for our general contractor to use. The overall experience was very positive and Jim did a fantastic job with taking into account even the smallest details, such as door openings that might interfere with countertops, and measurements that, once we got into construction, were accurate to within 1/4"- very impressive.We looked at many places around Arlington and Northern VA before deciding on Courthouse Kitchens. They are highly recommended.

My wife and I had two great meetings with Seth Ballard regarding a potential remodel or teardown in North Arlington. Seth is knowledgeable, creative, and energetic. His knowledge and confidence about what was possible, especially in terms of permits and variances on a very small lot, took a lot of anxiety out of the process. He gave us great initial floor plan sketches and cost outlines. Our plans ultimately took a different turn, but I had full confidence in Seth to create a great result.