Who This Is For

You Don't Need a Finished Plan to Start

Most clients come to me with a feeling, not a finished plan. They know something about their home is not working: too dark, too disconnected, not quite theirs. That is enough to begin.

I work with homeowners in Washington DC and Northern Virginia on custom homes, renovations, and additions. The kinds of projects where getting it right the first time is critical.

The first conversation is free, no-obligation, and focused entirely on whether we are a good fit for each other.

Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Call Limited projects accepted each year to ensure every client gets my full attention

"The process was amazingly smooth working with him. You know what it will cost, what each step entails, and what you will receive."

Jodi Moon, Major Renovation Client

Personal Attention

You work directly with your architect at every stage. No handoffs to junior staff, no intermediaries. The person who designs your home is the same person who picks up the phone.

Wellness Expertise

As a WELL Accredited Professional, I design homes that actively support your health: better air quality, better natural light, healthier materials. The decisions that make a home feel genuinely good to live in cost nothing extra when they're built in from day one. Added afterward, they cost everything.

Transparent Process

Clear deliverables at every milestone. You always know what comes next, what it costs, and what to expect. No surprises at the end. No scope creep you didn't see coming.

Fees and Investment

What Does It Cost to Work With an Architect?

Architectural fees are typically in the range of 10â€“15% of total construction cost for residential renovations and additions, depending on scope and complexity.

For a $400,000 renovation, that's roughly $40,000â€“$60,000 in architectural fees, paid in milestone installments as the project progresses. Everything is agreed in writing before we begin. No surprises.

The free consultation gives us a chance to talk through your project scope and see if we are a realistic fit before anyone commits to anything.

Talk About Your Project

Investment Range

Typical starting construction budget

$250K+

Construction budget

Architectural fees are proportional and always discussed transparently before the engagement begins. The first consultation is free.

★★★★★

"We had an old fixer-upper with truly odd quirks. Kacper helped us create our dream home. He listened to our priorities, asked a lot of questions about our lifestyle, and developed a set of options that turned into our lovely home. He's really well versed in sustainable and healthy options as well as efficiency concerns. Highly recommend."

Jodi Moon Former Renovation Client

★★★★★

"It's clear from day one that this place was created with real intention. The layout feels almost ergonomic: every space is purposeful, the flow makes sense, and natural light moves through the rooms beautifully. This isn't a cookie-cutter home. You can feel the care, quality, and pride in every aspect. It's genuinely unlike any place we've ever lived."

Paul Santibanez New Build Customer

★★★★★

"The natural light, thoughtful layout, and beautiful finishes make it feel both modern and welcoming. You can tell how much care and craftsmanship went into every detail. It's such a comfortable, happy place to come home to. We're really grateful for the quality and design that Kacper put into it."

Lily Thomas New Build Customer

Kacper Lastowiecki, AIA, Residential Architect Washington DC

Kacper Lastowiecki, AIA · Principal

About the Practice

Designed with Intention, Built to Last

I founded my own practice to design architecture the way it should be practiced: with full attention to each client, a transparent process, and a deep commitment to homes that support how people actually live.

Before starting my practice, I trained at Modus Studio in Fayetteville, Arkansas , one of the most respected regional architecture firms in the country, and also at the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, where design was always connected to the people it was meant to serve.

I hold a Master of Architecture from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am licensed to practice in DC, Virginia, and Arkansas, and am a WELL Accredited Professional , which means healthy homes are not a specialty I add on, but how I design from day one.

AIA Member

WELL AP

NCARB Certified

Licensed: DC

Licensed: Virginia

Licensed: Arkansas

M.Arch, Princeton

B.Arch, U of Illinois

Free Resource WELL Accredited Practice

Is Your Home Working Against Your Health?

Most people spend over 90% of their time indoors, yet few ever audit their own home environment. Poor air quality, inadequate natural light, and questionable materials are common issues that quietly affect how you feel every day.

Enter your email to access the KLPOA Healthy Home Audit, a framework built around WELL Building Standard principles that helps you evaluate your home across six wellness dimensions.

Air Quality

Natural Light

Water Quality

Materials

Acoustics

Thermal Comfort

Get the Free Healthy Home Audit

Free access. No obligation.

How long does an architectural project take?

The design process runs through six phases: Discovery, Conceptualization, Design Development, Construction Documents, Permitting and Bidding, and Construction Monitoring. A renovation or addition typically takes 6 to 14 months from start to construction completion, depending on scope and permit timelines. During the free consultation, we will walk through a realistic schedule for your specific project.

What if my project is smaller than $250,000?

The $250,000 figure reflects the minimum construction budget at which a fully custom architectural process makes practical sense. Below that threshold, the cost of design relative to the total project makes it difficult to deliver the level of care this practice is known for. If your project is smaller, I will tell you honestly during the consultation and, if possible, point you toward appropriate resources.

Do I need a contractor before I contact you?

No. Most clients do not have a contractor in place when we start. The design process comes first, and I actively help clients navigate the contractor selection and bidding process during the Entitlement and Bidding phase. If you already have a contractor in mind, that is fine too : we will discuss how they fit into the process.

What happens if we are not a good fit after the consultation?

The consultation is completely free and there is no obligation to move forward. If we conclude that this is not the right fit, I will say so directly. Sometimes the project scope, timeline, or budget is not aligned : and it is better to know that at the start. I may also be able to refer you to another architect better suited to your needs.

What is WELL AP, and why does it matter for my home?

WELL Accredited Professional is a credential focused on designing buildings that actively support human health : through air quality, natural light, water quality, material selection, and acoustics. In practice, it means that I am asking questions about how your home affects your health and wellbeing from the very first conversation, not treating it as an add-on at the end of the project.

How are architectural fees structured?

Fees are typically structured as a percentage of construction cost, agreed in writing before the engagement begins. The fee structure, payment schedule, and scope of services are all discussed transparently at the start. There are no surprise invoices. You will always know what comes next and what it costs.

"Have a question not answered here? The fastest way to get a real answer is the free consultation."

Schedule Your Free Call

Schedule a Consultation

Pick a Time That Works for You

30 minutes. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your project and how to bring it to life.

Pick a Time

Choose a 30-minute slot that works for you. You will receive a confirmation with everything you need.

We Talk

We discuss your project, your goals, your timeline, and your budget. No pressure, no pitch. Just a real conversation.

You Decide

If it feels right, we discuss next steps. If it doesn't, that's fine too. You walk away with clarity either way.

"You know what it will cost, what each step entails, and what you will receive." Jodi Moon, Former Renovation Client

Why Wellness-Centered Design Matters

As a WELL Accredited Professional, I bring a dimension most architects don't offer: a structured framework for designing homes that actively support your health. Air, light, materials, and acoustics are built into the design from the very first conversation.

Get the Free Home Audit

Washington DC Residential Architectfor Homeowners Who Refuse to Settle

You Don't Need a Finished Plan to Start

What Sets This Practice Apart

Personal Attention

Wellness Expertise

Transparent Process

What Does It Cost to Work With an Architect?

Investment Range

In Their Own Words

Designed with Intention, Built to Last

Is Your Home Working Against Your Health?

Get the Free Healthy Home Audit

What People Ask Before Booking

Ready to Talk About Your Project?

Pick a Time That Works for You

Pick a Time

We Talk

You Decide

Why Wellness-Centered Design Matters

Recent Work

Washington DC Residential Architect
for Homeowners Who Refuse to Settle