ABOUT US
Blackburn Architects has been designing equestrian facilities since 1983.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, Blackburn is internationally recognized for setting the highest standard in the design of equestrian facilities. The firm focuses on horse health and safety, ease of operation, and principles of sustainability in the structures and surrounding landscapes.
Blackburn’s barns are designed to be breathing machines using prevailing winds and sunlight with no need for mechanical ventilation.
HORSE HEALTH FIRST
The health of the horse can be affected by every aspect of the farm, from the layout of the roads and paddocks down to the selection and placement of the buckets in the stall.
- John Blackburn
A Master’s Eye
John Blackburn is a renowned leader in the design of sustainable equestrian facilities. His projects range from historic barn conversions to stabling for every equestrian pursuit, including polo, western pleasure riding, dressage, hunter jumpers, show jumpers, and more.
John’s intuitive gift for understanding land, and the best placement of structures within the landscape, is a hallmark of his work. He has trained his staff to incorporate the principles of passive design to prioritize human and animal health and safety.
Our Team
Blackburn Architects is a tight-knit team of dedicated architects and designers. Each member has joined the firm bringing their own inspirations and talents, and each one has been added carefully to create a vibrant mix of skills and personalities. Together, we strive to foster a family-like collaborative atmosphere, where we enjoy design freedom, but with the most senior members providing oversight and guidance. Our commitment to our clients, and to each other, is to provide design and service at the highest levels.
Our Story
1976-1979
John earned a Master of Architecture and Urban Design degree from Washington University in St. Louis and was principal of his own firm from 1976-1979 before joining Keyes Condon Florence Architects as an associate architect for four years.
1983-1995
In 1983, John founded Smith Blackburn Architects with Robert Smith, AIA, and merged with Richard Stauffer Associates in 1987 to form Smith Blackburn Stauffer. In 1995, the firm incorporated and changed its name to Blackburn Architects, PC.
1980s
The firm's focus on equestrian projects began by chance. Early in their careers, while taking on small design jobs, the architects landed a commission in Middleburg, Virginia—a 400-acre thoroughbred facility called Heronwood Farm. Its success launched the firm’s reputation, leading to hundreds of horse farm projects in the years since.
