PlanH, a French architecture studio based in Washington, DC, specializes in contemporary design and Passive House principles to create sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. For owner Jean-Michel Humbert, architecture is more than just a profession—it’s about deeply understanding people. Designing someone’s home is an inherently personal process, a collaborative journey that builds trust and opens up a dialogue about how people want to live, what they need, and how they wish to feel in the spaces they inhabit.

"I love meeting new people, understanding their stories, and helping them bring those stories to life in a way that feels truly unique," says Humbert. Whether it’s a grand space or a modest addition, PlanH’s designs aim to create a seamless blend of beauty, functionality, and environmental mindfulness. These are spaces where time feels expansive, where nature is woven into daily life, and where every detail invites you to be fully present in the moment.

Drawing from a rich background in architectural design and a commitment to sustainability, PlanH's core design values include the honesty of materials, shared landscapes, the expansion of space, and sculpted light. These principles guide the creation of spaces that are both elegant and functionally superior.

"In many older homes, windows are small, offering only glimpses of the outdoors—you can only guess what’s going on," Humbert notes. "In contrast, PlanH embraces the contemporary, where expansive windows allow the indoors and outdoors to flow seamlessly into one another."

Humbert’s design philosophy celebrates natural light, letting it fill the space throughout the day. From morning coffee as sunlight filters in to the shifting shadows at sunset, each moment is carefully framed to make the passage of time palpable.

This interplay between light, shadow, and the rhythm of nature defines PlanH’s distinctive approach. "I love the feeling of time passing—the way architecture can make the changing seasons or the progression of shadows something you experience within the space," says Humbert. This sensitivity to time and nature brings his designs to life, resonating deeply with the clients who inhabit them.

But it’s not just about light and windows. Humbert also excels at redefining boundaries—those subtle shifts in spatial perception that transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. In a PlanH design, every element is carefully considered: how a window overhangs a corner, how a floor line subtly adjusts to enhance openness or intimacy, or how transitions between spaces invite exploration. These nuanced choices create an emotional depth that may not be immediately apparent in drawings but reveals itself as the space is lived in.

This tailored approach is evident in every project PlanH undertakes, from a residential renovation in Spring Valley to a contemporary addition to a historic Georgetown home. Humbert guides each project with a high level of personal engagement, ensuring that every detail aligns with the client’s vision. The firm’s approach is both collaborative and concierge-style, creating a customized, hands-on experience that helps clients feel understood at every stage of the design process. While no two projects are alike, all share PlanH’s hallmark of sophisticated simplicity—a perfect blend of function, form, and beauty.

In current projects, like a residential one-story extension on Quebec Street, a 3 story extension in Georgetown or an interior renovation in Capitol Hill, PlanH remains true to its belief in the honesty of materials and shared landscapes. By blending contemporary design with the surrounding environment—whether through modern terracotta siding or a sculpted stone façade—the firm ensures that every material serves both an aesthetic and environmental purpose. The result is a timeless quality that resonates today and for generations to come.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of PlanH’s ethos. Humbert became a certified Passive House Designer in 2021 through the Passive House Institute (PHIUS), reflecting his deep commitment to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and enhancing the lives of those who inhabit his designs. By integrating Passive House principles—including thermal control, air quality, and moisture management—PlanH creates spaces that are not only visually striking but also unmatched in comfort and resilience.

The studio’s portfolio spans residential, commercial, adaptive reuse, and educational projects, all marked by a focus on timeless sophistication and a dedication to creating spaces that resonate with meaning. Each design reflects the people it serves, crafted with care, precision, and a deep understanding of how homeowners interact with their living spaces.

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Side Bar: 

Jean-Michel Humbert was born, raised, and educated in France. He founded PlanH in Paris in 2012 after leading the design and construction of residential, adaptive reuse, commercial, and educational projects since 2006. After relocating the firm to Washington, D.C., in 2016, Humbert quickly became adept at navigating local project approvals and securing permits, bringing his expertise to the unique regulatory landscape of the region.

For Humbert, significant works of architecture express their purpose through thoughtful physical solutions. As with any form of design, architecture seeks artful solutions that harmonize function, form, and meaning. At PlanH, these solutions are shaped by a set of guiding values, each finding its physical expression through close collaboration with the client and a deep understanding of the program and design challenge at hand.

Every project is unique in its context. Whether it’s a new home, a boutique storefront, or a renovation, each project exists within a distinct mix of influences: geography, history, landscape, and urban fabric. These contextual elements are some of PlanH’s greatest sources of inspiration. By working iteratively between building design and site analysis, Humbert and his team create strong connections between architecture and its surroundings, ensuring the building feels rooted in its environment.

If architecture is a statement, materials are its words—the means by which designs communicate. At PlanH, materials are selected based on their inherent properties, with minimal alteration or concealment. Materials are used to express a project’s relationship to its site, landscape, or central concept, defining spatial qualities tailored to specific uses.

A core aspect of PlanH’s design philosophy is the seamless blending of interior and exterior spaces. This often involves opening rooms to concealed courtyards or drawing the landscape into the home with folded gardens and expansive windows. By doing so, PlanH infuses spaces with natural light, air, and views, creating environments that feel both fluid and deeply connected to their surroundings.

PlanH frequently seeks to create spaces that feel larger than their physical dimensions. Overlapping functional zones and open floor plans allow for borrowed views and flexibility, hinting at spaces beyond what is immediately visible. Flexible partitions and concealed constructions provide opportunities for unity or compartmentalization, offering dynamic, adaptable spaces tailored to the client’s needs.

Every project at PlanH is enriched by custom details that contribute to its unique identity. These details are inspired by material properties, contextual analysis, and functional performance. Humbert views each detail as an opportunity to demonstrate ingenuity, seeking the most direct and honest approach to design challenges while pursuing elegant, innovative solutions.

Natural light is one of PlanH’s most valued design resources. The changing light of day transforms the experience of space, turning design into a living entity. Light directs focus, highlights materials, and creates atmosphere. Recognizing its psychological and physical influence on mood and well-being, PlanH prioritizes incorporating multiple sources of natural light into every project. This fosters a richly varied experience, allowing light to shape the space dynamically throughout the day.