It's a busy construction season! Here are some of the highlights of my architecture projects: EXPANDING AT FIELDSTONE MARKET Fieldstone Market in Marion is expanding its sales floor. This is my third project at the property, beginning with the new construction in 2014, then an addition for an ice cream window in 2017, and now an expanded sales floor with additional parking. It is rewarding to see small businesses succeed…

We are coming up on the month of May and we always celebrate National Preservation Month by featuring a design project. This Greek Revival home in Fairhaven, MA has dedicated homeowners whose intention was to honor the historic character and integrity of the house while creating an addition that better served their functional needs. The project is coming together in the final stretch of the process and I will be…

Recently completed, as part of the Selmar Eggers Building project, this interior apartment provides a modern living space on a historic property. This sleeping room is color drenched with Farrow & Ball Light Blue Dead Flat and the trim is Farrow & Ball Pigeon Estate Eggshell; both colors provide a calm environment to rest. A galley kitchen features clear maple cabinets and a Nantucket basket style pendant light fixture. The kitchen wall…

Historic preservation is a common subject when speaking to clients who have purchased an older building. Not all buildings I work on are restored or preserved, there are some that are razed with new buildings taking their place. I often think of the new buildings as creating a new chapter for one day they too will be deemed historic. Then there are the buildings that are partially restored and altered…

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to work on one of Onset's most significant Victorian structures at 167 Onset Ave. The majority of the project involved work that was not very glamorous--a new fire alarm system, a new sprinkler system and a new 5 stop elevator, to address life safety and accessibility requirements; however in the process we created a new food & beverage venue, the 1883 Lounge where…

I recently attended the book launch event for John K. Bullard's memoir, Hometown at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. During his remarks, Mr. Bullard read an excerpt from his book about the disastrous gas explosion that destroyed several buildings in our historic district during the brutal winter of 1977. He described the damage done to the Selmar Eggers Building at 10 William Street - a building that once stood…

Spring is a busy time of year for design and construction with many projects underway. This is a sampling of some ongoing projects in various stages throughout the South Coast (and beyond). This summer cottage in Onset has been with us for many years. The homeowners bought the property at least 15 years ago when we created a master plan with phased renovations and additions. This current construction project represents…

When Harry and Errin contacted me, they were excited about the possibilities their new home purchase in Marion offered. They wanted to know if their ideas would work and how to make the most of the existing spaces. At first glance, the interior of the house is awash in sunlight, streaming down from an open 3 story atrium that included the staircase. Look again and what you saw was a…

One of our recent projects was profiled in the South Coast Almanac. Here we take a look at the nitty gritty details of how a stable can evolve into an ugly home, and eventually transform into a coastal retreat. Humble Beginnings Homes in New England tend to evolve over time and this one was no exception. This home started its life as a stable. Updates began in 1915 when a…

Selecting an architect is important to the outcome of your project. We recommend talking to several architects before you make a final selection. The selection process does not have to be very complicated–talk to colleagues, business partners, friends or family who have worked with architects in your geographic area or your specific industry. You are looking for at least three architects to determine who is the most qualified and/or…