Founded in 2005, Ballard + Mensua is a full service architecture firm with a specialty in truly unique and custom homes and renovations. We help our clients with projects of all sizes, whether helping a young family with a master plan to build in phases as they can afford, or designing dream homes to retire to on the water or in the mountains.
Our unique cost study process helps to offer the advantages of design build, with the checks and balances of independent architect and builder. While many architects do not understand construction well, or interiors well, we believe in a fully integrated project management approach and specialize in interior design and construction management.
Our drawings are both client friendly, and contractor friendly. We detail drawings in a way that tells the contractors exactly what to build and our details work because we have built before. We value our contractor and vendor relationships as much as our client relationships. After Seth Ballard's 21 years of practice, these relationships allow us to build virtually anything, no matter how custom.
Our unique cost study process helps to offer the advantages of design build, with the checks and balances of independent architect and builder. While many architects do not understand construction well, or interiors well, we believe in a fully integrated project management approach and specialize in interior design and construction management.
Our drawings are both client friendly, and contractor friendly. We detail drawings in a way that tells the contractors exactly what to build and our details work because we have built before. We value our contractor and vendor relationships as much as our client relationships. After Seth Ballard's 21 years of practice, these relationships allow us to build virtually anything, no matter how custom.
Services
The most effectual Top Cat! Who's intellectual close friends get to call him T.C., providing it's with dignity. Top Cat! The indisputable leader of the gang. He's the boss, he's a pip, he's the championship. He's the most tip top, Top Cat. Ballard+Mensua has established relationships with structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers who consult on all Ballard+Mensua projects where required.
Reviews (8)
Taj M.
Oct 28, 2020
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I requested a quote via Yelp. Seth immediately emailed back providing a phone number to continue our conversation.
I called him and he immediately went to work with my request for building a conex box residence in DC.
Seth took his time with me and spoke with me like I was his only client. He asked all the right questions and went out of his way to explain the process in detail. He even researched the property while we were talking.
All in all, It looks like I won't be needing his services. However, if he treats his clients the same way he treated me (a complete stranger on the
I called him and he immediately went to work with my request for building a conex box residence in DC.
Seth took his time with me and spoke with me like I was his only client. He asked all the right questions and went out of his way to explain the process in detail. He even researched the property while we were talking.
All in all, It looks like I won't be needing his services. However, if he treats his clients the same way he treated me (a complete stranger on the
Jack Levy
May 06, 2019
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We just finished a spectacular custom home project in McLean, VA and we are so very grateful to Seth Ballard and his team! If you are considering hiring his firm, look no further. There can be no better architect in the DC/VA/MD area – and his pricing is more than fair.
We first picked Seth because we loved his architectural style and heard that he had a reputation for ensuring that his plans are executed with impeccable precision and attention to quality. Also, his references were stellar….without exception, his former clients offered glowing praise for his talent, diligence, and follow-through
We first picked Seth because we loved his architectural style and heard that he had a reputation for ensuring that his plans are executed with impeccable precision and attention to quality. Also, his references were stellar….without exception, his former clients offered glowing praise for his talent, diligence, and follow-through
Al D.
Dec 10, 2018
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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.
Erik G.
Dec 26, 2011
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I'm thinking that the first guy who posted here was working with a different architect. Our experience with Seth was excellent. He is beyond talented, and he was an excellent collaborator throughout. Seth understood our needs and worked with us to come up with a truly original design that worked with our budget. He recommended a great contractor -- a real craftsman who actively looked for ways to trim the budget and almost never charged us for a change order.
People walk and drive by our house all the time and make comments about how beautiful it is (we spend a huge amount of time on
People walk and drive by our house all the time and make comments about how beautiful it is (we spend a huge amount of time on
Eric S.
Dec 19, 2011
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We are currently working on our Third project with Ballard & Mensua. Seth really has great vision and design expertise. But the one thing I was surpised with was his understanding of construction. Honestly most architects do not know what it takes to actually implement their designs. We have had zero construction or design issues with Seth finished product.
Our first project was a remodel of a 1929 home in DC. We basically doubled the size of our home. Adding a full basement, first floor living room and eat-in area, second floor entire master (awesome!), and brand new third floor. The thing
Our first project was a remodel of a 1929 home in DC. We basically doubled the size of our home. Adding a full basement, first floor living room and eat-in area, second floor entire master (awesome!), and brand new third floor. The thing
Bob H.
Dec 19, 2011
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As we reflect on the prior year, we are enjoying our additions of extended family room and Master on the Main. Seth and Gerry Staley did an awesome job. We still so enjoy what they did with our home and have had numerous compliments on how the internal and external look as if they were there all along. The character and charm of this old 1904 Queen Anne was preserved thanks to the efforts, planning and strong execution by Seth and Gerry. We continue to recommend them to all our friends.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
Sharon S.
Dec 18, 2011
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I am new to yelping and thought I would start by writing a yelp review on this Architecture firm. I am into my third renovation project with Seth Ballard owner of Ballard & Mensua. .
The first project was a basement remodel of a older home this project included finishing an already existing space to add a laundry room , bedroom , bath and great room. We could not be more pleased with the wonderful new space added to the house.
The second project was a total home renovation meaning a gut from top to bottom, this particular property had major structural issues and water damage from previous
The first project was a basement remodel of a older home this project included finishing an already existing space to add a laundry room , bedroom , bath and great room. We could not be more pleased with the wonderful new space added to the house.
The second project was a total home renovation meaning a gut from top to bottom, this particular property had major structural issues and water damage from previous
Chuck S.
Oct 25, 2010
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Seth Ballard designed an addition and renovation to our home.
He made serious mistakes in his plans, including recommending a dual-zoned heating and air conditioning system, which is much too large for our home. This replacement system cost twice as much to install and costs more to operate than our old system, while providing a less comfortable environment. Since it is so oversized, it short cycles and does not properly remove the humidity.
He also set us up with a complete disaster of a general contractor. We accepted this arrangement thinking that Seth would ensure a quality job. Were
He made serious mistakes in his plans, including recommending a dual-zoned heating and air conditioning system, which is much too large for our home. This replacement system cost twice as much to install and costs more to operate than our old system, while providing a less comfortable environment. Since it is so oversized, it short cycles and does not properly remove the humidity.
He also set us up with a complete disaster of a general contractor. We accepted this arrangement thinking that Seth would ensure a quality job. Were
