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Home / Architectural Design / Best Cape Cod Architects for Custom Homes & Remodeling

Best Cape Cod Architects for Custom Homes & Remodeling

March 28, 2022

When planning a Cape Cod custom home build or remodeling project, choosing the right architectural team is a big consideration. To help your decision-making process, we are showcasing some of the best architects on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Since we have worked with every architect and building designer on this list, we can genuinely stand by the quality of their work and design services.

What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?

It is essential to understand the difference between an architect and an architectural designer. Generally, the latter has gone through similar education but has not taken the rigorous six-part Architect Registration Examination® (ARE), which designates licensure. (An AIA designation means a licensed architect is also a member in good standing with the American Institute of Architects.)

With an ARE® license, one can legally call themselves an architect and has the ability to determine whether building plans are structurally sound. With this responsibility, they are liable for your work and must ensure that anything stamped is safe for the public.

Although, the size and scope of a construction project can determine the level of approval needed. For a residential project, an architect does have the authority to approve or ‘stamp’ their plans for construction. However, in most instances, a structural engineer is called in for that extra level of safety – primarily for beams and structural support. With that, an architect would have added approval, and an architectural design team would have the necessary approval. Commercial properties, however, require architects and more controlled construction practices.

Karen B. Kempton, AIA

Review

Karen B. Kempton AIA Architecture is an outstanding architectural design firm on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They are best known for seamlessly blending traditional New England architecture with the contemporary lifestyle of the homeowner. Karen B. Kempton AIA Architecture works on a range of design projects from custom homes to renovations and additions. They recently worked with McPhee Associates on a full remodel of a modest ranch in Harwich Port transforming it into a spectacular Gambrel.

Location

Barnstable (Cape Cod)

43 Angela Way, West Barnstable, Massachusetts, 02668

Website

www.karenkempton.com

Projects

  • Cozy Cottage – Chatham
  • Channel Side Charmer – Harwich Port

John Dvorsack, AIA

Review

John Dvorsack, AIA, is an architect who specializes in single-family, custom homes. With his creative solutions, high-quality designs, and excellent communications skills, we love working with John. In addition, he collaborates well with both the client and the general contractor.  Our most recent completed project with John was a new build – Sophisticated Second Home in Brewster.

Location

Falmouth (Cape Cod)

Highfield Hall, Suite 2A, 56 Highfield Drive Falmouth, MA 02540

Website

www.jd-architect.com

Projects

  • Harbor Bluffs – Hyannis
  • Serenity on Long Pond – Harwich
  • Sophisticated Second Home –  Brewster
  • Cape Codder Road, Falmouth (under construction)
Architectural Design: John Dvorsack, AIA; Build: McPhee Associates of Cape Cod

Patrick Ahearn Architect LLC

Review

Patrick Ahearn Architecture is an architectural firm with a talented team that serves the Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard communities. As a well established firm of over four decades, they work on new construction, restoration, and renovation projects that recapture or preserve the original spirit of the property, as well as blend with its surroundings. We are currently collaborating with Patrick Ahearn Architecture and have been very impressed by their professionalism and detail of designs.

Location

Boston

160 Commonwealth Ave., Suite L3, Boston, MA 02116

Martha’s Vineyard

Nevin Square, 17 Winter Street, Edgartown, MA 02539

Website

www.patrickahearn.com

Projects

  • Mill Point Road, West Harwich (under construction)
  • Jack Knife Point Road, Orleans (under construction)
  • Fiddlers Landing, Harwich Port (under construction)

Northside Design Associates

Review

Northside Design Associates is a professional building design firm specializing in new homes and contemporary Cape Cod-style architecture. They provide home design services from conceptual drawings to construction documents, and building design services from structural engineering to site design. In addition, they offer stock house plans to help reduce time and cost.

Location

Yarmouthport (Cape Cod)

141 Main Street, Yarmouthport, MA 02675

Website

www.northsidedesign.com

Projects

  • Charming Cape – Dennis
  • The Ocean View – Dennis
Ceiling types: cathedral ceiling

A3 Architects, Inc.

Review

A3 Architects, Inc. is a unique full-service architectural firm in Dennis on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Their expertise pertains to designing energy efficient homes. For instance, the project we collaborated with them on in Dennis is one of their net-energy zero home designs. Partner Alison Alessi has been a LEED accredited professional since 2007, and Certified Passive House Consultant since 2011.

Location

Dennis (Cape Cod)

831 Main Street (Route 6A), Dennis, MA 02638

Website

www.a3architectsinc.com

Projects

Contemporary Net Zero Beach Compound – West Dennis

Open Floor Plan – Contemporary Beach Compound

Neshamkin French Architects, Inc.

Review

Neshamkin French Architects, Inc. is a premier architectural firm that serves Greater Boston and Cape Cod. They are known for their exceptionally designed spaces that integrate both beauty and function while maximizing living space.  The Historic Chatham home that we worked on with them is an example of their superior design and planning.

Location

Boston

5 Monument Square, Boston, MA 02129

Website

www.nfarchitects.com

Projects

  • Historic Chatham – Chatham
Ceiling type: vaulted ceiling
Ceiling types: vaulted ceiling

SV Design

Review

SV Design offers an excellent blend of services. They provide a combination of architecture, interior design, and landscape design to create one cohesive environment. As a result, their team of designers and architects can plan and design every aspect of your home to make it fit your lifestyle.

Location

Chatham (Cape Cod)

693 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633

Beverly

126 Dodge Street, Beverly, MA 01915

Website

www.svdesign.com

Projects

  • Saquatucket Bluffs, Harwich Port (under construction)

Peter McDonald Architect

Review

Peter McDonald is a full service architectural firm that specializes in the designs that respond to the unique historic and geographical context of Cape Cod.  Peter has been in business for over 14 years and provides designs for new construction, renovation and additions.

Location

Eastham (Cape Cod)

PO Box 888, N. Eastham, MA 02651

Website

www.capecodarch.com

Projects

  • Doane Road, Eastham, MA (pre-construction)

John Toates Architecture and Design

Review

John Toates Architecture and Design is not technically on Cape Cod, but they are licensed in Massachusetts and McPhee Associates worked closely with them on a recent new build in Harwich Port. John Toates Architecture and Design is a full service architecture and design firm with over 40 years of experience, bringing an exceptional level of professionalism and knowledge to each job.

Location

914 North Valley Forge Rd., Devon, PA 19333

Website

www.toatesarchitecture.com

Projects

Allen Harbor Jewel, Harwich Port

McPhee Associates of Cape Cod

In addition to our general contracting services, McPhee Associates has a dedicated in-house architectural design team. We provide homeowners with home planning, design, and building services – from concept through final plans. This customized service provides our clients with a ‘one-stop-shop’ convenience that may best suit their needs. Learn more about our architectural design services.

Our Award-Winning Design Projects

Please check out the following projects to see our design work.

Second Home Owners from Maryland

“This was our first brand-new custom-built home. While our Dennis house was being built, we were living in Maryland, more than 500 miles away. We especially appreciated the extra effort and sound guidance that you provided us during our three trips to the Cape at significant construction milestones…“

Barry and Judy, East Dennis, MA

Harwich Port Project

“McPhee Associates has been great to work with, and the quality of your work and that of your subcontractors have been top notch…I especially appreciate the help that you gave us while we negotiated a difficult permitting process, and your expertise with the Town of Harwich was invaluable. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you again.”

Thomas P. Catalano, AIA, LEED, AP, Catalano Architects, Inc.

Five Time Returning Customers in Yarmouth

“Members of my family and I have chosen McPhee Associates to design and build for us for five new homes or major reconstructions, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

Marcia and Dave, West Yarmouth, MA

Second Time Customers In Orleans

“An incredible experience. With always our best interest, first and foremost, everything was exactly as we wanted it. Your ability to listen to what we wanted and to make it all happen with your guidance was a true partnership…Our home was perfect and beautiful…”

Linda and Paul, Orleans, MA

New Build in Harwich Port

“Your professionalism and the way you have made the building process as easy as possible for us has been wonderful. Naturally, all our neighbors and plenty of strangers passing by have asked us about McPhee’s services and our response has consistently been the same – we are very pleased and haven’t even one criticism. We would highly recommend McPhee to anyone – Rob, you have quite the team…On this second anniversary of the start of the project, I wanted to send a sincere thank you to all of you.”

Patricia and Bill, Harwich Port, MA

Contact

(508) 385-2704
info@mcpheeassociatesinc.com

Location

1382 Route 134
P.O. Box 799
East Dennis, MA 02641

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