POM Studio Architects
Architecture with peace of mind.
POM Studio Architects is an LGBTQ+, Black woman–owned architecture firm based in Prince George’s County, Maryland, designing residential, agricultural, and community projects—including strawbale and natural buildings—with care and clarity.
Our name—POM, short for Peace of Mind—reflects how we approach every project.
Architecture is complex. The decisions are layered. The process can feel overwhelming.
Our role is to steady it.
We listen closely, design intentionally, and guide clients through the process with patience and transparency—so the experience feels grounded, not rushed.
Strawbale construction offers exceptional insulation, durability, and indoor comfort, while supporting healthier materials and lower environmental impact.
Bio-based, low-toxicity materials
Energy-efficient building envelopes
Locally sourced and renewable resources
Durable assemblies designed for long-term performance
We work on both custom strawbale projects and prefabricated strawbale designs, including cabins, agricultural buildings, and bathhouse structures—often in collaboration with trusted builder partners.
The result: buildings that feel solid, quiet, and supportive in everyday use.
Architecture rooted in community and representation
POM Studio was founded to expand visibility for responsible minority architects and to bring socially and ecologically restorative design into communities that are often underserved.
We work with community-focused clients, nonprofit organizations, farmers, and public-sector partners who value collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful design.
When architecture reflects diverse voices, the built environment becomes more human, more equitable, and more responsive to the people who use it.
Our work
Our portfolio spans a range of project types, all grounded in care, clarity, and high-quality design.
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POM Studio specializes in strawbale and natural building design, creating high-performance buildings that are energy-efficient, durable, and healthy to live in. We design both custom and prefabricated strawbale projects, including homes, cabins, bathhouses, and agricultural structures.
Strawbale construction offers exceptional insulation, quiet interiors, and long-term durability while supporting bio-based, low-toxicity materials. Our work integrates thoughtful detailing, strong building envelopes, and climate-responsive design to ensure each project performs as beautifully as it looks.
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We design custom homes and renovations that respond closely to how people actually live. Our residential work balances beauty, function, and long-term durability, guiding clients through complex decisions with clarity and care.
Whether new construction or renovation, we prioritize clear communication, thoughtful material choices, and a process that feels steady rather than rushed.
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POM Studio works with farmers and land-based clients to design agricultural buildings that are practical, durable, and context-responsive. Our experience includes barns, tenant buildings, bathhouses, and support structures that integrate natural building strategies when appropriate.
These projects emphasize efficiency, longevity, and respect for the land—supporting both daily operations and long-term stewardship.
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We collaborate with nonprofit organizations, community groups, and public-sector partners to design spaces that reflect shared values and collective use. Our work centers accessibility, transparency, and meaningful engagement with the communities each project serves.
These projects often require navigating complex constraints, and we approach them with patience, collaboration, and a deep respect for process.
Where our work has been featured
About POM Studio Architects
Portia Strahan, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP
Founding PrincipalPortia Strahan is the founding principal of POM Studio Architects and a licensed architect in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She established POM to promote responsible, community-centered architecture and expand visibility for minority architects in the profession.
With over 15 years of experience, Portia works across residential, agricultural, and cultural projects, with a focus on strawbale and natural building, healthy materials, and socially and ecologically restorative design. Her leadership is grounded in care, education, and long-term relationships.
Architectural DesignerDominica Beverley
Dominica Beverley joined POM Studio Architects in 2022. She brings a background in carpentry and architectural design and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. At POM Studio, she contributes to both project work and the studio’s visual storytelling and outreach.
A Prince George’s County native, Dominica approaches her work with care, curiosity, and a strong sense of place, supporting POM’s commitment to thoughtful, community-rooted architecture.
Stay connected with POM Studio
Occasional notes on architecture, natural building, and practice—shared with care.
This newsletter is for architects, builders, farmers, nonprofit leaders, and collaborators who care about how buildings are made, who they’re made for, and what they make possible.
We share reflections from the studio, lessons from strawbale and natural building projects, and thoughts on practice, process, and leadership—without the sales pitch.
📩 Low volume. Thoughtful by design.
