Best of Arlington 2016

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Best Architect

Ballard + Mensua Architecture

Many Arlington houses were built in the 1940s and suffer from “small closets, tiny kitchens and no mudrooms,” observes architect Seth Ballard. His decade-old firm is frequently called upon to open up those cramped spaces while preserving the “character and charm” of the home’s original design. Ballard, who earned his master’s in architecture from Tulane University (his business partner is his father-in-law in Spain), says he learned a lot about how families occupy their homes simply by watching how his own four children—ages 8 to 16—live, study and play. “They come with a lot of stuff,” he says. “I try to make sure there is a place for all of it.” –Amy Rogers Nazarov

450 W. Broad St., Falls Church, 703-992-7580, www.ballardmensua.com

Other top vote-getters:

DW Ricks Architects + Associates
Jon Hensley Architects
McNeill Baker Design Associates
Red House Architects
W.C. Ralston Architects