---
title: "RDS Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rds-architects-pfvwus-pf~1670658074
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1670658074.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "RDS Architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3133594e056a5d50_6240-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Portland, Maine 04101, United States"
phone: "(207) 387-1313"
website: http://www.rdsarchs.com
rating: 5
review_count: 3
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 56
last_updated: 2026-09-16
---

# RDS Architects

Original Houzz profile: [RDS Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rds-architects-pfvwus-pf~1670658074)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Portland, ME
- **Serves:** Portland, West Scarborough, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Scarborough, Saco, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, York, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Freeport, Kennebunkport, Cumberland, Falmouth Foreside, Pownal, Ogunquit, South Windham, Chebeague Island, Little Falls, Cousins Island, Long Island, Littlejohn Island, Cliff Island, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, Maine, New Hampshire, North Bridgton, Peaks Island, South Freeport, Vermont
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

RDS Architects was founded in 2010 by Carol Morrissette as Residential Design Studio, LLC.  It quickly became evident that RDS was going to be a small firm that was in high demand -- now nearly ten years later, our name is changing to better reflect our breadth of work.  Our goals of responsive customer service, thoughtful designs, and a team approach to all aspects of design and construction sets RDS apart from others in the industry.   As such, we've gained a reputation for successfully pulling teams of highly qualified professionals together for a wide variety of successful commercial and residential projects.   

Today, Carol remains sole owner of RDS and collaborates with a wonderfully talented staff of designers and architects.  RDS still partners with their colleagues who are “on their own” as well as with larger firms, so that we can meet any challenge set forth with the best possible professional fit for our clients.   Carol is the lead designer of the Studio and remains involved with her clients throughout the entire design and construction process—even when another member of RDS manages the project.  

Many of our clients work with us for project after project.  Sometimes it takes years for a client to return with a new project, but we always aim for successful long term relationships.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Green Building
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Construction Drawings
- Feasibility Studies

### Areas Served

- Portland
- West Scarborough
- South Portland
- South Portland Gardens
- Scarborough
- Saco
- Westbrook
- Windham
- Gorham
- York
- Falmouth
- Cape Elizabeth
- Old Orchard Beach
- Yarmouth
- Freeport
- Kennebunkport
- Cumberland
- Falmouth Foreside
- Pownal
- Ogunquit
- South Windham
- Chebeague Island
- Little Falls
- Cousins Island
- Long Island
- Littlejohn Island
- Cliff Island
- Cumberland Center
- Cumberland Foreside
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- North Bridgton
- Peaks Island
- South Freeport
- Vermont

### Typical Job Cost

$80,000 - 2.5 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | RDS Architects |
| Address | Portland, Maine 04101, United States |
| Phone | (207) 387-1313 |
| Website | http://www.rdsarchs.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 56 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/residential.design.studio.llc
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-a-morrissette-r-a-2b13321
- Blog — http://resdesstudio.com/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [RDS Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rds-architects-pfvwus-pf~1670658074)
- **Website:** http://www.rdsarchs.com
- **Phone:** (207) 387-1313

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Maine Licensed Architect
- Best of Houzz - 2017, 2018
- AIA

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Design.

**Affiliations**
- [Kansas State University](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/kansas-state-university-pfvwus-pf~1796064998)
- [American Institute of Architects, Maine Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-maine-chapter-pfvwus-pf~1452529432)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews**

### All 3 reviews

**★★★★★ — Handyman Now, March 2017**

> We are a general building contractor located in Portland, Maine presently collaborating with Carol on several projects such as: a new custom home build project, a large residential renovation, and a renovation in a historical condominium all in Cumberland County.
> Carol has been a pleasure to work with on these projects!  Carol is very professional, proficient in her trade as an architect, and knowledgeable in her design applications & materials, and has a plethora of resources for any project.
> We would highly recommend her to others who are considering a large renovation or new residential construction project.

**★★★★★ — blapointe97, Oct. 2015**

> Carol has been instrumental in designing and planning multiple renovation projects for my seaside home.  She consistently keeps the long term project goals in mind and works within my budget.  She has impressed me with the rapport she maintains with the builders.  She seems to work well with even the grouchiest of them.  I know she always advocates for my best interests.  I would highly recommend her for any project!

**Comment from RDS Architects:**

> Thank you for your kind words, Brandy.  Your home has certainly transformed into a delightful place because of your hard work!   Thanks, again!
> -Carol

**★★★★★ — Jean V, Aug. 2015**

> RDS transformed my small inefficient kitchen into a wonderfully workable space.  Carol made what seemed to me an overwhelming project into an exciting one.  I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

**Comment from RDS Architects:**

> Jean, thank you for your kind words.   I am very pleased that you're enjoying your new kitchen.   Thank you for being so open minded regarding colors!  I knew you'd love it.   I bet you get lots of compliments on that custom tile mural, tool!
> -Carol

## Selected projects

- [Bathroom Renovation in 1800's Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-renovation-in-1800-s-farmhouse-pj-vj~5512938)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Northern Light fills this Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northern-light-fills-this-living-room-pj-vj~1438524)
  - Location: Portland Maine, ME
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: This north-facing living room was completely transformed by the addition of a picture window between the two existing double hungs. The original window manufacturer was no longer in business, so a Pella window was selected as it so closely matches the existing windows. Another huge improvement was the opening of the view from the Living Room to the Dining Nook and Kitchen. For a New England home that started as a number of small, enclosed rooms, we were able to create an open, airy, and light-fi…
- [New England Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-england-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~1438433)
  - Location: Portland Maine, ME
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This Kitchen Renovation transformed a traditional New England home of small rooms into an expansive and connected feeling space, bookended by a light-filled kitchen and a renovated living space. The integrated Laundry Closet and relocated, discrete Powder Room are minimalist in size but they maximize the efficiency of the space, creating a very open feel, which was our primary goal.
- [A Peaceful Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-peaceful-master-bath-pj-vj~1438501)
  - Location: Portland Maine, ME
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This Master Bath Renovation transformed a cramped bathroom into a relaxing, spa-like retreat with a touch of an Asian flair. The clean lines of the tile, simplicity of the glass shower, and wall-mounted faucets all contribute to the calm, airy feel of the room. The toilet is granted some privacy with a half-wall; versatile window shades provide light control from the wooded back yard.
- [17 square feet Waterfront Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/17-square-feet-waterfront-addition-pj-vj~1132874)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Shoreland zoning prevented a large expansion of square footage, but we maximized our allowable 17 square feet footprint and beautifully transformed the old bay window into a living and dining area that feels exponentially closer to the water.
- [1820's Brick Home Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1820-s-brick-home-renovation-pj-vj~1132650)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Built in 1820, this home suffered from decades of improper maintenance and an overdose of DIY "ingenuity", leaving many areas of the building susceptible to water infiltration and structurally unsound.
- [New Vermont Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-vermont-farmhouse-pj-vj~1132680)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This new construction project is a fresh interpretation of the old farmhouse style with lots of natural light, high ceilings, and simple detailing.
- [Sliding Barn Doors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sliding-barn-doors-pj-vj~1132668)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: This custom sliding barn door was fabricated from boards milled from the old beams supporting the barn floor.
- [Attic Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/attic-renovation-pj-vj~1132173)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Photos construction sites](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/photos-construction-sites-pj-vj~5696851)
  - Location: Portland, ME
  - Photos: 6
- [Conceptual Sketches & Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/conceptual-sketches-and-details-pj-vj~5696832)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rds-architects-pfvwus-pf~1670658074)

## Ideabooks

- [150](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145148232/list/150) — 1 idea
- [Koerner Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105214824/list/koerner-laundry) — 2 ideas
- [Sperry Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86324578/list/sperry-home) — 22 ideas
- [Fortier](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87863816/list/fortier) — 8 ideas

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/carolmorrissette)

## Community Q&A

**Q: what is the countertop made of (granite?) and what color is it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: White Spring granite.

**Q: What is the countertop material and color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The countertop is polished granite.  The color is White Spring.  Gorgeous, isn't it?  It is really one of my favorites!

**Q: What is the name of the granite? Is it polished or leathered?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The granite is called White Spring and it is polished, in this kitchen.  It is a gorgeous granite that also looks amazing when honed, as well.

**Q: Love the cabinets & pulls.** *(in Photo Questions)*

Are these cabinets custom made? What is the vanity height?

A: Yes, they're Canadian cabinets.

**Q: What color granite is this?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The granite is called White Spring.  I just love the merlot color and how white it is!

**Q: What is the backsplash material?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The backsplash is Transparent Alabaster from the Newport Collection by Senio.  The tiles are 2 1/2" x 10".  You really can't go wrong with Senio tiles--they're gorgeous!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*