--- title: "aMortonDesign — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amortondesign-pfvwus-pf~1098972095 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1098972095.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: aMortonDesign category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/54c3248f0f96edd8_8212-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "561 Windsor Street, Suite A404, Somerville 02143, United States" latitude: 42.3829 longitude: -71.1028 phone: "(617) 475-0778" website: http://www.aMortonDesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 followers: 116 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # aMortonDesign Original Houzz profile: [aMortonDesign](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amortondesign-pfvwus-pf~1098972095) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Somerville - **Serves:** Boston, Arlington, Lexington, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Winchester, Wellesley, Belmont, Newton Center - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves "The greatest satisfaction comes from understanding a client's needs in order to translate that vision into form & functional art" Andrea Morton is the founder of aMortonDesign and a graduate of Cornell University. With over 20 years experience guiding projects from initial design through final construction she is well-versed in the coordination and negotiation required for a successful project. Her portfolio includes a wide range of project scales and types from renovations, additions, and new construction of residential, academic, commercial, and cultural institution projects. As a LEED Accredited Professional, her commitment to sustainability starts with awareness of siting for environmental impact, selection of materials with high recycled content, preference for locally sourced products, and identification of energy saving and producing technologies appropriate for each project. She has traveled extensively throughout the world and experienced first-hand the wisdom of vernacular construction and respect for local materials and conditions in producing sustainable and beautiful architecture. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Space Planning - Project Management ### Areas Served - Boston - Arlington - Lexington - Cambridge - Newton - Somerville - Brookline - Jamaica Plain - Winchester - Wellesley - Belmont - Newton Center ### Typical Job Cost $175,000 - 2.5 million Construction costs for projects ranging from small interior renovations to roof tear-off / redesign and gut renovations / new construction. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | aMortonDesign | | Address | 561 Windsor Street, Suite A404, Somerville 02143, United States | | Phone | (617) 475-0778 | | Website | http://www.aMortonDesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 116 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/aMortonDesign - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/aMortonDesign - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamorton\# - Blog — https://amortondesign.squarespace.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [aMortonDesign](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amortondesign-pfvwus-pf~1098972095) - **Website:** http://www.aMortonDesign.com - **Phone:** (617) 475-0778 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed in Colorado, Maine, and New York **Affiliations** - [Architecture For Humanity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/architecture-for-humanity-pfvwus-pf~344158813) - [The Boston Society of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-boston-society-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888823119) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Dominic Frissore, Jan. 2018** > We are happy to say that we had the great delight of working with Andrea Morton during the major renovation of our home last year. She was recommended by friends of ours who thought she would be a good fit for our project. They couldn’t have been more right. > We had quite an extensive project before us, a near full renovation of our 2 family home in Somerville. We were so unprepared, and I must say naïve about the extent of details that had to be addressed, from the design process to permitting. Overall, our project lasted for close to a year, and through every step of the way, Andrea guided us and was always available to answer questions, provide feedback, design ideas and recommendations. I don’t think we could have managed this without her. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a keen sense of what needs to get done and when. > We consider ourselves very fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Andrea and after many months of planning, decision making and renovations, we now live in the home we always dreamed about. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to you and your team for making our dream a reality! **★★★★★ — Rosamond King, Jan. 2018** > AMorton Design gave me the kitchen and bath of my dreams, expertly handling the renovation from concept through design, construction, and management. (There are pictures in her Projects section.) Andrea was fastidious, efficient, and extremely pleasant to work with. She’s a masterful architect – none of the contractors thought a jacuzzi tub could fit into my small bathroom, but she found a way. I paid a bit more for her to be the Project Manager, but it was worth every penny; whenever there was a hiccup with delivery or an issue with the contractors, AMorton handled it. I got to focus on the fun things, like choosing fixtures. Years later, I still love my kitchen and bath everyday – I could not be happier! **★★★★★ — Peggy Bliss, Jan. 2018** > My husband and I have used aMortonDesign on three major projects on our 100-year-old center entrance colonial. Andrea's great! Her design is spot on. And, she has the communication skills and attention to detail that keeps bids flowing and projects on schedule and on budget. > > Andrea's design of our front entrance is perfect... it fits perfectly with the style of our house. She recently transformed our galley kitchen, dated half bath and unheated back hall into a glorious, high-functioning kitchen, powder room, and mud room. Her design fits in with the house, and her communication skills helped us navigate through competing bids, selecting contractors, and keeping projects on schedule and on budget. She also was our architect on renovations to our 2nd floor bathroom. > > I highly recommend Andrea. She helped my husband and I define the scope of all three projects, a tricky process because we had no idea what was feasible within our financial constraints. **★★★★★ — Garret Alyea, Nov. 2017** > We loved working with Andrea! She is smart, clever, patient, thoughtful, organized, professional, and kind. Our project hit a snafu right right before construction, we ended up redesigning the whole thing, and Andrea guided us through the whole project very skillfully. We added a mudroom/bathroom off our dining room, an office upstairs, and finished our basement. We love everything we did, it improves our house immeasurably, and cannot thank Andrea enough for all the great ideas she had. **★★★★★ — cablinskies, March 2017** > After interviewing a number of architects, we hired Andrea to help us with a first-floor renovation on our essentially untouched 1910 Victorian, including a new kitchen, the addition of a half-bath, and the transformation of a tacked-on (and tacky!) 3-season front porch into a finished 4-season entry way. > > We had never undertaken a major renovation before, and largely selected Andrea because of her style and her expertise with urban spaces. We were not disappointed. She found creative and unexpected solutions for our small space, maximized functionality, and was responsive to our ideas and feedback while also gently pushing us towards decisions that, in retrospect, were very smart. We are very pleased with the finished project, in terms of both aesthetics and function. > > We did not anticipate how essential it would be to have Andrea’s expertise with our local zoning and permitting. She guided us seamlessly through a special permitting process, and responded quickly and effectively when there were roadblocks with our city’s notoriously complex building division. > > Andrea is honest and her processes are transparent. We never had any concerns about her charges and she remained conscious of our budget throughout (even encouraging us at points to avoid letting the scope of work creep up). She is extremely professional, but also funny, personable, and easy to work with, which made the process much more enjoyable. We would recommend her without hesitation. **★★★★★ — kkee58, Aug. 2016** > Andrea helped me design an update to my 3-fam house: house siding, picking colors and edgings, and the addition of front decks for each unit. Andrea was exceptional in providing ample choices in color design and siding design all while listening to what appealed to me (and what didn't) and applying that feedback in next design iterations. As the project moved forward, she always kept an earmark on how the overall design would be received and/or be "approvable" by the city Zoning Board (because of the location, the project had to get Zoning Board approval before a city permit could be issued). Andrea handled all the zoning board applications, gathered all required technical documents (CAD drawings of project, certified plot plans, etc. We even went over/practiced the presentation together). Because of Andrea's forethought and previous experiences with getting Zoning Board approvals, we got approval for this project on the first attempt! **★★★★★ — sethlaz, Feb. 2016** > We loved working with Andrea and her staff while designing our addition in Somerville. She took the time to listen to our ideas and opinions. She understood exactly what we were trying to accomplish and presented numerous viable options. She took the time to discuss the pro and cons of each. Andrea helped guide us through the zoning board process and even handled the preliminary discussions on our behalf. She put us in touch with different contractors that she had used on previous projects. > > Ultimately, we decided not to pursue the addition due to lot constraints and trying to live through a renovation with two toddlers. As we renovate our new home, we'll once again hire Andrea and her firm to help us maximum our renovation investment. **★★★★★ — tcalderwood, Feb. 2016** > My husband and I concluded a kitchen renovation for which Andrea was the architect. Our experience working with her was excellent. In the early stages, she brought a very clear vision to the possibilities for our space, which is small and required creative solutions to maximize countertop space, appliances, storage, etc. She also provided advice on everything from materials and wood treatments to many small details that we probably would have otherwise overlooked. We would recommend her highly. **★★★★★ — kathy791, Jan. 2016** > Kitchen re-design and back porch with screen porch design. Kitchen was totally redone right down to the studs. The porch was from the ground up, and needed a creative touch since we are so close to the property line. **★★★★★ — sarah\_ma, Jan. 2016** > Andrea and her team have done a great job for us. As an architect myself, I have high standards, and I have nothing but the best to say about Andrea. She is professional and highly competent, and is able to negotiate the sometimes tricky interfaces between client/architect/contractor with confidence. > > We first hired her for a bathroom renovation, where we went from 1 poorly planned and oversized bathroom to 1.5 baths and a small entry alcove in the same footprint. Her design proposal was excellent and her drawings were complete and well-executed, making for a tight bid with the potential contractors. The construction process went well, with hardly any unanticipated changes, and I had confidence that she was able to represent us with the contractor at all times. She was very good about keeping us informed about the progress of the job and relevant discussions with the contractor. > > When it was time to start thinking about our kitchen renovation, there was no question about who to call. We are currently partway through design, and again, Andrea's skills, expertise and design ability have been invaluable. > > I have already recommended her to several friends and acquaintances and will continue to do so. **★★★★★ — meredithhonig, Nov. 2014** > Working with Andrea of aMortonDesign was a fantastic experience. She is thoughtful, creative, intelligent and resourceful. She always listened to our ideas, paid attention to our tastes, yet she always offered solutions to space problems that we would never have thought of. All around she made the renovation process enjoyable (and who can say that?!) and we would hire her again for future projects. **★★★★★ — Vitaly Napadow, Oct. 2014** > Andrea was awesome. She worked closely with us on our needs and wants, coming up with several options before zeroing in and expanding the best one of these. She handled the contractor interviews expertly and translated all the "read between the lines" moments for us. Once construction began, we were able to take over more by ourselves, but she was there whenever we needed a consult, and particularly at the end, swooped in to solve/mediate a messy conflict with the contractor. For all these reasons and more, i would highly and without reservation, recommend andrea at aMortonDesign… ## Selected projects - [Arlington Addition for Music](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-addition-for-music-pj-vj~5551347) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 21 - Description: These two Arlington musicians loved their cozy house and location; but the low ceilings were a hazard to their viola and violin bows when they played. They needed an addition that would accommodate their bowing along with a few friends. Once they decided to stay and renovate, we worked with them to make improvements that extended well beyond the music room. The Kitchen was a cramped galley layout with the fridge and a work table remote from the cooking area. The only bath was located on the firs… - [Somerville transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerville-transformation-pj-vj~2592192) - Location: Somerville, MA - Photos: 26 - Description: These clients came to us with a very sweet back story and a grand vision for their forever home. After years of living in the first floor apartment and providing in-home care for the elderly owners, this couple inherited the house and the opportunity to transform the upstairs into their home. The upstairs had been untouched for the better part of 50 years and was in need of updates and repairs. At the Second Floor we removed walls and incorporated the enclosed front porch to create a dramatic op… - [Arlington kitchen & mudroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-kitchen-and-mudroom-pj-vj~2988364) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: This Kitchen was transformed within the existing walls by opening the space to the Dining Room and rear gardens. The imperative was to capture and extend light and views. The workspace was reconfigured and a Half Bath that opened into the Kitchen was reoriented to the Rear Entry for a proper Mudroom. A new high efficiency pantry cabinet is flanked by standing workspace with views to the garden and great light. The Half Bath a corner toilet and sink for space saving and visual interest. The herri… - [Boston Brownstone goes Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boston-brownstone-goes-green-pj-vj~291056) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: Renovation of a Kitchen and 4-season Porch incorporates sustainable materials as well as custom built-ins of reclaimed wood. Maple cabinetry, Paperstone counters, recycled glass tile backsplash, and bamboo flooring were selected for their aesthetic as well as renewable qualities. Relocating the entry to the Kitchen allows light and circulation to flow naturally through the home and improves counter layout and work space. The new bench in the Porch has open space below for storage and recycling b… - [Belmont eclectic Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-eclectic-kitchen-pj-vj~2409454) - Location: Belmont, MA - Photos: 17 - Description: After years of living cut off from their back yard with a dispersed kitchen layout, these clients were ready to make some big changes. We consolidated their kitchen to an open galley with an enormous island to facilitate cooking, socializing, and homework space for three kids. Flipping bath and mudroom spaces created opportunity for a window-wrapped corner and French door to the deck and yard. This bright and open corner showcased their vintage chrome and formica table, one of many eclectic and… - [Somerville Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerville-modern-pj-vj~635491) - Location: Somerville, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: This renovation was undertaken to provide more work, play, and storage for a growing family. The existing Living / Dining / Playroom were open to the Kitchen but divided by a high peninsula capped with granite. Reconfiguring the peninsula created a usable bamboo counter. The high box shelf offers airy display storage. A built-in hutch was flipped into the back hallway for linen, towel, and book storage. A custom hinged tabletop at the back of the peninsula provides additional space for work, cra… - [Cotswold Cottage Tudor- Winchester](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cotswold-cottage-tudor-winchester-pj-vj~635476) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 18 - Description: This lovely home was built in 1936 in the Cotswold style of Tudor Revival. The current owners are only the fourth since construction and the house is rich in original detail and features that they value. The prior renovation added valuable space but was not in keeping with the style. We were fortunate to have archival blueprints, sketches, and construction photographs to reference in making architecturally sensitive changes. Primary objectives were to add a second child’s bedroom and create a pa… - [Cambridge open plan Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-open-plan-kitchen-pj-vj~2341495) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: The challenge for this Kitchen renovation was to create a beautiful and functional layout which welcomed guests without compromising efficiency for the chefs. Another goal was to hide the fridge and design high efficiency pantry space for an open plan which doesn't sacrifice function. Oh, and add a half bath to the First Floor. All this in less than 200 square feet. Our first hurdle was to relocate pipes and ductwork built into a chase smack in the middle of the room. This cramped the layout and… - [Winchester Whirlwind renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winchester-whirlwind-renovation-pj-vj~291011) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: The new owners of this Dutch Colonial home relocated from western suburbs to reduce their commutes and find a community where their kids could walk to school and to friends’ houses. With this long-term view they decided to embark upon a comprehensive renovation immediately upon closing. this ambitious undertaking required precise organization, rapid decisions, and a construction team capable of mobilizing skilled and responsive subcontractors to meet the schedule. Landmark Services was retained… - [Somerville Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerville-renovation-pj-vj~5551820) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: This modest Victorian had many fine details and pleasing features but the Kitchen left much to be desired. In addition, the lack of bathroom on the First Floor was inconvenient for guests. Following Special Permit Zoning approvals for changes to the Front Porch, we gutted the Kitchen and removed a chimney to open to the Dining Room. The front hall closet was repurposed for a Half Bath with a custom cabinet for a corner sink. The Front Porch was finished for a Mudroom with cubbies, cabinets, and… - [Cape Cod Contemporary interior and exterior redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-contemporary-interior-and-exterior-redesign-pj-vj~907894) - Location: Dennis, MA - Photos: 23 - Description: Extensive interior and exterior renovations requiring Historic Commission approval for existing 3-storey 4,500 sf home with decks at all levels. New standing seam roof / siding; red cedar siding; and windows to update style and address moisture issues. New glass and cable railings and mahogany decks. Restructure roof for cathedral ceiling and relocate stair at third floor to overhaul Kitchen for open plan and improved connection to decks and views to Lake. Reconfiguration and renovation of bathr… - [Brooklyn Victorian Revived](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-victorian-revived-pj-vj~718897) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 22 - Description: This project has been under discussion since early 2011 and we are thrilled to see it realized. The owner of this Victorian row house had prioritized tenant and infrastructure improvement over design dreams for many years. But 2014 was the year to honor a dream deferred with a Kitchen to celebrate cooking and entertaining and a Bathroom for soothing soaks to restore a dancer's tired muscles. Rich color and unique materials were selected to demonstrate the owner's strong style sense while keeping… - [Classic Ranch reconsidered](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-ranch-reconsidered-pj-vj~291078) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This classic ranch-style home is sited on a large wooded lot ringed by lovely gardens of the owner’s design. The owner sought to integrate the living space, raise low ceilings, bring in more light, and improve the connection between indoor and outdoor. The front porch and entry sequence were problematic in that the exterior door opened directly into the Living Room. We reconfigured the front porch to include a gracious entry with cascading steps to the driveway. The new vestibule includes a benc… - [Victorian Updated- Natick](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-updated-natick-pj-vj~636448) - Location: Natick, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: These clients loved everything about their home except the Kitchen. During the week it is the operations hub of a busy and growing garden and landscape company. Weekends are time to cook fresh garden produce and entertain on the recently expanded deck. For a couple that loves to works and play hard, the existing space was short on both work areas and places for guests to congregate. Our first move was to open the space by removing a butler's pantry. The wife requested a comfy seat for relaxing w… - [Nix's Mate Bar & Restaurant- Boston](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nix-s-mate-bar-and-restaurant-boston-pj-vj~635486) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: New ownership of this existing restaurant within the Hilton Hotel represented an opportunity to refresh and revitalize. The client was faced with the challenge of providing kitchen service to the hotel as well as creating a destination for hotel guests and neighborhood businesses and residents alike. The elements of the existing space which had aged gracefully were the decorative heavy timber beams and ceiling arches.Michael Nedeau Designs introduced reclaimed wood, antiqued mirror, and an elega… - [Nix's - Hartford](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nix-s-hartford-pj-vj~1383336) - Location: Hartford, CT - Photos: 5 - [Doretta Taverna & Raw Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/doretta-taverna-and-raw-bar-pj-vj~1383347) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: We have always been fans of Michael Schlow’s culinary vision so the opportunity to be part of the design team for his new Greek restaurant was, dare we say, delicious. The transformation from Via Matta to Doretta had to be nothing short of dramatic to ensure that guests felt transported to a new space and experience. Michael wanted open spaces, a central bar, tactile finishes, and an inside-outside feel with operable walls to the patio. We worked with Party by Design to introduce materials that… - [Brewery and Tap Room concept design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brewery-and-tap-room-concept-design-pj-vj~1669860) - Location: Malden, MA - Photos: 5 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amortondesign-pfvwus-pf~1098972095) ## Ideabooks - [sedgwick half bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86744745/list/sedgwick-half-bath) — 9 ideas - [Riordan mudroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90046910/list/riordan-mudroom) — 8 ideas - [sedgwick full bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86744960/list/sedgwick-full-bath) — 13 ideas - [eave storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77497950/list/eave-storage) — 8 ideas - [eye candy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49545084/list/eye-candy) — 6 ideas - [Dennis dining table](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49709371/list/dennis-dining-table) — 1 idea - [Dennis bunk room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26840224/list/dennis-bunk-room) — 7 ideas - [patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46717168/list/patio) — 2 ideas - [AP bos innov ctr](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45799476/list/ap-bos-innov-ctr) — 4 ideas - [Dennis sauna](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45799652/list/dennis-sauna) — 1 idea - [cement panel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34292139/list/cement-panel) — 1 idea - [BN mudroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6509720/list/bn-mudroom) — 5 ideas - [Stone porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2207660/list/stone-porch) — 3 ideas - [eyebrow dormers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2209195/list/eyebrow-dormers) — 1 idea [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/amortondesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love this bathroom** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the tiles? Both the grey and the white trim pieces, A: Brady, thanks for your interest. You are sending me deep into the archives for this answer! The tiles are Imperial Grigio 4x12 grey and 2x12 white feature. We found them at Tile Showcase in Watertown, MA. Good luck with your project! **Q: Love the pendant. What is its name?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Lisa, thanks for your interest. This is a custom light designed and manufactured by a local Somerville artisan. You can learn more and shop here: https://tesselight.myshopify.com/ **Q: Paint** *(in Photo Questions)* What color/brand is this green wall paint? Thanks! Jan A: Thanks for your interest! The wall color is Benjamin Moore: Aurora Borealis. **Q: Can you please tell me about the shower tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* It is lovely A: Tile Showcase. I have it noted as Mod Rocks white carrera / ebony weave. **Q: What kind of counter top is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The island counter is reclaimed cherry from Longleaf Lumber in Cambridge, MA. **Q: Hi. Is the shower curb stone or solid surface like Corian? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The shower curb and low wall are finished with CaesarStone color concrete with a polished finish. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*