EL Studio

We had a great experience working with E/L Studio on our home renovation. I’d recommend them without hesitation if you’re looking for architects who will provide thoughtful and modern design solutions. When we approached E/L, we knew our house wasn’t working for us but didn’t know exactly how to improve it. We sat down with E/L and over a series of meetings and home visits hashed out what we absolutely had to have, what else we were wishing for, and how we could make it all work on our relatively modest budget. I was so impressed with their understanding of our vision for the house and the creativity they used to get us not just what we wanted but in fact a space much nicer than we imagined we’d be able to afford. Work took us out of the area just as construction on the house was getting underway. E/L helped oversee the project while we were gone. Problems invariably arise during home renovations, so I was grateful to have them close by to ensure things went as smoothly as possible. Couldn't have done it without them!

E/L Studio made our dream home come true!! We were lucky enough to find E/L and can't imagine working with anyone else. From the beginning, we knew this would be a special relationship from the way they listened to every one of our ideas, likes, and quirks -- no detail was too small. They got to know us and our family and as a result, we felt like they knew not only who we truly were but how we lived and what kind of home would complement us. E/L has a great way of weaving together the architectural elements with the design and ultimate look one envisions. They knew our constraints and worked within them, providing solutions on how to stay on budget (and we had a tight budget). They never lost sight of how their fees would impact the construction and overall goal -- something we very much appreciated. Most of all they were very malleable to the bumps in the road that happen with any renovation. Our project had some unimaginable issues come up like DC inspector stop work orders from an old permit problems that no one knew about to COVID related restrictions. E/L was part of the team and went above and beyond to work around those issues. They really care about their clients, the journey, and the final product. I cannot say enough positive things about E/L Studio. We have renovated another home in NYC in the past and without question, our experience with E/L studio was the best! Thank you E/L Studio and your amazing team. We are so grateful for your work!

We renovated our townhouse with E/L recently and had a wonderful experience. The project was complicated by the arrival of a global pandemic but we were still able to get everything done without sacrificing attention to detail. We couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. This is our dream home and E/L worked so hard to bring it to fruition. The design and functionality are impeccable. Couldn’t recommend this studio more!

We hired EL Studio to build an extension to our row house. The original plans were way out of budget. We had a right sizing conversation with them and they agreed, in writing, to our new budget which was exactly half of their original proposal. They set about on a revised design and presented us with 3 new pricing options. To our absolute shock they were equal to - and greater than - the original budget we had cut in half. Their plans included custom wood, glass and they spec'd a $30k bathtub in their plans. They spent 25% of our entire budget on their own fees and we are left with no plan and no extension. They attempted to justify their work by saying that they looked at cheaper window options - we were way past that. Further, they have refused to return our deposit. We hired them for guidance and expertise and we got none. In their own words they "led us down a garden path." Buyer beware, do not use this firm.

E/L Studio helped me with my kitchen overhaul! They created designs, provided materials recommendations, and oversaw the bidding and management of the contractor. They were terrific! Extremely creative, attentive to detail, good listeners, and fun to work with. I highly recommend them!

E/L Studio has provided the full range of design and architectural services for our home with spectacular results. Our first project with E/L (a finished basement with a revolutionary design concept created specifically for us) received an AIA/Washingtonian magazine design award, as well as glowing coverage across a variety of design platforms. The kitchen and carriage house remodel most recently completed was featured in the Washington Post. They are a joy to work with -- exceptionally creative and cooperative, able to coordinate easily and productively with homeowners, construction crews and other design teams. We can't wait to visualize our next project with E/L Studio.

My wife and I have worked with E/L Studio on two separate projects in the past 2 years. The first was a remodel of our home's second floor to better accommodate our then upcoming child and the second was very recently to help us reimagine our first floor into a space better suited for our growing family. Working with the team there is always pleasurable. I choose that work carefully because there are good companies our there that excel at one thing are are adequate in other areas. Companies that provide a good-enough product but excellent service. Some can provide a stellar product but can be difficult to deal with. Working with E/L is pleasurable because they provide both a top notch product AND stellar customer service. They actually listen to what you are asking for and really try to solve your problem. It's like the doctor you always want to find and never can, the best doctor in the field who also has the bedside manner you crave. They always seem to be well versed in options that are new in the industry, as well as of course familiar with all of the industry standards. They have always met our budget and are willing to go above and beyond to get where we need to be. They will never take advantage of you which makes you actually want to use them again and pay them for their well earned services.