--- title: "Sustainable Design, LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sustainable-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132668158 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132668158.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sustainable Design, LLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bfc31fc1000a800f_5051-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "444 Barnumville Road, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255, United States" latitude: 43.1693 longitude: -73.0474 phone: "(802) 362-4310" website: https://www.sdvermont.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 33 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 134 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Sustainable Design, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Sustainable Design, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sustainable-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132668158) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Manchester Center, VT - **Serves:** Manchester, Arlington, Wallingford, Manchester Center, Dorset, North Bennington, Rupert, Peru, Stratton, South Londonderry, East Dorset, Pawlet, Danby, Londonderry, Weston, Bondville, East Arlington, Landgrove, Sunderland, Vermont, West Rupert, West Wardsboro, Winhall - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (33 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Published locally - Offers Custom Work - 11 years in business Whether you are considering renovating your home, putting on an addition or building a new house, we can help. We pride ourselves in our ability to listen to our clients and to integrate their needs, wants and wishes into our design. We specialize in cozy, energy efficient and “green” construction and have experience in deep energy retrofits and affordable housing projects. Alan’s education in architecture, engineering and horticulture combined with 15 years of design experience plus 16 years of architectural experience give him a unique perspective on the integration of sustainability at all levels. In 2012 he became a Certified Passive House Consultant and was given the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. His hands-on experience includes designing and building structures from the ground up using recycled materials, reclaimed timbers and renewable resources. Alan is very active in the community, volunteering on many local boards. He is chair of the town’s conservation and energy committees, served as a member of the development review board for 12+ years, and is a member of the tree committee, bike committee, and of Northshire Area Trail Systems. His vision cultivated the revitalization of Adam’s Park, he volunteers on the Habitat for Humanity design team and contributed to the design of Manchester’s house and the Manchester Community Library. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design - Landscape Plans - 3D Home Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Manchester - Arlington - Wallingford - Manchester Center - Dorset - North Bennington - Rupert - Peru - Stratton - South Londonderry - East Dorset - Pawlet - Danby - Londonderry - Weston - Bondville - East Arlington - Landgrove - Sunderland - Vermont - West Rupert - West Wardsboro - Winhall ### Typical Job Cost Efficient and Affordable ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sustainable Design, LLC | | Address | 444 Barnumville Road, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255, United States | | Phone | (802) 362-4310 | | Website | https://www.sdvermont.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 134 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SDofVT/info?tab=overview - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/40856342-Alan-Benoit%20AIA?trk=mp-details-footer-follow - Blog — http://www.sustainabledesignofvt.com/projects.html ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sustainable Design, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sustainable-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132668158) - **Website:** https://www.sdvermont.com/ - **Phone:** (802) 362-4310 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2009 Efficiency Vermont’s 5+ star rating, 2012 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence; Certified Passive House Consultant, 2015 VT AIA Environmental Committee, 2017 Home featured in Country Gardens, 2018 Efficiency Vermont Best of the Best Awards, 2020 VGBN Greenest Home Award - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [AIA Vermont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-vermont-pfvwus-pf~1511418982) - [Passive House Institute US](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/passive-house-institute-us-pfvwus-pf~1579791328) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 33 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Katherine Page, April 2021** > Nancy and Alan designed our kitchen extension and renovation. They were fantastic at listening and made some amazing suggestions. They encouraged us to change our minds in some areas, with fantastic results. We thought we had a long list of wishes that weren't going to be possible with our space but with only a small addition and an excellent eye for utilising existing space, they have transformed our kitchen and laundry and even given us a pantry! We couldn't be happier with the results. **★★★★★ — barbnjim23, Jan. 2021** > It was very nice working with Alan and Nancy Benoit. They were definitely keyed into our desires and were very interested in making things work well for us. They were also interested in staying within our budget. When they knew we had decisions to make they tried to narrow our choices down for us so we could concentrate on less choices. They always did this by trying to stay within our personal tastes. It made making choices a lot easier. They kept in touch with us throughout the process. Also they recommended a builder to us that we really enjoyed who was also tuned into our desires. Overall they tried hard to keep the process from being too stressful for us which was especially nice since we were also dealing with some health issues at the time. We would definitely highly recommend Sustainable Design because they really cared about meeting our personal needs. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you for your kind words barbnjim! We sincerely enjoyed working with you, keeping within your budget and renovating your home so that meets all of your needs. We hope the renovation brings you many years of enjoyment and we hope we can visit again sometime in the near future. **★★★★★ — schroeteam, Dec. 2020** > We couldn’t be happier with our decision to choose Alan and Nancy Benoit to design our new home. We had a large project, including deconstructing the existing house on the property, and re-siting the new house to best take advantage of the sun for year-round solar gain. Alan and Nancy were such a pleasure to work with, they’re genuinely great people, and very knowledgeable about sustainable design. They came up with a lot of great ideas for our project, as well as listened to our ideas, too. They were timely and responsive throughout the entire project and we couldn’t be happier with the end result. All of the contractors they recommended throughout the project were top-notch and everyone involved work well together to ensure a successful outcome. We can’t recommend them highly enough! **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you so much for your kind words! We really loved working with you both and the building team on your new home. We are looking forward to visiting and seeing your home and gardens evolve in the years ahead. **★★★★★ — Me You, Dec. 2020** > Sustainable Design, Alan and Nancy, are a joy to work with. From the start of my project, designing and building my dream house, they were wonderful. Alan led me through the process of imagining my space, how it would flow, how I would use it, to the final design. He was patient with my moments of indecision, I never felt pushed or rushed. And Nancy is a genius with color. She guided me through so many selections, through my moments of " I know where I've been, but I don't know where I'm going", as I found new joy in moving away from old habits of design. I've been in my wonderful house almost a year now. It is everything I dreamed of , and more. And yes, it is truly a Sustainable Design. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > What a sweet review, thank you! We just love the home we have all created together and hope it brings you decades of joy. **★★★★★ — Deconstruction Works, Oct. 2020** > Alan and Nancy regularly bring Deconstruction Works into the picture whenever a salvage opportunity arises in their projects (whole house, garage tear-down, or kitchen/bath remodel). They really walk the green talk. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you Deconstruction Works. We truly look forward to our next opportunity to work together. **★★★★★ — Mark Shoener, May 2020** > Alan and Nancy have helped us with a number of projects including designing our master bath and designing an outdoor patio and deck area. They were very open to listen to our thoughts and incorporated those thoughts in very innovative ways that really added to the overall appeal. Their upbeat and positive personalities made the projects that much easier and more enjoyable. Most importantly, the outcome exceeded our expectations. We will certainly give them a call for any future projects. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you Mark for your kind words. We really enjoyed helping you with your renovations, inside and out! **★★★★ — Ananda Boyer, Dec. 2019** > Nancy & Alan were very helpful in our house search. They helped us realize renovation options in homes with a sustainable & energy efficient mindset. **★★★★★ — Nanette Forti, Dec. 2019** > After many frustrating attempts to make our 1880 house retain its character, but function better, we consulted with Alan & Nancy. They asked questions, listened to our needs, & came up with a brilliant solution for our kitchen & mud room. They added a powder room to the kitchen (who knew that could work!), a pantry, reconfigured traffic patterns into the kitchen & turned our former tiny entryway into a receptacle for our trash/recycling! They are such wonderful people & so easy to work with. They care so much about the environment, & were excited when we used reclaimed/salvage materials. They even came up with a fabulous plan for a deck, pergola, & landscaping. I have no hesitation in recommending Alan& Nancy & will use them again if the situation arises. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you so much Nan for your kind comments. We are happy to hear how much you like your renovation and landscaping design and can't wait to see it all finished, first-hand. **★★★★★ — Patricia Gill, Dec. 2019** > We worked with Alan and Nancy on the design of a new kitchen in our post and beam contemporary in Weston, Vt. They are a wonderful team to work with! They meet their deadlines, communicate concisely and in a timely manner, and listen to the needs and desires of their clients. They have been a great resource in directing us to other vendors for materials and work. Probably the most important aspect of working with Alan and Nancy is outside the realm of their professionalism and talents. They are genuine people who are honest, kind, warm, and a pleasure to be around....fundamentals not often found and more important that drawings and designs. We have been very fortunate to have found this great team and highly recommend them. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Wow! What sweet words. Thank you for taking the time to review us Patricia. We loved working with you on your renovation and can't wait to see the finished product; first-hand! **★★★★★ — CAITRIN MALONEY, Dec. 2019** > Alan and Nancy are a pleasure to work with. They have great ideas, provide timely, thoughtful responses to questions, and are overall just wonderful people. Highly recommend! **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you Caitrin! It has been great working with you as well and we look forward to future opportunities to continue to do so. **★★★★★ — E Rendino, Dec. 2019** > Alan was very thorough in his assessment of our needs. Nancy offered helpful advice along the way. The staff was quite professional and capable - good listeners, open to suggestions, and responsive to every query. Their recommendations for contractors was spot on! From start to finish an enjoyable experience. **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. We sincerely enjoyed meeting and working with you on the design and function of your addition. We hope it functions well for your needs and brings in the views, warmth and sunlight you desired. **★★★★★ — New England Slate, Jan. 2019** > I hired Alan and Nancy to help me conceptualize my renovation and addition. They are fantastic - their communication is clear, their designs are interesting and most importantly I feel like they listened to me while I was describing my vision. I believe Alan and Nancy are honest and their love of design is clear in everything they do. Talented people to have on your team! I have included a picture of part of the kitchen, as I just love the floor so much! **Comment from Sustainable Design, LLC:** > Thank you so much for your kind words Nan. We loved working with you on your renovation as well and hope we continue to find clients that are as sweet as you. Thank you for posting a photo too! ## Selected projects - [Craftsman Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-home-pj-vj~2814131) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: We are truly excited to be giving the opportunity to design and build a beautiful Craftsman style home! The trees which were harvested on site will become the flooring, cabinets, sheathing and strapping. This home will be well insulated, air sealed, and heated/cooled using a ground source heat pump ("geothermal"). We are using durable siding materials including stone, bark, cedar and slate. In addition to passive solar and shading, the house will also have solar panels to offset any energy it ma… - [Passive Solar Greek Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/passive-solar-greek-revival-pj-vj~1547653) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This new Vermont Farmhouse is being built with its facade facing due south to take advantage of the winter solar gain. The Passive Solar features and super-insulation combined with generous roof overhangs will keep this home warm in winter and cool in the summer. A ground source heat pump (geothermal) system will provide heating and cooling; efficiently and affordably. Not only will the walls will be filled with insulation, but they will be wrapped in an exterior blanket of it as well. Although… - [Affordable Small Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/affordable-small-home-pj-vj~6032737) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Connected to the Land](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/connected-to-the-land-pj-vj~6032895) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Old Farmhouse Renovation and Deep Energy Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-farmhouse-renovation-and-deep-energy-retrofit-pj-vj~2112050) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This neglected farmhouse has found a new family. Together we will undo the exterior muddling of the past, restore the interior spaces and create an amazing home for future generations to enjoy. As part of the process, we are improving the function, durability, energy efficiency and appearance of this home. We are converting a screen porch into a much-needed mudroom, air sealing the walls, increasing the insulation throughout, using resilient materials, and restoring the trim with classic details… - [Sugar House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sugar-house-pj-vj~1251606) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This Sugar House provides our client with a bit of extra storage, a place to stack firewood and somewhere to start their vegetable seedlings; all in an attractive package. Built using reclaimed siding and windows and topped with a slate roof, this brand new building looks as though it was built 100 years ago. True traditional timber framing construction add to the structures appearance, provenance and durability - [Studio Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/studio-renovation-pj-vj~2454527) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: We turned this sunny artist's studio into a cozy guesthouse. Utilizing every square inch, this space offers everything anyone could need for a comfortable visit. Some amenities include a full shower, small breakfast table, heated floor, large sunny deck, variety of storage options, refrigerator, and a large comfortable bed. - [Ski Chalet Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ski-chalet-renovation-pj-vj~1181279) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Always up for a challenge, we helped this family transform their stucco ski house inside and out! Inside, we opened up walls, and by re-configuring the spaces, created a mudroom, pantry, laundry and powder room. Outside, we are adding a craftsman-inspired covered entry and porch as well as replacing siding, trim and windows. Together these improvements will give new life to what was a tired 60's stucco chalet and elevate it to a higher plane of existence. - [Barn to Office Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barn-to-office-renovation-pj-vj~2814059) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Our business is growing and we need more room! So we're converting our barn into our new office, showroom, and art studio! We want this project to be an example of our work, so we have gutted the building, raised the ceiling, insulated heavily and tightened up the exterior. Now the floor is R-20, the walls are R-30 and the ceiling is R-60. We even designed a cool steel entry canopy which we had fabricated locally. - [Net Zero Farmhouse Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/net-zero-farmhouse-addition-pj-vj~1440462) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: The wing of this old Vermont Farmhouse had several issues, including multiple floor levels, damp basement, structural issues and poor functioning spaces. We deconstructed the wing, poured a new full dry basement and re-built a small addition which includes a master suite, mudroom, laundry room, powder room, work area and home office/studio space. More importantly we incorporated Universal Design into the existing and new portions of the home, so it will all now be on one level. - [Small Guest Room Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-guest-room-addition-pj-vj~1181269) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This multi-use addition is a good example of how "green" design can be incorporated into a project of any size. In addition to giving the homeowners a quiet retreat for reading or studying, this space also provides additional space for guests and a connection to the outdoors. This project re-used windows and doors while creating an opportunity for remediation of insulation deficiencies in the existing house. The built-in dresser is made of reclaimed boards. - [Solar Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/solar-barn-pj-vj~1853303) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Adjacent to an old shady farmhouse, this barn was located in the sunny meadow nearby and aligned due south. This location allowed us to cover the roof with solar panels and generate MORE electricity than the clients use! Inside, the barn houses two car bays and a small workshop. - [Basement Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/basement-renovation-pj-vj~2515584) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This once dark, cluttered and dismal space has been born again! We raised the ceiling, added some windows, installed a wood floor, improved the lighting, opened up the stairway and pulled it all together with a warm bright paint scheme. The space has split uses, a children's play room on one side and place for adults to relax on the other. Therefore, we designed a custom peninsula which not only organized the toys & screened the clutter but also created a comfortable work/play surface for kids a… - [Old Estate Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-estate-renovation-pj-vj~1267837) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This old home is in dire need of restoration, efficiency upgrades, and some good old fashion TLC. Once a glorious estate, it has been the victim of many unflattering renovations over the past 75 years. By incorporating carefully designed, strategically placed modifications like the large new front porch, we are able to enhance the existing house and bring it back from years of neglect to a state that surpasses its former glory. - [Screen Porch Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/screen-porch-addition-pj-vj~1181275) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The owners of this old Vermont homestead wanted a screened porch that precisely matched the details of their existing home, connected to the inside and their stone patio, and looked as if it had always been there. - [Master Suite Additon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-suite-additon-pj-vj~1181272) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This master suite addition was added to the first floor for an aging couple. Special care was taken to incorporate this new structure with the existing 19th century home by adding a matching stone-faced foundation, slate roof, and bay window. - [Net Zero Multi-Use Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/net-zero-multi-use-barn-pj-vj~1491619) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Our client was looking to replace their dysfunctional, falling-down barn with a smaller, energy-efficient multi-purpose one. Together, we designed a well-insulated, low-maintenance building that provides all the spaces needed for all the needed functions; including animal stalls, a yoga studio, commercial kitchen, garage, office, and root cellar (among others)! This passive solar building will be heated and cooled efficiently with a ground source heat pump (geothermal) and will be NET ZERO (have… - [Deep Energy Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deep-energy-retrofit-pj-vj~1181276) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: The renovation of this home included much more than combining two units, adding bathrooms, and updating the kitchen. Spotty fiberglass insulation was replaced with a combination of closed and open cell spray foams and dense packed cellulose; electric heating was upgraded to a geothermal system; and overall air leakage was reduced almost 80%. What was once a drafty old home has become a model of efficiency. - [Straw Bale Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/straw-bale-cottage-pj-vj~2226741) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This gothic-style cottage in northern Vermont is a great example of how a team, thousands of miles apart can work together to make a home that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The clients, a retiring college professor and his wife from Georgia, contacted us to work with them in designing their dream home in which to retire. They are very engaged in the design process and, with the help of New Frameworks Natural Design Build, have done much of the construction themselves. - [Garage Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garage-barn-pj-vj~1547669) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: This new three-bay barn will have plenty of room for 2 cars as well as a small tractor and other yard equipment. The traditional style and materials will make it look as though it has always been here. [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sustainable-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132668158) ## Ideabooks - [vaulted ceiling lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118680579/list/vaulted-ceiling-lighting) — 2 ideas - [PEAR BROOK](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110605101/list/pear-brook) — 8 ideas - [Craftsman Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105740677/list/craftsman-details) — 12 ideas - [St. Catherine Craftsman Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102386990/list/st-catherine-craftsman-renovation) — 5 ideas - [Putnam](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88198898/list/putnam) — 1 idea - [Not so Tiny House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62624905/list/not-so-tiny-house) — 36 ideas - [Cathy Sterwart](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18778711/list/cathy-sterwart) — 74 ideas - [Stewart Door and Window Trim](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67194201/list/stewart-door-and-window-trim) — 9 ideas - [Witter ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4005114/list/witter-ideas) — 9 ideas - [Bigelow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63743336/list/bigelow) — 18 ideas - [Parker ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4276638/list/parker-ideas) — 17 ideas - [Bellanca](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6997129/list/bellanca) — 24 ideas - [Olmstead](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11940742/list/olmstead) — 1 idea - [Snow Valley](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11137163/list/snow-valley) — 6 ideas - [Ketchum](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7179226/list/ketchum) — 1 idea - [Morrow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6564000/list/morrow) — 1 idea [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sustainabledesignofvt) ## Community Q&A **Q: kitchen island** *(in Photo Questions)* what are the dimensions of this island? who made it? A: Hello Mary. This island is 3 feet wide and 9 feet long. It was made on site by the carpenter. **Q: ANy interior or rear photo's?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the look of this remodel. Would be interested in seeing what the interior looks like. A: Hello Gracelyn17, let me dig around for some... **Q: What were the dimensions of the barn project?** *(in Photo Questions)* How many square feet and the what was the height of the ceiling were the barn project? A: The barn exterior dimensions were 12 x 22, so about 160 square feet. The ceiling height was originally 7'-6", but when we insulated the floor, it raised that about 5" and therefore, we raised the center of the ceiling to about 8 feet with sloped sides. See additional photos! **Q: What is the siding color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sherman Williams SW 6168; Dried Thyme **Q: More Photos** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you have more photos of this barn style home? A: Sure! We have 11 photos here... https://www.houzz.com/projects/1251606/sugar-house **Q: Dressing Tables** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for a matching dressing Tables . Love, Victorian and Contemporary Mixed, In Woodtones. A: We love mixing old with new as well... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*