Architecture Awards 2020

BUILD 2020 Architecture Awards 28 Ballard + Mensua, a full-service architecture firm based in Washington DC, has successfully established itself as a leader in custom homes and renovations. As founder Seth Ballard and his team celebrate victory at the BUILD Architecture Awards 2020, we took a closer look at the factors behind the success of this ambitious company. ifteen years after its formation, Ballard + Mensua has earned an esteemed reputation for high-quality custom residential projects. Founder Seth Ballard, who graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from Tulane University and now boasts 28 years of architectural practice, makes the core values of his company clear: “To truly tailor our designs to meet the dreams and goals of our clients”. By providing all design and project management services that a client may require, Ballard + Mensua allow their clients to build their dreams with ease. Specializing in turnkey project management and design for Custom Homes, Additions and Renovations, Interiors, Landscape Projects and Historic Preservation, their projects are by no means limited to the borders of Washington DC. Although focussed in the suburbs of DC, Ballard + Mensua have also undertaken projects in the mountains, valleys and beaches of surrounding states, and even further afield, with projects based in the UAE, Spain, Costa Rica and Panama. Regardless of the location or size of the project, the firm’s mission always remains at the center; promoting better design thinking and higher quality of craft and construction throughout the built world, in order to improve the lives of their clients by creating the best spaces for them and their families to live and grow old in. By supporting a broad network of artisans across the globe, the firm is able to create highly custom and artistic built forms, all while supporting craftspeople and vendors. In addition, Ballard + Mensua’s belief in the importance of understanding engineering, and their small but effective staff who are experienced in construction and engineering is blended with artistic design to create fail-safe and long-lasting designs. Having been built to be lower maintenance and with green materials, the higher quality of design that incorporates underlying values of Feng Shui, Vastu, Celtic Earth Spirit and even Native American design means that each of Ballard + Mensua’s enterprises are both sustainable and authentic. Client satisfaction is at the heart of Ballard + Mensua’s entire operation, setting them apart from their competition. From the very first meeting, Ballard and his team go above and beyond to ensure that the client’s desired taste and style is fully encapsulated in their project, by using tours as well as idea books on Houzz and Pinterest. The firm also makes a conscientious effort to provide detailed cost studies throughout the F Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Firm & Best Custom Home Design Washington D.C. Metro Area: Ultimate Carpenter’s Challenge Jul20639