--- title: "Carpenter & MacNeille — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/carpenter-and-macneille-pfvwus-pf~1225402483 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1225402483.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Carpenter & MacNeille" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e283361b037378e9_8815-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "106 Western Avenue, Essex, Massachusetts 01929, United States" latitude: 42.6286 longitude: -70.7828 phone: "(978) 768-7900" website: http://carpentermacneille.com rating: 5 review_count: 6 best_of_houzz_awards: 13 followers: 381 last_updated: 2026-08-22 --- # Carpenter & MacNeille Original Houzz profile: [Carpenter & MacNeille](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/carpenter-and-macneille-pfvwus-pf~1225402483) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Essex, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Newton, Salem, Beverly, Beverly Cove, Andover, Lexington, Gloucester, Wellesley, Marblehead, Concord, Newburyport, Ipswich, Weston, Hamilton, Rockport, Newbury, Topsfield, Rowley, Wenham, Essex, Byfield, Coastal New England and Beyond, Greater Boston, Manchester, North Shore Boston, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton, West Boxford - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Designing, building and restoring homes throughout New England. Offices in Essex and Wellesley, MA. More About C&M: At Carpenter & MacNeille, we design and build enduring architecture. We are inspired by the Master-Builder tradition as well as the rich natural resources and wide variety of architectural styles along our native New England coast. From new construction to smaller renovation projects, our team offers thoughtful and well-built solutions that consistently increase the comfort, allure and value of our clients’ homes. Under the direction of Design Principal and President, Robert S. MacNeille AIA, a dedicated C&M project team guides each client through the phases of design and construction and we remain available to all our clients at the completion of the project for a tailored approach to ongoing home care and maintenance. We have been recognized for excellence in our trade by the Best of Boston Home Award, the ICAA Bulfinch Award and the American Society of Interior Design New England, as well as by the editors of Architectural Digest, New England Home, and Design New England just to name a few. Client collaboration and attention to detail have firmly established our reputation as a premier architectural design and construction company. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Pool House Design & Construction - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Historic Building Conservation - Site Planning - Barn Design & Construction - Additions - Architectural Interiors - Architecture - Construction - Custom Home - Custom Millwork - Custom Woodworking - Design-Build - General Contractor - Interior Design - Property Services - Renovations ### Areas Served - Boston - Newton - Salem - Beverly - Beverly Cove - Andover - Lexington - Gloucester - Wellesley - Marblehead - Concord - Newburyport - Ipswich - Weston - Hamilton - Rockport - Newbury - Topsfield - Rowley - Wenham - Essex - Byfield - Coastal New England and Beyond - Greater Boston - Manchester - North Shore Boston - Prides Crossing - South Hamilton - West Boxford ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 10 million Our clients rely on us for consistently delivering services and products of the highest value, a combination of unsurpassed quality alongside the most competitive pricing. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Carpenter & MacNeille | | Address | 106 Western Avenue, Essex, Massachusetts 01929, United States | | Phone | (978) 768-7900 | | Website | http://carpentermacneille.com | | Followers on Houzz | 381 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carpenter-MacNeille-Architects-and-Builders-Inc/95776244946 - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/carpenter-&-macneille-architects-&-builders-inc. - Blog — http://carpentermacneille.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Carpenter & MacNeille](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/carpenter-and-macneille-pfvwus-pf~1225402483) - **Website:** http://carpentermacneille.com - **Phone:** (978) 768-7900 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Boston Home - Best of Northshore Home - ICAA Bulfinch Award - Contractor of the Year (Residential Interiors) - ASIDNE Design Excellence - Custom Homes Pacesetter Award - Chrysalis Award - Residential Construction - Certifications: AIA, LEED AP, USGBC, NARI, ASID, NCIDQ - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2016–2026), 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) - [National Association of the Remodeling Industry](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-the-remodeling-industry-pfvwus-pf~1954795205) - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Gr. Boston (BRAGB)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/builders-and-remodelers-assoc-of-gr-boston-bragb-pfvwus-pf~1762063391) - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) - [NAHB Remodelers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-remodelers-pfvwus-pf~597469654) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### All 6 reviews **★★★★★ — Sarah Wolf, June 2017** > Carpenter and MacNeille was the design/build team for a kitchen and living room renovation project at our home in Essex. We chose them because of their attention to detail, and we loved that the design shop and woodworking shop were so closely integrated. This was our third kitchen renovation and by far the smoothest. > > We loved working with our designer, Hattie Holland - she gave us several designs to choose from, and then helped us work through all the details as we progressed through the project. Hattie's design was very creative, allowing us to maximize the use of our smallish kitchen. The work in our living room ties the whole downstairs together, making the whole house much more livable. > > All of the team was highly skilled, thoughtful, and sensitive to our living in the house while the project was underway. We can't say enough good things about our head carpenter, Bob Kellard who managed the project (and us!) so well. We have nothing but compliments for C&M, and recommend them to anyone who is looking for the best design/build for their home! **Comment from Carpenter & MacNeille:** > Thank you so much for your kind words Sarah. It was a pleasure to work with you and we wish you many years of joy and comfort in your new spaces. **★★★★★ — ksmfes, May 2016** > Carpenter & MacNeille built a 3,000 square foot carriage house for us in Gloucester, MA. The project included a first level with space for 3 cars and a workshop, a lower level for machinery and tools, and a second floor including an office, bath, exercise studio and enclosed porch. This was a challenging project, as it involved in essence one level of commercial-style construction married to a high-end residential project. In addition to the construction quality, which was top notch, we were particularly impressed with C&M's project management skills. Planning, logistics, budgeting, etc. were all clear, transparent, and accurate. We have had C&M do a few much smaller home improvement type projects as well. While they are far from the least expensive option, their quality is so good and their project management and follow-through so far above average that we think they are worth it and would certainly use them again. **★★★★★ — susantrobie, March 2016** > We hired Carpenter & MacNeille for a comprehensive renovation of a large oceanfront 19th century house 8 years ago. It was a rewarding experience in every way. The entire team--the architect, project manager, contractors, craftsmen, interior designers, and office staff--were committed to excellence and demonstrated the highest level of professionalism. We were very concerned that the new part of the house should be in keeping with the old, and with the ingenious design and the attention to detail in the finish work, visitors have a hard time telling the difference between the old and the new. While the end product is lovely and perfectly meets our needs, an ancillary benefit of working with Carpenter & MacNeille is that we have kept up both a business and personal relationship with the firm. We could not have had a better experience! **Comment from Carpenter & MacNeille:** > Thank you for these kind comments about your experience with C&M, we are certainly lucky to work with such thoughtful, gracious clients and dear friends. **★★★★★ — lbgudonis, Nov. 2015** > We chose Carpenter & MacNeille because they offered us such complete service. Our renovation was a bigger job than we had ever done, and they could guide us through the architectural plans, permitting, construction, interior design, and then maintenance. Everyone we have worked with has been professional, skillful, and friendly. We now have the house of our dreams, and highly recommend their work. **Comment from Carpenter & MacNeille:** > We are so pleased to hear these kind words - it was a pleasure to work with you and everyone at C&M enjoyed being part of such a great project. Many thanks! **★★★★★ — swagusti, Nov. 2015** > I used Hattie Holland, an interior designer at Carpenter & MacNeille, to help us redesign the layout, furnishings and lighting of the family sitting/dining room off of our kitchen. The challenge for Hattie was that other than a first meeting or two, everything had to be done long distance. Taking direction from the rest of the house, Hattie sent several layout suggestions and 3 different design boards with fabric samples and furniture pictures juxtaposed on my existing space. It was quite efficient and any one of the combinations would have been beautiful. Along the way Hattie made suggestions about several small things, changing light fixtures and moving the television, that made a dramatic difference in both appearance and utility, all to the better. When I arrived everything, including floor refinishing and an unexpected furnace failure, was perfect, better than imagined. **★★★★★ — User, July 2014** > We worked with Carpenter & MacNeille over the winter and early spring of 2014 to redecorate The Inn at Castle Hill, a ten-room B&B in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The project included new and reupholstered furniture, new rugs/carpeting, new paint and wallpaper, new lighting, new window treatments, and accessories (accent pillows, decorative items, etc.), and a small amount of construction. We were looking for "design wow" in keeping with the five-star nature of the Inn, which is nestled into a corner of The Crane Estate, a seaside country estate that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. We are thrilled with the results. Carpenter & MacNeille had done much of the original design and construction for the Inn a decade before. They listened carefully to our goals for this project, understood precisely what we hoped to accomplish, helped us prioritize in ways that significantly improved our impact, and provided insightful design guidance along the way. The project was on budget and guests are saying that the Inn has never looked better! ## Selected projects - [Three Cedars](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/three-cedars-pj-vj~6395129) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: This custom home was designed and built to complement the secluded woodland site as well as the clients’ passion for sleek contemporary design. While the street side presents a low, sheltering roofline nestled into the cedar woodlot surround, the opposite side is dominated by a soaring open wall of glass, framing the magnificent view. The architecture responds to its site, incorporating durable materials such as stone and wood with shades of green and gray while the contemporary design’s minimal… - [Surf Side House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/surf-side-house-pj-vj~5635101) - Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This 19th-century shingle-style cottage, transformed by more than a century of additions and alterations, has been returned to its original use as a family’s summer retreat on Boston’s North Shore. Although the exterior architectural envelope is composed of a mix of varied shingle style elements, the new owners focused on creating a calm and uniform look inside, with open, clean, and contemporary interiors. The primary public spaces on the first floor have a seamless flow, incorporating a framel… - [Contemporary Cape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-cape-pj-vj~2934702) - Location: Wellesley, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: The interiors of this Royal Barry Wills Cape Cod-style home were reworked to accommodate a busy young family. While maintaining the home’s original footprint, the C&M team expanded and updated the kitchen and refreshed many of the home’s living spaces, including the family room, living room, entry, bar, powder room, and master bath. - [The Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-cove-pj-vj~550626) - Location: Beverly, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: The Cove is a bespoke residence, re-imagined to provide comfortable, modern living spaces while also embracing the architectural and historical significance of the site. The original structure built by Peabody & Stearns in 1915, was part of a large, oceanfront estate overlooking Patch Beach in Beverly, Massachusetts. Designed to house carriages, horses and eventually autos – one could actually drive through the original building. A conversion in the 1980’s to a residence had decreased the size o… - [Beacon Hill Flat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-hill-flat-pj-vj~2993677) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: The unit is part of a 19th-century brick school building on a tree-lined street in Beacon Hill. The original floorplan included several small “chambers” for kitchen and living spaces; the new design includes open walls and takes advantage of natural light from a pair of gracious French doors. Bright, light, and airy, with custom cabinetry and millwork throughout, the updated materials tie into the home’s original trim and character, providing a comfortable flow and ample storage. - [Seaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaway-pj-vj~2993476) - Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: With original 1899 blueprints in hand, the C&M team performed a complete interior and exterior renovation of this grand Georgian style home located on Boston’s North Shore. The goal was to improve antiquated, under-used spaces for contemporary family life while still maintaining historic character and the classical proportions and details of the original design. The top-down, three-phase approach was skillfully structured to allow the clients to live comfortably in the home throughout much of th… - [Lobster Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lobster-cove-pj-vj~1025865) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This American Foursquare with craftsman elements was built in the 1920s and has been newly transformed with the addition of several new spaces (garage, mudroom, game room, and conservatory) and the renovation of the existing kitchen, dining, and living rooms on the first floor. Our designers and builders received a Best of Boston Home award in 2014 for this renovation. - [Old Town Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-town-road-pj-vj~549247) - Location: Newbury, MA - Photos: 23 - Description: The renovation of this classic 18th-century American colonial farmhouse was two-fold, addressing structural concerns from the worn-out portions of the house as well as reshaping the spaces to better suit the client’s modern lifestyle. An elegant but accessible new entrance and mudroom addition, custom kitchen, and renovations of both guest and master bathrooms all became part of the transformation. The finished project has been featured in both Design New England and House Beautiful. - [Ipswich River Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ipswich-river-pool-house-pj-vj~1198991) - Location: Hamilton, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: The design of the pool house evolved dramatically from a formal garden structure to a more organic design featuring the use of many natural wood, stone, and timber materials. The space easily accommodates large groups and includes a full-service kitchen and bar with a retractable overhead door as well as a laundry room and guest bathroom with an adjacent outdoor shower. Reclaimed and local materials are used throughout to enhance the relationship of the structure to the natural woodlot setting. - [Breezing Up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/breezing-up-pj-vj~551355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: The project scope included renovation of the existing seaside cottage as well as a large addition. A new kitchen, ocean room, and primary suite have more than doubled the original footprint and integrate seamlessly with the old structure and natural contours of the lot. - [Salt Marsh Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/salt-marsh-farm-pj-vj~2993633) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: This specialty equestrian facility was designed and built to complement an existing late 19th-century residence. The main barn includes four stalls, a separate tool shop and studio, and a heated tack room with a half bath. The knotty pine loft offers plentiful hay and operational storage. Additionally, a separate two-bay garage was built in the same half-timber Tudor style as the adjacent home and contains a one-bedroom apartment with easy barn access. - [Folly Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/folly-cove-pj-vj~655029) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: In an oceanside enclave of magnificent early 20th-century stone and slate summer houses, this new home was thoughtfully designed and built to the same high standards of quality and craftsmanship found throughout the neighborhood. The Asian, Shaker, and Arts and Crafts style influences represent both the unique voice of the client as well as the eclectic architectural heritage of Cape Ann and coastal New England. - [Essex Marsh Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/essex-marsh-views-pj-vj~2993574) - Location: Essex, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Situated on Essex Marsh, this waterside home underwent major renovations to its kitchen and dining spaces as well as new cabinetry surrounding the family room fireplace. The existing kitchen was demolished, and a new kitchen and pantry with all new cabinetry, appliances, countertops, and finishes were included in the renovated space. - [Oakledge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakledge-pj-vj~561315) - Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: Although almost entirely new construction, this custom shingle-style home was designed to look as though it had evolved from the original 1873 stick-style cottage found on the site. However, with an open floor plan and powered by geothermal technology, this aesthetically traditional home exemplifies sustainable living and contemporary design preferences. Designed by Senior Architect, Michael T. Gray, this project received the ICAA Bulfinch award for “Residential New Construction” in 2018. - [Marblehead Neck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marblehead-neck-pj-vj~1400438) - Location: Marblehead, MA - Photos: 18 - Description: The initial focus of the project was to replace the aging 1960’s kitchen in this eclectic 19th-century oceanfront home, but it grew to include a substantial addition, a new three-car garage, the renovation and restoration of the majority of the house, and significant site work including a new terrace, stone steps and retaining walls, a new driveway, and a pergola connecting the garage to the house. The architecture and interior design of the house now represent a thoughtful extension of the orig… - [Chubb's Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chubb-s-hill-pj-vj~1584687) - Location: Manchester, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: Originally built in 1993, this Manchester by the Sea home required updated systems and a cosmetic recharge, leading the homeowners and C&M to design a total interior remodel along with a dramatic exterior makeover. The owners envisioned brighter, more comfortable spaces and, as admirers of the Shingle-style, they wanted the house to reflect a nineteenth-century seaside cottage aesthetic. C&M’s Woodworking department led a selective demolition of the interior, enhancing the rooms with distinctive… - [The Inn at Castle Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-inn-at-castle-hill-pj-vj~822156) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: The Inn at Castle Hill is a rambling ten-bedroom retreat overlooking Crane Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. In 2000, with just a handful of historic records available and one early photograph showing a missing front porch and other significant architectural details, C&M restored and reinvented the original 19th-century “Brown Cottage” as a classic seaside inn. Fourteen years later, the Trustees of Reservations, who own and operate the inn, again employed C&M to refresh the interiors and further enh… - [Annisquam Cedar Shingle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annisquam-cedar-shingle-pj-vj~7386331) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: The architectural design and construction of this 21st century coastal residence was completed by the firm in mid-2021. Designed with red cedar shingles, clapboards and stone veneer, the residence was carefully sited to take full advantage of the property’s stunning seaside location, while ensuring the neighboring homes retained their ocean views. With its proximity to the ocean, this project was built with state-of-the-art energy efficiency in mind. The objective was to design the home with opt… - [Cape Cod Salt Box](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-salt-box-pj-vj~7386322) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: The renovation and expansion of this shingled saltbox home on Cape Cod included a new kitchen with custom cabinets, island and teak countertops handcrafted by our Woodworking group. The inspiration for the home’s over-all palette — including this bright, open kitchen — was a photograph of the classic 12-meter Yacht Bloodhound (once owned by the Royal Family) featuring crisp canvas sails and an exquisite mahogany and teak hull. Interiors: Lisa Tharp Design Photography: Michael J. Lee - [Nantucket Greek Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nantucket-greek-revival-pj-vj~7386321) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: C&M was contacted by long-time clients to design the interiors of this four-story 1834 antique soon after they purchased the recently renovated residence. The goal was to create comfortable living and entertaining spaces suited for a contemporary family using a patina that honored the home’s historic interior architecture and 1830s aesthetic. Wide honey floors and a collection of maritime artworks influenced the palette while antique rugs, textural sisals, and vintage rattan express the homeowne… [See all 39 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/carpenter-and-macneille-pfvwus-pf~1225402483) ## Community Q&A **Q: What color is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Interested in knowing the color A: Hi Anne! This is Farrow & Ball's Cook's Blue \#237. Take care! **Q: can you share the color of the built-in bookcarse in the next room?** *(in Photo Questions)* It looks like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue (?) A: So glad to hear -- we agree! **Q: What is the size of each of the pergolas and the entertaining area?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks, each one is about 12'x 14' -- rectangular footprints with enough space for a 8-10 person dining table and several loungers. **Q: What material is the countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question Jessica, it's actually porcelain slab -- a really sleek option that still evokes that classic marble look. **Q: could you please share the name of this wallpaper? It's so pretty!!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question - selections are by interior designer John Debastiani on this project - we were the architects and builders. **Q: bookcase, cabinet pulls** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you let me know the bookcase cabinet color? And where to find the brass cabinet pulls for the kitchen? Both are lovely! A: Thanks for your question and kind words about our work -- bookcase is F&B Hague Blue and the kitchen hardware is Lewis Dolan. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-22.*