We bring beautiful and sustainable buildings to life
Founded in 1976 in Alexandria, Virginia, Maginniss + del Ninno (M+dN) Architects designs simple, elegant solutions to complex challenges. Focusing on a collaborative approach, the practice welcomes a multitude of diverse projects from re-purposing existing buildings to designing new multiuse buildings. Commitment to sustainable design, client engagement, creative problem solving, and professional excellence represent the core values of the Maginniss + del Ninno design team.
We honor the distinctive character of the communities where we work. Through our design solutions, we realize the unique parameters of each design program. Maginniss + del Ninno Architects is a woman-owned small business, providing comprehensive architecture, planning, and interior design services.
Bishop Ireton High School
Arlington, VA
Every architect has a duty to the environment
Waynewood Elementary School
Alexandria, VA
Maginniss + del Ninno Architects embraces, engages, shapes, and respects the natural and built environment by developing creative design strategies and solutions for future generations. A steadfast advocate for sustainable design, we are committed to environmental stewardship and the implementation of innovative sustainable design strategies that align with the Architecture 2030 Challenge which aims for net neutrality in all construction by the year 2030.
Each project is a new challenge with a unique context, goals, and constituencies. We believe successful design results from close collaboration among all stakeholders in the project. This begins with listening carefully to our clients’ needs, goals, and expectations. We follow by researching all parameters of the project, assessing the physical context, and working with the client to distill these results in a design program for the project. This collaboration continues until the project is completed and occupied.
We strive to recognize and enhance existing environments – particularly historically significant structures – by designing additions or alterations that respect their heritage and value to the community. We embrace the philosophy that the property is a physical record of its time, place, and use. We study and document distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques to preserve, repair, and replicate the craftsmanship inherent in the property. By carefully stabilizing the enduring qualities of a building and sensitively modernizing its systems, these properties renew their position as valuable assets to our communities.
Preserving and enriching existing buildings
Loudoun Valley Child Care Center
Purcellville, VA
Creating vital new buildings
To create enduring, useful, and exciting new spaces, we engage the collective resources of our clients, planning and zoning agencies, and members of the community. Considering ecology, context, and value, we propose solutions sensitive to our clients’ goals and visions. While the projects may vary in size or construction cost, our commitment to sustainable development, client service, creative problem solving, and professional excellence forms our core values. The success of this approach is evident by the volume of repeat and referral work from satisfied clients. Maginniss + del Ninno Architects embraces, engages, shapes, and respects the natural and built environment by developing creative design strategies and solutions for future generations. A steadfast advocate for sustainable design, we are committed to environmental stewardship and the implementation of innovative sustainable design strategies that align with the Architecture 2030 Challenge which aims for net neutrality in new construction by the year 2030.
Westmoreland State Park Visitor's Center
Montross, VA
Preserving the history of our communities
Loudoun Valley Community Center
Purcellville, VA
Maginniss + del Ninno Architects has significant experience with existing buildings and is committed to restoring the grandeur of long-standing civic structures. Experienced with Boards of Architectural Review throughout the Washington, D.C. area, historic renovation projects are appropriately detailed and their associated review processes are streamlined.
Whether designing a new building in a historic district or working with an existing historic structure, we will thoroughly assess the historic context and the existing building conditions, making careful note of the intersections of the original structure and the subsequent modifications and additions.
Our design team applies the Department of Interior Standards (36 CFR 67) as they pertain to historic buildings, the related landscape features, and the building's site and environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. Maginniss + del Ninno Architects embraces the philosophy that the property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Examples of craftsmanship that
characterize a property, including distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques are studied, documented, repaired, or replicated.
Maginniss + del Ninno Architects has significant experience with older building technologies and has completed or is in the planning process for more than 30 historic restoration and addition projects, including historic buildings and in historic districts. President Theresa del Ninno served as the chairperson of the Board of Architectural Review, Parker Gray Historic District in Alexandria, VA for many years.