--- title: "Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-mckinley-and-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~1098994415 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1098994415.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d3134de80d432996_8497-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "146 Water Street, Stonington, Connecticut 06378, United States" latitude: 41.3664 longitude: -71.9155 phone: "(860) 535-4532" website: http://www.mckinleyarchitects.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 271 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-mckinley-and-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~1098994415) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Stonington, CT - **Serves:** Bristol, Groton, New London, Guilford, Stonington, Madison, Ledyard, Ledyard Center, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Pawcatuck, North Stonington, Long Hill, Mystic, Old Mystic, Niantic, Poquonock Bridge, Noank, Gales Ferry, Groton Long Point, Fenwick, Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Dering Harbor, Fishers Island, Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Misquamicut, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, Old Black Point, Portsmouth, Shelter Island, South Kingstown, Vero Beach, Warwick, Watch Hill, Weekapaug, West Mystic, Westerly - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Houzz Research - Insider - Best of Houzz winner - 33 years in business We are award winning residential architects specializing in exceptional coastal homes throughout New England. For more than 30 years, our design studio has been dedicated to providing highly personalized design services to individuals and families who want to create an enduring and memorable gathering place for their family, friends and extended family. We have expertise in the shingle style and historic preservation. Our architecture and interiors are responsive to our client’s expectations and no two clients are alike. We approach each project without preconceptions. A key design philosophy of ours is to “work from the inside out and work from the outside in.” Thus indoor rooms become outdoor rooms that merge with the landscape and seascape. Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC has designed homes, renovations and family compounds in well-known coastal communities such as Watch Hill, Weekapaug, and Shelter Harbor, Rhode Island, Greenwich, Stonington and Guilford, CT and Vero Beach, FL. Our office is distinguished by our ability to provide clients the very individualized attention of a small office and the technical expertise and high-level design found in a large metropolitan firm. We offer full project management and serve as a single point of contact for permitting, engineering, landscape, bidding and construction management. We also take pride in introducing our clients to the highest quality builders, craftsmen and artisans. Principal Architect, Michael McKinley, AIA a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, established the firm in 1989 after working as lead designer at several internationally known firms in Boston and New York. He is the lead designer on every project and meets with clients throughout the entire design and construction phase. Michael McKinley is licensed in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, Florida and New Jersey. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Bristol - Groton - New London - Guilford - Stonington - Madison - Ledyard - Ledyard Center - Old Saybrook - Old Lyme - Pawcatuck - North Stonington - Long Hill - Mystic - Old Mystic - Niantic - Poquonock Bridge - Noank - Gales Ferry - Groton Long Point - Fenwick - Ashaway - Barrington - Bradford - Dering Harbor - Fishers Island - Hope Valley - Hopkinton - Jamestown - Misquamicut - Narragansett - Newport - North Kingstown - Old Black Point - Portsmouth - Shelter Island - South Kingstown - Vero Beach - Warwick - Watch Hill - Weekapaug - West Mystic - Westerly ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC | | Address | 146 Water Street, Stonington, Connecticut 06378, United States | | Phone | (860) 535-4532 | | Website | http://www.mckinleyarchitects.com | | License Number | CT ARI.0006702 | | Followers on Houzz | 271 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/CoastalHomeArchitects?ref=hl - Blog — http://www.mckinleyarchitects.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-mckinley-and-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~1098994415) - **Website:** http://www.mckinleyarchitects.com - **Phone:** (860) 535-4532 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2020, 2017, 2016. Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Innovation Design Finalist in the category of Architecture 2019, 2018, Rhode Island Monthly Design Award. - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2023), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [Rhode Island School of Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/rhode-island-school-of-design-pfvwus-pf~1510685362) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — RR, Aug. 2022** > Michael takes a collaborative approach throughout the design process. He combines years of experience with a creative flair that makes the result both fresh and very personal for his clients. We have also appreciated his thoughtfulness about how our house sits on a challenging site. Michael and Kathy Calnen sweat the details, something we have come to greatly appreciate. We recommend them highly! **★★★★★ — Jeremy Ostrout, July 2021** > One of the most professional individuals I've had the pleasure of working with. Great communication, met our timeline and provided excellent drawings for our project(s). Would recommend to anybody in need of a great architect. **★★★★★ — cklavine, July 2021** > Working with Michael McKinley & Associates Architects, was a wonderful experience. Michael McKinley and Kathy Calnen, the principals of the firm, were thoughtful, patient, and creative.They listened to what we said and what we didn’t say. We started out with one concept and and ended up with a radically different home, Our final design and resultant home is perfect. A “forever” home to age gracefully in with all the bells and whistles to allow us to be safe and secure. Their attention to detail is amazing….we certainly could not have dealt with the thousands of decisions and details without them as our guides. We wholeheartedly recommend them as architects, designers and people. Ken & Angel La Vine **★★★★★ — George Rose, Feb. 2020** > Michael and his team did a wonderful job designing and managing our project, which was quite a unique challenge. We wanted to convert a very old brick electrical substation built in 1914 into a livable space. His imagination and creativity to make this a reality was beyond what we thought was possible. He understood our needs and applied that to the overall design of the house and also understood how to incorporate modern amenities while maintaining the unique industrial character of the building interior. They were a pleasure to work and also very thorough and organized. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Warren Jagger, Feb. 2019** > The firm has a keen sense of proportion and the ability to meld traditional and contemporary forms into a successful and gracious whole. Having photographed many of their homes, I can also attest to their ethical and professional business practices. **★★★★★ — Stacey Smith, May 2016** > Michael and his team are wonderful to work with. Currently we are 7 months into our build and we are thrilled. The house is going to be way better then we could have ever imagined! **★★★★★ — toshia12, Sept. 2015** > We hired Michael Mckinley and Associates, LLC for architectural planning to convert a waterfront summer home into a year-round residence. The process has taken on several evolutions as our ideas changed and the scope of the project grew. We found Michael and his team to be innovative, flexible and immeasurably patient. They also helped us navigate and understand issues such as zoning restrictions, property easements, site elevation etc > Very importantly, Michael is a "good listener" - designing the home that we want and offering creative options throughout the process. > We would highly recommend this firm! **★★★★★ — cathila, Sept. 2015** > I have been working with Michael McKinley and Associates for 8 years and over that time, I have consistently been impressed with both the extreme attention to detail and the true appreciation of the big picture this firm brings to each and every project. Having collaborated with Michael and his team on several beautiful and complex Marvin Windows and Doors projects, I have seen firsthand the unique way he achieves his project vision while incorporating his clients needs and desires. Each project is unique but what never changes is the amazing results, I consider it a privilege to work with him and his team on their Marvin projects. > > \- Cathi Langan > Products & Services Consultant, A.W. Hastings **★★★★★ — lizziegurl2, Aug. 2015** > We are considering buying a property in coastal Rhode Island and needed to consult with an architect to understand the full potential of the property. The property is an aging cape sited on a non-conforming plot well within the established set-backs for the community. After seeing the thoughtful work that Michael McKinley and his team have done in the area (both on Houzz and in the community itself) I pretty much cold called his office. I received a timely call back from the lead architect himself the same day, and he did some research and was able to answer all of our questions. As a result we are currently pursuing the property, and definitely hope to work with this firm if we move forward with a major project. The people I spoke to in the office were very knowledgeable and professional. Many thanks! **★★★★ — bethbean60, June 2015** > McKinley & Associates designed our home in Rhode Island. The design reflects the details we had requested and fits in nicely with the neighborhood. The house is well positioned on our lot. While there were one or two design challenges once the building started, Michael addressed them timely and professionally, and the result is a lovely home. **★★★★★ — susuhelie, June 2013** > We found a property we loved and wanted to tear it down but realized it was salvageable and hired Michael McKinley and Associates to help create our dream home. I've been an interior designer for 38 years and have my own ideas and have worked with hundreds of architects. The firm's attention to detail made them a joy to work with and I always looked forward to the next meeting. Michael McKinley and his entire staff listened carefully to me, respected my ideas and yet they brought many of their own creative ideas to the project. > > In the beginning of the project we asked Michael McKinley and Associates to give us a budget estimate and we were thrilled that the renovation came in on budget and on time...a rarity in this business. ## Selected projects - [The Architect's House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-architect-s-house-pj-vj~6065124) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [The Power House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-power-house-pj-vj~5919833) - Location: Westerly, RI - Photos: 21 - Description: This tiny 1914 former street car power station lives large in a neighborhood of stately Watch Hill, Rhode Island shingle style summer homes. Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC was hired to envision the next chapter of this abandoned electrical substation for a family who lives nearby and needed a guest house for visiting family and friends. The exterior was meticulously preserved while the interior was transformed into a cozy guest house with an industrial vibe and all the comforts of a luxury… - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~5456604) - Location: Guilford, CT - Photos: 16 - Description: This family friendly modern farmhouse is home to four young boys, their busy parents and an active puppy. Located in Sachem's Head, a peninsula along the rocky Guilford, CT coastline, the less than 4,000 s.f. lives large by utilizing outdoor living areas and having some rooms serve dual purposes. The boys' playroom doubles as a party barn and can host gatherings for dozens of friends by opening the mahogany double doors onto a patio in the front of the house and a waterfront deck on the rear of… - [Stonington Point House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stonington-point-house-pj-vj~2767569) - Location: Stonington, CT - Photos: 18 - Description: This new waterfront home in Stonington, CT is a modern interpretation of the New England Shingle Style. The stone and natural cedar shingle coastal home sits on a spectacular site overlooking Fishers Island Sound and a tidal inlet The design, a pair of one room wide shingled volumes and a single-story stone building tucks quietly into the waterfront landscape. The open plan kitchen, dining and living room span in between with double hung windows and a 16-foot wide mahogany sliding glass door fra… - [Harbor Front Home, Stonington, CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harbor-front-home-stonington-ct-pj-vj~1116461) - Location: Stonington, CT - Photos: 10 - Description: Stonington, Connecticut Architect Michael McKinley was hired to help peel away the layers from a design era that’s been dubbed, “best forgotten.” The home's kitchen has been featured in several Houzz articles including: The 20 Most Popular Kitchens on Houzz, Kitchen of the Week: Crisp and Coastal on the Connecticut Shore, 10 Ideas for a Breezy Coastal Kitchen and Cobalt Gets the Red Carpet Treatment. The original 1980's shingle style gambrel overlooking Stonington Harbor had good bones but didn'… - [Oceanfront Residence, Watch Hill, RI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanfront-residence-watch-hill-ri-pj-vj~20116) - Location: Watch Hill, RI - Photos: 15 - Description: Major renovations and additions to an oceanfront summer home in the historic village of Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Built in 1886, the home was updated in the 1950’s during a renovation that hid most of its architectural charm behind aluminum siding and storm windows. Our challenge was to create a modern, year round home that re-established the tradition of wood craftsmanship found in original structure and the nearby exquisite Shingle Style residences. Our firm’s design brought new energy and you… - [Rendering Examples](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rendering-examples-pj-vj~5231696) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Sunny Knoll, Watch Hill, RI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunny-knoll-watch-hill-ri-pj-vj~21266) - Location: Watch Hill, RI - Photos: 17 - Description: What began as a residential development project resulted in one of our firm’s most personal pieces of architecture. Michael McKinley and Associates was hired to design a new shingle style residence for a site in Watch Hill, Rhode Island which was originally a Mellon estate, landscaped by a firm established by Frederick Law Olmsted. Our clients, who owned an adjacent historic cottage, also asked us to design substantial renovations and additions to that residence so it could go on the market. Hav… - [Bookends, Watch Hill, RI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bookends-watch-hill-ri-pj-vj~1177364) - Location: Westerly, RI - Photos: 12 - [Coastal Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-kitchens-pj-vj~20986) - Location: Westerly, RI - Photos: 3 - [Waterfront Ranch, Shelter Harbor, RI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterfront-ranch-shelter-harbor-ri-pj-vj~1157262) - Location: Westerly, RI - Photos: 5 - [Beach House, Stonington, CT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-stonington-ct-pj-vj~1177591) - Location: Stonington, CT - Photos: 8 - [Our Stonington Borough, CT Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/our-stonington-borough-ct-office-pj-vj~671130) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-mckinley-and-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~1098994415) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love your work! Can you please identify the bedding?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this house! Can you please identify the bedding? Thank you. A: The bedding is by John Robshaw Textiles. **Q: Name of faucet** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We don't know the source however there are many companies that make a similar product. **Q: Can you please tell me the name of the fabric and where I can get it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The homeowner purchased the window treatments so we don't have the fabric source. **Q: Can you tell me the name of the fabric and where I can get it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The homeowner purchased the fabric so we don't have the source information. **Q: Any idea where the rug is from? Very pretty!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The rug is Tufenkian and it was purchased at K. Powers and Company in Needham Heights, MA. **Q: Where did you get the small square pot lights? Are they LED? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These downlights are not LED. We use Juno for our LED downlights. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*