--- title: "M James Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/m-james-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1509973534 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1509973534.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "M James Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ce23d6070237908b_2392-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States" phone: "(484) 416-3304" website: http://mjamesarchitecture.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 126 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # M James Architecture Original Houzz profile: [M James Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/m-james-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1509973534) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Haverford, PA - **Serves:** Philadelphia, Radnor, King of Prussia, Ardmore, Conshohocken, Audubon, Bala Cynwyd, Swarthmore, Blue Bell, Penn Wynne, Paoli, Media, Bryn Mawr, Chesterbrook, Trooper, Jenkintown, Narberth, Lima, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Springfield, Concordville, Gradyville, National Park, Valley Forge - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Offers Custom Work - 20 years in business M James Architecture is a custom residential and small commercial architecture firm focused on delivering deeply satisfying architecture finely tuned to each individual client. Our process begins with extensive research and culminates in innovative designs that foster new and enriched life experiences for our clients. Completed project types include residential homes and compounds, restaurants, and recording and artist studios. We believe the success of architectural projects should be measured by how well they support our clients as individuals and the places in which they choose to live, work, and play. A successful project fully engages how you would like to live, provides a comfortable personal refuge, and enriches the variety of architectural experiences open to you that serve these ends. Such a project acts as a natural extension of who you are, just as a set of finely tailored clothing does. This founding principle determines everything we do, and sets us apart from other architectural offices. While working with you, we devote exceptional care to getting to know you and your aspirations for your home and property in depth. For us to achieve success, you must actively participate in the project from the beginning so that we come to understand not only the functional requirements of the project, but also what makes you happy, and what provides satisfaction and meaning to you. Only by understanding these intangible aspects of who you are can we fashion something that enriches your life to the degree that custom architecture should. Gaining a full understanding of your site is also important so we can leverage the full architectural potential of your property and anything designed for it. We also believe that to the extent possible all time and energy devoted to your project should go into moving it forward. We have found that projects are more successful in this regard when the full team of professionals assembled for your project is involved from the initial design phase on. This provides more time and opportunity for communication and coordination, resulting in fewer misunderstandings that result in delays, additional expense, and wasted effort. We have long standing relationships with skilled and experienced professionals who are team players, and can quickly assemble project working groups that work will effectively with you on your project. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Garage Design - 3D Home Design - Barn Design - Compound and Estate Design - Guest House Design - New Home Design - Pool House Design - Renovation Design - Restoration Design ### Areas Served - Philadelphia - Radnor - King of Prussia - Ardmore - Conshohocken - Audubon - Bala Cynwyd - Swarthmore - Blue Bell - Penn Wynne - Paoli - Media - Bryn Mawr - Chesterbrook - Trooper - Jenkintown - Narberth - Lima - Rose Valley - Rutledge - Springfield - Concordville - Gradyville - National Park - Valley Forge ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - $10,000,000 From additions to multi-building residential compounds ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | M James Architecture | | Address | Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States | | Phone | (484) 416-3304 | | Website | http://mjamesarchitecture.com | | License Number | Depends on state | | Followers on Houzz | 126 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-james-3240a225/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [M James Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/m-james-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1509973534) - **Website:** http://mjamesarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (484) 416-3304 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - • Work featured in a Nov 1, 2016 Houzz Article: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73063006/list/to-dos-your-november-home-checklist - • Vassar College - Bachelor's Degree in Architecture - • University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Design - Master’s Degree in Architecture, Faculty Prize Recipient - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — BEAM, ltd., Sept. 2017** > I would highly recommend working with Michael James on a project. Michael is a thoughtful, detailed-oriented designer. His concern for the design as well as the clients’ needs are paramount. In collaborating with Michael, we thoroughly enjoyed his approach to the design aesthetic as well as the process, as he focused on the end result. **★★★★★ — Christopher Hanson, Dec. 2016** > We have had the pleasure of working with M. James Architects on several residential projects in recent years. Mike James is extremely talented, knowledgeable and professional, and his projects demonstrate a beautiful > aesthetic with unique style. Mike's attention to detail is always evident in his drawings and specifications. This is critical for the builder to give meaningful feedback to clients on budget and schedule. During the construction phase, Mike is always accessible to answer questions and finds practical solutions if problems arise. We look forward to future collaborations. **★★★★★ — Ellen Rosen, April 2016** > We used Mike for two projects, to build a study and to renovate a bathroom. He used his wonderfully creative mind to create visually appealing designs. For the study, he created an airy room full of light. It was a small space, but he made it feel roomy by having a high ceiling with windows where underneath he put the book cases and by his thoughtful choice in the desk and sofa and their placement in the room. His sense of color is amazing - he chose a blue for the walls and a brown carpet that helped the space feel open and welcoming. For the bathroom, I was impressed by how he thought through the details. For the bath, he created a space where a parent could sit while bathing a small child. And again, his use of color was amazing. The grays with accents are gorgeous! **★★★★★ — cutler744, April 2016** > We hired Mike James to design and manage a major addition to our 1950's-era Berwyn, PA (Philadelphia suburb) home, expanding a small kitchen into a combined kitchen/family room, which became the centerpiece of the house. Mike was brilliant with his design, incorporating the pre-existing architectural style into a highly functional modern space. As a geologist, I've always wanted to exhibit my rock and fossil collection, and Mike ingeniously designed lighted glass shelving exhibit cases into the wall "columns" between large picture windows looking out into the backyard forest. > > Mike helped us select a qualified contractor, and provided comprehensive project management and oversight throughout construction, with a keen eye for detail. We could not be more happy with the final outcome. We highly recommend Mike James for his artistry, attention to detail and honest and thoughtful advise. **★★★★★ — Orly Zeewy, July 2015** > “I hired Mike to design my home office and was blown away by the innovative storage solutions he came up with. He took a small, cramped and ineffective space and turned it into a luxurious, professional office that suits my needs and reflects my personal style. He is simply put, a great find and a great architect.” **★★★★★ — peihowatt, Dec. 2013** > Mike James took on the challenging job of designing a home for my Mother who lives on an island in Canada. We were very impressed with the diligence Mike displayed in understanding the requirements of the house and then in creating a well researched and extremely appealing design. As well Mike made sure that the house was well sited for maximizing the sunlight it would receive and the view from the house itself. I was the person who dealt with Mike and found myself getting thoughtful and fully articulated answers to any questions I had. Mike was timely, responsive and professional in all aspects. I would highly recommend Mike and my Mom says every day she can't believe how beautiful her home is. **★★★★ — hazel18, Aug. 2012** > Mike is reliable, flexible and hard working. He is an experienced residential archtect. Deadlines have posed no problem and he has been quite capable of coming up with unique design ideas to overcome obstacles This is a home renovation/ addition project of a kitchen, family room, dressing room and master bath. ## Selected projects - [Darien, CT - Contentment Island House Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/darien-ct-contentment-island-house-addition-pj-vj~76207) - Location: Darien, CT - Photos: 5 - Description: This addition and renovation to a majestic Connecticut waterfront home raised and opened up the roof above a previously dark and low-ceilinged bedroom to take advantage of the light and spectacular views of Long Island Sound available from this location. - [Bolton, MA - Nourse Farm Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bolton-ma-nourse-farm-addition-pj-vj~76213) - Location: Bolton, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: This two story addition and renovation to a colonial-era farmhouse addressed the owners request for a light-filled kitchen, family and dining great room with prime views across their 16 acre property. New and old are subtly blended throughout to a achieve unity and balance in which the new and old parts of the house are still clearly expressed. - [Chestnut Hill, PA - Bethlehem Pike Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chestnut-hill-pa-bethlehem-pike-addition-pj-vj~2126192) - Location: Philadelphia, PA - Photos: 2 - [Nantucket, MA - Bishop's Rise House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nantucket-ma-bishop-s-rise-house-pj-vj~2126189) - Location: Nantucket, MA - Photos: 5 - [Wynnewood, PA - Sussex Road House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wynnewood-pa-sussex-road-house-pj-vj~2126203) - Location: Wynnewood, PA - Photos: 3 - Description: This scholar’s study is buffered from the rest of the house by the double height library. The library’s continuous second story windows provide diffused natural light throughout the day to protect the owner’s valuable book collection and to provide glare-free working conditions at his work area. The owners cramped and cluttered hall bath was transformed into a calm and open refuge by the removal of the textured glass enclosure and dropped ceiling at the tub, the introduction of the over-sized mi… - [Lincoln, MA - Ledgewold Manor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-ma-ledgewold-manor-kitchen-pj-vj~2126187) - Location: Lincoln, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: The owners wish for a modern kitchen integrated into this magnificent Victorian estate house was accomplished by clearly distinguishing between and balancing Modern and Victorian features into a single integrated design. - [Custom Furniture and Light Fixtures](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-furniture-and-light-fixtures-pj-vj~2078332) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Custom free-standing and built-in furniture and light fixtures for various architectural projects. - [Prince Edward Island, CA - Howatt-Schematic Design - In Progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prince-edward-island-ca-howatt-schematic-design-in-progress-pj-vj~2126132) - Location: Albany, PE - Photos: 18 - Description: The owners of this Canadian Maritime property requested a new weather-resistant and energy-efficient cabin that fits naturally into the site while focusing on views to the apple orchard on their property, the nearby river, and the ocean beyond. The resulting design reinterprets indigenous farm structures and fisherman's shacks while incorporating up to date super-insulating, south-facing triple glazed, LED lighting, and rain screen exterior wall technologies. Exterior decks provide transitional… [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/m-james-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1509973534) ## Ideabooks - [Gravel under deck-1](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173928227/list/gravel-under-deck-1) — 3 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mjamesarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I get the rattan counter stools?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Glad I could help! **Q: Can you use a vented microwave over a gas cooktop** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are building a home and wondering if you can use a vented microwave as exhaust over a gas 30 or 36 inch 4 or 5 burner gas cooktop. Or what kind of venting is recommended and what height above cooktop is recommended. Thanks A: A gas range should ALWAYS be vented to the outside, as the byproduct of gas combustion is carbon monoxide. (There is a reason there are CO2 detectors folks!) Any device that just recirculates air doesn't do that. In addition, the hood or other venting device and ducting needs to be carefully sized to the range, or it will not perform properly. (Consult the manual for the range as to what is appropriate for that specific product.) Last, provision needs to be made for makeup air from outside the house equivalent to what is being exhausted or the system will not vent properly. This is especially true for energy-efficient tight house construction. **Q: what paint color did you use?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Lenchick, I appear to have missed your question of some time ago, and am very sorry to have done so! I was reviewing previous questions today and just noticed my mistake! Anyway, there was an interior decorator (Louise Cronan / Louise Cronan Interiors) on this project who specified the paint colors in consultation with the owners and myself. If you still would like to know the colors I would be more than happy to either put you in touch with Louise, or find out and relay that information on to you. Just let me know what you'd like me to do. Again, I really apologize for the oversight. I certainly won't repeat it! Humbly and sincerely yours, Mike James **Q: I love the rug . . . where is it from? Brand? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Annie: I just received the following information from Louise Cronan, the decorator: "The bed is from Stephen Plaud, a custom bed maker located in Rhode Island. (www.stephenplaud.com)" It appears to be "The Farmhouse Spool Bed" with a custom wood and finish. Louise said you should free to contact her at 404 883-0391 if you have additional questions about the bed. Does that answer your question? All the best, Mike --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*