--- title: "BRIBURN – Architecture for Life — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/briburn-architecture-for-life-pfvwus-pf~1762062083 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1762062083.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "BRIBURN – Architecture for Life" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5fb3e50001cb812b_1050-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "28 Maple St., Suite 202, Portland, Maine 04101, United States" latitude: 43.6606 longitude: -70.2589 phone: "(207) 774-8482" website: http://www.briburn.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 221 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # BRIBURN – Architecture for Life Original Houzz profile: [BRIBURN – Architecture for Life](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/briburn-architecture-for-life-pfvwus-pf~1762062083) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, ME - **Serves:** Portland, West Scarborough, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Scarborough, Brunswick, Saco, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Rockland, Camden, Harpswell, Kennebunkport, Falmouth Foreside, South Windham, Bethel, Chebeague Island, Little Falls, Cousins Island, Long Island, Littlejohn Island, Androscoggin County, Bay Harbor, Central Maine, Cliff Island, Cumberland Center, Cumberland County, Cumberland Foreside, Hancock County, Kennebec County, Kingsfield, Knox County, Lincoln County, Maine, Mid Coast Maine, New England, New Hampshire, Oxford County, Peaks Island, Portsmouth, Sagadahoc County, South Freeport, Southern Maine, Waldo County, York County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Evening consultations Briburn is committed to creating innovative, energy efficient, green solutions for residential, commercial, Institutional and civic projects that artfully reflect our client’s needs and interests. Until recently, BRIBURN was the Green Design Studio of Yarmouth Maine. Near the end of 2012 Christopher Briley and Harry Hepburn partnered to form a new company with increased architectural abilities and experience in a wider range of project types. For seven years, the Green Design Studio specialized in energy efficient, environmentally friendly design, and completed several high performance projects (including the first LEED Gold certified home in New England). Now, as BRIBURN, the commitment to sustainable design is even greater. We understand the many tasks required to create a successful project, we are thoughtful, innovative thinkers, often developing unique ideas specific to your projects needs. Currently BRIBURN is completing a passivhaus / net zero home in Saco, a sustainable Veterinary Clinic in Cumberland, a Net Zero home in Parsonsfield, as well as several other sustainable residential projects. Design Philosophy: “architecture for life” is the creation of architecture that is timeless, environmentally friendly, beautiful, and long-lasting. Architecture that focuses on the experiences of the building’s occupants, enhancing their daily lives with natural daylight, excellent ventilation, and delightful spaces that engage their artful minds, architecture that is mindful of our finite resources and respectful of the natural environment. It is architecture that will stand the test of time by being very durable, simple to operate, economical to maintain, and beautiful. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Green Design - LEED Certification - Net Zero Design - Passive House Design ### Areas Served - Portland - West Scarborough - South Portland - South Portland Gardens - Scarborough - Brunswick - Saco - Westbrook - Windham - Gorham - Falmouth - Cape Elizabeth - Old Orchard Beach - Yarmouth - Rockland - Camden - Harpswell - Kennebunkport - Falmouth Foreside - South Windham - Bethel - Chebeague Island - Little Falls - Cousins Island - Long Island - Littlejohn Island - Androscoggin County - Bay Harbor - Central Maine - Cliff Island - Cumberland Center - Cumberland County - Cumberland Foreside - Hancock County - Kennebec County - Kingsfield - Knox County - Lincoln County - Maine - Mid Coast Maine - New England - New Hampshire - Oxford County - Peaks Island - Portsmouth - Sagadahoc County - South Freeport - Southern Maine - Waldo County - York County ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | BRIBURN – Architecture for Life | | Address | 28 Maple St., Suite 202, Portland, Maine 04101, United States | | Phone | (207) 774-8482 | | Website | http://www.briburn.com | | License Number | ARC2788 | | Followers on Houzz | 221 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Briburn-298495643611240/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-w-hepburn-iv-leed-ap-8a92493/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [BRIBURN – Architecture for Life](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/briburn-architecture-for-life-pfvwus-pf~1762062083) - **Website:** http://www.briburn.com - **Phone:** (207) 774-8482 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2016–2026), 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 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Porter Erkkinen, Jan. 2020** > After interviewing three other architects in 2017 for our aging-in-place, energy efficient modern house project, we chose Harry Hepburn from Briburn. To date we are very glad we did. > We chose him because he listened to us; other architects saw the property and started mentally designing without our input. He not only listened but asked many questions, especially during the long design process and our hunt for the right builder. His design is exactly what we wanted and had imagined. > On this longer than expected journey, Harry has been a superb source for advice, clarification, and knowledge with a special knack for remaining calm and professional under all circumstances. This is no small feat. As we begin to wind down this project, Harry is helping to make punch lists, provide much needed advice, and act as our advocate in dealing with a dilatory builder. He is unafraid to speak up when needed and we have been very grateful for his interventions. > Anyone who chooses to use Harry Hepburn as their architect will have a gifted designer and strong partner for the duration. Yes he is expensive but well worth it, especially for people like us with a limited knowledge of home building and design. **★★★★★ — David Backer, Nov. 2017** > Chris and Harry were consummate professionals and were a pleasure to work with. They designed a house for me to build on a relatively small lot with tight zoning restrictions on size, setback and height. They were impressively available and responsive throughout the design and building process. I first spoke with Chris by telephone before I purchased the lot to get a sense of whether the lot would be able to accommodate a house of the size I envisioned. Chris made a site visit to the lot the next day to confirm that there were no impediments to us going forward with a design and construction. With his confirmation that there were no insurmountable obstacles, I purchased the lot and we began our design process together. > > I came to them with a general vision for what I wanted, and with a more certain vision of what I didn't want. Chris helped me refine the vision, he made creative suggestions, and designed a house that was beyond my expectations - - beautiful to look at, a pleasure to live in, energy efficient, practical, and a constant source of complements from my neighbors and friends. I was sensitive to building a new house in an well-established ocean side neighborhood, and wanted to build a modern version of a classic Maine cottage. Chris captured that goal perfectly. It always makes me proud to hear neighbors say that the house fits it perfectly on the street. > > Chris and Harry were flexible in working with me on the scope of the project and the pricing. I couldn't be more pleased. The experience makes me want to build another house just so I can work with them again. I highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Kate Anker, Aug. 2017** > The Briburn team was wonderful to work with. They listened to our needs and built an amazing addition and really did a full house remodel with our needs in mind. Check out the before and after photos!! **★★★★★ — Paige Carter, Aug. 2017** > The Briburn team was wonderful to work with - professional but friendly, great recommendations without overstepping, total respect and vision for what I wanted, and most of all - an incredibly beautiful house design. They dealt with some tough issues and never left my side! **★★★★★ — chteel, March 2015** > I hired Harry Hepburn of Briburn to design our new kitchen, and redesign the upstairs of our home (add an additional bathroom and master closet). He is very professional and easy to work with, and had a lot of interesting and innovative design options. We will definitely work with BRIBURN in the future. **★★★★★ — nancybogg, March 2015** > Because of their commitment to energy efficiency, we selected Briburn Architecture to design our home. Our small lot in the heart of the city had a number of restrictions to consider. We started the process of the design by bringing our wish list of interior spaces and rooms as well as photos (from Houzz) of modern and low maintenance exteriors and materials. The architect, Harry Hepburn, was our main contact as we worked as a team to design the house sited to maximize views, solar gain, budget, etc. Harry was a delight to work with and we are thrilled with the final design. As we are currently obtaining contractor bids, Briburn has been very helpful in educating us and the contractors with building methods and materials used. They continue to be an excellent resource, backed with experience and research as needed. We have enjoyed the process and highly recommend them as easy to work with, collaborative and competent. > > Nancy and Mark **★★★★★ — lsudlow, Feb. 2015** > I hired architect Chris Briley of Briburn - architecture for life and stipulated that I wanted a small, energy-efficient house that made good use of every available inch and stayed within an affordable budget. The result was a passive house design that fulfilled most of my wishes – super insulated with double wall construction and partially built into the ground; large triple-paned south-facing windows; a loft that serves the triple purpose of office, guest room and library; and an attached greenhouse to grow edible veggies all year round. We used materials from the site whenever possible (boards from trees that had to come down, stone from the site), and recycled materials like slate for countertops. Some compromises were made to keep it within budget but the end result is my dream house. > > Chris was enthusiastic about my project and great to work with and helpful throughout the building project. **★★★★★ — kremerglass, Feb. 2015** > We took on Briburn for a substantial new residential project on the basis of their website and their stated philosophy, and a 2 hour interview/discussion. As our first and only choice, they clearly stood out among a dozen other architects in the area. We are in the midst of planning now and the process is almost painless. Their guidance is gentle and considerate; their knowledge of "green" building practices is vast. > I'm eagerly looking forward to the next steps in this adventure with Briburn. ## Selected projects - [Sweetwater Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sweetwater-residence-pj-vj~7515555) - Location: Standish, ME - Photos: 51 - [Maquoit Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maquoit-bay-pj-vj~7108585) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [New Hampshire Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-hampshire-lake-house-pj-vj~7108430) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Woodlands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodlands-pj-vj~7108458) - Location: Falmouth, ME - Photos: 12 - [Crescent Lake Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crescent-lake-home-pj-vj~6560181) - Location: Raymond, ME - Photos: 7 - [Beaver Pond Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beaver-pond-home-pj-vj~7108571) - Location: Bridgton, ME - Photos: 9 - [Timeless Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/timeless-barn-pj-vj~6560124) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Royal River Home + Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/royal-river-home-studio-pj-vj~2179683) - Location: North Yarmouth, ME - Photos: 15 - Description: A New York couple looking to relocate closer to family in Maine purchased a wooded 10-acre lot on the shores of the Royal River in North Yarmouth. Briburn was selected to design an energy efficient single-story home with detached garage and a separate artist’s studio capable of reaching net zero energy goals. The structures are sited to create visual and acoustic separation, while maximizing views east to the river and southern orientation for natural light and heat gain in the winter. We worked… - [Home on Pemaquid Pond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-pemaquid-pond-pj-vj~265340) - Location: Bremen, ME - Photos: 10 - Description: The request from our client was for a modern, sustainable home, of wood, glass and stone that looked like it 'belonged' on its site. The final design is open, warm, well lit and uses many natural materials expressed in modern ways. The vegetated roof, planted with hardy alpine seedums, is designed to absorb one inch of storm water, and regulate the house's temperature during the summer months. The north tilt of the roof allows for expansive glazing on the south facade to balance the glazing pres… - [Home on Dragonfly Pond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-dragonfly-pond-pj-vj~929626) - Location: Parsonsfield, ME - Photos: 6 - Description: Quality over quantity; a small, affordable, sun-filled home poised on a delightful site in western Maine goes ‘Net Zero’. We were approached to create a small one-two person home with the ability to go off the grid as needed or as desired. This meant that the home had to be highly durable, resilient, and energy efficient, even 'Net Zero' (able to produce as much energy as it consumes). This was achieved by taking advantage of passive solar design principals, super-insulating the home with a vapo… - [Viridescent House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/viridescent-house-pj-vj~1240334) - Location: Falmouth, ME - Photos: 10 - Description: MAINE'S FIRST NET POSITIVE PASSIVE HOUSE Our Clients, TideSmart Global wanted to replace a demolished residence on their commercial property with a new home; one that is exemplary of the latest in sustainable building technologies and methods. Being located in a commercial zone, it was also important for this home to be flexible enough to be used as an office. The result is a Certified Passive House that generates twice the energy it consumes. It achieves this by using passive solar design, a hi… - [Munjoy Hill Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/munjoy-hill-modern-pj-vj~2281096) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 13 - Description: The owners found a rare vacant lot on Munjoy Hill, and selected BRIBURN to design a modern, highly energy efficient home that includes a space for two cars, maximizes the available buildable area on the lot and has panoramic views of the City of Portland. A two car garage, entry vestibule and small workshop are located on the first floor. The second floor has a master bedroom suite, second bedroom, small office space, laundry room and storage; and the third floor is open concept living, dining a… - [Munjoy Hill Infill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/munjoy-hill-infill-pj-vj~6308589) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 12 - [On The Rocks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/on-the-rocks-pj-vj~801016) - Location: Raymond, ME - Photos: 8 - Description: Addition and Renovation Sebago Lake, Raymond, Maine This second home is located on a rocky outcrop on the shore of Sebego Lake. The family fell in love with the Lake years ago and each summer, would rent local homes and cruise the shores for available properties. When they found this land, they knew that they had found their dream. The existing structure, however, was not what they were looking for. A new entry and mudroom was added on the west side, a new stair was added on the south and a mast… - [Bow House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bow-house-pj-vj~487182) - Location: Bow, NH - Photos: 18 - Description: Our clients found a wonderful sloped site with good solar exposure and a view of the White Mountains, and came to us to design a warm, comfortable, energy efficient home for their family to enjoy for the long term. This home is based on passive solar design principles and is built using SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) This method ensures a well-insulated air-tight building envelope without laborious quality control measures. The home has R-20, foundation walls, R-40 walls, R-50 roofs and feat… - [Two Lights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-lights-pj-vj~2095467) - Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME - Photos: 10 - Description: An exciting renovation and addition to a multi-level, split level ranch house in Cape Elizabeth. This old home has been opened up and expanded to capture views of the ocean and light house, and to support our client’s needs. The house had undergone multiple additions, and had over 7 levels of space. We worked with the client to create a continuous level for primary living and a single level for her in-home studio. Located at the intersection of Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this modern cotta… - [Danforth Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danforth-cove-pj-vj~2090679) - Location: South Portland, ME - Photos: 10 - Description: BRIBURN was asked by their client to determine the feasibility of fitting a generous three bedroom house and a two car garage within the small buildable area and 26’ height limitation, of a small lot in South Portland. The design solution was to create a story-and-a-half home over a sunken garage. The existing storm sewer infrastructure was just low enough to allow for a gravity drain from the new drive which also features a radiant snow melting system. The house is highly energy-efficient featu… - [Redfern House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redfern-house-pj-vj~950337) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 11 - Description: LEED Platinum House Redfern Properties had taken an interest in the ‘Sustainable, Attainable’ design and wanted to use it as a springboard for a slightly larger, less aggressively affordable, but equally green house. This home achieved a Platinum Rating. The proof of the value of this rating came when the house sold after being on the market for only a month, during the worst housing market in recent history. Other home sellers in the Portland area were green with envy. The Redfern house feature… - [Broad Cove Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/broad-cove-residence-pj-vj~2600534) - Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME - Photos: 10 - Description: A mid century split level ranch, modernized. Phase one includes a new two story entry and stair, and two car garage with great room above. Phase two will add a master bedroom suite on the third floor. - [Cumberland Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cumberland-home-pj-vj~2884312) - Location: Cumberland, ME - Photos: 14 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/briburn-architecture-for-life-pfvwus-pf~1762062083) ## Ideabooks - [Quandt](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122043104/list/quandt) — 3 ideas - [ecology school](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122043078/list/ecology-school) — 1 idea - [CB Vanities](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117828347/list/cb-vanities) — 1 idea - [HH Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108810182/list/hh-lighting) — 21 ideas - [Chappell Polstein ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88802959/list/chappell-polstein-ideas) — 1 idea - [lighting ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80836853/list/lighting-ideas) — 18 ideas - [Cunningham Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75423398/list/cunningham-residence) — 9 ideas - [chrisbriley’s test ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13833659/list/chrisbriley-s-test-ideabook) — 5 ideas - [Jordan Point](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61018368/list/jordan-point) — 21 ideas - [Houseboat-Chippewa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71411963/list/houseboat-chippewa) — 1 idea - [stone tile fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64403234/list/stone-tile-fireplace) — 2 ideas - [cottage colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60475184/list/cottage-colors) — 4 ideas - [Bascom Hill](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55992691/list/bascom-hill) — 4 ideas - [TNC](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55634942/list/tnc) — 4 ideas - [Houseboat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52854245/list/houseboat) — 11 ideas - [white wash](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52937792/list/white-wash) — 4 ideas - [Anker - Ranch Revisited](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46116847/list/anker-ranch-revisited) — 20 ideas - [Viridescent - materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31281546/list/viridescent-materials) — 10 ideas - [wood ceiling](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34075970/list/wood-ceiling) — 9 ideas - [Viridescent Light Options](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33764548/list/viridescent-light-options) — 10 ideas [See all 22 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/briburn) ## Community Q&A **Q: what paint color is this please?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful paint color A: Sorry we dodn't have the paint chip name or number on this paint color. **Q: Those Cabinet Colors** *(in Photo Questions)* This is gorgeous. Would you mind sharing the cabinet colors? A: Thank you, glad to hear that you like it. It's a great kitchen. We developed the plan layout, the elevations, cabinet arrangement, and appliance locations. The owner then worked with a local kitchen designer to fine tune things, choose the cabinet style and colors. I'm sorry to say that we do not have the exact color to share, however the cabinets on the island and the sink run are a light gray color, and the cabinets on the left (adjacent to the wall ovens), and in the pantry, are painted white. Hope that helps. **Q: Can you please tell me if columns are wrapped in wood or synthetic?** *(in Photo Questions)* Great work! A: They are wrapped in a composite trim material called Boral TruExterior. It is a "polyash" product made from fly ash in a polymer resin then painted. Cheers Chris **Q: was the thermally treated wood sealed?** *(in Photo Questions)* What product used to seal the TMW? Was it applied before installation? Thanks Cathy A: The siding is untreated. If one wanted to hang on to the un-weathered look for longer one could use a sealer, but I would get that recommendation directly from the Thermally treated wood manufacturer. **Q: Love this! What is the wood siding and what color is painted siding?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi James, the wood siding is by Cambia. It’s thermally modified poplar. The painted siding is by Boral and it’s painted dark bronze to match the window and door color. **Q: What wood did you use for the walk, posts, and overhead?** *(in Photo Questions)* Excellent covered walk. One of the best I’ve seen on Houzz. A: Thank you. The decking is FSC certified IPE. The posts, beams and ceilings are douglas fir. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*