Guidance for Every Home Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Doma A+D focuses on residential architecture, creating elegant custom homes and thoughtful renovations. Each project is designed with a balance of beauty and functionality, grounded in collaboration. Our work reflects timeless design that enhances daily living while honoring our clients’ unique vision. Read more about our studio here.
Historic renovations require both design sensitivity and a strong understanding of local review processes. An architect should be experienced in working within Washington’s historic districts, attentive to detail, and collaborative with consultants and contractors. Our background in historic residential work allows us to preserve architectural character while thoughtfully adapting homes for contemporary living.
We guide clients from first idea through final walk-through with clarity and care. Our process begins with listening, then develops through concept sketches, detailed drawings, and construction oversight. Each step is collaborative and transparent, making even complex architecture approachable, inspiring, and rewarding. Read more about our process here.
Yes, our practice is based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and we focus exclusively on projects in D.C. and Maryland. This allows us to bring deep knowledge of local regulations, historic context, and trusted builder relationships—ensuring every project is thoughtfully designed and seamlessly executed. Read more about our roots in the DC area here.
Planning a home addition begins with understanding your goals, budget, and the possibilities of your property. In Washington, D.C., zoning regulations and, in some cases, historic review play an important role in shaping what can be built. We guide clients through this early phase with clarity, helping define scope, assess feasibility, and establish a thoughtful direction before design begins.
Yes. Many of our projects are designed for families at different stages of life. We create homes that are elegant and enduring, yet practical for daily living — spaces that support gathering, quiet moments, growth, and change over time.
Thoughtful storage, durable materials, and carefully considered layouts allow each home to feel both beautiful and deeply livable.
Our process unfolds in clear phases. We begin with conversation and site evaluation, establishing goals, scope, and feasibility. From there, we develop schematic designs to explore layout and architectural direction.
Once a preferred concept is identified, we prepare preliminary cost estimates so the project budget can be clearly defined and aligned early in the process. This allows us to make thoughtful adjustments before moving forward.
After scope and budget are confirmed, we prepare detailed drawings and coordinate with consultants to secure permits.
During construction, we remain actively involved — visiting the site, collaborating with the contractor, and ensuring the design is carried through with care. Each step is structured, transparent, and collaborative.
Doma A+D is a new, up-and-coming practice grounded in decades of experience. After years working at leading Washington, D.C. firms, Katharine Scott established Doma A+D to offer a more personal, collaborative approach to residential architecture. As a newer firm, we bring fresh perspective, careful attention, and a high level of direct involvement from start to finish.

Our philosophy is simple: create spaces that feel timeless, functional, and deeply connected to the people who live in them. We believe architecture should support everyday life while bringing moments of beauty and joy. Each home we design is personal, elegant, and rooted in meaningful, lasting design. Read more about our studio here.
Working with a boutique practice means direct communication, continuity, and personal involvement. When you work with Doma A+D, you work closely with the principal, Katharine Scott, throughout the process — from first conversation through construction. Our size allows us to remain attentive, responsive, and deeply invested in each project.
We remain fully engaged throughout construction, serving as the client’s advocate from start to finish. This includes visiting the site, addressing challenges as they arise, and ensuring the design vision is upheld. Our presence provides clients with confidence that every detail is carefully overseen and executed. Read more about our process here.
Yes. We love working throughout Upper Northwest Washington — including AU Park, Chevy Chase, and Friendship Heights — as well as nearby neighborhoods such as Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Kalorama, and Georgetown.Our familiarity with local zoning, historic districts, and neighborhood context allows us to design homes that feel both thoughtful and well-rooted in their surroundings.
Yes. Many of our projects involve balancing contemporary updates with historic context. We approach these renovations with respect for original architecture while introducing modern elements that feel integrated rather than imposed. The goal is a home that feels cohesive, timeless, and liveable.
Most of our work comes through referrals, a reflection of the trust and relationships we build. Past clients and collaborators recommend us because they value our attention to detail, thoughtful guidance, and partnership. This word-of-mouth connection is the foundation of our boutique, collaborative practice.For more information, read what our clients have shared here.
In addition to referrals, we are often discovered by homeowners researching thoughtful residential architects in Washington, D.C., particularly those seeking a collaborative, emerging firm focused on elegant family homes.
A contemporary addition begins with understanding how you live and how your home can better support that life. In Washington, D.C., zoning regulations, lot coverage limits, and, in some neighborhoods, historic review all inform what is possible. We explore design solutions that feel intentional and cohesive — whether that means a subtle rear addition, a reconfigured interior, or a more modern architectural expression carefully integrated with the existing structure.
Our goal is always balance: thoughtful design that enhances both the home and its neighborhood context.
Examples of our residential renovations can be viewed in our Portfolio. Our work includes projects throughout Upper Northwest Washington, including AU Park, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Georgetown, Kalorama, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Each project reflects our approach to blending livability, architectural clarity, and thoughtful detail — whether working within historic homes or more contemporary settings.