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Bowers Design Build has grown from a third-generation builder’s venture into a McLean firm that has completed hundreds of custom projects across Northern Virginia.
Bruce Bowers founded the company in 1990 around a principle he learned from his grandfather and father: “There was only one way of doing things: the right way.”
Bowers financed his studies at the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture by working as a carpenter and project manager. After graduation, he managed several large, complex real estate developments in Northern Virginia before starting his own design-build business.
More than 35 years later, repeat clients account for over 30% of the firm’s business, including homeowners who have returned for second and third projects.
A family and business partnership
Bruce’s wife, Wilma Bowers, joined the company in 2001 following a 19-year career at Verizon, where she became vice president of corporate advertising and brand management.
Now vice president and co-owner of Bowers Design Build, she oversees business processes and works to maintain consistent communication and service for clients.
“While winning industry awards for exceptional design and construction is wonderful, the true measure of the Bowers team’s success is happy clients,” Wilma has said.
Her community involvement has included an appointment to Fairfax County Public Schools’ Curriculum Advisory Council and 14 years of service on school PTA boards. She has also supported philanthropic work at James Madison University, her alma mater.
In 2024, the university presented her with its Inez Graybeal Roop Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Her work included a central role in Women for Madison, an initiative reported to raise more than $1 million every two years.
Bruce and Wilma live in McLean’s historic Salona Village.
Designing for the way families live
The firm’s approach begins with the idea that appearance alone cannot make a home successful. A design must also accommodate its occupants’ routines.
Bowers uses a detailed survey and consultation process that asks clients how they spend a typical day, entertain guests and move through their homes. The team then uses those answers to shape both the look and function of each project.
“We love hearing clients say, ‘I would never have thought of that, but it is perfect,’” Bruce has said.
Katie leads the design studio and guides architects and designers from early concepts through construction administration. Her work ranges from historic residences to contemporary homes.
Rachel, an award-winning project designer with more than 20 years of experience, also assists clients with product procurement and post-construction care.
John Coburn received the 2025 Mid-Atlantic PRO President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Industry. His more than two decades of professional remodeling service have included terms as president and board chairman, as well as his current position as Ethics Committee chair.
Mike specializes in construction trades and cost estimation. The longtime McLean resident also coaches with George Mason University’s Mason LIFE Special Olympics program and operates YOUniquely Fit, a nonprofit serving young adults with special needs. He received the 2025 Mid-Atlantic PRO Community Service Award.
Awards and returning clients
Bowers Design Build has earned five Professional Remodeler of the Year awards. In 2025, the firm received four first-place Mid-Atlantic PRO awards for work involving kitchens, bathrooms, interior renovations and universal design.
The company has also been recognized as a Best Place to Work in Virginia and has received repeated honors for remodeling and kitchen-and-bath design in Arlington Magazine’s Best of Arlington survey. Its projects have appeared in Home & Design Magazine, Arlington Magazine and on HGTV.
GuildQuality survey results reported by the firm show that every responding Bowers client said they would recommend the company to a friend.
One McLean client said Bowers returned twice after completing an addition to a 1950s home in the early 2000s. More than 20 years later, the homeowner said the work’s quality and design continued to stand out.
Other clients in Oakton and McLean praised the company’s craftsmanship, communication and ability to complete work within its stated schedule.
The firm serves communities across Northern Virginia, including McLean, Arlington, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Falls Church, Alexandria, Aldie and Middleburg.