McLean and Great Falls is a melting pot of lifelong locals and post-graduate transplants, all of whom contribute to the area’s blossoming community and hometown feel. Those who moved to the area, or simply switched neighborhoods, each play a role in the towns’ character and personality — and nothing speaks to character and personality like a person’s home.
The architecture of Northern Virginia gives homage to its colonial roots, but has since stepped into the future with nods to modernism and new age design. Those looking to remodel or custom build homes have so much of the area’s history and landscape to draw on for inspiration, but it can be hard to marry every idea into a single vision. For those seeking guidance in bringing their ideas to life, James McDonald and his team are a trusted local resource, known for helping homeowners thoughtfully blend tradition with innovation.
James McDonald has been designing houses in the Great Falls area, and along the entire Eastern Seaboard, for nearly two decades. He knew architecture was his passion at a very young age. From digging around construction sites as a child, to exploring iconic buildings such as the Pantheon while living in Europe in his teens, McDonald had a one-track mind; and after completing his architectural degree, he moved to Northern Virginia ready to make an impact.
Now James McDonald’s job is, as he says, “to bring client’s dreams to life.” Within their first meeting, McDonald and his team — which, as a true family man, includes his wife and daughter — are able to sketch out around 80% of what a client’s custom build or remodel will look like. Compiling reference photos, getting a sense for their lifestyle needs, accommodating for lot size and building budget — McDonald tailors it specifically to what his clients want and need. “Our signature style is our flexibility in style,” he says.
One thing that sets James apart is his willingness to be candid with his clients during this initial process. He is open about what aspects of a custom build will hold higher value in the housing market — things like indoor-outdoor living and large family gathering spaces — should the owners decide to move or sell in the future. He also is sure to take everyone’s input, knowing that each family member in a home will have their own desires and priorities — all of which he works to include in a final design.
“Building a home is very emotional,” says McDonald, knowing that he's not just installing doors and erecting walls.
But with so much to consider when building a home, what should you prioritize?
Well, whether it’s a 600 square foot addition or 6,000 square foot custom build, McDonald knows it’s all about balance. He considers his client’s lifestyle — their religious needs, any multi-generational components, or in-home entertainment aspirations — all while working within the constraints of the land they're building on. James will even tour potential lots with clients to determine feasibility. “When we’re working on a new home, it’s not just style, it’s spatial issues, relationships between rooms, it’s how [a client] lives,” McDonald said.
For those looking to build in the area, McDonald’s main warning is to be cautious of scope creep — falling victim to the ‘candy shop’ of potential luxury add ons. “What's very important through the process is having a real clear communication on budget and house size. That should not be a secret when talking to any architect or builder for the homeowners,” McDonald says. This is not to say James wants to take the fun out of your custom build — having designed a few indoor pools and five-car garages — but he is mindful of keeping his clients focused. Once again, candor and feasibility are key.
“I get enthused by the different clients and the different things they bring to the table that they want out of their homes,” McDonald says. “Every home of ours may have some J.M.A. Associates design style behind it, but they're all very unique homes.”
When building a custom home, there are a million large and small things to consider. But with James McDonald, the bottom line is about protecting your investment and designing the home that is exactly right for you.
With so much to consider when building a home, what should you prioritize?
James McDonald’s job is “to bring client’s dreams to life