--- title: "Whitten Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/whitten-architects-pfvwus-pf~1510068314 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1510068314.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Whitten Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cd53da9b0ef9dccf_5106-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "37 Silver Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States" latitude: 43.6606 longitude: -70.2589 phone: "(207) 774-0111" website: http://www.whittenarchitects.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 19 followers: 3467 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Whitten Architects Original Houzz profile: [Whitten Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/whitten-architects-pfvwus-pf~1510068314) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, ME - **Serves:** Portland, Bangor, West Scarborough, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Scarborough, Saco, Westbrook, Augusta, Windham, Gorham, York, Falmouth, Kennebunk, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Freeport, Bridgton, Camden, Bar Harbor, Rockport, Kennebunkport, Boothbay, Deer Isle, Boothbay Harbor, Machias, Falmouth Foreside, Southwest Harbor, South Windham, Chebeague Island, Little Falls, Cousins Island, Long Island, Littlejohn Island, Boston, Cliff Island, Concord, Conway, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, Newburyport, North Conway, Peaks Island, Portsmouth, Rye, Wolfeboro - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2012–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000,000 Ideabook Saves Since 1986, Whitten Architects has been designing thoughtfully considered homes in New England. With a focus exclusively on residential design, we are experts in a variety of project types—from camps to cottages, new homes to historic renovations. Our work has won a number of awards over the years and has been extensively published in a variety of residential home design books and magazines. Our like-minded team of five architects and three designers collectively offer decades of hands-on residential design and construction experience, as well as a common ethos: we believe a home should reflect its occupants, and its design should develop from an appreciation for and an understanding of its site. Using an efficient combination of hand-drawing and our office’s state-of-the-art software, we help our clients envision their home even before construction begins. Note: We're finding that current home construction costs run $350-500 per square foot to achieve the results you see in our portfolio. This range is for the finished building only and is exclusive of design fees, site development, landscaping, furnishings, and soft costs (fees and permits). ### Services Provided - Building Design - Custom Homes - House Plans - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Space Planning - Architecture - Client-Specific Design - Construction Drawings - Residential Design - Site Planning - Site-Specific Design ### Areas Served - Portland - Bangor - West Scarborough - South Portland - South Portland Gardens - Scarborough - Saco - Westbrook - Augusta - Windham - Gorham - York - Falmouth - Kennebunk - Cape Elizabeth - Old Orchard Beach - Yarmouth - Freeport - Bridgton - Camden - Bar Harbor - Rockport - Kennebunkport - Boothbay - Deer Isle - Boothbay Harbor - Machias - Falmouth Foreside - Southwest Harbor - South Windham - Chebeague Island - Little Falls - Cousins Island - Long Island - Littlejohn Island - Boston - Cliff Island - Concord - Conway - Cumberland Center - Cumberland Foreside - Newburyport - North Conway - Peaks Island - Portsmouth - Rye - Wolfeboro ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - $6,000,000 Note: We're finding that current home construction costs run $350-500 per square foot to achieve the results you see in our portfolio. This range is for the finished building only and is exclusive of site development, landscaping, furnishings, and soft costs (fees and permits). ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Whitten Architects | | Address | 37 Silver Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States | | Phone | (207) 774-0111 | | Website | http://www.whittenarchitects.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 3467 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/whittenarchitects - Blog — http://www.whittenarchitects.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Whitten Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/whitten-architects-pfvwus-pf~1510068314) - **Website:** http://www.whittenarchitects.com/ - **Phone:** (207) 774-0111 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2012–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Joan Troccoli, Aug. 2019** > When we signed up with Whitten Architects, we presented a long list of desired features for our "dream house" on the coast of Maine. As project architect, Jessie Carroll fulfilled every request. We specifically asked that our house take maximum advantage of our small but varied site. In collaboration with our landscape architect Soren Deniord, Jessie transformed our experience of our property. > We contracted with Whitten for all three phases of its services and would recommend that all clients do so. Signing on for the third phase, Construction Administration, ensures that every element of the design is executed precisely according to plan. Jessie, our wonderful contractor Bowley Builders, construction supervisor Rusty Theriault, and the outstanding craftsmen who built our house worked as a fully integrated team. Communication among all parties, including, of course, us, was excellent, and every construction challenge was dealt with creatively, transparently, and immediately. We can't imagine a smoother build, which we especially appreciated because our full-time home is several thousand miles away. They brought the project in on time and on budget. > Our house lifts the spirits of all who enter. It is luminous on even the cloudiest day, refreshing in summer, and cozy in winter. Every window frames a unique and inspiring view. Jessie and her team created a house of exquisite style and superlative function that has thoroughly exceeded our expectations and continues to pleasantly surprise us every day. **★★★★★ — Paul Mankiewich, April 2019** > Our experience working with Rob Whitten, Jessie Carroll and Drew Bortles was really top-notch. It was a collaborative effort from beginning to end, in which we always felt like members of a team. As the chief architect on our project, Jessie Carroll was outstanding in her ability to combine her creativity with the need to be attentive to our unique “wish list” specifications, and in her excellent collaboration with the builder. And as a team, they were always there to help us find innovative solutions that would fit within our budget. The results speak for themselves; we love our house and everything about it! It’s an absolutely beautiful home, and within budget ! **★★★★★ — Mindy Barber, Dec. 2018** > We selected Whitten to design our lakefront home after admiring their work for years -- and we could not be happier with the finished product. They spent a lot of time with us on site to understand the surrounding area and its history, and learn how we hoped to use the home. > We had heard that Rob was very skilled at siting homes, and the orientation he and James recommended has been better than we could have hoped for -- it has optimized views, light, and privacy in a very considered way. > > The design process was collaborative. The first concept sketch did a terrific job capturing the key elements we discussed in our brainstorming sessions -- Whitten incorporated the specifics of the site (lake views, access to / interplay with another nearby family home, etc.) with our room and feature wish-lists and after an iterative process, we arrived at our near-final design. Throughout, Whitten provided helpful thoughts and advice when we weighed larger decisions like fireplace location, window sizes/locations, and material selection. Drew provided great help on interiors and then also provided thoughtful advice on builder selection...and we loved our builder. > > We LOVE our home -- thank you Whitten! **★★★★★ — Don & Tuckie Westfall, Nov. 2018** > We fell in love with two acres in Maine. The site offered a spectacular views of Harpswell Sound but the steep slope and prominent ledge made it a “difficult” site on which to build. Rob Whitten walked the site and saw immediately how the house should be located to conform to the contours of the lot while making the most of the view and taking advantage of breezes in the summer and solar gain in the winter. > Working with Rob and Will Fellis was a pleasure. They listened to us as we described a Cottage-style house where we could live on one floor, but which had room and privacy for many welcome visitors. And then they exceeded our expectations. More importantly they provided gentle direction when our ambitions outpaced our budget. > Our experience with the process of building a house was more intense than we expected and Rob helped us through a particularly difficult passage. We needed to blast to build on the rock ledge. This generated concerns about the impact construction would have on nearby wells and foundations. At two meetings with neighbors Rob calmly described how the design greatly reduced the amount of blasting required and helped alleviate some of the natural worry that other property owners felt. > Whitten Architects went beyond design, plans and specifications. They also suggested a builder (Thorner Building) and landscape architect (Callahan+LeBleu) who worked as a team to ensure that the project went smoothly. Today we enjoy a beautiful and solid house that sits comfortably on the site. In fair weather it is open to the environment and during winter storms it is tight and cozy. We couldn’t be happier. **★★★★★ — Wright-Ryan Homes, Jan. 2018** > Working with Russ Tyson and his team at Whitten Architects over the years has been a treat. His approach is thoughtful, thorough and rich with clever details. From a builder’s perspective, I am always impressed by his ability to translate an Owner’s concept into functional, practical spaces (with practical materials no less) while holding true to the overall design. This level of passion and professionalism is what separates Whitten Architects from the pack. **★★★★★ — Matt Birchby, Dec. 2017** > Rob and his team have proved to be a great partner on two projects. > > The first was as a burgeoning family and related to renovating our first and very much fixer-up home in Portland, ME. In a process that needed architectural insight and fixed budget, we landed on a home that accomplished both and is still missed.. > > The second engagement involved our permanent home to accommodate our growing family and was a more limited renovation, primarily focused on the key living areas: kitchen and family room. This again married outcome and budget and left our family with new nexus and a home that we greatly enjoy. > > I would recommend Whitten Architects to anyone looking for architectural support and look forward to the opportunity to work with this firm again. **★★★★★ — Benjamin and Company, Aug. 2017** > Jesse and Rob were a pleasure to work with, they are sincerely committed to their work and very professional. There is much talent in the Whitten office, and it shows in the details of their projects. **★★★★★ — Emily Cooper, Feb. 2017** > Choosing to work with Rob and his team was the best decision we made for our house! We admired his design style and picked him from a number of other architects. We told them how we wanted to use the house and described our taste, we trusted the architects to make most of the decisions for us. They made the process so easy as they were both meticulous and efficient. The team was always responsive, open with communication and creative. From designing the structure of the house to making suggestions as to what color metal roof we should have or what materials we should use around the fireplace, the Whitten team was involved in both exterior and interior decisions. We did use an interior designer and she worked well with the Whitten group. There were no surprises with pricing and they kept us informed on any changes in the design or materials that might affect costs. They also stayed on task and kept to the timeline. The project ended exactly when the architects and builders said- right at the start of the summer. We were amazed. We had such a positive experience with the Whitten team - we highly recommend this firm! **Comment from Whitten Architects:** > Thank you Emily and Aaron; it was a pleasure to work with you. May you and your family have many years of joy in your home. My best, Rob. **★★★★★ — Irwin and Martha Gross and Fogler, Dec. 2016** > This was the second house we have built but the first time we have used an architect. We had admired the work of Whitten Architects in Maine Home and Design magazine. Based on this, we scheduled a meeting with Whitten Architects. It was at our first meeting with Russ Tyson, who became the principal architect on our project, and Rob Whitten, that we knew we had found our architects. Russ listened to our hopes and dreams for our new home. Very important to us was sensitivity to the environment on our wooded lot, preservation of trees and siting the house to optimize natural lighting. With the help of photos of houses we admired and in-depth discussions where he came to know us, Russ designed a home with a Maine farmhouse feel, Asian influences, and lots of glass so that we are able to enjoy the outdoors from every room in the house. > We were impressed with the structural design done in collaboration with Albert Putnam. Whitten guided us through the contractor selection process. We were very happy with the work of Merrymeeting Builders, the contractor we chose through this process. > Rob Whitten joined many of the planning meetings we had with Russ. It was very apparent that there is close collaboration in this small firm to the benefit of the client. Both Rob and Russ were sensitive to our budget. > Russ was unfailingly patient and professional, always available for our many questions and concerns. When challenges arose as they inevitably will, whether with the budget or construction, Russ suggested alternatives or found solutions. It was invaluable to have Whitten oversee the entire concept, design and construction process. > Russ listened to us, understood what was important and of value and designed a home that we just love. And in the process we got to know and work with some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The experience of working with Whitten Architects will always be a highlight of our lives. **Comment from Whitten Architects:** > Thank you for the review and kind comments Irwin and Martha. It was a pleasure helping you realize the home you desired. I look forward to our next visit together! All the Best, Russ. **★★★★★ — danno381, March 2016** > My wife and I actually chose Rob Whitten after seeing his projects on houzz. Everything of his spoke to us: his rustic sensibility; incorporation of the natural surroundings; materials. We gave Rob a lengthy list of must haves and he assessed our desires and came back with poetry based on our prose. Our project was to turn a drab 3-season Maine lakefront camp with structural problems into a beautiful, versatile, structurally sound, mechanically modern and comfortable family retreat. Rob assembled a great team including Will Fellis from his own office, Al Putnam (engineer) and Linwood Doble (builder). Rob guided us through shoreland zoning issues, significant structural and engineering challenges and, of course, a thorough design and specification process that streamlined the build. Rob and Will also capably managed the project to schedule and budget and served as the primary interface with Linwood. We couldn't be happier with the results. We are now the proud owners of a beautiful camp that will hopefully stay in our family for generations. Even now, a couple of years after completion, we marvel at some of the details: how the new windows frame the views; how the old and new blend; just how well the space works. We wholeheartedly recommend Rob and would use him again ourselves. **★★★★★ — jenseaver, Dec. 2015** > We hired Whitten Architects to re-design our two cottages in Higgins Beach - to "connect" them, both physically and intangibly. Given the difficult zoning issues and the challenging worksite, we were looking for an architect with similar experiences and projects. During our first meeting with Rob and Russ, we knew they were the right partners, not only based on their technical expertise, but from the personal connection we had with them as well. We were living overseas at the time, so for us it was extremely important to work with partners we felt were going to be communicative, efficient, and empathic. > > Doing a project of this scope is stressful - and they did an excellent job of navigating us through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the town council permit process, etc. We were extremely pleased and impressed with the plans - every possible detail was thought through - site design, environmental issues, maximization of ocean views, maximum utility of the space, etc. - plus a whimsical touch here and there. While we certainly had ideas of what we wanted to achieve, Rob and Russ came up with hugely value-add ideas that really brought the project to life. > > We engaged Whitten for all phases of design, builder bidding/selection, and implementation, and certainly felt that Rob and Russ were committed to the project being a complete success - they delivered 100%. I would not hesitate to recommend Whitten Architects as a company, and Rob Whitten and Russ Tyson individually. They were ideal partners and we are thrilled to have worked with them - while we look forward to generations of our family enjoying our cottages, if we ever decide to do another project we will only need to make one call. **★★★★★ — cushib, March 2014** > We have completed two projects with Whitten Architects in the past 8 years. Our first was a stream-side camp which is warm, comfortable and blends in beautifully with its natural surroundings. We have just completed the second project - an extensive remodel of a 1960's cape. Rob Whitten and Eric Laszlo listened really well, helped us define our priorities and guided our thinking about best use of space. They helped us with the decision process that allowed us to choose a great builder (RP Morrison Inc) and provided several options of how we could engage their further services. They were there to assist us during the entire building process. We all wish we had the structural engineer (Al Putnam) come in earlier but his input and a creative response to his findings markedly enhanced the final design. We are very pleased. ## Selected projects - [Englishman Bay Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/englishman-bay-retreat-pj-vj~6026829) - Location: Roque Bluffs, ME - Photos: 24 - Description: North of Acadia National Park, Englishman Bay is known for its rocky, rugged coastline and pristine natural landscape. An undulating shoreline made up of protected coves and calm waters makes this Downeast area a favorite among sailors and kayakers. Photography by Trent Bell Photography On a coastal site with dense woods, our client would often walk from his family’s camp through the spruce and birch to a secluded pebble beach, over time wearing a path under the canopy of trees. Decades later, w… - [Coastal Village Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-village-residence-pj-vj~6128247) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 24 - Description: A small seaside community in Southern Maine of approximately 300 cottages has managed to maintain its quaint feel. Its family-oriented beachside neighborhood is known for year-round surfing, a village store, and inns. Many of the original cottages once modestly built are at limit with their high-exposure sites and increasing climatic demands. The village community, like many, has implemented rigorous design standards — form-based zoning for future development. Many aspects of our design were res… - [Peaks Island Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peaks-island-cottage-pj-vj~6128233) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 22 - Description: Peaks Island, like much of Maine, is a place of dynamic contrasts. An island in Casco Bay, Peaks is accessible only by ferry and yet is a vibrant neighborhood of Portland, the state’s largest city. Home to its own elementary school, library, and police station, the island offers the best of two worlds: quaint charm and quiet beauty with all the trappings of city life through its vital connection to the mainland via Casco Bay Ferry Lines. Our clients, a young professional family from Boston, had… - [Family Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-farmhouse-pj-vj~6027461) - Location: Brunswick, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: Located a short drive from desirable downtown Brunswick, and the campus of Bowdoin College, sat two forested lots. The furthest lot from the main street featured an old tree farm and a small pond. It was here our homeowners decided to build their new family farmhouse. This new home couldn’t happen quickly enough for this high energy, growing family. With three small children, and active parents, this family was ready to build a home with room to grow and play. They desired an architecture that s… - [Damariscotta River View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/damariscotta-river-view-pj-vj~6128195) - Location: Boothbay, ME - Photos: 24 - Description: Boothbay, Maine, is known for its quaint seaside village of Boothbay Harbor, rocky coastline, working shipyards, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Its remote coastal feel is within driving distance to Portland and the international jetport. Our New York-based clients with part-time residence in London focused their search in Boothbay near dear friends of theirs. They engaged Whitten Architects during their search to assess potential properties. The couple found a tired home on an incredible p… - [Casco Bay Island Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casco-bay-island-retreat-pj-vj~6128159) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 33 - Description: Gulf of Maine’s Casco Bay encompasses sparkling ocean waters, protected coves, piney headlands, and over 130 rock rimmed islands. It is a bountiful natural resource that is habitat to harbor seals, osprey, eagles, striped bass, and an abundance of Maine’s iconic lobster. It is a breathtaking coastal scene that has long been popular with fishermen, sailors, and kayakers alike. An active young and growing family approached us with a desire to create a home that would give the ability to thoroughly… - [Sortwell Chandlery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sortwell-chandlery-pj-vj~6128127) - Location: Wiscasset, ME - Photos: 13 - Description: Situated at the water’s edge, a chandlery is a building used to provision merchant vessels and sailing ships. On a coastal site rich with history, the 200-year-old Sortwell Chandlery has remained even longer than the house that accompanied it because its location and character have been treasured since its construction. Our client’s family has spent summers here for more than 70 years and has had a lifelong connection to this place and its historical significance. Over time they had converted th… - [Spurwink Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spurwink-retreat-pj-vj~2376384) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 45 - Description: To view a video documentary of this project please visit: https://vimeo.com/144374951 A property, that was once an expansive saltwater farm, now serves as a setting for this oceanfront retreat located a short drive from downtown Portland. The farm’s fields, cleared long ago for cultivation, now afford sweeping views of the rocky shore, distant islands, and a vast horizon. On it’s own it is an incredibly beautiful and distinctive piece of coastal Maine. The clients sought a new home that felt, “u… - [Goose Rocks Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goose-rocks-beach-house-pj-vj~6127622) - Location: Kennebunkport, ME - Photos: 14 - Description: Located on a frontal dune, this beach house gives the young family a place to unwind and relax serving as a bridge to their beach life. Broad Gentle steps greet you at the arrival continuing to the beach using the house as a link between the two. The elevated structure provides unlimited access to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and allows ample room for entertaining children, extended family and friends. Expansive walls of glass embrace the view, and connect the occupants to the outdoors.… - [Tidewatch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tidewatch-pj-vj~6128075) - Location: Harpswell, ME - Photos: 19 - Description: The town of Harpswell, Maine boasts 216 miles of coastline, three major islands connected by bridges, and more than 200 smaller islands. One of these larger islands, Bailey Island, is where our clients would come year after year from New Jersey to visit their seasonal family cottage. With many fond memories of summers spent in Maine, they decided to purchase a home in Harpswell close to their family cottage and make it their full-time residence. The timing was right for the couple as retirement… - [Pleasant Lake Camp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasant-lake-camp-pj-vj~6127971) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [High Head Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-head-cottage-pj-vj~6128029) - Location: Harpswell, ME - Photos: 15 - Description: Harpswell is a seacoast town made up of several large islands connected via bridges to the mainland and more than 200 smaller islands accessible only by boat. Much of the town is made up of small villages with beautiful views and quiet woodlands by the water. High above Harpswell Sound sits High Head, a bluff with dramatic and expansive views across the sound out to Casco Bay. While its steep grades and ledge-filled soils can make it less desirable to build on, the spectacular views make it wort… - [Ledge Stone Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ledge-stone-cottage-pj-vj~6127932) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 22 - Description: A multi-generational family approached us with a desire to create a home that would accommodate them, frequent guests, and be a ​“good fit” with the surrounding neighborhood. The home is surrounded by a network of informal drives and walking paths that lead to other parts of the community. Our site-specific design strategically elevated the home in order to afford water views between bordering cottages. The subtle increase in elevation also gives privacy from the public drive. The broad south fa… - [Bunganuc Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bunganuc-woods-pj-vj~6127493) - Location: Brunswick, ME - Photos: 15 - Description: Project Location: Brunswick, Maine Mid-Coast Maine’s Maquoit Bay region encompasses coastal shoreland, upland woods, and contains tranquil Bunganuc Stream. It is a notably diverse habitat that is popular with residents for birdwatching, kayaking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and fishing. An adventuresome couple, nearing retirement, approached us with a desire to create a home that would harmonize with the surrounding environs while also providing them a chance to comfortably connect with natur… - [Great East Lake Camp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-east-lake-camp-pj-vj~2035771) - Location: Acton, ME - Photos: 26 - Description: Completed: 2015 At over 1,800-acres in size; Great East Lake is the largest, and furthest upstream lake, of the Salmon Falls River headwaters. With shorefront in both Maine and New Hampshire, the lake is currently classified as a “high-quality” water body in each state. Eastward the lake narrows to three small basins that eventually shed into the Piscataqua River, the Great Bay estuary, and then out to the Gulf of Maine. It is an abundant and serene natural resource that supports life for many n… - [Cortland Barn Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cortland-barn-farmhouse-pj-vj~1545609) - Location: Freeport, ME - Photos: 22 - Description: Completed: 2015 Just outside the downtown of Freeport Maine, sits an unlikely neighborhood abutting rich conservation land. It was here that our two inspired clients, one with an eye for landscape design, saw the potential in an existing timber frame barn. Whitten Architects was tasked with undertaking the design of a substantial barn renovation, and creating an addition to accommodate first floor living. The challenge was to maintain the rustic integrity of the barn while providing bright space… - [Higgins Beach Cottage Duo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/higgins-beach-cottage-duo-pj-vj~1391587) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: VIDEO OF PROJECT: https://vimeo.com/143890267 Completed: 2015 As longstanding summer visitors our clients had always desired a home of their own in this intimate beachfront neighborhood in Greater Portland, Maine. When it became available they were happy to purchase a half-acre parcel that sat one house back from the water and included two circa 1920’s cottages. Historic neighborhood photos show the original cottages as, closely related, one-story twins. In the early 2000’s a previous homeowner… - [Dash Landing Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dash-landing-farmhouse-pj-vj~986126) - Location: Freeport, ME - Photos: 24 - Description: Completed: 2013 Located in a picturesque open field, long admired by the Greater Portland community, this new farmhouse provides a sustainable home for recent empty nesters and their lovable golden retriever. Our site-specific design solution nestled the home in the elevated northeast corner of the field, affording broad sweeping views to the south and west, along with distant coastal views beyond. This placement, along with purposefully locating the driveway in the adjoining woods, allows the c… - [Spruce Point Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spruce-point-cottage-pj-vj~376219) - Location: Boothbay Harbor, ME - Photos: 14 - Description: Completed in 2012 This surreal and relaxing coastal retreat located at the end of a long peninsula was, until recently, an unrealized dream of our clients. While the property had long been in the family, the existing ranch style home, never seemed to quite fit its context. Located, just steps from the surf and rocks, the home felt perilously close to the water, and was in fact non-compliant with respect to current Shoreland Zoning setbacks. Our design solution for Spruce Point Cottage oriented t… - [Johnson Cove Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/johnson-cove-retreat-pj-vj~25839) - Location: Machias, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: Completed in 2010 On a rocky bluff overlooking the Atlantic, this Norwegian-inspired four-season retreat was crafted to leave a light touch on the land, which has been in the homeowner’s family for generations. Careful positioning of the small cabin along 1,800 feet of picturesque coastline allowed for minimal disturbance to the existing landscape and its natural drainage patterns. Surrounding trees were carefully preserved—seen not as an obstruction, but as an asset that provided foreground to… [See all 52 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/whitten-architects-pfvwus-pf~1510068314) ## Community Q&A **Q: Desk Brackets** *(in Photo Questions)* Love how you incorporated the desk along the window. Can you tell me where you sourced your brackets from? Thanks! A: Thank you for your question. The brackets that hold up the desk were custom made by a local Maine blacksmith and metal worker. **Q: What brand of railing is it? Is it marine grade stainless?** *(in Photo Questions)* Designing a home in Tennessee and want this look. Thanks A: Thank you for your question. We worked with AGS Stainless on the design, specification, and then fabrication of this stainless steel cable-rail system. It was installed by - Nate Holyoke Builders. **Q: Beautiful dining table** *(in Photo Questions)* Source? Thank you. A: Thank you for your interest. The dining table is the "Cross Extension Table" from "Design Within Reach". **Q: wondering about the finish on the fireplace wall** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this tile or some kind of concrete finished to have wood look? Live it. A: This is a "board formed" concrete fireplace. Here's an article on one of our favorite blogs that does a good job of describing the process: Board Formed Concrete - Life of An Architect **Q: I really love this rug.** *(in Photo Questions)* I went to the website and saw every rug never finding it. I realize it’s been six years since the post of this rug in Houzz. I would like to know the name of the rug. Thank you in advance. Les Nicholson A: This is the Macy from Angela Adams here in Portland, Maine. **Q: Tile flooring type** *(in Photo Questions)* The floors are beautiful. What type of tile is this? A: Thank you for your question. These are natural cleft black slate tiles from Sheldon Slate here in Maine. We appreciate using local materials in our homes whenever possible. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*