--- title: "Vollertsen Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vollertsen-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1795303682 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1795303682.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Vollertsen Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5b43acbb0075b332_2923-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "340 Main Street APT 203, Melrose 02176-4662, United States" latitude: 42.4581 longitude: -71.0632 phone: "(781) 662-7100" website: http://www.vollertsenarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 4 followers: 44 last_updated: 2026-08-29 --- # Vollertsen Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Vollertsen Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vollertsen-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1795303682) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Melrose - **Serves:** Boston, Arlington, Lexington, Salem, Concord, Cambridge, Wilmington, Everett, Lynn, Reading, Newton, Medford, Somerville, Weston, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Revere, Burlington, Peabody, South Peabody, Beverly, Billerica, Woburn, Chelsea, Jamaica Plain, Winchester, Watertown, South Boston, Tewksbury, Melrose, Saugus, Belmont, Danvers, Wakefield, Dorchester, Stoneham, Middleton, Hyde Park, Winthrop, Auburndale, North Reading, Roxbury Crossing, Swampscott, Lynnfield, Nahant, West Newton, Newtonville, Chestnut Hill, Waban - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - 10,000 Ideabook Saves My work is grounded by my 30+ years of practical experience on varied project types. As a Sole Practitioner every project gets my full attention- creating spaces that function for each clients’s unique needs and lifestyles. Because each client has their own aesthetic I am not a ‘style dictator’ - be it modern, traditional or somewhere in-between - I will guide your project to the design that satisfies your individual taste. I bring fresh eyes to every project by exploring options - as every project is an opportunity for discovery and innovation. This is balanced by monitoring the project scope and cost to maintain your target budget. Energy efficient practices and ‘green’ choices are applied to every project and I welcome Deep Energy Retrofits and ‘Net Zero Energy’ projects. Detailed 3D modeling allows clients to envision their project before it is built- which correlates into documents that accurately communicate to the builder for construction. I offer tailored levels of service to fit each client’s service and budgetary needs including space planning of modest additions, detailed kitchen and bathroom renovations and full service ‘boutique concierge design’ of your new home. No project is too big or too small. Vollertsen Architecture \| Design Responsively and Responsibly. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Log Home Construction ### Areas Served - Boston - Arlington - Lexington - Salem - Concord - Cambridge - Wilmington - Everett - Lynn - Reading - Newton - Medford - Somerville - Weston - Malden - Waltham - Brookline - Revere - Burlington - Peabody - South Peabody - Beverly - Billerica - Woburn - Chelsea - Jamaica Plain - Winchester - Watertown - South Boston - Tewksbury - Melrose - Saugus - Belmont - Danvers - Wakefield - Dorchester - Stoneham - Middleton - Hyde Park - Winthrop - Auburndale - North Reading - Roxbury Crossing - Swampscott - Lynnfield - Nahant - West Newton - Newtonville - Chestnut Hill - Waban ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 2 million $150,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Vollertsen Architecture | | Address | 340 Main Street APT 203, Melrose 02176-4662, United States | | Phone | (781) 662-7100 | | Website | http://www.vollertsenarchitecture.com | | Followers on Houzz | 44 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Vollertsen Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vollertsen-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1795303682) - **Website:** http://www.vollertsenarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (781) 662-7100 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews** ### All 4 reviews **★★★★★ — Silvina C, April 2019** > We have known Olaf for the past 15 years and he has helped us renovate most of our house. He is very detail oriented, always has great ideas, listens carefully to what the client wants, and gives great design suggestions. He cares about the project as if he would be working on his own house. We are very happy with his work and we highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — Timothy Donnelly, Jan. 2019** > We have used Vollertsen Architecture twice in the last ten years. The first time was in late 2008. Olaf was hired as architect and construction manager for a major house addition and renovation that touched almost every room in the house, as well as adding a master bedroom, attached bathroom and mudroom/laundry room. We hired him again in 2015 as part of a refresh of the kitchen (which was not part of the 2008 work). > > The first time we used Vollertsen Architecture they were selected from a small list of recommended local architects. We chose Olaf because we not only got along with him, but we also liked his process. He incorporated us into design decisions and documented them so we understood why we did what we did when questions arouse in the construction phase. The typical second guessing was avoided - which was a big load off our shoulders. In interviewing some of the larger firms, it seemed they had their own internal design process, which really didn't involve the owner. We also used Olaf for construction management. This proved to be very helpful, keeping us out of the middle of contractor problems. It was money well spent. > > The second time we used Vollertsen Architecture was for a small kitchen and family room refresh. Utilizing existing and a limited amount of new cabinetry we were able to completely change the functionality of our kitchen. Because this was a smaller five figure project we were concerned we would not be able to find a qualified contractor. Thankfully Olaf was able to use his contacts to find someone amply qualified. > > I would never undertake a major house construction project without an architect. We made the mistake of doing that on our first home construction project. While the contractor may have had good intentions, a good architect brings so much more to the table. We would (will) hire Olaf again if and when we have another project. We also have recommended Vollertsen Architecture to friends and acquaintances without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Alex Borns-Weil, Jan. 2019** > Olaf is a pleasure to work with. He is thorough, detail-oriented, incredibly patient, responsive, and dedicated to understanding his clients' needs. He worked with us to plan and execute two projects (digging a basement under our house and renovation of our entire first floor and master bath) and stayed on top of every detail in both projects. He even worked with the contractor and lighting manufacturer for several years afterward to resolve a problem with the lighting system. We love our renovated home and still receive compliments on it even after 8+ years. Olaf's strength is thinking about function and helping people be realistic about which problems they can solve through design. **★★★★★ — Rose Dieffenbach, Nov. 2018** > From our first meeting through the final inspection, Olaf has been great to work with. It was a collaborative project from the outset as we redesigned our first floor space including moving the kitchen, taking out walls, and adding in a mudroom/study space within the original footprint. Olaf was thoroughly professional, paid attention to detail and quality as well as budget. He worked with our contractor addressing concerns as they arose, giving us his well thought out opinions when the contractor encountered issues during the demo and build phases. We worked with Olaf on the design phase for about a year and the project was completed within 7 months from the start of demolition to the final inspection. He coordinated the work flow and was instrumental in keeping us on track when we needed to finalize our selections for appliances, fixtures, and finishes, etc The process went so smoothly that we hired him again for an attic project we completed in the spring of 2018. We've had many compliments from friends and neighbors and even the city inspector on how well the renovations were designed. Olaf made these renovation projects much less stressful than they otherwise would have been. I highly recommend him for any project. ## Selected projects - [Cambridge Funky Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-funky-kitchen-pj-vj~7837733) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 3 - [Melrose MA Family Room Additon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/melrose-ma-family-room-additon-pj-vj~7504534) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Mashpee, MA Kitichen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mashpee-ma-kitichen-pj-vj~7504528) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Auburndale Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/auburndale-kitchen-pj-vj~5455449) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 4 - [Chelsea Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chelsea-residence-pj-vj~228629) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Sherwood Forest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sherwood-forest-house-pj-vj~94588) - Location: Metro Boston, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: An Eclectic Addition to an already eclectic house. [See all 6 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vollertsen-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1795303682) ## Ideabooks - [Lauren Notes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/148234683/list/lauren-notes) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/vahouseva) ## Community Q&A **Q: ceiling!** *(in Photo Questions)* So lovely for boaters replicating their bows! Please tell me what kind of wood is best and what would the approx. cost be for the ceiling pictured? Many thanks. A: The ceiling is a v-groove painted wood. 3 1/4" wide \[5 1/2" board with center groove\], painted. Cost is probably in the $10 per SF range and up. Also available in plastic for outdoor applications. **Q: Tile** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the tile in front of fireplace and door! Could you tell me what type of tile it is and color? A: The hearth is slab Bluestone \[not tile\] as used on exterior steps and patios. 1' x 3 ' x 1-1/2" thick. I believe it is also available in thinner tile form. **Q: what is the material used to build the fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Pennsylvania Fieldstone **Q: Remodeling** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions of this room? A: Thank You Rita. **Q: Replacing wood doors with vinyl** *(in Design Dilemma)* Replacing wood doors with vinyl Our 25 year old Pella ProLine doors have wood rot and need to be replaced. We were hoping these would be lifetime doors, but no such luck. We live in rainy Portland, Oregon. Our French doors face south and have little to no overhang above. Our contractor tells us we need to go with vinyl, but I am reluctant as I would lose the finished look of wood. Any experience with this? PlyGem doors have been recommended, but this seems a step down from Pella. What to do? I am drawn to Jeld Wen wood french in-swing doors. A: Use PELLA ARCHITECT SERIES CLAD WOOD IN-SWING FRENCH DOOR. Clad aluminum on the outside, wood on the inside. Best of Both worlds. And yes, 25 Years out of any 'new growth wood' product \[vs old growth\] is as good as it gets. The other potential benefit of using Pella again is that the R.O. will probably be the same as the existing. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-29.*