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New Home Design

We build custom homes that balance architectural integrity, modern function, and lasting value.

When remodeling isn’t the right solution, building a new home can offer the freedom to design exactly what you want from the ground up. As an architect-owned design-build firm, Commonwealth Home Design guides you through every step — from the first sketches to the final walk-through — with a proven process that eliminates miscommunication, keeps budgets on track, and delivers lasting results.

Why Design a Custom Home

    • Personalized layouts that reflect your lifestyle
    • Architectural detail that gives your home character and curb appeal
    • Energy-conscious planning that reduces costs over time
    • Lasting value with a home built to grow with you

Residential Architecture Design in Northern Virginia

For nearly 40 years, we’ve designed and built custom homes for families across Vienna, Oakton, McLean, Arlington, Falls Church, Great Falls, and Reston. Our roots are in Vienna, but our work extends across Northern Virginia neighborhoods where homeowners value thoughtful design and lasting quality.

Why Homeowners Trust Commonwealth

New custom home design and construction requires careful planning and precision. Commonwealth Home Design not only offers the expertise to impress, but the experience to deliver.

  • Architect-owned firm with design and construction under one roof
  • Nearly 40 years experience building in Northern Virginia neighborhoods, with a deep understanding of local permitting, zoning, and building codes
  • A reputation built on referrals, repeat clients, and homes that stand the test of time

Your New Home Design Questions, Answered

How long does it take to design and build a custom home?

Building a new custom home typically takes 12–18 months from initial planning to move-in, but the exact timeline depends on design complexity, permitting requirements, materials availability, and construction schedules. We’ll outline a realistic timeline based on your exact project scope before work begins so you know what to expect.

How much does a custom home cost?

Costs depend on factors such as size, finishes, and site conditions. Following an initial consultation, we’ll provide a tailored estimate that accurately reflects the unique scope of your project.

Do you manage everything in my custom home build project?

Yes. From zoning and permitting to design and daily construction oversight, our integrated team handles each step so you don’t have to coordinate between multiple firms.

Our 3-Phase Design-Build Process

Initial Design

We start by listening to your vision, evaluating site conditions, and identifying zoning, easement, or environmental factors. Early sketches and renderings help shape design concepts and establish ballpark costs. Revisions are made until your needs, budget, and design priorities align.

Design Development

Once the direction is set, we refine the details. Our team of architects, designers, and long-standing subcontractors reviews plans and addresses potential challenges early. Kitchen and bath designers work with you on interiors, and structural engineering or zoning concerns are resolved. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a final design, complete documentation, and a confirmed project cost.

Construction

Permits are secured, specialty materials are ordered, and your project manager holds a pre-construction meeting to align everyone on-site. Construction progresses according to schedule, with daily oversight to maintain quality. Before move-in, you’ll complete a walk-through to confirm every detail.

Our commitment doesn’t end when construction does.

We return after one year for a complimentary tune-up, addressing any adjustments needed as your home settles.

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Love what you see?

“

Kelvin, Susan, Dave, Vicki, everyone at Commonwealth, including our project manager Daniel, were fantastic to work with. Patient, guiding, experts in what they do. Incredibly transparent, helpful, kind, and savvy. Will work with them for any future projects we made elect to do!

Lacey Meenaghan
“

Commonwealth did a great job on a major renovations for us. They did an addition for us which increased the size of our house by over 50%. When we were considering doing the work, we talked with several contractors. We went with them initially for a few reasons: they are owned by a married couple where one is an architect and the other is an engineer, so we knew that neither would get short shrift on our project. But also, they were the only ones who came in with a vision to meet our goals after listening to what we wanted. Everyone on their staff was helpful, and knowledgeable. The final product looks great, and is exactly what we hoped for.

Josh Krupnick
“

We had the pleasure of working with Commonwealth Home Design on an extensive renovation of our entire house. We are thrilled with the outcome and recommend them highly and without reservation.

Nell Williams
“

My husband and I have never found a contractor better than Commonwealth...and we should know. Over the 25 years since Commonwealth put a major addition on our house in Herndon, VA, we have worked with at least 10 contractors in 4 different states. None could beat Kelvin and Susan, and most couldn't even come close. We wish we could have convinced them to move with us every time we needed to do a home renovation or construction project.

Ann W.

LIVE THE DIFFERENCE!

AWARD-WINNING HOME REMODELING DESIGN & SERVICE

Expertise.com Best Architects in Fairfax 2023
Northern Virginia Magazine Best Home Experts 2020
NARI CotY 2019 Awards
Home Builder Digest 2018 Best Residential General and Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Washington D.C.

PROFESSIONAL HOME REMODELING AFFILIATIONS

Qualified Remodeler
remodeling
pro remodeler professional remodeler
AIA American Institute of Architects

Thinking About Designing a New Home?

Take a look at Are Open Floor Plans Still Popular in Home Design to get inspired by layouts that combine openness, functionality, and timeless appeal.

Schedule a Consultation

Serving These Communities in Northern Virginia

Commonwealth Home Design serves homeowners throughout Northern Virginia from our office in Vienna, VA. Every neighborhood has its own character and mix of home styles, and we bring the same thoughtful design and craftsmanship to each project. Explore our service areas:

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