About us

ACVN Architects is a full-service Architecture firm proudly based in Fredericksburg, Virginia.




We are passionate about building our community and focus our practice on energy efficiency solutions, applying building science to our analyses to develop thermally comfortable, cost-effective buildings. We have more than 35 years of experience working with commercial and residential clients.

About the Team

Both architects, Dugan Sullivan Caswell and Andreina Verdesoto met in Ecuador while working to build the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil. It didn't take long until they were married and moved to Fredericksburg to continue working together. ACVN was born the same year as their daughter, Abigail, in 2017.

"We wanted a family business. Something that would allow us to work together while giving us flexibility as a family to maximize our time with Abby."

Together, Dugan and Andreina make a powerful team, with a combined 35 years of experience practicing architecture - they've done everything from kitchen renovations and furniture design, to neighborhood designs, $100 million Department of State compounds, and everything in between.

When they are not working they enjoy doing outdoor activities and visiting Virginia State Parks. Dugan volunteers as a board member of the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity and sits on the Fredericksburg Planning Commission. Andreina is a gardening enthusiast, and volunteers at our local SPCA during kitten season and as much as possible at Abby's school.

Services We Provide

Residential Typologies

  • Custom Homes
  • Home Additions
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Renovations
  • Pool Houses
  • Carriage Houses
  • Guest Houses
  • Multigenerational Homes

Commercial Typologies

  • Tenant Improvements
  • New Buildings
  • Retail
  • Restaurants
  • Offices
  • Schools
  • Dental, Medical Practices
  • Life Safety Plans

Deliverables / Capabilities

  • Master Planning
  • Site Design
  • 3D Renderings
  • Architectural Plans
  • MEP Plans
  • Life Safety Plans
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Conceptual Design
  • Real Estate Due Diligence
  • Project Management

Specialty Services

  • Insulated Concrete Formwork (IFC) Design
  • Hempcrete Design
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Sustainable & Resilient Design
  • Net Zero & Net-Zero Ready
  • Passivhaus
  • Earthship Design

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to work with an architect?
Here at ACVN, we typically bill by the hour for residential work. Our billing rate is $150 per hour and our overall fees will be a function of the complexity, the size, and the scope of your project.
How do you communicate and collaborate with clients?
We set up frequent meetings either in-person over the phone or through video calls to discuss the project's progress and engage you in the collaborative design process. One of the enjoyable aspects of collaborating with us is that we operate directly in 3D software. This enables us to begin examining how your space will appear in the physical world fairly early in the design process. We can guide you through 3D models, allowing you to explore what different finishes, textures, and colors will look and feel like in your space.
Can you work within a specific budget and scope?
In short, yes, this is possible. In order to work with a specific budget we will need to bring on the contractor early on in the design process; it’s easier to design to a budget than to budget to a design. As you may be aware the construction market is somewhat volatile and it’s much easier for us to stay on track with a budget when we’re working with the contractor who is going to build the job.
What if the budget or scope of work changes?
It's true that the scope of work can change during the design phase. That's why, here at ACVN, we provide the flexibility of billing by the hour, so that if or when your design changes - we can adapt to it as we work through the process.
How are zoning and permits handled?
Addressing permit and zoning requirements are the foundation of our services. Each municipality in Virginia has slightly different requirements for permit and zoning documentation in general for permitting, municipalities will require floor plans, structural framing plans, sections, elevations, details, and a site plan. In Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg city, and Stafford County (among others), all additions, detached structures and new houses require a shrink-swell soils test. New houses will require a topographic survey & grading plan, and we work with a few providers of soils test and surveys.
How long does it take to design a house?
Getting your home designed and built is a process: It takes time. Decisions are not made all at once but throughout the course of a project. The overall design process will depend on the size of the building, the complexity of the project, the location, and the client’s decision-making process, as well as a whole host of external factors. We like to give our clients the expectation that it will take around four to six months to design a complex renovation, six to twelve months for a new custom home. With that said the permit review in Spotsylvania County can take four to six months.
What experience do you have with similar projects?
We have a combined 30 years of experience practicing Architecture we’ve done everything from kitchen renovations, furniture design, all the way up to neighborhood designs and $100 million Department of State compounds, and everything in between.
Do you speak Spanish? / Habla espanol?
ACVN Architects es una firma bilingüe y estamos listos para ayudarte en el diseño de tu nueva casa, adición o tu negocio. Temenos basta experiencia en proyectos residenciales y comerciales.
How do you handle conflicts or unexpected challenges during the project?
Every build has something unexpected come up we do our best to collaboratively meet those challenges. As your architect, we will advocate for you and offer the best solutions according to the situation.