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The 15 Best Residential Architects in Medford, Massachusetts

18 Min Read

Last updated on May 24th, 2024 at 12:42 pm

Old meets new in Medford, where buyers will find an excellent mix of historic and new construction homes. From the 1930s homes in the Hillside Avenue Historic District to the modern apartments of Medford Square Riverside, the city offers varied options. It takes the right architect to transform a home into a personalized space.

We have gathered a list of the best residential architects in Medford, Massachusetts to make the search easier. We chose these architects for their expertise, design sensibility, and reputation.


CBT Architects

110 Canal St. Boston, MA 02114

CBT Architects acknowledges that each project comes with a unique set of requirements. From budgetary restrictions to client preferences, these requirements dictate the parameters of the firm’s creative direction.  By working within the parameters of each project, the firm delivers designs that are functional, timeless, and sustainable.

CBT offers customized planning, interior design and architectural solutions. It works on local and international projects that range from custom homes to mixed-use developments. The firm has also designed future-ready offices, campuses, and civic and cultural venues. 

The firm provides access to 230 architects, interior designers, and urban planners. With its skilled and highly capable staff, the firm offers design solutions that directly address clients’ needs. Its expertise in Colonial, Traditional, and Classic architecture is unmatched. The firm has worked on LEED-certified projects that combine esthetic appeal with sustainability. 

CBT’s many projects include the Newton Residence. This European-style home blends seamlessly into the Massachusetts landscape. At 6,500 square feet, the home features an exquisite slate roof with copper accents and painted brick. For the project, CBT added a dining room, kitchen, and primary bedroom. The new addition unifies older renovation work with the existing carriage house. The result is a modern and livable floor plan that retains its Old World charm.

CBT has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years. These include the 2020 BSA Award for Design Excellence and the Spring 2020 Learning By Design Architectural Award Showcase with an Outstanding Project Award. Its designs have appeared in Architect Magazine, Boston Real Estate Times, and Curbed Boston

Principal and President David Nagahiro, AIA, LEED AP has over 28 years of industry experience. He serves on the Board of Artists for Humanity and the Board of the Boston Preservation Alliance. He is also a recipient of the National AIA Young Architects Award.


Schwartz/Silver Architects

75 Kneeland St., Boston, MA 02111

Schwartz/Silver Architects values collaboration and thoughtful engagement with clients during the design process. The firm views the client as an active participant whose views and tastes are crucial to the project. The result is timeless residential architecture that responds to the needs of the home’s inhabitants. 

As an award-winning architectural firm, Schwartz/Silver has produced designs for residential new construction, renovations and planning studies. A leader in sustainable design, the firm has delivered two LEED Gold projects to date. Its expertise in Modern and Contemporary architecture is unsurpassed.

The firm’s projects include House on a Pond, located on the outskirts of Boston. This sculptural home features striking design elements, including a spiral exterior and a 70-foot drop beside the pond. The interiors are no less impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows and stone and metal accent walls.

Founding Principal Warren Schwartz, FAIA and Robert Silver, FAIA, LEED AP have over 40 years of industry experience. Warren is the project designer behind some of the firm’s most honored projects. Robert provides quality control and technical support on all projects. They established Schwartz/Silver in 1980. 

Schwartz/Silver received The Architect’s Newspaper Honorable Mention in 2020 for River Center Branch Library in the  Best of Design: Institutional category. Its designs have appeared in The Tufts Daily, MIT News, and The Architect’s Newspaper.


ZeroEnergy Design

156 Milk St. Suite 3, Boston, MA 02109

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) strives for exceptional energy performance in each project. As a green architecture and mechanical design firm, ZED specializes in new construction and major renovations of modern high-performance homes. A rarity among architectural firms, ZED’s highest priority is dramatically reducing the energy consumption of its homes, achieved through careful attention to the integrity of the thermal enclosure, well-designed systems, efficient appliances and lighting, as well as renewable energy.

Aside from residential architecture and design solutions, ZED also provides energy consulting and mechanical design (HVAC) services. The firm helps clients achieve ambitious energy performance targets. These targets include Passive House, Net Zero Energy, Zero Fossil Fuel Consumption, and Deep Energy Retrofits.

The firm has designed some of the finest modern, contemporary, farmhouse, and barn-style homes in Massachusetts.  These include the Lexington Modern Residence, a 4,400-square foot modern green home, featuring numerous outdoor connections, indoor/outdoor dining areas, and access to daylight from every corner of the home. The design incorporates an accessible guest suite – located on the first level allowing for aging in place – and several green components, such as solar panels and a drainage system that collects rainwater for irrigation.

Managing Director Stephanie Horowitz, AIA, CPHC was awarded Boston Home Magazine‘s Best Sustainable Architect in 2021. ZED’s designs have appeared in Architectural Record, Design New England, and The New York Times. She was a founding board member and former President of Passive House Massachusetts. The firm recently won Gold and Silver Awards at the 2021 Prism Awards for Best Single Family Home and Best High Performance/Energy Efficient Home.


Charles Rose Architects

115 Willow Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144

Charles Rose Architects serves as the clients’ advocate in the design process. It helps homeowners navigate the intricacies of residential design and construction. To create the best designs, the firm takes the taste and aspirations of the client into careful consideration. It makes sure that the final product reflects the client’s original vision. 

As an award-winning national practice, Charles Rose Architects takes a holistic and creative approach to residential architecture.  The firm is known for creating homes that are functional, sustainable, and esthetically pleasing. It ensures that its designs are responsive to the needs and requirements of its discerning clients.

The secret to its success is a talented and diverse group of designers. Their diverse portfolio includes some of the most celebrated Contemporary-style homes in Massachusetts. These include the Copper House in Belmont. The home features a granite dining area, bluestone fireplace, and steel-and-glass stairs.   

Founding Principal Charles Rose, FAIA has over 30 years of industry experience.  He has completed more than 50 projects across the United States. His designs have garnered praise for sustainability and net-zero integration. He established the firm in 1989. 

Charles Rose Architects is the recipient of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New England Award for Design Excellence and the Boston Society of Architects Design Honor Award. The firm’s projects have appeared in Boston Magazine, Building Stone Magazine, and The Architectural League of New York.


HMFH Architects

130 Bishop Allen Dr., Cambridge, MA 02139

HMFH Architects, Inc. is certified as a women-owned business enterprise (WBE) serving the needs of homeowners in Medford. As a leader in innovative learning environments, the firm has delivered LEED-certified projects across the state. It is known for user-centered design and its use of vibrant colors. Since its founding in 1969, it has built a national reputation for excellence. 

The firm believes that architecture should connect people­ and support healthy and thriving living spaces. It produces designs that enhance and elevate the homeowners’ experience. This design philosophy sets it apart from other firms. 

Its extensive portfolio includes a wide range of award-winning work. Its projects include some of the most distinctive Modern and Contemporary-style homes. These include the Falxa House in nearby Cambridge. The 5,140-square-foot home is subdivided from a 19th century estate and retains the character of the original structure. Its unique, triangular structure allows for geometric interior spaces.

Co-founders Stephen Friedlaender, FAIA, Mario Torroella, FAIA, and John Miller, FAIA lead a team of professionals at HMFH.  John has nearly 50 years of industry experience and co-chairs the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) Educational Facilities Committee. He established HMFH with Stephen and Mario in 1969. They are joined by Principals Lori Cowles, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, Philip “Pip” Lewis, AIA, LEED AP, Julia Nugent, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, and Tina Stanislaski, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. 

HMFH won Learning by Design Magazine’s 2021 Grand Prize and the 2021 Merit Award at Excellence in Architecture Design Awards. The firm’s projects have been featured in Engineering News-Record, Architectural Record, and The Boston Globe.


Cummings Architecture + Interiors

57 South Main St., Ipswich, MA 01938

Cummings Architecture + Interiors designs imaginative and finely detailed homes. Its custom designs elevate day-to-day living with  thoughtful functionality and modern comforts. It focuses on the small details that make each project special, whether it’s a colorful accent wall or a unique tile pattern. 

As a full-service architecture and interior design firm, it serves the needs of homeowners  across New England. It provides access to some of the most respected design professionals in the region. The firm’s  architecture and interiors teams coordinate with each other throughout the design process. This results in seamless projects and on-time delivery.

Cummings has worked on historic homes, contemporary vacation homes, and waterfront properties.  Its knowledge of Transitional and Traditional architecture is unsurpassed. Its projects include the Weston Manor. The design incorporates colorful Spanish tiles and farmhouse pendant lights for a warm and inviting space.  

Principal Mathew Cummings, AIA attended Boston Architectural College. He is the founder of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) Residential Design Committee. He has previously worked for the Ipswich Historic Commission. 

The firm has received many awards and distinctions over the years. These include several Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards, BRAGB PRISM Awards, and Chrysalis Awards. Its designs have appeared in HGTV Magazine, Forbes, and The Boston Globe.


GMT Home Designs, Inc.

716 Beacon St. Newton Center, MA 02459

GMT Home Designs creates user-centered designs for residential and light commercial projects throughout New England. The firm believes that the end-user lies at the heart of each project. They strive for residential design that accommodates the needs and movements of the home’s inhabitants. They prioritize functionality and livability, creating designs that improve clients’ quality of life.

The firm offers complete residential architectural design services including the production of construction documents to streamline the process. It uses a powerful home design software program that features remarkable 3D renderings to bring the clients’ vision to life.

GMT specializes in a range of architectural styles from traditional to contemporary .Their knowledge and expertise allows them to work with a variety of styles and designs. GMT has designed some of the finest residences in the Medford area.

Custom Lake Home is a fine example of GMT’s work. This stunning lakeside property bears many of the characteristics of New England architecture, such as clean lines and classic symmetry. The design incorporates blue kitchen cabinets and silver pendant lighting for a classic look. The spacious outdoor patio commands views of the lake and is perfect for entertaining.

Owner and Principal Glenn M. Travis has over 22 years of industry experience. He has a deep reverence for traditional New England architectural styles. He studied architectural engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

GMT Home Designs has received many awards since its founding in 1999. These include the 2021 Residential Interior Gold Award and the 2020 Silver Award in the Residential Kitchen ($50,000-100,000 category) at the COTY Awards by EMNARI. Its projects have been featured in Masonry Design Magazine and Home Remodeling Magazine.


Sam Kachmar Architects

357 Huron Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138

Sam Kachmar Architects’s practice is defined by New England pragmatism. The firm values logic, efficiency, and the honest expression of materials. Its designs bear the clean lines and forms that allow the home’s inhabitants to thrive. 

The firm believes that residential architecture should be functional, timeless, and inviting. It should also reflect the unique preferences of the client. To achieve this end, the firm makes use of the latest tools and software. These include virtual walkthroughs that allow clients to explore a design concept before committing to the project. 

SKA works primarily on custom-designed residential buildings in the Medford area. The firm specializes in new construction and modern renovations. Its background in construction management allows it to make financially-informed decisions throughout the design process. 

The company’s broad portfolio includes some of the finest Modern, Contemporary, and Traditional-style homes in Massachusetts. These homes include the Cape Ann New Build. This ultra-modern vacation home spans 4,368 square feet and commands stunning views of the cape. The design incorporates glass walls, glass stairs, and lofty ceilings that connect the indoors to the outdoors.  

SKA won the 2018 BSA Design Award and BSA Honor Award for Small  Firms. It is also the recipient of the 2017 Cambridge Historical Preservation Award. Its designs have appeared in Boston Magazine, Design New England, and South Shore Living.

Founding Principal Sam Kachmar has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and construction management. He has worked for firms in Boston and Aspen. He graduated with honors from Syracuse University. He established the firm in 2008.


Runcible Studios LLC

96 Winchester St., Medford, MA 02155

Runcible Studios balances creativity with the reality of construction. The firm pays close attention to zoning, building codes, and construction methodology when designing homes. It seeks to bring rigor and value to each project. As a result, the firm is one of the most respected companies in the Medford area. 

As a full-service architecture firm, Runcible specializes in modern residential and commercial projects. Its body of work includes ground-up construction and extensive home renovations. It has also provided high-concept feasibility studies for real estate developers.  The firm’s versatility allows it to bring a rich and informed perspective to each project. 

Runcible has worked on some of the finest Modern and Contemporary-style homes in Massachusetts. These include the Newbern Residence. The design incorporates playful details like Tiffany blue kitchen cabinets and decorative tiles for a retro chic vibe. 

Founding Principal Marilyn W. Moedinger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP has taught construction detailing, design studios, and design-build community engagement courses  for over 10 years. Marilyn currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for NuLawLab at Northeastern University. She is the recipient of the 2010 SOM Prize.


Boehm Architecture

561 Windsor St. A402 Somerville, MA 02143

Boehm Architecture designs beautiful, efficient, and inventive homes. The firm works closely with clients, consultants, and builders to deliver exceptional results. Its design process begins with meetings and initial consultations with the client. This allows the firm to better understand the client’s needs and goals for the project. From there, the firm goes through a series of design phases, adding more detail to the design as it goes along. It attends to costing, permitting, and scheduling issues throughout.

The firm makes environmental sustainability a priority in each project. It follows green design and building practices to create healthy, livable space. It cultivates relationships with first-rate builders to bring the client’s vision to life. 

The firm is well-versed in a variety of architectural styles, including Cape Cod, Contemporary, and Victorian. Its projects include the Newton Back House. This vacation home meets high energy efficiency standards with a HERS index of 49. This makes the property 51% more efficient than conventional new construction homes. A sculptural staircase serves as the highlight of the interior. 

Principal Bill Boehm has over 27 years of industry experience. He served as a Peace Corps architect in Africa. He has also worked with the City of Boston’s Affordable Housing Division. He established the firm in 2001.

Boehm Architecture is the winner of the International Small House Design Competition and a recipient of the Pro-Arts Service in the Arts Award. Its projects have been featured in Cape Cod Home Magazine, The Boston Globe, and Boston Magazine.


JFF Design Architects

24 Warwick Ave, Waltham, MA 02452

JFF Design believes that the goal of residential architecture is to create warm and inviting spaces. It should also meet the unique needs and preferences of the client. The firm prioritizes comfort and functionality to improve the daily lives of the home’s inhabitants. 

As a full-time, full-service architectural firm, it provides design and construction administration services. It has worked on a diverse range of residential and commercial projects in the last 35 years. Its residential designs span a wide range of architectural styles, such as Transitional, Cape Cod, and Colonial. 

The firm’s projects include the Orgat Residence in Wellesley. This single-family home has Neo-Eclectic design elements. JFF completed the project in two phases. During the first phase, the firm resolved parking issues on the home’s steeply sloped site.  It then completed the redesign of the home in the second phase. 

Owner and Principal Joseph F. Fournier, Jr., AIA, NCARB has over 14 years of industry experience. Aside from being a registered architect in multiple states, he is also a licensed Construction Supervisor and  Home Improvement Contractor. Joseph is an active member of the Boston Society of Architects and Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.


PionArch, LLC

501 Cabot St. Suite 8C, Beverly, MA 01915

PionArch, LLC creates a positive and friendly environment where clients can bring their dream projects to life. The firm delivers creative design solutions while working within the constraints each different project may deliver. PionArch is a reputable firm serving the Greater Boston and North Shore area, winning the 2021 North Shore Magazine BONS Award for Best Build and Design. They have solidified a 5-star rating across the board from its consistency of high-quality work with every client. It is a one-of-a-kind firm that provides exceptional services in three categories: architectural, interior design, and construction services.

As a design and construction company, PionArch caters to the needs of homeowners and developers in Massachusetts. The firm believes that the best design solutions reflect the client’s vision, by creating the most efficient use of space for their everyday lifestyle. It makes use of practical but environmentally sensitive construction and technology to deliver the highest quality results. The two owners believe in the Yin-Yang philosophy, meaning two sides work together as complementary forces to form a dynamic team where the whole is greater than each part. Between their thorough artistry and their honest approach with clients, they are able to perform a powerful performance to meet clients’ expectations.

The firm has a deep knowledge of modern and contemporary architecture, it is their mission to blend this with their client’s needs to produce the best work imaginable. PionArch has worked on some of the finest homes in the area. Including a stunning 2,400-square-foot Marblehead home with water views that offers an open concept and strategically placed windows to maximize scenic views of the New England Seacoast.


EvB Design

1310 Broadway, Suite 200, Somerville, MA 02144

EvB Design strives for sustainable and integrated home designs. The firm works within established traditions while bringing a fresh perspective to each project. Its work demonstrates deep sensitivity to the natural and built environment. It is highly committed to client satisfaction, exceeding expectations at every opportunity. 

Aside from residential architecture, the firm offers a broad range of related services, including site planning and furniture design. It creates graceful and energy-efficient homes. Its home designs emphasize light, space, comfort, and craftsmanship.

The firm has worked on a wide range of projects over the years. These projects range from small-scale residential properties to commercial office space and research laboratories. It has extensive experience working with neighborhood groups, zoning boards, and historical commissions across the Boston metro area. Its familiarity with permitting processes and design approval boards gives it an advantage in any project.  

The firm specializes in Modern and Contemporary architecture in Massachusetts. Its projects include the New Cambridge Home shown here, a highly energy-efficient new construction home with a basement rental apartment. The design incorporates skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows for brightly-lit interiors. 

Owner and Principal Edrick vanBeuzekom, AIA, LEED AP has over 30 years of industry experience. He studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He established EvB Design in 1990. The firm’s projects have appeared in The Boston Globe and The Business Journals.


DSA Architects

One Shipyard Way, Medford, MA 02155

DSA Architects provides quality designs to discerning homeowners. Principal Architect Doug Shoop, aims to create a positive impact on individuals and communities through inspirational architecture. The firm is known for beautiful, functional, and sustainable home designs. 

DSA Architects believes that residential architecture should connect people with the environment. To achieve this, the firm integrates the client’s needs and lifestyle into the design. As a result, its projects reflect the unique qualities and preferences of the client.

DSA’s extensive knowledge of Traditional and Colonial architecture is unmatched. Its projects include this English Tudor in Wellesley. The home features an elegant stucco and stone exterior that blends seamlessly into the wooded landscape.

Principal Owner Douglas Shoop has more than 40 years of experience in design and construction. He is also an award-winning photographer. He attended the University of Cincinnati before establishing DSA Architects in 1994. The firm is the recipient of the Home Book Design Excellence Award and has been featured in Real Estate Weekly. Learn more about their work at www.dsaarchitects.com


Reverse Architecture

818 Mount Auburn Street. Watertown, MA 02472

Reverse Architecture is known for its total design approach in which the firm designs each aspect of the project in an integrated manner. It attends to all of the project’s needs, from façades to custom furnishings. It combines in-depth architectural knowledge with superior construction phase services and seamless execution.

The firm specializes in residential design, home additions, and custom interiors. It assists clients with new construction, renovations, adaptive reuse, and custom fabrications. It also has expertise in energy-efficient retrofit design and passive house design and certification.

Its projects include some of the most distinctive Modern and Contemporary homes in Massachusetts. These include the Sudbury Residence. The firm subdivided the Ranch-style home into a general living area with views of the backyard and an open and airy window seat overlooking the street.

Principal Carl Solander, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP, NCARB has over 20 years of industry experience practicing architecture. He is a Certified Passive House Consultant with Passive House Institute US (PHIUS). He attended Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  

Reverse Architecture is the recipient of the 2017 and 2012 Boston Society of Architects (BSA) Design Awards. The firm’s designs have appeared in Boston Real Estate Times and MIT News. It was established in 2007. 

Author

  • Shahe Demirdjian

    Shahe is an Editor at Home Builder Digest with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at Home Builder Digest, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration