A Home That Brings Your Lifestyle to Life

Kent

Curated Modern Farmhouse

Spring Valley

Historic Farmhouse with a Modern Addition

The Palisades

A 1960s Split-Level Transformed into a Luxury Home

No Two Blue Star Homes Look Alike

We design and build whole-house renovations, additions (a second floor, a rear or side extension, a basement dig-out), and, when the project calls for it, ground-up custom homes. Whatever the scope, the work is built around one client, one lot, and one way of living, never a template. Every project is contextual to its neighborhood, but original by design. Whether it’s a showcase kitchen, a spa-like primary bath, custom built-ins, historic preservation, or a fully integrated smart home, the details come from what you actually need, to what’s easiest to repeat.

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How We Build

Lifestyle Driven Design

Listening to you from the first day we meet, and throughout the process is what sets us apart. We start with you, how you live, what your dreams are, and then develop the look and feel of your new home. Blue Stars team is an extension of your family and the intimate details about the way you live are important.

Craftsmanship & Quality Details

We are specific about how materials come together, who we partner with in the field, and why we build the way we do. The details most people never notice are exactly the ones that determine whether a home holds up, looks right, and feels intentional twenty years from now

A Transparent Process

Our process won’t teach you how to build a home, but it will keep you informed about materials, codes, and how each decision affects your budget and the finished design, with a realistic timeline and honest communication if anything changes.

Neighborhoods We Build In

We Know DC, Neighborhood by Neighborhood

 

Every DC neighborhood comes with its own rules, its own architecture, and its own way of doing things. We build across all of them, including these:

Capitol Hill

Historic district guidelines shape nearly every project here, and we know them well. From row house additions to full top-to-bottom renovations, we design within Capitol Hill’s character while still building a home that works for how you actually live.

Georgetown

Between the historic preservation review and the Old Georgetown Board, this is one of the most tightly regulated neighborhoods in the city. We have navigated that process for years, so your project moves forward instead of stalling in review.

Upper Northwest

From Spring Valley to Kent, larger lots and more flexibility open the door to true ground-up custom homes.

Not seeing your neighborhood listed? We build across Washington, DC and the surrounding area. Contact us to talk about your specific location and project.

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Ready to Build Something Remarkable?

We are not the right firm for every project. We do custom work, we take it seriously, and we have a process that works because we do not shortcut it.

If you want to build something you will genuinely love, with a team that will be straight with you from day one, we would genuinely like to talk. We will tell you early what your project will realistically take, what the city’s process looks like for your specific situation, and whether your timeline and budget are workable. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest conversation.

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Custom Design Build FAQs

How long does a custom home build take in Washington, DC?

It depends on scope. Whole-house renovations typically run 14-16 months, a large-scale addition (a new floor, rear extension, or basement dig-out) is often 10-12 months, and a ground-up custom home typically runs 18-24 months from first design meetings to move-in. Permitting is the biggest variable, one reason local experience matters so much.

What does a custom home build cost in DC?

We walk every client through a realistic budget picture in our first conversations, before any commitments are made. You can learn more in our pricing guidelines.

Do you handle permits and approvals?

Yes, entirely, including historic preservation review for properties in regulated neighborhoods. We coordinate civil drawings and help you navigate any review board within your Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC).

What’s the difference between a design-build firm and hiring separately?

Hiring an architect and contractor separately means two companies, two contracts, two points of contact. A design-build firm like Blue Star keeps both under one roof, one point of accountability, consistent communication, and a smoother process from first sketch to final walkthrough.

Do you work on historic properties?

Yes. A significant portion of our work is in DC’s historic districts. We design with review requirements in mind from the beginning, rather than retrofitting compliance after the fact.

Recognized by the Industry, Trusted by Our Clients

Custom design build living room with lots of windows and natural light, white walls, grey furniture in washignton dc.

Thank you to our wonderful clients, exceptional employees, trusted partners and all those who help us produce wonderful work! We’re proud to be a multiple PRO MidAtlantic awards winner again in 2026 – 8 years in a row.

  • Dream
  • Design
  • Build
  • Enjoy

Blue Star is an architect-led design-build firm based in Washington DC. We listen first, getting to know your lifestyle, your goals, and your budget before a single line is drawn, then bring that vision to life with client-driven budgets and craftsmanship that holds up for decades.

A custom home is an investment in your future. Our team keeps you informed and involved every step of the way, so the end result is a home that brings your lifestyle to life.

Living Better Starts Here ››

Happy Clients