Ruben Santos and I launched Convene Architecture in 2020 with a simple vision: To create beautiful homes that “wow” our clients. Well, actually, it was more complex than that. We also wanted our clients to relish the architectural journey: moving from dream, to idea, to myriad details, to reality.

When we began Convene Architecture, we had each been running our own architecture practices in the City of Alexandria for more than a decade. After collaborating on a few high-end projects, we decided to form a new, expanded firm – convinced that joining forces would allow us to deliver exceptional homes to more clients.

What would we call our new firm? It felt like a monumental decision, and we cast about for a name that would do justice to the firm we hoped to create. We had a few fun ideas like “Hi Design” and “Block Parti,” but had an epiphany when we hit on the name “Convene Architecture.” It highlighted everything we were trying to achieve: bringing a variety of people together to create inspiring homes that would be cherished for years to come.

The name Convene also captures some of what our clients long for in their homes. Each client has a unique reason to undertake an architecture project. Some crave beauty, or solutions for taming the kid-mess, or a place to retreat after a long day. But what tops most clients’ wishlist is creating a place where they can “convene” with their family and friends.

We work with each client to transform their home into just what they want it to be.

Our work is mostly concentrated in Alexandria (one of the structural engineers we work with jokes that every Convene Architecture project is within walking distance from every other Convene Architecture project). It’s not true; we’ve also completed large projects in Arlington, Fairfax County, and Middleburg. But we do have deep roots in Alexandria, and love working here.

Convene Architecture is a six-person firm. We have a diverse team of talented architects, plus a director of operations and marketing (sneak peek - Morgan will be featured in an upcoming Street Style article). We love what we do – working hard AND having fun as we collaborate with clients and partners. 

We continue to grow (if you know any talented residential architects who might like to join our firm, please send them our way!) and take on more exciting projects. We are always looking to meet clients who want to elevate their homes.

We’re proud and grateful to join Alexandria Stylebook as contributors. We’ll be sharing more in the coming months about our work, people, partners, and the Alexandria community we love.

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