About Us - The Princeton Companies

Our History

The Princeton Companies will bring the most distinctive quality to the project, which is our hands-on approach to managing the design and construction process. Contained within The Princeton Companies affiliates, Princeton Design, the architectural division, and Princeton Builders, the construction division, we understand the principles of good design and the construction process first-hand and regularly supervise the artisans who put buildings together. We also have in-house development management experience on large, multi-phase projects and a track record of keeping buildings open during renovation.

Rocky

Mr. Ralph “Rocky” LaRock, partner founder of Ballinger-LaRock Architects and Ball Rock Inc. General Contracting in Loudoun County, Virginia, from 1983 to March 2004. As the two companies grew in stature and expanded their capabilities and project complexity, their names were changed, and they united to form The Princeton Companies (officially Ball Rock Inc. dba Princeton Builders, a C-Corp), where Rocky became the owner. While the firm has designed and built a broad spectrum of residential and commercial projects, it is best known for its work in pool buildings, golf course clubhouses, and community buildings as well as veterinary facilities, which make for an eclectic mix… but as Rocky always said, “We do everything from doghouses to clubhouses!”

Ken Clark

Ken Clark, an experienced and long-term team member, presided over The Princeton Companies after Rocky’s untimely passing in 2010. Mr. Clark joined Princeton 2002 as the VP of Construction and directed all design and construction activities until he stepped down in mid-2019 to allow for a “semi-retirement.” Ken guided the company through the US economic recession and ensured projects and contracts continued to meet The Princeton Companies quality expectations. He also maintained the company’s reputation in specialized design-build projects.

Daniel Sur

Mr. Sur is the principal architect and president of The Princeton Companies. He has been a pivotal presence in the architectural and construction industry for nearly three decades and, in his current role, oversees all operations, construction, and design. Mr. Sur has demonstrated exceptional expertise in designing and building clubhouses for golf courses and curating inspired designs for facilities such as animal hospitals, government facilities, professional offices, and retail.

Mr. Sur's career began at Cahoon and Kasten Architects PC, where he served as a project architect and project manager from 2002 to 2004. In 2004, he joined Ball Rock Inc., dba Princeton Builders, as a project architect. His dedication and skill led to a promotion to principal architect in 2010, and by 20 I2, Mr. Sur had ascended to the executive rank of vice president. In 2019, Mr. Sur acquired The Princeton Companies and became the president and principal of both Princeton Design and Ball Rock.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sur has been recognized for his significant contributions to architecture. He is particularly proud of his work with Loudoun County, where he played a crucial role in renovating county facilities under a six-year contract. His designs are known for seamlessly integrating with their surroundings, making it appear that the buildings have always been part of the landscape and the place where they belong. He often quoted Louis Khan's question, "What does a building want to be?" This attention to detail and his deep commitment to service have earned Mr. Sur commendation letters from the Department of General Services assistant director for projects at the Purcellville, VA, and Dulles, VA firehouses.

His academic background complements Mr. Sur's professional achievements. He earned the highest degree in architecture offered by the University National of Cordoba-Argentina in 1990, and he is a certified architect in Argentina through the Colegio de Arquitectos de la Provincia de Cordoba. Additionally, he has held certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards since 2011 and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 2003. Mr. Sur attributes his success to perseverance and a passion for his work, and he is humbled to embody the spirit of the American dream.

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