About Architect AV

Partners in business and in life, husband and wife team Francisca and Antonio Alonso are the creative force behind the shared vision for  Vacation Style Living™ , a philosophy for home construction and design that is the cornerstone of the business. Francisca and Tony met at the School of Architecture at the Catholic University of America in 1987. Antonio is a licensed architect in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Having both lived in Europe as children, the two shared an affinity for the light, modern, style typical of Mediterranean homes that would come to define their professional aesthetic. In 2001, after the birth of their fourth child, Francisca and Tony decided to change directions from working in large Architecture firms in Washington DC and founded AV Architects PLLC as a small business in Northern Virginia. Within a year, they formed a sister company, AV Builders, LLC to control the construction process and provide their high-end clients with a single point of accountability from concept to completion.  While the two business entities remain separate, AV Architects PLLC works as a sub-consultant under AV Builders, LLC d/b/a AV Architects + Builders. Their background, professional training, and dedication for their craft has led them to establish a unique design-build approach that is masterfully exhibited in many homes all over the Northern Virginia Area. Together their work has been awarded numerous times, including Best of Houzz Awards in 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012. One of its projects was featured in Fall 2019 Home & Design Magazine and 2019 Fine Portfolio Magazine. Another project, Old Chesterbrook won 5 awards in the 2019 Parade of Homes, one of which was the Best In Show overall award in the $3 million+ category. In addition to having received the Best Contractor of Northern Virginia 2017 – Northern VA Magazine, AV Architects + Builders has been Featured in Home & Design Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, Home & Design 100 Top Designers Portfolio, Modern Luxury DC Magazine, LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine. Tony’s passion for design and construction started at a young age. While in architecture school Tony was also working construction on the Washington National Cathedral constructing gothic stone arches and pinnacles. This early experience in construction and the concept of a seamless approach to design and construction gave Tony the direction to follow in architecture school. After graduating from architecture school Tony gained experience working in large design and construction organizations. However, Tony always felt the pull back to the to the idea of the architect as master builder. This approach was full filled when AV Architects + Builders was conceived in 2001. Tony is a member of the American Institute of Architects. Francisca is the Chair for the AIA NOVA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN); and member of the National Association Remodeling Industry (NARI), Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVIBIA), National Association of Home Builders, American Institute of Architects – National and Northern Virginia Chapter (AIA); Women in Architecture; National Association of Professional Business Owners; McLean Chamber of Commerce; and Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, Francisca published  Nesting for Empty Nesters, The Vacation Style Living™ Approach to Aging in Place . Speaking at numerous events, including Virginia Women’s Business Conference, Sterling Women, and National Association of Professional Women, Francisca has delivered talks on issues such as making a masterplan for your business success, aging in place, baby boomers home design, and work/life balance. Francisca is a committed mentor to young women business owners, those looking to be entrepreneurs and also young women interested in pursuing a STEM career. She was a selected mentor for the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program at the George Washington School of Business. AV Architects + Builders are licensed architects in VA, MD and DC and are Class A Contractors in Virginia.