--- title: "Trillium Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trillium-architects-pfvwus-pf~1007068865 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1007068865.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Trillium Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b483d71102432f1d_6808-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States" latitude: 41.2977 longitude: -73.4973 phone: "(203) 438-4540" website: http://www.trilliumarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 21 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 321 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Trillium Architects Original Houzz profile: [Trillium Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trillium-architects-pfvwus-pf~1007068865) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Ridgefield, CT - **Serves:** Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Newtown, Westport, Ridgefield, Watertown, Darien, New Canaan, Bethel, Wilton, Redding, Litchfield, Goshen, Georgetown, Weston, Cannondale, Redding Center, Armonk, Asheville, Bedford, Brewster Hill, Cross River, Croton Falls, Goldens Bridge, Katonah, Larchmont, North Salem, Ossining, Peach Lake, Pound Ridge, Poundridge, Scarsdale, Scotts Corners, South Salem, Waccabuc - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 19 years in business Trillium Architects is one of Fairfield County's most respected architecture firms. Established in 2004, with the one objective of creating green, beautiful homes, they have been dedicated solely to creating homes that enhance their client's life styles, while simultaneously protecting the well-being of the planet ever since.. Highly skilled in both sophisticated design and cutting-edge construction methods, Trillium works together with their clients to create peaceful, energized, healthful environments that exceed expectations and reduce energy dependence. We Build Passive House, Net Zero, LEED, LBC and 'Pretty Good' Homes, Elizabeth brings 30 plus years of green building experience to the industry. With a staff of 9 we are ready to meet your home project needs. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Home Gym Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Log Home Construction - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Stamford - Norwalk - Greenwich - Newtown - Westport - Ridgefield - Watertown - Darien - New Canaan - Bethel - Wilton - Redding - Litchfield - Goshen - Georgetown - Weston - Cannondale - Redding Center - Armonk - Asheville - Bedford - Brewster Hill - Cross River - Croton Falls - Goldens Bridge - Katonah - Larchmont - North Salem - Ossining - Peach Lake - Pound Ridge - Poundridge - Scarsdale - Scotts Corners - South Salem - Waccabuc ### Typical Job Cost $750,000 - 8 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Trillium Architects | | Address | 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States | | Phone | (203) 438-4540 | | Website | http://www.trilliumarchitects.com | | License Number | NY 024165, CT 10941 | | Followers on Houzz | 321 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/trillium.architects - Blog — http://www.trilliumarchitects.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Trillium Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trillium-architects-pfvwus-pf~1007068865) - **Website:** http://www.trilliumarchitects.com - **Phone:** (203) 438-4540 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2015 US Department of Energy Most Energy Efficient House in the USA • 2016 1st Place National Award: USGBC (LEED) Best Single Family Home in USA • AIA, USGBC, NCARB • CTGBC Green Home Award • CTGBC Award of Merit • AIA's Chrysalis (Best Emerging Firm) 2016 Award - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [HBRA of Fairfield County Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/hbra-of-fairfield-county-inc-pfvwus-pf~915393152) - [AIA Connecticut](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-connecticut-pfvwus-pf~26283011) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [Northeast Sustainable Energy Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/northeast-sustainable-energy-association-pfvwus-pf~437828998) - [Zero Energy Project](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/zero-energy-project-pfvwus-pf~1419476877) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [HBRA of Connecticut](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/hbra-of-connecticut-pfvwus-pf~790835092) - [Passive House Institute US](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/passive-house-institute-us-pfvwus-pf~1579791328) - [New York Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/new-york-passive-house-pfvwus-pf~1135103162) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Sarah Blandford, Feb. 2018** > We really enjoyed working with Trillium Architects on our recent renovation project, and are very satisfied with the results. We extensively renovated an historic house. Elizabeth improved the flow of the layout, while maintaining the historic features and sensibility. We appreciated her keen sense of design, her respect for incorporating our ideas, and her focus on energy efficiency. **★★★★★ — Brian Ingram, Feb. 2018** > We recently renovated our 1962 Ranch home in Ridgefield, CT which included closing in a screened in porch and reconfiguring our floor plan. Trillium Architects immediately knew what to do and designed a new open floor space that maximizes the light while maintaining a cozy atmosphere that’s great for entertaining and our everyday lifestyle. **★★★★★ — Leslie Lawrence, Feb. 2018** > We worked with Elizabeth on a total re-build, that started as a renovation. Totally our fault, once we realized the cost to rebuild was not much more than renovating we morphed the design to a rebuild with higher ceilings! Elizabeth was wonderful to work with, collaborative also with the builder since we were building green in 2009 - and balancing her vision for a beautiful house with functionality we were looking for. **★★★★★ — Veronica Brachman, Feb. 2018** > Working with the Trillium team has been an absolute joy. Elizabeth understood what we wanted right away and created a beautiful home that suits us perfectly. > The team was superbly professional throughout the process, never complaining about all my fussy changes. > Whenever decisions had to be made, large or small, Trillium has been right there with suggestions, alternatives, and the pros and cons of every option. > We feel extremely lucky to be working with Elizabeth, and cannot recommend Trillium highly enough. **★★★★★ — lor\_anastasio, June 2016** > We asked Elizabeth to upgrade a 1974-built waterfront home in CT so as to expand and modernize it. She listened carefully to what we wanted, gave us many options within the 'organic waterfront' style we had envisioned, and worked very well with the contractor to make sure the ideas were well executed. Elizabeth was tenacious in obtaining approvals from both the Design Review Committee of our local neighborhood association and the city. The Committee had some specific restrictions which required researched documentation and meetings to satisfy. In addition, the waterfront location of the project made the city approvals more difficult to obtain than usual. All along the way Elizabeth and her team helped us with interior design. The result is a our 'dream home' - a light, spacious beach house that has optimized the available footprint and greatly expanded our view of Long Island Sound. Elizabeth and all of Trillium have been an absolute delight to work with. We have a 'phase two' of our house project coming up, and instead of dreading it I actually look forward to the project because I get to keep working with Elizabeth and her Trillium team! **★★★★★ — mranade, June 2016** > We purchased an old (tear down) ranch house, and hired Trillium Architects to design a modern house with the existing footprint. We wished to build a modern, energy efficient home with clean, aesthetically pleasing lines. We also wanted a house that would sit well in its natural environment and surrounding neighborhood. > > What we got at Trillium was a highly talented, thoughtful and pragmatic team of architects and support staff. They listened carefully to our general dreams and specific ideas, then created a plan that not only met but exceeded our expectations! > > Trillium Architects have a very strong, highly developed sense of design, yet they were very open to our ideas and suggestions. The scope of our project required an exhaustive and exhausting number of decisions. From floorplan to siding, windows to roof, from deck rail to shoe closet, Trillium kept us focused and patiently helped us to make the right choices. One thing we DEEPLY appreciated and respected was that while they were happy to take on board many of our ideas, they were tactful - but direct - when steering us away from any impractical or poor ideas we brought to the table! It was reassuring to know that if we lost sight of our goal, they never did!! > > On the technical side, they are precise and thorough. Tradespeople received clear and accurate working drawings. Paperwork submitted to the building department was detailed and handled efficiently. > > When it came to budgeting, they were very thoughtful in helping us prioritize where funds were allocated. > > Trillium has a strong commitment to delivering a sophisticated and intelligent design. Their commitment to using sustainable materials is commendable. Yet at the same time, they are careful that it is never about them and their priorities. Trillium always kept our dreams and priorities at the top of the list! **★★★★★ — Felipe Ferrand, Feb. 2016** > Project is ongoing difficult renovation of a historic, mid-century modern house. Trillium Architects was essential in successfully solving the many, unexpected problems that revealed themselves during construction. Particularly appreciated prompt and patient response to questions, commitment to deadlines and budget, and their respect for the ego and work of the starchitect involved. > Although this project does not showcase Trillium's design skills, without her expertise this historic house would not have been preserved. Trillium transformed a beautiful, but flawed and demanding white elephant into an even more beautiful, comfortable, energy-efficient, low maintenance home. **★★★★★ — Marko Djuranovic, Oct. 2015** > Had a great experience working with Elizabeth and her team. They took us through the complex process of obtaining necessary architectural approvals and were both flexible with their suggestions, yet firm in explaining what works and doesn't work. Very easy to work with and approachable. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for good architectural work. I even had their work reviewed by an independent architect who confirmed that the work was top-notch. **★★★★★ — emtee, July 2015** > At BPC Green Builders, we manage green home construction projects. Trillium Architects has partnered with us on many of our past projects, and several current projects. The architects at Trillium are great to work with for many reasons, including their passion for building well designed homes that are energy efficient and use both traditional and advanced materials and construction strategies to enhance sustainability. Elizabeth and her associates all understand that the best green buildings utilize cutting-edge building science technology to achieve these goals, and they work closely with us to incorporate these critical details into the construction plans. In our experience, there are very few architects out there with this interest and ability. Trillium is also very responsive when we need quick answers in the field, which allows us to work efficiently for our customers. **★★★★★ — princefam, June 2015** > Elizabeth, the head architect, is one of the coolest, most professional people I have worked with. She believes in being green as a part or being ethical. That being said, we as a family share this vision. She is down to earth, has great taste, great ideas and will go out of her way to help you achieve something more "green" within your budget. She is knowledgeable about materials, and is very thoughtful about these choices in order to keep working with more ethical materials. I believe her approach should be the norm nowadays! We are doing a renovation currently with her but my dream is to build an LEED home with her in the future!! **★★★★★ — rozellbuildersinc, June 2015** > It was a pleasure to work with Elizabeth and her team on several projects. > They are the whole package. Professional, responsive, organized and extremely creative. > I feel Elizabeth is a significant contributor to green building in this area. > I look forward to working with them in future and have recommended Trillium Architects to several clients. **★★★★★ — BPC Green Builders, June 2015** > We only build high performance homes and have worked with Trillium Architects on multiple projects with great success. Trillium provides the green focus essential for a thoughtful/creative design helping clients focus on the important details. One our more recent Trillium projects was a Passive House, currently pre-certified, with certification pending. ## Selected projects - [Coastal Modern . Net Zero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-modern-net-zero-pj-vj~5862659) - Location: Guilford, CT - Photos: 75 - Description: When a pair of lawyers wanted to build a minimalist, energy efficient home to start their family, they found a beautiful location perched atop a granite boulder in Guilford, CT. Building on top of that boulder has presented many challenges, but the reward is a home with both privacy and views . This near-Passive super-insulated home is Net Zero ready and could easily become fully Net Zero with the future installation of roof solar panels. ERVs and air-source heat pumps provide fresh air and clim… - [CT Contemporary - Net Zero Dream Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ct-contemporary-net-zero-dream-home-pj-vj~5773432) - Location: Trumbull, CT - Photos: 29 - [Modern Organic Stamford on the water](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-organic-stamford-on-the-water-pj-vj~1360002) - Location: Stamford, CT - Photos: 47 - Description: Beautiful modern home with views of the water in Fairfield County. Master bedroom is light filled with natural wood floors and white shiplap vaulted ceilings. - [Certified Passive House \| Litchfield County Award Winner!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certified-passive-house-litchfield-county-award-winner-pj-vj~1023325) - Location: Watertown, CT - Photos: 33 - Description: This state-of-the-art single-family 2-story green home located in the historic district of Watertown, CT, was built as faculty housing for the Taft School, but it also serves as an energy-efficiency research lab for the school's science department. The super-insulated, solar-powered house produces more power than it uses, and it attained Passive house and LEED Platinum certifications. This house also won honorable mention in the 2015 CT Zero Energy Challenge. - [Darien Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/darien-renovation-pj-vj~2639944) - Location: Darien, CT - Photos: 22 - Description: Designed for a couple with a young family who wanted to make the most of this small house with plenty of open floor space and lots of natural light while also making the house energy efficient. We accomplished that by placing floor to ceiling windows where possible and even exploring smaller stair spaces with triangular units. Working with an existing envelope, including existing siding that had to remain, we insulated the house from the inside with open cell foam in wall cavities and a combinat… - [Double Carriage House Addition in Ridgefield, CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/double-carriage-house-addition-in-ridgefield-ct-pj-vj~3126670) - Location: Ridgefield, CT - Photos: 16 - Description: This carriage house was built to complement an existing historic carriage house that had been converted into a home in the 1960’s. The goal with the new carriage house was to provide a garage, add a guest space, add to the charming character of the property, and create a buffer between the existing house and the main road. Trillium Architects drafted a unique solution: a 2-car garage bisected by a ‘dog trot’ barrel-vaulted walkway. The placement of the garage creates not only a buffer to the bus… - [Super Efficient Light Filled Waterfront Home in Fairfield County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/super-efficient-light-filled-waterfront-home-in-fairfield-county-pj-vj~1940617) - Location: Stamford, CT - Photos: 52 - [Stamford Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stamford-renovation-pj-vj~1089050) - Location: Stamford, CT - Photos: 13 - [Pound Ridge Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pound-ridge-modern-pj-vj~5345720) - Location: Pound Ridge, NY - Photos: 84 - Description: This new 3,100 square foot home is a Net Zero/ Net Positive Home. Conceived as a dream home for a retiring doctor and his wife, it has 2 bedrooms and 2 ‘offices’ that could be converted to bedrooms for a future family’s use. The home owners, originally from Atlanta, dreamed of moving close enough to New York City to enjoy the theater and nightlife, but far enough away to have a serene and very private piece of land. The also wanted a community that applauded modern design. They found the perfect… - [Light Filled Hill Top Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/light-filled-hill-top-home-pj-vj~1296961) - Location: Ridgefield, CT - Photos: 28 - Description: This modern Net Zero home replaced a dated ranch that stood on the site, which is a sloping lot with a southwest exposure and spectacular views across the hill. Looking to salvage what was usable, Trillium Architects retained the existing foundation, and developed the new design within the same footprint. The hillside facade of the house is now almost all glass, with wraparound deck, balcony and a sliding doors out to a lower-level patio. With a high performance envelope and solar panels, this h… - [Certified Passive House \| Hudson County NY Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certified-passive-house-hudson-county-ny-farmhouse-pj-vj~2676355) - Location: Staatsburg, NY - Photos: 11 - [New Canaan Net Zero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-canaan-net-zero-pj-vj~863605) - Location: New Canaan, CT - Photos: 31 - Description: New Canaan Net Zero expansive new home. 6,000 sf luxury home utilizes super insulated envelope and energy efficient systems to produce more energy than it consumes. - [Westport I, CT house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westport-i-ct-house-pj-vj~333278) - Location: Westport, CT - Photos: 39 - Description: Fairfield County Ct extensive renovation with energy efficient features. This unique design mixes curved lines with triangular gables and combines shingle with stone for an asymmetrical composition that engages the eye. Meticulous space planning and built ins enabled more open spaces and better flow for more efficient space use, while only 800 sf was added on. - [Wilton I - One Floor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilton-i-one-floor-living-pj-vj~580830) - Location: Wilton, CT - Photos: 10 - [Westport, CT HERS rated home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westport-ct-hers-rated-home-pj-vj~579755) - Location: Westport, CT - Photos: 13 - [Prefab Accessory Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prefab-accessory-dwelling-pj-vj~5495289) - Location: Redding, CT - Photos: 4 - [Ridgefield Lake House - A super energy efficient home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ridgefield-lake-house-a-super-energy-efficient-home-pj-vj~576742) - Location: Ridgefield, CT - Photos: 26 - Description: A retired couple sought a compact, modern home that would optimize their beautiful lakeside site. Trillium Architects designed their home in a clean-lined, minimalist style which conformed to the couple's budget. Making the most of the site, the home offers outdoor spaces on two levels with large glazed openings that blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors, keeping the focus on the spectacular natural surroundings. - [Darien LEED Platinum House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/darien-leed-platinum-house-pj-vj~333118) - Location: Darien, CT - Photos: 62 - Description: Earning LEED Platinum certification renovation of a home nearing the century mark is a rare achievement. Trillium Architects answered the client's request for an open, spacious, and family friendly design, while maintaining a compact footprint and fitting in sensitively with its colonial context. The homeowners also desired a low-impact, environmentally-friendly home that used a cradle-to-cradle approach to materials use. Though the home underwent a gut renovation which doubled its size, the own… - [Elegant Barn in Westchester](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-barn-in-westchester-pj-vj~2626906) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 36 - [Old Greenwich CT house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-greenwich-ct-house-pj-vj~579582) - Location: Greenwich, CT - Photos: 11 [See all 35 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trillium-architects-pfvwus-pf~1007068865) ## Ideabooks - [Welburn Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183300846/list/welburn-residence) — 25 ideas - [Scandi Style Homes for SEED](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173766105/list/scandi-style-homes-for-seed) — 30 ideas - [Mund Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171098903/list/mund-exterior) — 25 ideas - [Huggins-Ext](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169611918/list/huggins-ext) — 12 ideas - [Grayson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168137270/list/grayson) — 1 idea - [Taubman Schmidt Ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168018100/list/taubman-schmidt-ideabook) — 58 ideas - [Basement Playrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162750940/list/basement-playrooms) — 5 ideas - [Hesen Residence Ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161037501/list/hesen-residence-ideabook) — 5 ideas - [Kinderhook-Warren Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160639623/list/kinderhook-warren-residence) — 1 idea - [Greene-Gerell Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160487373/list/greene-gerell-residence) — 27 ideas - [Biggs Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158681430/list/biggs-residence) — 158 ideas - [57 WBR](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157354728/list/57-wbr) — 21 ideas - [Mistri Residence Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155093362/list/mistri-residence-idea-book) — 43 ideas - [Goren-Shapiro Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152532559/list/goren-shapiro-idea-book) — 18 ideas - [Front Porch Gables](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125577285/list/front-porch-gables) — 32 ideas - [MODERN GABLES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120079056/list/modern-gables) — 28 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92248504/list/wish-list) — 15 ideas - [Anastasio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34715367/list/anastasio) — 159 ideas - [71 Sylvan Road North Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159884525/list/71-sylvan-road-north-idea-book) — 44 ideas - [trillium409's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14288326/list/trillium409-s-ideas) — 9 ideas [See all 54 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/trillium409) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the flooring, what is it?** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you please specify the make/style of the flooring? Thank you! A: Hi thanks for the question. It is actually 6" white oak. We often use ash but it is getting harder to find because of the ash bore. Good Luck on your project! **Q: Beautiful pergola** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the glass piece on top of the pergola ? Thank you A: Those are translucent PV solar panels! They produce 5.7 kilowatts of solar energy and shade the living space. Thanks for the question! **Q: Hi what is the number or name of that stark carpet?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi what is the number or name of that stark carpet? A: Hi! Thanks for the question. It's Stark Zolten Mineral \#296768F. Good luck on your project! **Q: carpet manufacturer** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes this stairwell carpet? A: This is a Stark Carpet. Beautiful, isn't it? Best of luck with your project! **Q: Love the wall and floor tile.** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the wall and floor tile. Where are they from? A: Thanks for the question. All tiles were purchased at Brass City Tile in Waterbury CT. **Q: Where are these pendants from?** *(in Photo Questions)* What style and store? A: Hello ~ Thanks for your question. Our client has great taste and purchased these on their own. The style is a glass funnel pendant with filament light bulb - hope that helps. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*