Stephen J. Vanze FAIA, LEED AP

FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL

Licenses held: DC, MA, MD, NY, UT, VA

Originally from Briarcliff New York, Steve attended Brown University (B.A.) and the University of Virginia (M. Arch), where he was distinguished with the prestigious AIA Henry Adams Medal. Steve’s professional career began at Skidmore Owings & Merrill (D.C.) followed by nearly a decade with Hartman Cox Architects, where he met and worked closely with Ankie Barnes. While at Hartman Cox, they designed and completed many esteemed projects together and in1989 joined forces to forge their own practice. Steve says, “Ankie and I have shared an office for 40 years (and counting) and I am doing what I always imagined I would do, that is to say, responding to the needs of clients and making quality architecture for them.” In addition, Steve’s passion for service and support for the firm’s pro bono work has always run parallel to his architectural practice. Whether serving the AIA/DC chapter or Washington Architectural Foundation as president, or as a board member and chairman of the Old Georgetown Board of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Steve embodies Abraham Flexner’s axiom “… the measure of a true professional is that he gives back to his profession and his community.” Honored for his impactful contributions in the service of humanity and the built environment, Steve became a member of the AIA College of Fellows in 2012.