Design Awards and Architecture Recognition by Swartz in 2025

Modern house in a wooded area at dusk, featuring angular design and large windows, surrounded by autumn foliage under a colorful sky.

Gold Award in the “Universal Design” category from Qualified Remodeler’s 47th Annual Master Design Awards,
“Shepherdstown Grandparents’ House” in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 2025

This project transformed an existing 648-square-foot guest house into an accessible, self-sufficient residence. The renovations and additions address the challenges of aging-in-place while preserving and honoring the original design by Fernau + Hartman. Now, the finished project has a necessary degree of privacy from the nearby main house, but maintains its connection to the overall residential compound, allowing three generations of the family to interact, socialize, and support one another.

Modern house with large windows surrounded by forest and autumn foliage, set against a clear sky, creating a tranquil, natural atmosphere.

Gold Award in the “Addition More than $250,000” category from Qualified Remodeler’s 47th Annual Master Design Awards
“Razorback Ridge House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2025

This project involved the renovation and addition to a small cabin, transforming it into a new residence with modern, airy interiors that allow the family to enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The judges described this project as an “architecturally skillful expansion / modernization of [an] old cabin building.”

Lucille Lozier Award from Preservation of Historic Winchester
“Rouss City Hall” in Winchester, Virginia, 2025

This award is given for the renovation of a significant structure retaining at least 75% of the historic architectural fabric.

Rouss City Hall is a Romanesque Revival-style building constructed in 1900, built to house government services, a courtroom, an ornate theater, and a Masonic Lodge. We removed all Postmodern and miscellaneous infill from previous renovations and exposed the original structure, revealing brick walls and arched openings, as well as newly uncovered cast iron columns, steel beams, a historic staircase, and wood joists. New construction was expressed in a distinctly modern manner to contrast with the Romanesque detailing. The design approach was to simplify Rouss to “then” (1900) and “now” (2019) built forms.

“Some of the most interesting things revealed during the City Hall’s renovation, Youmans said, were decorative iron support columns that were covered up during a previous renovation more than 50 years ago, artistic fresco designs on the walls, a steel beam that bore writing from the building’s original contractor and a long-hidden wooden staircase between the third and fourth floors.” — Brian Brehm, The Winchester Star

Modern house on a grassy hill, surrounded by autumn trees. Large windows and a wooden deck enhance the contemporary architecture. No people visible.

National Award for “Addition over $250,000” from Chrysalis Awards, for “Razorback Ridge House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2025

Modern living space with floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking a forest. Comfortable seating, elegant lighting, and kitchen area create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Award of Merit in the Small Project Architecture category from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Razorback Ridge House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2025

A striking red metal structure encases a large tree, surrounded by lush greenery, with a wooden pathway leading through it, blending nature and design.

Citation in the Contextual Design category from AIA Virginia, for “Folly & Utility at the MSV” in Winchester, Virginia, 2024

Award of Excellence in Residential Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Shepherdstown Grandparents’ House” in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 2024

Suburban neighborhood features two-story houses with gable roofs, white trim, and driveways. Clear blue sky above, trees in the background.

Design of the Year Award at Habitat for Humanity International’s 2024 Affiliate Conference, for “Norris Village Phase II” in Winchester, Virginia, 2024

A modern classroom with large windows shows students and a person at desks using laptops, surrounded by shelves and lab equipment.

Platinum Design Award from the 2022 Virginia School Boards Association’s Exhibition of School Architecture Competition, for “Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center” in Winchester, Virginia, 2022

Modern cabin with large windows and sloped roof, surrounded by trees in a serene, wooded setting. Car parked nearby; warm interior light visible.

Award of Excellence in Residential Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia,
for “Camp May” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2022

Storefronts with trees lining a sunny street, including "Front Royal Brewing." Benches and signs visible, with a clear blue sky overhead.

Award of Merit in Historic Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Vibe Main Street Properties” in Front Royal, Virginia, 2022

Modern house with angular architecture, black exterior, and large windows, set on a wooded hillside under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Honor Award in the Excellence in Architecture category from AIA West Virginia, for “Crooked Bow Tie House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2021

A rustic log cabin-style house with modern additions, featuring a stone chimney, surrounded by a lush green lawn and trees under a clear sky.

Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture from AIA West Virginia, for “Mountain Run” in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 2022.

Street view shows people walking past Bell's store and Hiram Lodge building, featuring brick facades and large windows, under a clear sky.

Citation for Contextual Design from AIA DC, for “The Bell’s Building” in Winchester, Virginia, 2022.

Modern two-story brick house with large windows, black roof, and a green lawn under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Bronze Winner in the 2021 Brick in Architecture Awards, for “American British Country House” in Clarke County, Virginia, 2021.

Modern, angular house with dark facade, large windows, and wooden accents in a wooded setting under a blue sky with sparse clouds.

Honorable Mention for Excellence in Residential Design from AIA Virginia, for “Crooked Bow Tie House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2021.

A modern building stands near the historic Rosenwald School, surrounded by green trees and grass under a clear blue sky. A person walks nearby.

Pace Setters Award from Signatures of Loudoun, for “Loudoun School for Advanced Studies” in Ashburn, Virginia, 2021.

A modern, two-story brick house with large windows and a conservatory, set in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.

Award of Merit in Residential Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “American British Country House” in Clarke County, Virginia, 2021.

A person works at an organized office desk with file cabinets, plants, and cubicles in a modern, open-plan workspace featuring dark wood finishes.

Award of Merit in Historic Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Rouss City Hall” in Winchester, Virginia, 2020.

A modern, angular house with black and wood paneling stands among sparse trees on a hill, under a partly cloudy sky.

Award of Merit in Residential Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Crooked Bow Tie House” in Great Cacapon, West Virginia, 2020.

Modern building with a large, overhanging roof and square windows. Surrounded by trees and grass, showcasing contemporary architectural design.

Award of Merit in Institutional Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “Loudoun School for Advanced Studies” in Ashburn, Virginia, 2020.

Historic downtown area with brick buildings, a few trees, and people walking on a cobblestone path. Clear blue sky above the scenery.

Award of Merit from AIA Northern Virginia, for “The Bell’s Building” in Winchester, Virginia, 2019.

Historic building labeled "Weavers" with brick facade, large windows, flanked by smaller shops on a quiet street with a clear sky above.

Citation in Urban Catalyst from AIA DC, for Vibe Main Street Properties (“The Weaver Building and “The Barnhart Building”) in Front Royal, Virginia, 2019.

Three-story brick building with "Bell's" storefront. Display windows showcase clothing. A person is sitting on the pavement in front of the shop.

Award of Merit from Preservation of Historic Winchester, for “The Bell’s Building” in Winchester, Virginia, 2018.

Bronze Award in Historical Renovation from Professional Remodeler Magazine, for “Red Gate” in Millwood, Virginia, 2017.

Jurors’ Special Citation in Institutional Architecture from AIA Northern Virginia, for “The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum” in Winchester, Virginia, 2016.

A charming white house with a black roof, surrounded by lush trees and stone walls, amid a peaceful forest setting.

Award of Merit for Excellence in Residential Design from AIA Virginia, for “Orlean Americana” in Fauquier County, Virginia, 2015.

Dusk Shot Of The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Honorable Mention for Excellence in Architecture from AIA Virginia, for “The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum” in Winchester, Virginia, 2015.

Honorable Mention for Excellence in Historic Preservation from AIA Virginia, for “Glen Burnie Manor House” in Winchester, Virginia, 2015.

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Ariel Photo

Grand Award from Remodeling magazine, Commercial projects over $500,000, for “The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum” in Winchester, Virginia, 2015.

Honor Award in the 2015 Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards Program, for “Linden Lane” in Falls Church, Virginia, 2015.

Merit Award for Historically Sensitive Renovation, Remodeling magazine, for “The Samuel Noakes House” Winchester, Virginia, 2014.

Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Samuel Noakes House”, Winchester, Virginia, 2014.

Award of Merit from Preservation of Historic Winchester, for “The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum”, in Winchester, Virginia, 2014. (Presented to the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.)

Two rustic barns with black roofs sit amidst lush greenery and trees, bordered by a wooden fence. The sky above is clear.

The Ben Belchic Award from Preservation of Historic Winchester, for “The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley”, for interpreting the history of Winchester through the Glen Burnie House, in Winchester, Virginia, 2014. (Presented to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley)

Merit Award in Restoration, Custom Home Magazine, for “The Samuel Noakes House”, Winchester, Virginia, Fall 2013.

Patron’s Award, Preservation of Historic Winchester, for “The Samuel Noakes House”, Winchester, Virginia, 2013. (Presented to client/owner)

Sir John Soane Personality Award, Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for “Loft Upon Cork”, Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, 2011. (Presented to client/owner)

Merit Award in Historic Resources, Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “Loft Upon Cork”, Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, 2010. (Presented to client/owner)

Merit Award in Green (Sustainable) design, from Remodeling Magazine, for “Songbird Lane”, Frederick County, Virginia, 2010. (Presented to client/owner)

Award of Merit in Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Stoney Meadows, Rappahannock County, Virginia, 2010.

Award of Merit in Historic Resources, Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The City Meat Building”, Winchester, Virginia, 2009.

Double wooden doors open to a gallery with pictures on walls. Checkered floor tiles lead into the warmly lit exhibition space.

Award for Merit in Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “Jocks, Nerds, and National Treasures” (The James R. Wilkins, Sr. Gallery of History and Art at John Handley High School), Winchester, Virginia, 2009.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Old Frederick Country Courthouse”, Winchester, Virginia, 2008.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for The City Meat Building, Winchester, Virginia, 2008.

Inform Merit Award for Excellence in Design, Inform magazine, for “The Old Frederick County Courthouse”, Winchester, Virginia, 2008.

Award of Excellence in Historic Resources, Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the “Cabin on Middle Ridge”, High View, West Virginia, 2007.

Old Frederick County Court House Entrance

Award of Merit in Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Old Frederick County Courthouse” renovation and restoration, Winchester, Virginia, 2007.

Award of Special Recognition in Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The City Meat Building”, Winchester, Virginia, 2007.

Two people standing together against a dark brick wall, smiling. One wears glasses and a striped shirt; the other has curly hair and a red jacket.

Carroll M. Henkel Award, Preservation of Historic Winchester, to Beth Reader and Chuck Swartz, for their contributions to the appropriate reuse of the built environment of Winchester, 2007.

Award of Merit, Preservation of Historic Winchester, for “The City Meat Building”, Winchester, Virginia, 2007.

Design Award, Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Program, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin”, 2007.

Award of Excellence in Historic Resources, from the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Old Frederick County Courthouse” renovation, Winchester, Virginia, 2006.

Inform Merit Award for Interiors, Inform magazine, for the “House on Shiner’s Hill” (“The Swartzenreader Haus”), 2006.

Award of Excellence for Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the “Cabin on Middle Ridge”, High View, West Virginia, 2006.

A realistic architectural model depicts a rural scene featuring a wind turbine tower, various modern buildings, and a clear blue sky backdrop.

Merit Award for Conceptual/Unbuilt Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum”, in Winchester, Virginia, 2005.

Merit Award for Architectural Detail, Residential Architect magazine, for the “House on Shiner’s Hill” (“Swartzenreader House”), Winchester, Virginia, 2005.

Residential Architect Award from Washingtonian magazine, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin”, Waterford, Virginia, 2005.z, AIA, 2004.

Two smiling people inside a well-lit room with framed certificates on the wall and wooden panels in the background.

Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, awarded individually to Beth Reader, AIA and Chuck Swartz, AIA, 2004.

Merit Award in Historic Resources, Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, or the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin”, in Waterford, Virginia, 2004.

Southern Home Award from Southern Living magazine, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin”, in Waterford, Virginia, 2004.

Award of Merit in Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the Capon Springs Resort Bandstand Pavilion, Capon Springs, West Virginia, 2004.

Merit Award for Residential Renovation, Residential Architect magazine, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin”, in Waterford, Virginia, 2004.

Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture, The Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architect, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford”, Virginia, 2003.

Award of Merit for Historic Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the “Wheatland Farms Log Cabin, in Waterford”, Virginia, 2003.

A sunny courtyard features a stone building, patio, and picnic table under a tree. Traditional architecture with large windows and lush greenery is visible.

Award of Merit from Preservation of Historic Winchester, Incorporated, for The Judge Robert K. Woltz Pavilion at the Godfrey Miller Home in Winchester, Virginia, 2003. (Presented jointly to The Godfrey Miller Home.)

A black and white architectural model depicting two connected buildings on a sloped surface, one featuring a stone-patterned exterior and chimney.

Award of Merit for Conceptual / Unbuilt Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for The House in Dutton Gap, in Gerrardstown, West Virginia, 2003.

A modern house with large windows is set among lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky, showcasing tranquility and seclusion.

Southern Home Award from Southern Living Magazine, for the Seaway House, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, for the Seaway House, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, 2003.

A rustic interior features exposed wooden beams, vaulted ceiling, loft area, dining table with chairs, and a cozy kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Architecture, The Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for the Seaway House, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, 2002.

Architectural model with sleek lines, flat roof, and abstract design against cloudy sky. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings visible. Monochrome color scheme.

Award of Merit for Conceptual / Unbuilt Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for A New Paramedical Office Building, in Winchester, Virginia, 2002.

A modern two-story house with contrasting colors, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, under a clear blue sky.

Special Citation for Sustainability in Residential Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the Seaway House, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, 2002.

The Lucille Lozier Award, from Preservation of Historic Winchester, Incorporated, for outstanding restoration of an architectural and historic landmark, for The Old Frederick County Courthouse, in Winchester, Virginia, 2002. (Presented to the County of Frederick, Virginia.)

A small, green house with a steep roof sits by a street, surrounded by trees and neighboring homes, under a clear sky.

Award of Merit, from Preservation of Historic Winchester, Incorporated, for 321 and 323 North Kent Street, in Winchester, Virginia, 2002. (Presented jointly to The Winchester- Frederick County Chapter of Habitat For Humanity.

Elegant interior with ornate columns, chandeliers, and decorative tables. Warm lighting highlights the sophisticated decor, featuring luxurious artwork and intricate flooring patterns.

Special Citation for Interior Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for “The Contessa’s Story” (Elizabeth Locke Jewels boutique), in Boyce, Virginia, 2001.

A modern house with stucco walls, large windows, and a sloped metal roof stands on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky.

Merit Award, 2001 Custom Home Design Awards, Custom Home magazine, for West Virginia Weekend House, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 2001.

A house with a wooden pergola and columns overlooks a landscape of trees and distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Southern Home Award from Southern Living magazine, for West Virginia Weekend House, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 2001.

Two rustic buildings with pink stucco walls, black roofs, surrounded by greenery and stone wall under a clear blue sky.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for Projects for the Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation, Winchester, Virginia, 1999.

A peaceful rural setting features red and beige farm buildings, a gravel pathway, white fences, and clear blue skies without recognizable landmarks.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, for West Virginia Weekend House, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, 1999.

A red wooden hut with a sloped roof beside a stone wall, surrounded by green grass and trees. No recognizable landmarks present.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Projects for the Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation, Winchester, Virginia, 1999.

Award for Excellence in Architecture, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for The Weekend House, Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1999.

Southern Home Award from Southern Living magazine, for Renovation of, and Addition to, Little Briars, in Boyce, Virginia, 1999.

Design Awards Merit Award for Residential Renovation from Custom Home magazine, for Renovation of, and Addition to, the McKay / Kalbian Residence, Boyce, Virginia, 1998.

A well-lit office hallway with carpeted floors, wooden doors, glass windows, and seating area with couches, tables, and decorative plants.

Award of Excellence, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the School Within a School at John Handley High School, Winchester, Virginia, 1997.

Award of Excellence, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Renovation of, and Addition to, the McKay / Kalbian Residence, Boyce, Virginia, 1996.

Architectural drawing of a house west elevation, featuring three windows and stone base, with detailed lines showing siding and roof structure.

Merit Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Yellow Spring House, Yellow Spring, West Virginia, Virginia, 1996.

A detailed architectural drawing depicts a rustic house with adjacent trees and hills in the background. No landmarks or historical buildings visible.

Merit Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Bluemont House and Pavilion, Bluemont, Virginia, 1995.

Modernized storefront with large windows and entrance, showcasing interior details. Before image inset shows original facade. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings present.

Award of Excellence, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for the Law Offices of Hobert, Kerr & Perka, P.C., Berryville, Virginia, 1995.

A small gray house with a steep roof is centered, surrounded by other houses and greenery under a clear sky.

Merit Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for North Kent Court, Winchester, Virginia, 1994.

Merit Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, for Deck and Pavilion at Lake St. Clair, Frederick County, Virginia, 1994.

A quaint, pink cottage with white trim stands in a grassy suburban area, flanked by similar houses on a clear day.

Maxwell Award of Excellence for the Production of Low- Income Housing, sponsored by the Fannie Mae Foundation, for North Kent Court, City Light Development Corporation, 1993.

Architectural cross-section of a two-story house displaying staircase, windows, and roof structure, highlighting the layout and interior design elements.

Merit Award, Northern Virginia Chapter of the AIA Young Architects Forum, for the Bluemont House and Pavilion, Bluemont, Virginia, 1993.