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Architectural plans & permit drawings in Virginia.
NEXTA Studio prepares architectural plans, permit drawings, structural engineering and MEP plans for homes and businesses in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun and Prince William. Each set is prepared for the county or city that will review it, under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
What we prepare in Virginia
Design, engineering and permit drawings in one set.
- Architectural design & plansFloor plans, elevations and sections for new homes, additions, renovations and commercial spaces.
- Permit drawings & construction documentsDrawing sets formatted for county plan review, with code notes, details and schedules.
- Structural engineeringFootings, beams, framing and load paths for additions, decks and wall removals.
- Civil engineering & grading plansGrading and drainage plans and site plans that show how your lot is shaped and where water will go.
- MEP plansMechanical, electrical and plumbing plans for basements, kitchens and tenant spaces.
- Plan revisions & county commentsCorrections and written responses when the county sends comments back.
- 3D design & renderings3D views of your project before construction starts.
Where we work in Virginia
Counties and cities we serve.
Fairfax County
McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Springfield, Annandale, Burke, Centreville and Great Falls.
Arlington & Alexandria
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, including Old Town, Del Ray, Ballston and Pentagon City.
Loudoun County
Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Brambleton, South Riding, Lansdowne and Purcellville.
Prince William County
Woodbridge, Gainesville, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Dumfries and Quantico.
Stafford County
Stafford, North Stafford, Aquia Harbour, Brooke and Hartwood.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania
City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, Massaponax and Chancellor.
Fauquier & Warren
Warrenton, Bealeton, Front Royal, Strasburg and The Plains.
Independent Cities
City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and City of Fairfax.
Building permits in Virginia are issued by each county or independent city, following the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. In Fairfax County, plan review is handled by Land Development Services. We confirm who reviews your address before we draw.
Common Virginia projects
What homeowners and businesses ask us for.
Residential
- Home additions and second storeys
- Decks, screened porches and sunrooms
- Basement finishes and egress windows
- Accessory dwelling units, where zoning allows
- Kitchen renovations and load-bearing wall removal
- New custom homes and teardown rebuilds
Commercial
- Office and medical suite build-outs
- Retail stores and showrooms
- Restaurants and food service
- Barber shops and salons
- Accessibility upgrades
- Shell and white-box spaces
Virginia questions.
Straight answers about plans and permits in Northern Virginia. Don't see yours? Request a consultation.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Fairfax County?
Most decks in Fairfax County need a building permit, especially when attached to the house or raised above the ground, and the county asks for a deck plan with footing, framing, ledger and guardrail details. We prepare the drawings and confirm the rules for your property.
Who reviews building permits in Northern Virginia?
Each county or independent city reviews its own permits under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. In Fairfax County that is Land Development Services; Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun and Prince William each have their own permit offices.
Can you draw plans for a home addition in Arlington or McLean?
Yes. We check setbacks and lot coverage first, then prepare the architectural, structural and MEP drawings for the addition in one coordinated set.
Can you help finish my basement with a permit?
Yes. Basement finishes usually need a floor plan, egress window details, smoke and CO alarm locations and the electrical, plumbing and mechanical layout. We draw the full set.
The county sent comments on my plans. Can you respond?
Yes. Send us the drawings and the comments. We revise the set, answer each comment in writing and prepare it for resubmittal.
How do I start?
Request a consultation and attach any photos, surveys or old drawings. We'll contact you to talk through the project and send a written quote.
Also serving Washington, DC and Maryland.
We prepare plans and permit drawings across the Washington region.