About Us
James Edward Sved
James Sved is a leading architectural historian and restoration architect in the United States, specializing in historic preservation. His notable projects include work at the University of Virginia, the College of William & Mary, the Science Museum of Virginia, and Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. His restoration of Main Street Station earned Restoration Project of the Year honors and was later featured on a U.S. postage stamp.
Mr. Sved has served as an adjunct lecturer in architectural history at Virginia Commonwealth University and collaborated with the Medical College of Virginia on site-based student learning programs. His contributions were recognized by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2025. In 2024, Mr. Sved was nominated by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine to serve as the 14th Architect of the U.S. Capitol.
His expertise spans urban planning, museum leadership, and environmental initiatives. He studied archaeology at Monticello under renowned archaeologist William Kelso. More recently, working under security clearance with the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, he co-designed a component installed aboard the USS Idaho (SSN-799).
Sved is currently engaged in multiple projects focused on coastal ecosystem restoration and the intersection of environmental recovery with the preservation of historic coastal communities.
Testimonials
Sharon D. Williams, AICP, Director of Community Development
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
Sharon D. Williams, AICP, Director of Community Development
”James is a visionary, the kind of person everyone should get to work with in their career.”
Ethel Eaton, Senior Cultural Resources Manager VDHR
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
Sharon D. Williams, AICP, Director of Community Development
“Jim is one of the top, most influential preservationists in Virginia in the past 25 years.”
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
”The results of James’ work are a top 3 moment in my career.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
Admiral James F. Caldwell (Ret.) Naval Reactors Division, US Navy
“James’ tireless efforts have restored iconic structures and enriched the lives of countless Virginians.”
Mario di Valmarana, Architect
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
James Murray Howard, FAIA, PhD
“Jim can do anything. He is remarkable.”
James Murray Howard, FAIA, PhD
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
James Murray Howard, FAIA, PhD
“I was so impressed with Jim from the first time I met him. Throughout his career he has continuously proven my impression of him to be completely accurate.“
Partners & Professional Organizations
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