The Knutson Companies Earns Dual Honors for Community Excellence in 2025

These accolades spotlight Knutson’s continued commitment to innovative design, craftsmanship and community-focused development across the Washington, D.C. region.

Presented by BUILDER and Zonda, the Masterpiece Builder Award honors developments that embody visionary masterplanning and thoughtful design. Birchwood at Brambleton—a 1,500-unit 55+ active adult community in Loudoun County—was recognized for conquering planning challenges, such as school district boundaries and a large stormwater pond, and transforming them into defining community features. Developed in partnership with four distinguished builders—The Knutson Companies, Miller & Smith, Van Metre Companies and Tri Pointe Homes—Birchwood at Brambleton showcases design diversity, cohesive architecture and resort-style amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball courts, a community greenhouse and a connected trail network.

The 2025 Community of the Year honor at the Great American Living Awards recognizes District Towns at St. Elizabeths East, a Knutson Companies development created in partnership with Wiles Mensch, Lessard Design and Redbrick LMD. The project introduces 88 townhomes to Washington, D.C.’s historic Congress Heights neighborhood—the first homeownership opportunity within the revitalized St. Elizabeths East campus—and blends modern architecture with the area’s heritage to create an inclusive, walkable community that fosters connection and accessibility.

These achievements underscore The Knutson Companies’ reputation as a builder of award-winning communities that prioritize innovation, integrity and a significant place to call home.

Explore our website to learn more about The Knutson Companies and our work throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

It is with this vision that Knutson introduces Lynden Row, a collection of seventeen classically elegant townhomes to one of Washington’s most illustrious neighborhoods. With full-brick fronts and precise detailing, the residences will be offered in two signature floorplans, each delivering nearly 3,000 square feet of multi-level living space. Every home will feature three bedrooms with an optional fourth, private two-car garages, expansive rooftop terraces with scenic views, and optional private elevators for effortless convenience.

Positioned at the crossroads of elegance and energy, the community’s Southwest D.C. address, just moments from The Wharf, offers unrivaled access to the city’s vibrant waterfront lifestyle. From boutique shopping and acclaimed dining to world-class cultural institutions, museums, and entertainment venues, Lynden Row offers unrivaled access to everything that makes The Wharf extraordinary. Residents will also enjoy effortless connectivity with close proximity to the Metro, major highways, and Reagan Airport, making travel and commuting seamless.

Anticipated to break ground in Fall 2025, Lynden Row represents not only a striking new addition to the Southwest Waterfront District but also a continuation of Knutson’s legacy of delivering thoughtfully designed communities of distinction.

Stay tuned for more details on this exciting development.

Located in Washington, D.C.’s historic Congress Heights neighborhood, this community of 88 townhomes brings the first homeownership opportunities to the celebrated St. Elizabeths East campus. The project exemplifies a modern vision for connected, walkable living that honors the area’s heritage while providing attainable homeownership opportunities.

In addition to this top honor, the Knutson Companies received several other GALA recognitions celebrating its innovation and excellence across multiple disciplines:

– Best Sales Office – The Camden Sales Office, Brambleton, VA
– Best Video or TV Ad – Archer Square Condominiums Testimonial Video
– Best Integrated Marketing Campaign – District Towns “Final Opportunity” Campaign

The Great American Living Awards, presented annually by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, Washington Metropolitan Sales and Marketing Council and Maryland Building Industry Association, celebrate the region’s most innovative and impactful achievements in residential design, architecture and marketing.

Explore our website to learn more about the Knutson Companies and our work throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Prospective homeowners can choose from a variety of floorplans, including 1 to 3 bedroom layouts—with select residences featuring dens and private balconies. Each residence is designed to maximize natural light and provide a floorplan designed for easy living. Residents will enjoy the convenience of elevator access, trash chutes, dedicated package rooms and private garages.

Archer Square is renowned for its commitment to fostering a vibrant and connected 55+ community. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities throughout Birchwood at Brambleton, including two clubhouses, indoor and outdoor pools, hobby rooms and sports courts. Regular social events and activities help cultivate a sense of camaraderie that allows neighbors to become friends. This focus on community engagement combined with low-maintenance living allows residents to maintain an active, “lock-and-leave” lifestyle, freeing up time for travel, hobbies, family and friends.

Located within the broader Brambleton community, Archer Square offers effortless access to a wide range of retail, dining and recreational options. Its proximity to the Washington, D.C. area and Dulles International Airport ensures that residents remain well-connected to family and regional attractions. 

This final building release highlights the Knutson Companies’ dedication to creating homes that combine superior craftsmanship with refined aesthetics. Each residence at Archer Square is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of Active Adults, offering a balanced blend of style, comfort and functionality.

For more information on available residences from the lower $400s to $600s+ and to experience the Archer Square lifestyle firsthand, visit ArcherSquare.com.

This single-family home, which provides critical shelter for women, children and families facing homelessness, has been revitalized to offer comfort, safety and functionality. The renovation encompassed a remodeled kitchen complete with new appliances; updates to the HVAC system, bathrooms and laundry room; fresh paint and lighting throughout the interior and exterior; and repairs to exterior stairways, windows and gutters. Enhanced storage solutions and safety upgrades ensure the home is both welcoming and practical for its residents.

The Knutson Companies’ thoughtful approach extended beyond the main residence. In collaboration with Eastern Applicators, Noble Construction and VCI, the team also designed and installed a custom playhouse for the children who will live at Peace House. This vibrant addition reflects the Knutson Companies’ dedication to create spaces that inspire joy, further enriching the lives of Peace House’s youngest residents.

Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia plays a pivotal role in the community, empowering women, children and families experiencing homelessness by providing not only shelter but also the resources and support necessary for stability and self-sufficiency. The organization’s partnership with HomeAid National Capital Region and the Knutson Companies ensures families have access to safe, dignified housing as they work toward brighter futures.

The Peace House renovation exemplifies the Knutson Companies’ core values of local expertise, design excellence and unwavering craftsmanship. With the contributions of 19 trade partners, the project saved Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia $118,464 in labor, materials and expertise—an achievement that highlights the transformative impact of collective effort.

Learn more about work and missions of these organizations at HomeAidNCR.org and GoodShepherdNova.org.

Each single-level residence is thoughtfully crafted with refined finishes as well as dens and private outdoor living spaces in select homes. Homeowners will enjoy a truly low-maintenance lifestyle, with each building offering private garages, elevator access and a dedicated package room for added convenience.

Beyond the beautifully designed homes, Archer Square residents will have access to a wealth of amenities. Situated within the vibrant Birchwood at Brambleton active adult neighborhood, homeowners can take advantage of two 55+ exclusive clubhouses, featuring pools, a health and wellness center, sports courts and more. The nearby Bram Quarter and Brambleton Town Center offers fine dining, daily conveniences and a state-of-the-art library, ensuring that everything you need is just moments away.

Some of Archer Square’s first homeowners recently shared their enthusiasm for the homes and the active lifestyle the community offers. “I really love our home,” said one of the happy homeowners. “I love the floorplan and the openness of the kitchen, living room and dining room.”

“Archer Square is a place for our lifestyle. We were attracted by the active adult community, and my wife fell in love with it. She loves the aesthetics and the design,” said another satisfied homeowner.  

Archer Square epitomizes the Knutson Companies’ mission to build distinctive homes in neighborhoods that offer easy access to entertainment, recreation and community. “Everything we could possibly want is right outside our door,” shared another happy homeowner.  

Want to see more? Watch the video today and visit ArcherSquare.com to learn more about the stylish new homes now selling from the lower $400s to $600s+.

Each home of nearly 3,000 square feet is designed with up to five bedrooms, a rear deck and a 2-car garage, catering to both entertainment and everyday living. These homes uniquely feature an included fourth-floor loft and private rooftop terrace — your Yard in the Sky. 

Knutson at West Park is a new community of 2-car garage townhomes offering three bedrooms and private backyards, ideal for both family activities and neighborhood gatherings. The thoughtfully-designed homes offer versatile spaces perfect for private home offices, guests, hobbies or room to grow. 

Both communities are within walking distance of dining, shopping, and entertainment options in Downtown Brambleton. Homeowners will also enjoy the benefits of access to top-tier schools, sport courts, walking trails, pools, and a host of community events available throughout the year. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy in the Brambleton neighborhood. 

With decades of experience in Loudoun County, these new opportunities represent the Knutson Companies’ commitment to bringing upscale, contemporary living to one of Northern Virginia’s most coveted neighborhoods. Learn more about the stylish new homes now selling at Knutson at Downtown Brambleton from the upper $700s and Knutson at West Park in Brambleton from the mid $600s.

Led by Builder Captain the Knutson Companies and supported by a team of subcontractors, renovations of the space included replacing flooring and lighting, renovating the bathrooms, chef’s room and kitchen and updating the laundry room equipment. This project marks 20 years since the Knutson Companies first collaborated with HomeAid National Capital Region on initiatives throughout Northern Virginia. “We consider it an honor for all of us to be associated with HomeAid and to be able to do this first of many projects in D.C.,” says Don Knutson, President of the Knutson Companies.

The renovations to this cafeteria space allow Thrive D.C. and Loaves and Fishes to better serve their clients by offering a dignified space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. “My sincere hope is that everyone who walks in there in need leaves with a feeling of joy and happiness from a newly renovated space where somebody took time to help them out,” says Knutson.

Learn more about work and missions of these organizations at HomeAidNCR.org, ThriveDC.org and LoavesAndFishesDC.org, and watch Thrive D.C.’s project video to learn more about this renovation.

The Knutson Companies’ team strives to bring impressive designs and craftsmanship to all the homes they build through D.C. and Northern Virginia, and are honored to be recognized for their work at Archer Square.

Archer Square Condominiums offers elevated single-level living with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom residences available. Each home includes a sophisticated design, refined interior finishes and an open-concept floorplan with ample natural light. The community’s four buildings have distinctive stone architecture and offer homeowners private balconies and garages, and convenient elevator access. Located within the celebrated 55+ Birchwood at Brambleton community, Archer Square is the epitome of low-maintenance living in Loudoun County, with its impressive amenities and close proximity to exceptional entertainment, shopping, dining and outdoor activities.

The Knutson team is proud to serve the Loudoun County community and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional neighborhoods that elevate their homeowners’ lifestyles. Learn more about the new homes at Archer Square at ArcherSquare.com.

Thrive D.C. is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to help those impacted by homelessness and unemployment. Originally founded in 1979 to serve dinner to homeless women, Thrive D.C. has since expanded to a comprehensive, bilingual organization serving over 2,000 people each year.

Loaves and Fishes provides lunches and a food pantry distribution every weekend to local community members in need. The ministry is also dedicated to educating volunteers about hunger and homelessness and is sustained by a partnership with 11 other churches in the area.  

The Knutson team will be helping Thrive D.C. and the Loaves and Fishes’ program by renovating their 5,000-square-foot space to provide more storage, establish a better flow of traffic, and create a more dignified space for all. As Builder Captain, the Knutson team will manage the process of replacing flooring and lighting, renovating the laundry room, and adding a fresh new coat of paint throughout the main room, kitchen, bathrooms, office space, laundry room and shower facilities. 

The Knutson Companies are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support HomeAid National Capital Region and the work they do for nonprofits serving those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. 

Learn more about the work and missions of these organizations at HomeAidNCR.org, ThriveDC.org and LoavesAndFishesDC.org.