--- title: "River Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/river-architects-pfvwus-pf~1225471699 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1225471699.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "River Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/85e3096502b1bf8b_0620-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "178 Main Street, Cold Spring, New York 10516, United States" latitude: 41.4414 longitude: -73.9335 phone: "(845) 265-2254" website: http://riverarchitectspllc.houzz.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 221 last_updated: 2026-08-20 --- # River Architects Original Houzz profile: [River Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/river-architects-pfvwus-pf~1225471699) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Cold Spring, NY - **Serves:** Yorktown, Newburgh, Fishkill, Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, Beacon, Cornwall, Putnam Valley, Mahopac, West Point, Highland Falls, Balmville, Harriman, Cornwall On Hudson, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Cold Spring, Fort Montgomery, Hopewell Junction, Nelsonville, Garrison, Mountainville - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves River Architects based in Cold Spring, NY, is a bold architecture and design studio led by Juhee Lee-Hartford & James Hartford. Informed by a global perspective and nuanced with a local sensibility, the practice's work ranges in scale from large public projects to intimate private, environmentally smart Passive Houses. By telling a story with every form and revealing the fun in every function, the studio aims to create intelligent architecture that delights its inhabitants. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Prefab Houses - Passive House ### Areas Served - Yorktown - Newburgh - Fishkill - Jefferson Valley-Yorktown - Beacon - Cornwall - Putnam Valley - Mahopac - West Point - Highland Falls - Balmville - Harriman - Cornwall On Hudson - Cornwall-on-Hudson - Cold Spring - Fort Montgomery - Hopewell Junction - Nelsonville - Garrison - Mountainville ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 4 million Project costs vary considerably from project to project, and are driven by clients' goals and objectives, site conditions, and contractor's pricing. We will work hard to keep within your desired budget- but there are many mitigating factors. Setting reasonable, and attainable goals is the first step in this process. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | River Architects | | Address | 178 Main Street, Cold Spring, New York 10516, United States | | Phone | (845) 265-2254 | | Website | http://riverarchitectspllc.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 221 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [River Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/river-architects-pfvwus-pf~1225471699) - **Website:** http://riverarchitectspllc.houzz.com - **Phone:** (845) 265-2254 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Consultant, LEED AP, Energy Star Builder, Department of Energy Challenge Home Builder, Architecture 2030 Challenge participantFounded of Passive House Alliance Hudson Valley chapter. Members of The American Institute of Architects - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2015), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [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 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Glenn, Feb. 2025** > We can't say enough good things about River Architects and their entire team. Juhee and James were a pleasure to work with from Day One through completion of our passive house project, which we hired them to design as a new build shortly after we acquired the land. They are organized, creative, fun, professional, solutions-oriented, and incredibly hard working -- going above and beyond to help us solve problems and keep our project moving as we navigated many unpredictable twists-and-turns -- even after the project formally ended. They are also deeply committed to sustainability and passive house principles (for anyone who is considering going that direction). Even more, they have a wonderful network of local, regional, and global service providers and vendors to help with all the other items necessary to finish a major design/build project. > > We have lived in our house for just over seven years now and couldn't be happier and more grateful for the effort River Architects put into every detail. **★★★★★ — dudley72, Jan. 2014** > My wife and I worked with River Architects to gut renovate our Victorian home in the city of Newburgh, NY. We became aware of River after coming across their website in a random search of Hudson Valley architects and soon met with them at their office. From that first meeting it was clear to us we needed and wanted to have River as part of our team. James and Juhee bring a wealth of talent and experience to the table. What impressed us most was their comfort blending the needs of an historic renovation with our demand to create a comfortable contemporary home. They suggested alterations that made it appropriate for a growing family while respecting the integrity of the house. The project took two years, but James and Juhee never flagged in their enthusiasm. They gave a lot more than our modest budget could afford, and we look forward to using them again when we can build from scratch! **★★★★★ — kittyswan, Jan. 2014** > I am pleased to write a rave review about my experience with James Hartford and River Architects. He and his firm are building what will be a Certified Passive House for me on the Hudson River in Cold Spring N.Y. James has been totally professional and amazingly creative in every aspect of this project from the design to the intricate engineering details that this entails. All financial aspects of the job have been clearly spelled out and he answres every question and phone call!We have not had a single dispute about anything. He has also found a reliable and honest contractor. What more can I say? I am really looking forward to moving in to my beautiful new home. Come see it. **★★★★★ — mbasch, Dec. 2013** > My husband and I wanted to build a restaurant in the city of Newburgh in an existing turn of the last century building. We knew the feel we wanted and had a design in mind. We consulted with a number of architects before speaking with River Architects. They understood our concept, budget and time line. > River Architects recommended the contractor, electrician and plumber. > River Architects controlled the project from design, permits, hardware, time line, budget, to insuring that the colors were exactly what we had decided. > I have recommended River Architects to anyone looking for design that fits their dream and complete project supervision. > If you want to see the The Wherehouse Restaurant in Newburgh go to our face book page "The Wherehouse Restaurant". **★★★★★ — nugewood, Dec. 2013** > This firm is dynamic. Building envelope expertise was incredible. The Principal has worked in the construction field as a constructor and has a contagious can do attitude which the trades picked up on. > The husband /wife team had the whole package, energy efficiency,design and great construction docs. **★★★★★ — timothybrianbarry, Dec. 2013** > Juhee and James are consummate professionals with a deep understanding of the art and science of architecture and construction. They are extremely proactively, and consistently met critical deadlines during planning, bidding, and building, and delivered an extraordinary home, on time and on budget. **★★★★★ — stephentaya11, Dec. 2013** > I'm used to architects who have never lifted a hammer. It's rare for a builder to find an architect such as River Architects who have some actual experience building as well as a sense of design that's interesting to build to. They're not "green" architects, like so many people are hawking themselves as, but true, deep, dark green architects with an intense regard for the materials they're using and the land they're using them on. I am a Passive House Certified Tradesperson who has seen a lot of high performance buildings designed for performance only--out of proportion, unattractive-- but I believe James and Juhee's designs are truly remarkable. It's architects like them who will bring the sustainability movement from strictly utilitarian to sustainable and beautiful, all the while actually listening and delivering for their clients. **★★★★★ — PTACEK home, Dec. 2013** > I'm a general contractor who has worked with River Architects on numerous projects. The whole team is very passionate about sustainable homes and provides a good eye for design. Energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint are automatically included in their design thinking, while keeping the client's best interest in mind. Bringing in new technologies, they're able to provide the best fit for the problem at hand. As a contractor, I wish I knew long ago some of the techniques that I've learned working with River Architects. James brings an extra passion for passive home design that enhances what they're able to offer not only to clients, but to a sustainable future for all of us. Easy to work with and flexible, I'd definitely recommend them. **★★★★★ — mjarmstrong, Dec. 2013** > The Chapel Restoration, Inc., where I serve as President, hired River Architects to recommend solutions for stopping serious leaks in the green roof of a building constructed just five years ago to provide restrooms and comfort facilities to visitors to the historic Greek Revival chapel. James Hartford and his team did an outstanding job, carefully identifying the causes of the problems and then detailing exactly what needed to be done. We then hired River Architects to oversee the repair work, which was extensive. > The repairs completely stopped the leaks, and we restored the water-damanged interior walls to their original condition. > River Architects took great care to determine the causes of the leaks, and to design a solution that was effective, sensitive to the original design of the building, and economical. The team monitored the construction work very closely, to ensure that it conformed to the plans and met the highest standards. > I would recommend them without qualification. **★★★★★ — zaofangzi, Dec. 2013** > River Architects has done a wonderful job on the design of our house, which is now being built. Among the architects we interviewed, we selected River Architects because of 1) their great enthusiasm in environmental protection and energy saving; 2). Their ability to combine local historical building requirement with modern design; 3).their knowledge of the local area --including grass, trees, plants, and 4) their willingness to listen and to incorporate our ideas and requirements into the design. For example, the design of a kitchen, which is to accommodate serious Asian style cooking with the least breakage of the house's tight envelope, becomes one of the unique features of the house. > The team is very professional; they are keen to understand the requirements of the clients and very knowledgable in the latest development of passive house, energy efficient windows, appliances and are very aware of the costs. "An energy efficient house does not mean an expensive house." They designed a beautiful, energy efficient house and we cannot wait to see the completion of construction. **★★★★★ — kimurban, Dec. 2013** > James, Juhee and the whole team at River Architects were just great to work with! > > We are building NJ's first Internationally Certified Passive House. James is a certified Passive House consultant. River is uniquely well suited to deliver buildings that not only meet this rigorous standard but that are also elegantly beautiful. > > During the design process they listen to all of our needs. Everyone in the office is kind and professional and just a pleasure to deal with. The end result is that we have a design for a house that our family will live and grow in for many years to come. Thanks to all their efforts! **Comment from River Architects:** > Thanks Kim and Darren! Great clients make great projects possible! **★★★★★ — jgeppner, Dec. 2013** > James and Juhee, the principals of River Architects, love what they do and this love is evident in their work. They really think about the potential of a house, not just in terms of aesthetics but in terms of its livability and its energy use and how it fits in with the site and the landscape. One winter day I walked through a house they had designed. Not only was it beautiful but the ambient quality -- of light, of air temperature -- was amazing. They do great work. ## Selected projects - [20 Old Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/20-old-oaks-pj-vj~403678) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Timothy Brian Barry, a NYC-based developer with Glassrock Properties LLC, reached out to River Architects to help actualize his vision of an environmentally friendly, futuristic weekend home. RA envisioned a long straight building that would anchor into a hill to the rear of the site and hover over the landscape. The main living floor above is wrapped in moss green rain screen panels to blend with the surrounding tree canopy. A deck extends from the south side to reach out to the land, with spac… - [Balmville Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/balmville-residence-pj-vj~809534) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Newburgh Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newburgh-residence-pj-vj~809519) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This Victorian house overlooking the Hudson River and Bannerman’s Island was a prominent house built in the late 1800’s at the height of Newburgh’s economic boom. Over the years, it changed from a single family to multi-family, then abandoned for many years and near collapse when our clients fell in love with it on their first visit to Newburgh. They approached River Architects with thoughts of restoring the historic exterior but with a modern flair for the interior. Considerable research and lu… - [Greenwich Street C, NYC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwich-street-c-nyc-pj-vj~809509) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: We were hired to design 2- and 3-bedroom apartments on several floors in the newly constructed, glass-enclosed portion of this signature Archi-tectonics building. After considering several options presented to him, the client chose to convert three units, on floors 4, 6, and 7, into a total of five apartments. Floors 4 and 6 were large enough to provide two 2-bedroom apartments in each. The 7th floor unit was designed as one large 3-bedroom apartment that maintained the loft-like, open feel. In… - [Greenwich Street B, NYC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwich-street-b-nyc-pj-vj~809501) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: We were hired to design 2- and 3-bedroom apartments on several floors in the newly constructed, glass-enclosed portion of this signature Archi-tectonics building. After considering several options presented to him, the client chose to convert three units, on floors 4, 6, and 7, into a total of five apartments. Floors 4 and 6 were large enough to provide two 2-bedroom apartments in each. The 7th floor unit was designed as one large 3-bedroom apartment that maintained the loft-like, open feel. In… - [Greenwich Street A, NYC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwich-street-a-nyc-pj-vj~809487) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: We were hired to design 2- and 3-bedroom apartments on several floors in the newly constructed, glass-enclosed portion of this signature Archi-tectonics building. After considering several options presented to him, the client chose to convert three units, on floors 4, 6, and 7, into a total of five apartments. Floors 4 and 6 were large enough to provide two 2-bedroom apartments in each. The 7th floor unit was designed as one large 3-bedroom apartment that maintained the loft-like, open feel. In… - [White Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-farm-house-pj-vj~986905) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A couple from NYC was looking for a weekend home for their family of 5 within 1 to 1.5 hours away from the city. They wanted a country weekend getaway that was comfortable and cozy in contrast to their modern NYC apartment. They found a dated, nondescript house in Garrison, NY, that needed a transformation. River Architects was commissioned to convert the confined, small house into a spacious open plan with new kitchen, rear entry, master suite, and screened porch. By modifying one closet and ad… - [River Architects' Passive Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-architects-passive-studio-pj-vj~2977526) - Location: Cold Spring, NY - Photos: 4 - [Kings Dock](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kings-dock-pj-vj~2977505) - Location: Philipstown, NY - Photos: 3 - [High Street Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-street-passive-house-pj-vj~2977493) - Location: Cold Spring, NY - Photos: 2 - [North Street Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-street-passive-house-pj-vj~2977484) - Location: Cold Spring, NY - Photos: 4 - [Cold Spring Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cold-spring-kitchen-pj-vj~986996) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/river-architects-pfvwus-pf~1225471699) ## Ideabooks - [jameshartfordaia's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22076652/list/jameshartfordaia-s-ideas) — 15 ideas - [Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32080904/list/passive-house) — 2 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/riverarchitectspllc) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is that a concrete countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* It looks great and I wonder it is durable. A: Hi, no it is a natural stone counter top. We have used concrete before, and while it is interesting, it almost always develops hairline cracks. **Q: Window size** *(in Photo Questions)* Guys, where did get the window? And what size is it? A: Germain, you may also try contacting Fentrend, which is a new service that matches buyers with window manufacturers. The cost for their services is borne by the manufacturers, whether you go through with the purchase or not: http://fentrend.com/ Brenda, I missed your comment from YEARS ago, sorry! Certainly coatings can be added to the glass, especially those that would reduce UV damage to artwork. But the work I am doing on a private art gallery now has lead us to the conclusion that all light is bad for art, so use shades, shutters, and any other type of lighting control when you are not viewing art. Exterior blinds that can be remotely controlled work really well- and are part of our daylighting control strategy in designing Passive Houses for maximized solar gain when desired, and reducing/eliminating it when overheating might be a problem- an approach that has been developed long ago in Europe: http://www.renson-sunprotection.com/ There are US suppliers, assuming that is where you are located. **Q: i love the wall color, what color is it** *(in Photo Questions)* A: HI Joann, it's an eggshell white- I don't recall which though- been a while! **Q: Media cabinet** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautifully done ! Can you tell me who makes the media cabinet ? Thanks. A: Hi Krystn, sorry- don't know who made the media cabinet- the owner purchased that. Perfect fit! **Q: window/ glass behind the gas range** *(in Photo Questions)* Are there any issues with heat from the gas range in regards to the window/glass behind it? Is it a lot of up keep due to possible grease splattering on the window? A: Susan! I see your same question unanswered here. I would imagine that splattering is more of an issue with the glass- and in this photo there is even less of a backsplash than in my project that you contacted me about. Clearly more maintenance to keep it clean, but the minimalist look is worth it (hopefully)! **Q: Special consideration wtih a window behind a gas range** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm assuming the glass window is tempered since there is a gas stove in front of the window. But are there other considerations? A: One more thing- no special requirement on tempering the glass. We have used glass tiles behind ranges before with no problem. A friend has a mirror behind her range- again- no problem. If heat radiating from the burner were to be such a risk, you wouldn't find plastic knobs and such on the range's console above- but that is common. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-20.*