Ashton Wolfley

Associate, Architectural Designer

Ashton joined Val Hawkins Architect in 2024 after earning his Master of Architecture from the Catholic University of America. His work spans conceptual design, digital visualization, and construction documentation, with a particular interest in traditional residential architecture and classical design principles.

Shaped by the traditions and landscapes of the Chesapeake and Tidewater, Ashton believes the best homes possess a sense of permanence, enduring in both craftsmanship and character. He enjoys finding restrained, elegant solutions to complex design challenges. Outside the studio, he enjoys sailing, fishing, sporting clays, and exploring historic towns and estates.

awolfley@valhawkins.com

Elizabeth Edwards

Architect

Elizabeth joined Val Hawkins Architect in 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Preservation Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master of Architecture from Southern Illinois University. Her approach balances historic character with modern needs, bringing technical requirements, visual intent, and the client’s story into a cohesive whole.

Academic programs in France, Italy, and Hong Kong broadened Elizabeth’s experience of art and architecture. She values the studio’s collaborative, detail-oriented approach and aims to create intentional, timeless spaces tailored to each client. Outside the office, she enjoys playing piano, gardening, cooking, oil painting, and visiting local art galleries.

eedwards@valhawkins.com

Isabella DeBenedetti

Associate, Architectural Designer

Isabella joined Val Hawkins Architect in 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in 2019 and her Master of Architecture from the Catholic University of America in 2022. She enjoys contributing to every phase of a project, creating thoughtful, contextual homes that feel rooted in Washington’s historic neighborhoods.

Inspired by classical ideals of beauty, proportion, and delight, Isabella seeks solutions that resolve technical constraints while appearing effortless. She serves on the board of the Washington–Mid Atlantic chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and chairs the L’Enfants. Her interests include painting, drawing, photography, travel, and hosting friends and family.

idebenedetti@valhawkins.com

Val Hawkins

AIA, NCARB · Washington, DC

Val is passionate about working with residential clients to help them realize a vision for their home. Be it new construction, additions, or renovations, his practice is dedicated to understanding a homeowner’s needs and how best to serve them through good design. While he has experience working on a variety of project types including university buildings, libraries, ecclesiastical and healthcare facilities, it is the personal aspect of residential work that drives him and where he focuses his efforts.

With a father in real-estate development and a mother in interior design, Val’s upbringing exposed him at an early age to the built environment. He brings a unique mix of business acumen and an appreciation of fine arts to his architecture practice. Growing up in the historic district of Old Town, Alexandria, VA, and having lived in London and Paris, Val has cultivated an understanding of historic preservation and restoration, but also enjoys seamless integration of modern technology and sensibilities. With a timeless aesthetic, he works within the vernacular of the area to provide well-scaled, creative solutions to a homeowner’s needs.

Based in Georgetown, Val’s practice involves extensive collaboration with interior designers, landscape architects, civil and structural engineers. Working closely with consultants, designers, builders and craftspeople ensures each project obtains the optimal resolution. His objective is for the client to enjoy the process and to be delighted with the end product.

Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Val is a licensed architect in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Florida.

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Lowell Street

Washington, DC

A classical Washington residence framed by mature trees, with a calm, richly layered interior and a close connection to the garden.

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Lowell Street · 01 / 11

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2101 Connecticut Avenue

Washington, DC

A Washington apartment shaped around generous rooms, traditional millwork, and a gracious sequence of living and dining spaces.

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2101 Connecticut Avenue · 01 / 12

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Belle Haven

Alexandria, Virginia

A stone house in Belle Haven, with a carefully composed entrance and classical detailing that gives the facade a renewed sense of arrival.

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Belle Haven · 01 / 08

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Georgetown Residence

Washington, DC

An extensive restoration of an 1810 Georgetown home, renewing its historic fabric while reworking the plan for family life. Custom millwork and restored fireplaces bring new purpose to the house.

Georgetown Residence · 01 / 20

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Duke Street

Alexandria, Virginia

An Old Town residence with a light-filled sequence of rooms, restrained traditional detailing, and a generous connection to the rear garden.

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Duke Street · 01 / 33

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Lee Street

Alexandria, Virginia

An Alexandria townhouse pairing a composed historic facade with colorful interiors, traditional detail, and rooms designed for everyday living.

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Lee Street · 01 / 12