Business Details
21 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Philadelphia, PA
Always By Design is a residential architecture firm dedicated to creating custom homes that empower individuals to flourish. Founded in 2005 by principal architect Ed Barnhart, our practice combines over two decades of global design experience with our proprietary Wholeness Dwelling methodology. We specialize in crafting spaces that prioritize health, emotional well-being, and personal expression through intuitive design. Our LEED-certified team focuses on sustainable building practices, energy-efficient solutions, and seamless integration of natural elements.With recognition for innovative projects like the LEED Silver-certified Prospect House, we maintain a client-centric approach that emphasizes clear communication and attention to detail. Our work reflects a deep understanding of how architectural design impacts daily life, as evidenced by testimonials highlighting the transformative effect of our homes on residents' quality of life.
Services
Custom Home Design
Sustainable Building
LEED Certification
Interior Design
Architectural Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of global residential design experience
- Our proprietary Wholeness Dwelling method addresses holistic living needs
- We implement LEED-certified sustainable building practices
- Our designs prioritize intuitive functionality and emotional well-being
- We provide personalized solutions for unique lifestyle requirements
Associations and certifications
- LEED Silver
- Energy Star
What people say
Sigh of relief
Beauty
Nourishes your spirit
Optimal health
Emotional well-being
Services
Custom Home Design
We create personalized living spaces tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. Our approach combines aesthetic beauty with functional design to enhance daily living experiences. Each project incorporates natural elements and sustainable materials to promote occupant well-being while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Building
Our eco-conscious building practices integrate energy-efficient systems and renewable materials. We implement rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, and habitat gardens to minimize environmental impact. Every sustainable solution maintains aesthetic appeal while meeting rigorous performance standards for modern living.
LEED Certification
We guide projects through LEED certification requirements while enhancing livability. Our expertise ensures compliance with sustainability benchmarks without compromising design integrity. Certified professionals implement strategies that improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance beauty with practical functionality. Our designs optimize spatial flow while incorporating personalized elements that reflect residents' identities. Attention to lighting, acoustics, and material selection creates spaces that support both comfort and productivity.
Architectural Consultation
We provide expert advice throughout the building process from concept to completion. Our consultation covers material selection, sustainability strategies, and spatial optimization. Clients receive tailored recommendations that align with both practical needs and aesthetic aspirations while maintaining budget parameters.
People
Ed Barnhart
Principal, AxD
With 20+ years at prestigious design firms across England and Japan, Ed founded Always By Design in 2005. His global experience informs our Wholeness Dwelling approach, focusing on detail-oriented solutions that create transformative living environments for clients seeking meaningful architectural experiences.
Questions
What makes your home design approach unique?
Our Wholeness Dwelling method integrates 20+ years of global design experience with personalized solutions that address health, emotional well-being, and family connection through architectural elements.
Do you specialize in sustainable building practices?
Yes, we implement LEED-certified construction methods and Energy Star standards while incorporating features like rainwater harvesting systems and permeable surfaces in every project.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work in Philadelphia, PA and surrounding regions including New Jersey, with past projects spanning international locations from England to Japan.
How do you ensure client satisfaction?
Through personalized consultation, transparent communication, and our proven design process that prioritizes your unique lifestyle needs while maintaining strict quality control standards.
What services do you offer?
We provide full-service residential architecture including custom home design, sustainable building solutions, LEED certification assistance, interior design, and architectural consultation.
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