Rill Architects

We had the pleasure of working with Rill Architects for the first time 2 years ago. Since then, we've completed several great projects with them and each different experience has been very enjoyable. Jim's team is comprised of numerous top-notch architects who all have a shared focus of keeping the client's vision/goals first. Creating a positive and proactive synergy between the client, architect and contractor is key to a successful project and Rill Architects does it as well as anyone we've seen.

Rill Architects designed the renovation of our 1950's rambler. Our rambler was transformed into a craftsman style home. Our main goal was to add a master suite, and a new chef's kitchen adjacent to a family room, which we felt would lend itself to enhance our daily living and our ability to entertain. Jim Rill and Kay Kim listened to our wish list and created a design that incorporated our vision and so much more. Thorough the 10 months of the renovation, both Jim and Kay were always available to answer questions from the builder that needed immediate answers, and they were available to us when we were unsure or anxious about how something was evolving, reassuring or revisiting ideas. Our home turned out to be everything we had hoped and more.

I hired Rill Architects to design and oversee the construction of a large addition to the rear of my house. It was a two-story addition, and cost over $300,000. The difference it made in my house was transformational. I went from an unhappy owner that was considering a move to an incredibly happy homeowner who would never move. When people walk in my house their jaw drops. I am constantly referring customers to Jim Rill. The new space opened the house to the outdoors in a way that made me feel like I was living in a postcard. The attention to detail and an overall design is second to none. The construction process was without any difficulties thanks to Jim Rills constant supervision. I could not be happier with my choice of architects and general contractor. Two thumbs up is how I would describe my overall experience.

Jim Rill has been our architect on two homes for us, on both he did a fabulous job. He is creative about the big picture, but able to focus on the smallest details. His commitment to understanding and actualizing the clients' vision is truly commendable. The style of our two houses were quite different, yet he was able to translate both visions into a practical reality. He is cheerful in the most stressful situations and always able to find a creative solution to any problem. I highly recommend him for any project.

Jim Rill and the entire team at Rill Architects have been a pleasure to work with. They helped us with floor plans, cabinets, fixtures and finishes, paint colors, hardscapes, tile, trim and contractor selection. We have only good things to say about Rill Architects. Jim provides an honest assessment of time frames, contractors, costs, and what you can and can't do to remain on budget. He really got to know our likes and dislikes, sense of style and design preferences. He listened to what we wanted, gave us feedback that was helpful, and worked with us in a most gracious manner despite our countless newbie questions. He spoke up when we he thought we were making design mistakes which is very important, yet helped us develop our own vision, elevating it to a level beyond our expectations. We are just thrilled with the end results, and would use Jim again in a minute. His team kept on top of the project as it moved from demolition to construction to finished spaces. The budget remained intact, the quality of workmanship remained high, we had no building permit problems, and the overall execution of the project has been first class. Jim introduced us to several terrific contractors from whom we obtained bids, including the one we hired, who was also great. Jim’s guidance and experience through the contracting phase of the project was invaluable. The best part of the whole experience is that Jim made our house feel like a brand new home. This was no easy accomplishment. Previously the house felt dark, dated and cramped. We disliked the long hallways and small colonial rooms. Additionally, our wonderful backyard was not visible from inside the house. They were able to make our house feel modern and contemporary and dramatically brought the outside scenery in. Equally important was their bold vision how to transform our floor plan to improve room flow, interest, and spatial connections. The interior spaces are now large and inviting. You are drawn from room to room. The complete transformation of our floor plan was definitely the biggest positive surprise in this project. Jim Rill’s attention to detail, vision, design skills, experience, professionalism plus an often needed dose of humor has made this experience enjoyable. I would highly recommend Rill Architects for anyone about to embark on this journey. Michelle & Eric T

Jim and his design team changed the way we live. We love the feel and the flow of the house. They created a great design and worked with us from floor plan to spigot selections. They listened, they were hands on, and they were hand holders. The designs speak for themselves, what they don't show is the caring personal service you get from these fine people.

Jim and his team did an outstanding job for us. The work was a significant renovation of and addition to a 1937 home. Rill Architects created some wonderful new spaces for us, including a kitchen and family room where we spend most of our time. Jim and his team transformed our home and we are very happy living in the spaces Rill Architects designed for us.

We really enjoyed working with Jim Rill and his associate, David Benton. They listened to what we wanted and took the time to get a feel for who we were and what we were looking for in our new home. The paid special attention to the specifics of our lot and ensured that there were views from every possible angle. They spent time designing perfect trim details both inside and out, and ensured that our new home would be special and perfect for our way of life and the area in which we were building. Jim took us around to different projects he had done so that we could see his work in person and tell him what we liked and did not like in each. Jim and his team made alterations as needed as the building progressed and maintained an active involvement in the entire process with the builder as well as the interior designer. We liked working with Jim and David so much on our new home that we had them design a remodel for a rental property. While our new home is not yet finished, I am confident that it will be perfect, and I would highly recommend Rill Architects.

jim is extremely talented. he is a team player. by that i mean his listening skills are sharp and comprehensive. he works extremely well with demanding clients and deadlines. in fact, he seems to prefer owner involvement and intensely creative dialogue. his architectural skills like his passion for each job are acute. it is also a pleasure to work with a can-do thinker. He consistently delivers a superior product.

My husband and I have worked with Jim Rill and his team for over 10 years on various projects. Rill Architects designed both our primary home and our weekend retreat. They have been instrumental in taking our visions and making them reality. The team pays great attention to how the client will use the home and what details matter to them. We interviewed several architects before embarking on our initial project and are extremely fortunate to have found Jim and his team. They have made each project a wonderful experience.

We would highly recommend David Benton of Rill Associates! We worked with David on the design of our home in Bethesda, MD. He came highly recommended by a friend and we couldn’t have imagined this project without his guidance, skill and support. We didn’t realize the overwhelming amount of decisions we would have to make in the course of the project, and David was right there with us every step of the way helping us to think through the options, providing expertise and guidance, and doing so in a responsive, thoughtful manner. His calm presence was invaluable in what was a very stressful process. His customer service was stellar, as was his attention to detail. We especially appreciated that he didn’t just agree with our ideas. He was willing to share his opinion, which stretched, challenged and informed our thinking. As a result, we are satisfied with our final decisions. We moved into our house two months ago and love it! We think about David all the time because some of the features we like best in our new home were David’s suggestions.

In my opinion, Rill Architects is the top residential architectural firm in the Washington, DC Metro area. I've followed their work online and enjoy seeing their amazing projects published in local luxury publications, as well as national magazines. I've met Jim Rill and his team and they are very approachable. If I ever had a need for an architect - for a new home or renovation - Rill Architects would be the company I would call. While I know they can design any style of home, I've admired their green projects as well as the way they take the environment into consideration on each project. You can tell by the way the house sits in the setting. Well Done Rill Architects!