--- title: "Reiter Architecture & Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/reiter-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1351290499 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1351290499.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Reiter Architecture & Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d433df8c0bd33384_7940-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "6 South Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States" latitude: 43.6606 longitude: -70.2589 phone: "(917) 444-9301" website: https://reiterarchitecturedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 20 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Reiter Architecture & Design > Elegant & Sustainably Designed Homes \| Architecture. Interiors. Plans. Original Houzz profile: [Reiter Architecture & Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/reiter-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1351290499) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, ME - **Serves:** Portland, West Scarborough, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Scarborough, Saco, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Falmouth Foreside, South Windham, Chebeague Island, Little Falls, Cousins Island, Long Island, Littlejohn Island, Cliff Island, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, Peaks Island, South Freeport - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2022–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Eco-friendly - Woman owned - Offers Custom Work - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - Woman owned - Eco-friendly - Offers Custom Work - Responds Quickly Reiter Architecture & Design is a full services architectural firm, providing pre-design through detailed design, interior design and construction administration. Projects range from residential to commercial to educational/civic and more -- and include new construction, renovations, and additions Lauren Reiter has practiced architecture for more than three decades --the first 25 years in NYC with Croxton Collaborative, a pioneering firm in sustainable, "green" architecture. Upon moving to Maine in 2006 and opening RAD, now based in downtown Portland, all of RAD's work is characterized by high performance and sensitive, client-specific design. Interiors are highly resolved and often include custom cabinetwork and other memorable features. Of special interest is the impact of both natural and artificial lighting on the experiential qualities of each project. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Rooftop Deck Installation - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Portland - West Scarborough - South Portland - South Portland Gardens - Scarborough - Saco - Westbrook - Windham - Gorham - Falmouth - Cape Elizabeth - Old Orchard Beach - Yarmouth - Falmouth Foreside - South Windham - Chebeague Island - Little Falls - Cousins Island - Long Island - Littlejohn Island - Cliff Island - Cumberland Center - Cumberland Foreside - Peaks Island - South Freeport ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Reiter Architecture & Design | | Address | 6 South Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States | | Phone | (917) 444-9301 | | Website | https://reiterarchitecturedesign.com | | License Number | ME \#ARC 3302, NY \#019059-1 | | Followers on Houzz | 20 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/reiterarchitecture ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Reiter Architecture & Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/reiter-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1351290499) - **Website:** https://reiterarchitecturedesign.com - **Phone:** (917) 444-9301 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: ARC3302 - Type: ARCHITECT - Issued by: Maine Regulatory Licensing and Permitting - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2022–2026), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Mark Burns, June 2023** > Lauren provided design and project management support for our modern house project in the up and coming East End of Portland, Maine. Her design sense matched ours at most every turn and when they did not, she facilitated a positive outcome. Here experience working with builders was a plus as she knew when to push issues and resolve, like resolving some unfinished engineering safety work. She stood strong when we had to take our project to the city approvals board at a time when the rules were shifting heavily against modern looking projects like ours. Her interior design skills were a bonus that we took advantage of heavily. These included furnishings and their placement to make those finishing touches on our project. We love our house and Lauren is a big reason why. Thanks Lauren! **Comment from Reiter Architecture & Design:** > Mark and Alison, it was a fun project from start to finish- and I do believe that, working together, we gave modern design a good rep in the neighborhood! ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — dannyfisher5, Sept. 2025** > Lauren has collaborated with my remodeling business on a couple projects so far and the experience has been great! Overall, her eye for design and attention to detail make the performed work look amazing and she does an excellent job of communicating to the both the clients and my team. > > I highly recommend her architectural services for projects that include purpose built spaces, lighting design, and functionality. I look forward to working with her again soon! > > Danny Fisher (Fisher Custom Carpentry, Inc) **★★★★★ — Rachel Narehood Austin, June 2025** > Working with Lauren turned out better than I had even hoped. She was very responsive to our constraints and proclivities as well as our own working styles. She attended to every detail and shared our larger vision, which she was able to implement. She interacted effectively with our contractor and helped keep the project on schedule and on budget. The final product is so lovely! **★★★★★ — Jason Aines, June 2023** > We are in the process of finishing a large renovation with Lauren, and are happy to report on our experience. Cutting straight to the point: we highly recommend, with zero reservations. Lauren was everything we hoped for in an architect. The overwhelming process of planning a major redesign on a fixed budget was systematically broken down into countless manageable steps. She was forever cognizant of budget, and never pressured us to stretch our means. She was patient with our dithering, and provided gentle redirection with some of our more outlandish ideas. Despite managing multiple projects, she was always readily available, and somehow made us feel like we were her only clients. Her constant references to prior projects, describing designs/materials/products that did and didn’t work, conveyed her experience in a way that was comforting and reassuring. Finally, her dry sense of humor and unfiltered opinions were refreshing. Choosing an architect is a bit of a crapshoot, but working together over the last year was an absolute pleasure! **Comment from Reiter Architecture & Design:** > Jason & Kim, you guys are a hoot and I am equally enjoying the process! (And I don't remember any truly outlandish ideas!!) **★★★★★ — Paul Hayes, June 2023** > We hired Lauren back in October of 2021. > Lauren came in and spent several hours getting a feel for the property and > understanding what it was my wife, and I were trying to do. > She came back with a beautiful plan. We signed off on the plan and Lauren got to work. > I had no idea the detail to what architecture involved. Lauren didn't miss a thing. > She guided us through the process and helped with the final decisions on finishes. > We are so happy with the results. Far beyond our expectations. **Comment from Reiter Architecture & Design:** > Thank you so much Paul and Beth. You have been wonderful clients to work with! **★★★★★ — Tom Sheehy, Oct. 2021** > Lauren has really taken the time to sit down with us and discuss the best possible re-design for our home. She is a great listener, takes copious notes and brings with her lots of expertise from her previous designs. She has patiently listened as we've hemmed and hawed and changed our minds - but she has generated a wonderful set of drawings for us and has been very proactive about finding a contractor during this busy time...She has been committed to helping us realize our vision of a "better home" ... - Tom & Fran Sheehy (Portland, Maine) **★★★★★ — HU-551809335, Sept. 2021** > Lauren redesigned our old farm house to include an amazing combination of historic charm fused with modern updates. She was consistently diligent, professional and supportive throughout the process. Lauren made design recommendations that considered the way we live and how we wanted to enjoy our home. We talk regularly about how grateful we are to have had someone who took the time to understand our vision and incorporate that with her own expertise and experience. I would highly recommend Reiter Architecture & Design and would not hesitate to use Lauren again for future projects. **★★★★★ — Ezra S, Sept. 2021** > We used Lauren for a complete remodel including kitchen, multiple bathrooms, playroom, and bedroom. We used her for complete architectural and interior design. She was with us from start to finish of the project and we owe the success to her. > > Lauren has great design skills which is completely obvious by viewing her portfolio. The equally as helpful (and likely more important) skills that she brings to the table are her attention to detail and her perseverance in dealing with the contractors. She is there at every meeting to crack the proverbial whip and is very responsive (NYC responsive ;) to email/ phone/ text. > > I have and will continue to recommend her without reservation. ## Selected projects - [Cape Elizabeth New Panoramas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-elizabeth-new-panoramas-pj-vj~7682065) - Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME - Photos: 13 - Description: The clients bought the house primarily for its proximity to wetlands and walking trails. But the modest, one-story house could only see the wetlands at the height of winter when the tall surrounding growth thinned out; and the birds, which the owner spent much time watching, were mostly gone. So this renovation project had an overarching mission: bring the wetlands into the house’s purview and maximize natural light. Quickly, even with a tight budget, it became clear that the only way to achieve… - [Portland Downtown Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portland-downtown-residence-pj-vj~5954565) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 32 - Description: This urban renovation project added a new corten-steel clad addition in place of the original parking lot, shown at right. Corten steel was selected for its warmth and irregular surface characteristics, for the addition to be compatible with the 100 year old brick building to which it was joined. The new addition added guest bedrooms, a master suite and a new terrace, while an extensive interior renovation of the original space provided the owners with a professional-grade kitchen, two offices,… - [Portland Munjoy Hill Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portland-munjoy-hill-home-pj-vj~6742450) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 27 - Description: Occupying a formerly-vacant lot in the heart of densely-populated Munjoy Hill, this new house is all about light and views. Located on a relative high point on the Hill, the site provides drop-dead 180° west-facing views of downtown, Back Cove and inner Portland Harbor. At the same time, the west side of the building is very private because of the steep grade and presence of neighboring commercial buildings well below the site. These fundamental site qualities made the planning process very clea… - [House on the Maine coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-the-maine-coast-pj-vj~5474752) - Location: Brooklin, ME - Photos: 17 - Description: This family home, built in multiple phases, is located on a spectacular coast-line site in "Downeast" Maine. The home started with a simple 900 square foot building a few decades ago, establishing a summer foothold on the site for a newly-married couple. Over the next 15+ years, this house grew with multiple additions to become a luxurious year-round home. Each modern addition was appended to the original gabled structure in such a way as to complement, and not overwhelm the original building. A… - [Cape Elizabeth Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-elizabeth-renovation-pj-vj~6476731) - Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: The renovation of this mid-1980's Cape Elizabeth home was for a family with three young children. It focused on renovating three main areas: the kitchen, which was a dark and gloomy space with little natural light; the attic space over the garage, also very dark and limited in use by the existing roof shape; and the most-used entrance of the house: a mudroom connecting to the main house and providing access to the rooms over the garage. Other renovations included the master bathroom, and 1st flo… - [Forest's Edge Guest Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forest-s-edge-guest-cottage-pj-vj~5991677) - Location: Brooklin, ME - Photos: 6 - Description: This small guest house is designed as a pine-wrapped jewel-box, with every carefully sanded surface providing a rustic but sensual touch. The custom pendant uplight bathes the interior in a romantic glow and creates a lantern effect at the exterior. Sited on the edge of the woods, the french doors are oriented toward the water beyond so the cottage feels both woods- and water-bound. - [Portland Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portland-renovation-pj-vj~5982875) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 17 - Description: Complete gut renovation of 1-1/2 story 1800's in-town house, with new bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, living spaces, finishes, systems. The result is a clean and contemporary feel within a traditional building. - [Cape Elizabeth Wetlands House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-elizabeth-wetlands-house-pj-vj~7387175) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: Sited high above surrounding wetlands, the new owners of this house purchased it primarily because of the site. Therefore, the primary goal of this renovation was to transform the gloomy, chopped-up interior to become bigger spaces that would - above all - provide views of the spectacular nature outside. An awkward kitchen addition was replaced by a new addition for the kitchen, with high ceiling heights and panoramic views -- with a new roof deck above that feels like a private viewing platform… - [New House with Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-house-with-studio-pj-vj~5985003) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 9 - Description: Commodious house designed for a tiny corner lot. In spite of compact building footprint, house includes a large studio with separate entrance, generous living/dining/kitchen spaces, large terrace with views of the harbor, separate grill porch, three comfortable bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, outdoor garden areas with an elegant side entrance. - [Antique House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/antique-house-renovation-pj-vj~5474986) - Location: Sedgwick, ME - Photos: 17 - Description: This renovation of an almost-200-year-old house addressed both aesthetic upgrades as well as multiple interventions to stabilize the structure. To maintaining the historic qualities of the house, the street-facing facade was restored and a new addition was similar in appearance to the section of derelict building that had to be removed. However, the owners wished to open up the house to the private rear yard and woods, and to that end, strategically-inserted modern components were added -- inclu… - [Rhode Island Environmental Organization Headquarters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rhode-island-environmental-organization-headquarters-pj-vj~7229923) - Location: Providence, RI - Photos: 11 - Description: Headquarters for Narragansett Bay - based environmental organization committed to stewardship of, and education about, the Bay. Located on a former brownfield site, this project exemplified the organization's mission for restorative ecology, a high-performance building and site, and "living classroom" The site map is the foyer floor, providing every visitor with both solar and marine orientation. Lauren Reiter was the Project Architect for this project, while a Vice Principal at Croxton Collabor… - [Lolita Vinoteca & Asador (Restaurant)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lolita-vinoteca-and-asador-restaurant-pj-vj~5475032) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 20 - Description: The design imperative for this cozy and sophisticated urban restaurant was a space that highlighted the traditions and simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine, dominated by cooking on a wood-fired grill and a deep wine collection. The small space (967 square feet) had to accomplish all of its work spaces within view of the 20-seat dining area and 10-seat bar. Therefore, all of the storage that is part of any restaurant - cooking equipment, prep areas, dishware, cooking supplies, wine, and more - bec… - [Forensics Science Center](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forensics-science-center-pj-vj~7229950) - Location: Philadelphia, PA - Photos: 6 - Description: Designed by Croxton Collaborative Architects, in association with Cecil Baker & Associates, the Forensic Science Center for the Philadelphia Police Department is a state-of-the-art forensics laboratory facility handling all crime scene evidence in Philadelphia (except homicide). Lauren Reiter was the Project Architect for this important project, which was awarded as “Top Ten Green Buildings” in America by the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) in 2006. The building is housed in an abandoned… - [Coffee Shop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coffee-shop-pj-vj~7229968) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Bronx-based Community Center](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bronx-based-community-center-pj-vj~7229944) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: The Mount Hope Community Center is a vital organization that serves multiple constituencies in the West Bronx. Originally housed in multiple locations, the organization sought to unify its operations and services under one roof. As many as 200 youths and adults use the programs daily, which primarily focus on youth services and economic development such as job training. Additional goals were to have the building be as sustainable as possible and to provide outdoor areas within the building's wal… - [Selected Institutional Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/selected-institutional-projects-pj-vj~7229957) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Lauren Reiter, as a Vice Principal at Croxton Collaborative Architects was Project Architect and/or Project Manager for many of the firm's most important projects including several shown here. In order, these include writing the building program for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11; development of Memorial Sloan Kettering's first off-campus independent chemotherapy treatment center (photos were not allowed of the completed facility); headquarters of… - [Brooklin General Store](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklin-general-store-pj-vj~5474942) - Location: Brooklin, ME - Photos: 13 - Description: This new general store replaced a beloved but derelict store that had served the town for more than 100 years. More than most general stores, this store was truly the center of the town, serving both residents and visitors alike, and providing supplies to the community without having to travel multiple miles to the nearest grocery store or gas station. Located at the physical center of the town, the new energy-efficient store has replicated the service model of the original, while providing a br… - [NYC Environmental Organization Headquarters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nyc-environmental-organization-headquarters-pj-vj~7229936) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: The renovation of the 1890 George B. Post, Romanesque structure as Headquarters for the National Audubon Society (NAS) in New York City, became one of the benchmark, leadership projects in the early years of LEED, demonstrating that a turn of the century building could be converted into one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable buildings in America at the time it was renovated in 1992. At almost 100,000 SF including the new penthouse on the roof level, the complete gut renovation of the b… - [Multiple Environmental Organizations' Headquarters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multiple-environmental-organizations-headquarters-pj-vj~7229945) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Multiple Headquarters offices for several not-for-profit environmental organizations include (in order of pictures): Environmental Defense Fund; Beldon Fund; new Geochemistry Building for Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory; Natural Resources Defence Council; private Family Foundation. The common thread of these projects include renovation of existing buildings and facilities to achieve high-performance sustainable design, working on extremely limited budgets, with prioritization given to both syst… - [Before & After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-pj-vj~7691420) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - Description: Renovation presents its own kind of challenges -- and rewards. Finding the 'good bones' of an existing structure is always the starting point. Upon these bones, the client’s program is developed (much like new construction). Design considerations include making additions and/or new spaces appear to grow naturally from the existing building – or present a clear and clean departure from the existing. As with new construction, priorities always include maximizing natural light, taking advantage of… [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/reiter-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1351290499) ## Video - [Company video](https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2605401/sp/260540100/playManifest/entryId/1_lbwx6l18/format/applehttp/protocol/https/a.m3u8) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** As a full-service architectural firm, we absolutely assist with permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. Our pre-design and detailed design phases, along with our project management services, ensure we guide you through these crucial steps to make your project in Portland, ME, as smooth as possible. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of projects, including new construction, renovations, and additions for residential, commercial, and educational/civic clients. Specifically, we excel in custom homes, home additions, and comprehensive home remodeling, always focusing on high performance and client-specific design in Portland, ME. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we absolutely provide full-service architectural services from pre-design through construction administration. Our comprehensive approach ensures seamless project execution, covering everything from initial concepts and detailed design to interior design and overseeing the construction phase for your project in Portland, ME. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Yes, designing fully custom homes is one of our core specialties. We pride ourselves on creating unique, client-specific designs that reflect your vision and needs, ensuring high performance and memorable features for your new home in Portland, ME. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** While "luxury" isn't explicitly stated, our focus on client-specific, highly resolved designs, custom cabinetwork, and the experiential qualities of lighting often aligns with high-end homes. We bring over three decades of architectural experience, including 25 years in NYC, to every custom project in Portland, ME. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [waterville](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22874936/list/waterville) — 11 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/laurenjreiter) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*