Travis Price Architects
Travis Price Architects is an award-winning Washington, D.C. firm where architecture is shaped by ecology, mythology, and client story. Founded by Travis Price, FAIA — who coined the term 'passive solar' and installed Manhattan's first wind machine — the firm is now led by Managing Principal Kelly Grace, AIA, also known as @nontoxarchitect, who has brought non-toxic design, circadian wellness, and building biology into TPA's already sustainability-rooted practice.
About
Travis Price Architects has been doing the work before there was a name for it. Travis Price coined the term 'passive solar' in the 1970s, installed the first wind machine in Manhattan, and built the world's largest solar building for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Four decades of AIA award-winning design later, the firm continues to push architecture toward ecology and meaning.
Managing Principal Kelly Grace, AIA — known in the healthy building world as @nontoxarchitect — has woven non-toxic materials, circadian lighting design, and building biology principles into TPA's already sustainability-rooted practice. Her own health journey, deepened after becoming a mother, drove her to bridge the gap between 'green' and genuinely healthy. Over 70% of the homes TPA designs now incorporate non-toxic specifications.
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Key Features
Travis Price Architects brings five decades of ecological design innovation together with a new generation's commitment to non-toxic, wellness-centered architecture. The numbers tell the story of a firm operating at the intersection of art, ecology, and human health.
50+
Years of Sustainable Design (Since 1975)
25
AIA Design Awards
70%+
Homes Designed with Non-Toxic Specs
4
Published Books by Travis Price
Why Choose Us
Most architecture firms can design a beautiful home. A handful can design one that's also sustainable. Travis Price Architects designs homes that are beautiful, sustainable, and healthy — rooted in your story, informed by ecology, and built with materials that won't compromise the people living inside them.
Coined 'Passive Solar'
Travis Price literally named one of the foundational concepts of sustainable architecture in the 1970s. This firm's commitment to ecological design isn't a marketing pivot — it's a half-century origin story.
@nontoxarchitect — Kelly Grace, AIA
Managing Principal Kelly Grace has brought non-toxic material specification, circadian lighting design, and building biology principles into every project. Her personal health journey gives her the conviction that 'earth-friendly doesn't always mean people-friendly.'
25 AIA Design Awards
From 1977 to present — including an AIA Gold Medal nomination in 2020, FAIA fellowship, NCARB Prize, and recognition from the New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, and HGTV.
Storytelling-Driven Design
TPA starts every project by learning your story — then writes a poem that drives the entire architectural form. 'Metaphorical Modernism' means each home is a one-of-a-kind portrait of the people who live in it.
International Scope, Local Roots
Based in Washington, D.C. with projects across the US, Ireland, Finland, Costa Rica, and beyond. Residential, commercial, institutional, and public art — all guided by the same ecological and humanistic principles.
Services List
Design Services
- Custom Residential Architecture
- Multi-Family & Mixed-Use
- Commercial & Institutional Architecture
- Wellness & Circadian Design
- Non-Toxic Material Specification
- Passive Solar & Ecological Design
- Adaptive Reuse & Container Architecture
- Renovation with Modern Addition
Philosophy & Approach
- Metaphorical Modernism
- Client Story-Driven Design Process
- Spirit of Place Integration
- Envelope Consulting Collaboration
- Natural Material Palette
- Low-EMF & Circadian Lighting Strategy
- Cradle to Cradle / Longevity Focus
Video Showcase
Travis Price Architects' work has been featured in documentary film, television, and digital media. Travis Price starred in 'The Tale of the Tongs,' filmed in County Mayo, Ireland, and the firm's projects have appeared on HGTV, CNN, NBC, and international media.
Kelly Grace, AIA
Managing Principal — @nontoxarchitect
Contact Information
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Markets Served
Coverage
Based in Washington, D.C., serving the greater D.C., Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. International projects in Ireland, Finland, Costa Rica, Mexico, and across the United States.
Credentials
Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)
Travis Price — inducted 2011. One of architecture's highest professional honors.
AIA Gold Medal Nomination (2020)
Travis Price — nominated for the AIA's highest individual honor, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished work.
AIA Member — Kelly Grace
Managing Principal. M.Arch, Catholic University of America. 14+ years leading design at TPA.
25 AIA Outstanding Design Awards (1977–2014)
Half a century of continuous recognition from the American Institute of Architects.
National Geographic Expert & Contributing Editor
Travis Price — National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Cultural and ecological stewardship.
NCARB Prize
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards — for innovative building practice.
Adjunct Professor — Catholic University of America
Travis Price — School of Architecture and Planning. Co-founded Spirit of Place – Spirit of Design program.
Kalevala Society Member — Finland (2011)
Prestigious Finnish cultural honor recognizing contributions to architecture and cultural heritage.
Founding Member
Healthy Building Alliance
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