Maryland Architects for Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Projects

Unified Studio Architect – Full‑Service Architecture Across the State

If you’re searching for an experienced architect in Maryland, a respected architect firm in Maryland, or local architecture service in Maryland, Unified Studio Architect delivers visionary design, practical execution, and full-code compliance. We specialize in architecture tailored to Maryland’s varied climate—from the Chesapeake shoreline to inner-harbor cities and rolling Piedmont landscapes.

From custom homes in Bethesda and storefront renovations in Baltimore to civic campuses in Annapolis, our team ensures your project meets aesthetic ambitions and rigorous local regulations.

We don’t just design—we manage zoning reviews, obtain building permits, navigate historic district and floodplain codes, and prepare construction-ready drawings aligned with each county’s unique submission process.

Why Choose Unified Studio Architect as Your Maryland Architecture Partner?

Building in Maryland demands local insight and technical compliance. Our team is proficient in:

  • Maryland Building Performance Standards and IECC 2021

  • County-specific energy, stormwater, and green-building codes

  • Historic Area Work Permits (HAWP) in Annapolis, Chestertown, and other historic zones

  • Navigating Maryland Historical Trust procedures and heritage-structure tax credits

  • Local zoning ordinances across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, and Carroll counties

  • County-specific permit systems: DPS, DPIE, BAPS, FCB

  • Residential and commercial energy incentives, PACE financing, and brownfield redevelopment grants

Whether your project is residential, commercial, institutional, or mixed-use, we apply a detail-driven, permit-ready, community-conscious approach tailored to each part of Maryland.

Complete Architectural Services in Maryland

residential home designed by Maryland architect

Residential Architects in Maryland: From Custom Homes to Additions

Custom Home Design with Local Character & Performance

Maryland’s residential fabric ranges from suburban developments to waterfront estates. We offer custom home solutions for single-family homes, waterfront residences, multi-generational homes, and subdivisions. Our designs feature:

  • Durable exterior materials suited to salt air, freeze-thaw cycles, and volatile weather

  • Energy-efficient foundations and insulation for IECC 2021 compliance

  • Smart-home preparedness and efficient HVAC systems tailored to local energy zones

  • Compliance with structural and stormwater requirements on sloped or water-adjacent sites

  • Passive solar orientation and daylighting strategies

In Montgomery County, we’ve designed homes with basement solar batteries and tight envelopes. In Anne Arundel, we ensure docks and seawalls meet permitting thresholds. We also embrace green innovation—rainwater capture, EV charging, air-source heat pumps—for modern, sustainable living.

commercial space by architecture firm in Maryland

Commercial Architects Maryland Businesses Trust

Scalable, Brand‑Driven Architecture for Business & Community Use

Unified Studio Architect delivers architectural excellence to Maryland’s commercial sectors:

  • Retail & Office Developments: ADA compliance, flexible storefronts, efficient site and parking layouts

  • Mixed-Use Infill: Ground-level retail with upper-story apartments, tailored for downtown Baltimore, Frederick, and Columbia

  • Hospitality & Restaurants: Flexible kitchen layouts, service areas, energy management

  • Medical & Community Centers: Climatized exam rooms, accessibility, HVAC, septic or sewer servicing

  • Schools, Libraries & Civic Buildings: Projects with K–12 districts, community college expansions, and municipal facilities — public circulation, safety, environmental control

We coordinate for LEED-ready or Maryland-specific Tier Certifications, optimizing long-term building performance and compliance.

Institutional & Educational Architecture

Unified Studio Architect has deep experience working with public and private institutions across Maryland. We design:

  • Schools, daycare centers & campuses

  • Religious and community centers

  • Public libraries and recreational buildings

Our team collaborates with facility planners to deliver long-lasting, accessible, and efficient spaces with sensitivity to public safety, zoning, and community needs.

historic building renovation by annapolis architect

Historic Preservation & Renovation in Maryland

Preserving Heritage with Modern Upgrades

Maryland’s unique heritage environments (Annapolis’s colonial core, Chestertown’s riverside districts) call for sensitive design and permit work:

  • Façade and structure restoration, insulating while preserving character

  • MHT filings, documentation for heritage-structure tax credit, HAWP permit submissions

  • Adaptive reuse: Church-to-community center, rowhouse-to-office, warehouse-to–co-living

  • Integration of accessible access, life-safety systems, updated MEP infrastructure

  • Enhancement of heritage value while modernizing functionality

In Annapolis, we preserved original window fenestration and added flood-resilient components. In Frederick, large-scale office refurbishments integrate heritage features with performance-driven mechanical systems.

Permit-Ready Commercial Design by Maryland Architects

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Maryland’s permitting can vary widely by location. We’ve streamlined the process across all jurisdictions:

  • Complete Permit Package Delivery: Residential, commercial, MEP, zoning

  • Stormwater Plans: mandatory for steeper lots or Chesapeake-adjacency

  • Energy & Insulation: IECC 2021 modeling, compliance certification, blower door testing in urban and suburban settings

  • Historic District Approval: HAWP compliance, Annapolis Board of Appeals presentations

  • Flood Zone Construction: elevated foundations, FEMA elevation certification, floodway mapping

We coordinate with agencies:

  • Montgomery County DPS

  • Prince George’s DPIE

  • Anne Arundel Permit Center & Annapolis HAWP

  • Baltimore City Planning & Permits

  • Frederick County Building Division

  • Howard, Carroll, Harford County zoning boards

  • HOA and CDD architectural review boards

Complete Architectural Services in Maryland

As-Built Drawing Services in Maryland

We provide highly accurate as-built drawings for existing structures across Maryland. Whether it's a townhouse in Baltimore, a retail space in Rockville, or a renovation in Columbia, our surveys ensure permit-ready precision and local code compliance.

Commercial Permit Services in Maryland

Our team handles commercial building permits, zoning variances, and code review submissions in counties like Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel—minimizing risk and delays through expert coordination with Maryland’s permitting offices.

Virtual Staging Services in Maryland

Turn empty units into marketable assets with our virtual staging. Perfect for agents in Silver Spring, Frederick, and Bethesda, our digital enhancements highlight the full potential of each space, attracting buyers and tenants faster.

Landscape Design Services in Maryland

From Chesapeake-adjacent waterfronts to urban rowhome courtyards in Baltimore, we design native and low-maintenance outdoor spaces. Our plans include lighting, drainage, hardscaping, and stormwater-compliant features.

Floor Plan Drafting in Maryland

We create detailed floor plans for homes, offices, and mixed-use spaces throughout Maryland—including full sets for permits, marketing, and construction in areas like Towson, Gaithersburg, and Annapolis.

3D Modeling Services in Maryland

Visualize your project with immersive 3D models, walkthroughs, and sun studies. Our 3D deliverables are ideal for design approvals, client reviews, and presentations in Ellicott City, Greenbelt, and the D.C. suburbs.

Moodboard Development in Maryland

We develop project-specific moodboards to communicate design tone, material palettes, and spatial intent. Ideal for residential, institutional, and retail projects in Laurel, Rockville, and Columbia.

Architectural Estimation Services in Maryland

Our Maryland-based estimation team provides detailed cost projections that factor in local labor rates, utility hookups, and county-specific fees—perfect for developers in Germantown, Bowie, and Hagerstown.

Residential Permit Services in Maryland

From electrical and plumbing to energy and stormwater, we prepare and submit full residential permit packages. Our services support additions, ADUs, and new builds in communities like Potomac, Bel Air, and Waldorf.

High-Quality Renderings in Maryland

Our renderings help communicate design intent with clarity. Whether you’re appealing to a local planning board or selling a project to investors in College Park or Owings Mills, our visuals bring your ideas to life.

Drafting and Design Services in Maryland

We deliver CAD and BIM-based architectural drawings tailored to Maryland codes and engineering standards. From schematic design to full construction sets, we support projects in Baltimore County, Howard County, and beyond.

Remodeling Services in Maryland

Our remodeling services help transform aging properties into modern, code-compliant spaces. Whether it’s a colonial-style home in Bethesda or a duplex in Hyattsville, we ensure every detail meets your goals and Maryland regulations.

Our Proven Process: From Concept to Completion in Maryland

At Unified Studio Architect, we guide Maryland projects with a clear, collaborative process—balancing creativity, code compliance, and construction readiness.

1. Consultation & Discovery

We begin by understanding your goals, site constraints, and local zoning. Every project starts with deep insight into budget, use, and Maryland regulations.

2. Site Survey & As-Built Drawings

We provide accurate site documentation through laser scanning or manual measurements—critical for renovations, additions, or historic approvals.

3. Schematic Design

Initial layouts are developed with attention to setbacks, solar orientation, and stormwater rules. We present clear options using BIM and 3D models.

4. Design Development

We refine plans, elevations, and materials—coordinating with structural and MEP consultants to ensure clarity, compliance, and constructability.

5. Permit Documentation

We deliver permit-ready drawings tailored to Maryland’s requirements, including energy modeling, HAWP submittals, and digital portal support.

6. Construction Administration

We stay engaged through site visits, contractor coordination, RFIs, and shop drawing reviews—protecting design intent from groundbreaking to finish.

Powered by Technology

BIM, VR walkthroughs, and cloud collaboration tools ensure real-time updates, faster approvals, and a smoother path to completion.

Our Maryland Clients by Sector

Unified Studio Architect partners with a wide range of clients across Maryland, delivering tailored architectural solutions for every sector.

Homeowners

From custom new builds to additions and porch restorations, we help Maryland homeowners design spaces that reflect their lifestyle and comply with local zoning and permit requirements—including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and historic renovations.

Contractors & Builders

We provide permit-ready drawing sets, on-site field support, and efficient planning for multi-lot or phased construction projects—ensuring contractors meet deadlines and code standards.

Realtors

Our services support sales and listings with accurate floorplans, virtual staging, and architectural feasibility studies—perfect for helping buyers and sellers visualize potential.

Developers & Investors

We assist with commercial, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse projects—from feasibility to design and permits—maximizing ROI while navigating complex code and site challenges.

School Districts & Public Agencies

Our team designs new educational buildings, modernizes existing facilities, and aligns projects with state and federal funding programs, including community development grants.

HOAs & Municipalities

We support neighborhood and civic projects with landscape typologies, public building enhancements, and streetscape improvements that reflect Maryland’s community goals and architectural identity.

Maryland Construction Incentives & Bounties

Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit

Maryland offers a 20% income tax credit for the rehabilitation of certified historic residential and commercial properties through its Heritage Structure Rehabilitation program. Projects in Baltimore, Frederick, and Annapolis can benefit by revitalizing aging structures while preserving Maryland’s architectural heritage.

Maryland Historical Trust Tax Credit Information
Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Rebates

Maryland homeowners and builders can access rebates and financing through the EmPOWER Maryland program, which supports insulation, high-efficiency HVAC, water heaters, and smart thermostats. This incentive enhances affordability and performance for residential and multi-unit construction across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and beyond.

EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Programs
Green Building Tax Credits

Maryland supports sustainable architecture through its Green Building Tax Credit for LEED Silver or better projects. Available for commercial and multifamily buildings, this incentive lowers tax burdens for developers meeting strict environmental design and energy performance standards. Ideal for projects in urban hubs like Silver Spring, Rockville, and Columbia.

Maryland Energy Administration Incentives
Local Revitalization & Community Development Grants

Programs like Community Legacy Grants and Strategic Demolition and Smart Growth Impact Fund provide financial support for real estate development in designated Sustainable Communities. Builders targeting underserved areas like Hagerstown, Salisbury, and Dundalk can benefit from gap financing, façade improvements, and infill construction support.

DHCD Community Legacy Program
Commercial Property Energy Efficiency Incentives

Maryland Energy Administration and utility partners like BGE and Pepco offer rebates for energy audits, retrofits, and smart systems in commercial buildings. These green construction rebates support business centers, retail strips, and government buildings in cities like Baltimore, Gaithersburg, and Bowie.

BGE Smart Energy for Business
Renewable Energy Incentives (State & Federal)

Maryland supports residential and commercial installations of solar panels, geothermal heating/cooling, and wind turbines through state rebates and the federal Solar ITC. In addition, solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) allow owners to earn income by selling surplus solar generation in Maryland's clean energy market.

Maryland Renewable Energy Incentives
Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Incentives

Maryland’s Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program (BRIP) offers tax credits, grants, and liability protections for developers transforming contaminated or underutilized industrial sites. These incentives reduce risk and boost ROI for redevelopment projects in areas like Baltimore, Cumberland, and Cambridge.

Maryland Brownfields Program

Trusted Technology, Trusted Results

  • BIM & Revit: reducing on-site conflict, increasing coordination

  • 3D Visualizations & VR: for HOA approvals, investor demos, and client approval

  • Cloud‑Based Review: easier collaboration between clients, engineers, and contractors

  • Local Publication & Reviews: AIA-MD features, local testimonials, 4.9-star Google reputation

“Architect Near Me” in Maryland – We’re Always Local

Whether you’re searching for:

  • Residential architect in Montgomery County

  • Commercial building design in Baltimore

  • Permit assistance in Prince George’s County

  • Historic home renovation in Annapolis

Unified Studio Architect is the answer to your “architect near me in Maryland” query. We combine local building knowledge with exceptional design to ensure your project is compliant, beautiful, and delivered on time.

Frequently Asked Questions – Maryland Architectural Services

Q: How do I find an “architect near me” in Maryland?

Search “architect near me” + your location (e.g., “Annapolis architect near me”). Unified Studio Architect serves the entire state with local knowledge, licenses, and strong reviews.

Q: What permits will be needed for a second‑story addition in Montgomery County?

At minimum: building permit, electrical/plumbing/mechanical, stormwater, erosion control. Some sites also require steep-slope or tree removal variances.

Q: How long does HAWP approval take in Annapolis?

Typically 6–8 weeks from submission to Board hearing, depending on completeness and district guidelines. We manage the process end-to-end.

Q: What rebates are available for energy-efficient residential buildings in Maryland?

Available incentives: EmPOWER rebates, ENERGY STAR upgrades, solar interconnection payments, weatherization credits, and green-building financial incentives.

Q: Can you help with mixed-use design in downtown Baltimore?

Absolutely—we have extensive experience with commercial ground floors topped by apartments, parking efficiency, energy optimization, and mixed zoning clarity.

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