Heffner Architects was founded in 1989 and has become a regional leader in residential architecture. The firm's mission is to include exceptional design with community engagement, responsiveness to clients, collaboration with industry professionals, and respect towards the natural environment. For over three decades we have developed a reputation in the industry as one of the premier wood frame design firms in the DC Metro area balancing award-winning designs with clients' needs.

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Originally founded by James C. Heffner, III, Heffner Architects is currently led by long-time employees Christopher Sansone and Nicholas Gueterman. Chris and Nick strive to maintain the firm's reputation in the industry and to grow our relationships with developers and other industry partners. Constantly exploring new technologies and materials available to the industry while focusing on client service has allowed us to stand out from our peers. Exceptional responsiveness to clients and contractors is the core of our workflow.

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Our expertise extends throughout the entire design of a project, from site planning and conceptual layouts to construction drawings and contract administration. We look forward to the design challenges and problem solving that are needed for projects of any scale, from single-family residential projects to master plan communities. We have diverse experience, including all types of residential developments, master planning, mixed-use, retail, retirement communities, commercial, and office-to-residential conversions.

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Our approach is grounded in communication. Beginning as a dialogue between Client and Designer, Heffner takes a lead-by-listening approach to design. We see the start of a project as the start of a conversation, building trust through communication to create an environment of collaboration between the Client and the Design Team. We work with contractors throughout the process as a unified team for the benefit of our clients and to propose achievable designs. With the problem immediately identified, we can set about finding the appropriate design solutions to meet the project's needs.

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Heffner Architects is based in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, but can work along the east coast from Georgia to Massachusetts, and out west to Oklahoma. We maintain relationships with our development partners and pride ourselves in the relationships we have cultivated throughout our history.