Nearly a decade ago, Tripp DeFalco found himself at a career crossroads many people in business know well: the bigger the operation grew, the further he got from the work he loved. As co-owner of a large design-build firm, running the business had slowly replaced practicing his craft. So, he made a change. In 2019, he founded DeFalco Home Design, a deliberately small, owner-led firm that’s allowed him to focus on what drew him to residential architecture in the first place: partnering with clients to create beautiful homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.
Today, every drawing—and every detail—comes from DeFalco’s own hand. “When the contractor or my client has a question six months into the build, I can readily answer it because I’m the one who drew it,” he says. “I’m hands-on throughout the process.”
The best designs are beautiful, yes, DeFalco says, but they also make his clients’ lives better—and that’s where the real joy is. It’s why, after more than 200 projects, the work still excites him.
“Even if we’re starting with a similar structure, every single design solution is different because no two clients—or families—want the same things,” DeFalco says.
His more than 10 years of working as a Class A general contractor—building what he designed—give him a deep understanding of how projects unfold on site and the pressures builders face. For his clients, that means fewer surprises, better communication and, ultimately, a cohesive team pulling in the same direction.
Awards & Honors
— Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University
— Licensed Architect, VA & NC
— 25 years practicing as an Architect
— 10 years managing a Design-Build firm
— Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Architect, 2022, 2024 & 2026