--- title: "TMS Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tms-architects-pfvwus-pf~1795375186 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1795375186.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "TMS Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5363c9160fff07ab_5917-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "One Cate Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801, United States" latitude: 43.0729 longitude: -70.8052 phone: "(603) 436-4274" website: https://tmsarchitects1.houzz.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 476 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # TMS Architects Original Houzz profile: [TMS Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tms-architects-pfvwus-pf~1795375186) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portsmouth, NH - **Serves:** Hampton, Rye, North Hampton, Newbury, New Castle, Beverly, Cape Neddick, Coastal Maine, Gloucester, Kittery, Kittery Point, Lakes Region, Magnolia, Manchester by the Sea, Marblehead, Newburyport, Northshore, Rockport, Rye Beach, West Newbury, York Beach, York Harbor - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves For over three decades, TMS Architects has been designing projects in New Hampshire, throughout New England and beyond. Our mission is to embrace our clients’ visions and translate them into buildings that are beautiful, functional and sensitive to their environment. We work to create buildings that are infused with spirit and beauty, reflective of their heritage, sustainably built, and engineered with excellence. TMS has developed a significant and diverse portfolio over the past decades with work in custom residential, finance, hospitality and corporate/commercial fields. Historic preservation is an important part of TMS’s work and the firm has been active in many prominent restorations including The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel, The Music Hall and Salem Country Club. We firmly believe that restorations and renovations of historically significant buildings and private homes help preserve the character and heritage of New England architecture. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Hampton - Rye - North Hampton - Newbury - New Castle - Beverly - Cape Neddick - Coastal Maine - Gloucester - Kittery - Kittery Point - Lakes Region - Magnolia - Manchester by the Sea - Marblehead - Newburyport - Northshore - Rockport - Rye Beach - West Newbury - York Beach - York Harbor ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - We recommend a hard cost construction budget (labor and materials) of at least $400/sf to achieve similar results as those seen in our portfolio. Landscaping, furniture, and costs associated with plans and permitting are not included in this estimated budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | TMS Architects | | Address | One Cate Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801, United States | | Phone | (603) 436-4274 | | Website | https://tmsarchitects1.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 476 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TMSArchitects - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/tmsarch - Blog — http://www.tmsarchitects.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [TMS Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tms-architects-pfvwus-pf~1795375186) - **Website:** https://tmsarchitects1.houzz.com - **Phone:** (603) 436-4274 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA New Hampshire (AIANH)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-new-hampshire-aianh-pfvwus-pf~563076311) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Undo Redo, May 2019** > We hired Bill Soupcoff and Tim Giguere of TMS Architects to re-envision our lake house in New Hampshire. The project required an imaginative top-to-bottom rebuild that needed to conform to an awkward footprint while subject to a complex array of waterfront and zoning constraints. We couldn’t be happier with the elegant solution that TMS achieved. Their attention to detail is unmatched and collaborating with them was a pleasure. They were professional, responsive and thoughtful throughout the process, and we are very grateful for their vision and expertise. **★★★★★ — Steve and Katie Burke, July 2018** > We worked with Rob Cardy and his team at TMS for the building of our home on the NH Seacoast. We could not be more satisfied with their efforts and the result. Rob listened carefully to our thoughts, and incorporated them into beautiful design that fits well into an ocean setting. He guided us though a very challenging approval process, helped select a builder, and made certain that the project moved forward on a timely basis. Rob was patient, understanding, and a joy to work with throughout the project. **★★★★★ — Marian Myers, Feb. 2018** > We have recently completed a renovation and expansion of our summer house designed by TMS. They have been outstanding to work with and we are thrilled with our new home! We worked with many people at TMS, all with expertise in different areas. Lafe’s design of the home was brilliant especially since our land was rocky, steep and fairly small. He was attentive to our ideas while also encouraging us to think out of the box in order to make the house unique and special. The interior designers, Cristina and Stephanie, guided us through the many decisions with their exquisite taste. They were always patient and helpful as we tackled the many choices available to us. We thank everyone at TMS for helping us to create our dream home! **★★★★★ — tchuff1, Nov. 2014** > Rob Carty and the firm were superior in all aspects of our project. We have built 10 homes over the years and TMS was far superior to any other firm in our experiences. We would highly reccommend them for anyone who wants a trouble free project. Our builder, Chris Ragusa certainly carried off the TMS design. **★★★★★ — Sippican Partners Construction, LLC, Nov. 2014** > Shannon Alther, one of the principal's at TMS is smart, diligent, tenacious and gifted. We are developing a sustainable residential community overlooking Squam Lake. Shannon is lead architect for the quality, high performance, well designed, custom homes we're building. We are constantly impressed by the performance of Shannon and his team at TMS. From client management through design and construction administration, Shannon and the team at TMS know their stuff. **Comment from TMS Architects:** > Thank you so very much for these kind words...Shannon is certainly all of those things and more! Your review meant a great deal to us as client feedback is critical to our work! **★★★★★ — Cate Carlisle, Nov. 2014** > TMS exceeded our expectations!! We had a unique set of requirements: to renovate a portion of our barn and seamlessly integrate the living area into the unfinished barn. We chose TMS after seeing a similar project at the Mombo Restaurant in Portsmouth's Strawberry Bank, a renovation of 250 year old timber-framed building that retained the character, charm and historical accuracy of the time. TMS supported our project by ensuring the underlying structure of our 150 year old barn was sound, while balancing state of the art technology with the century old workmanship of the original barn. Shannon Alther was always engaged, responsive and easy to work with. He shared our vision and understood what we were trying to achieve. He fostered a working relationship where no question was too trivial and his easygoing manner made working with him a pleasure. We were very pleased with the entire process and would easily engage them again in any new project. **★★★★★ — jdgil, Sept. 2013** > I have worked with TMS for 14 years during which time they have designed and assisted us in building 2 homes and the remodeling of 4 shopping centers. The first home is an Ocean front gambrel roofed shingle style large property which while traditional in many exterior respects has a contemporary interior ideally suited to our interests. The siting and interior design of the house take full advantage of the site's spectacular ocean views. TMS has been a joy to work with. They matched our needs and interests with their impeccable taste and outstanding creativity. The House is a joy to live in. Our second home in Jackson Hole Wyoming was a different set of challenges as their task was to renovate and expand a bland 1920's simple structure that lacked the elegance and rustic charm that we were seeking. The result has far exceeded our expectations. They created an arts and crafts interior and a dramatic exterior that is both very different that other houses in the valley but looks just right in its environment. > We have been so satisfied with their work for us that we are now working on a contemporary weekend retreat in New Hampshire's White Mountains **Comment from TMS Architects:** > It is so gratifying to read such a kind review from a long-time client! We have worked together for many years on many different kinds of projects and are really excited to be collaborating on the design of this family's contemporary weekend retreat.. ## Selected projects - [Silver Lake Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-lake-cabin-pj-vj~4591954) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Coastal Dream](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-dream-pj-vj~3128515) - Location: North Hampton, NH - Photos: 67 - [Lake Winnipesaukee Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-winnipesaukee-retreat-pj-vj~3026650) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 100 - [Contemporary Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-bath-pj-vj~3026643) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [New England Hideaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-england-hideaway-pj-vj~2999388) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 37 - [Carriage House Revision](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carriage-house-revision-pj-vj~2995805) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Family Playhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-playhouse-pj-vj~2995220) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - [In-town Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-town-renovation-pj-vj~2995263) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 37 - [A Kitchen Worth The Wait](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-kitchen-worth-the-wait-pj-vj~749455) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 28 - Description: Perched atop the highest elevation on this Portsmouth, NH property, the interior spaces have 180º views to the outside. Cathedral ceilings and high windows give a light, open and airy feeling to the space. The white cabinets with white stone counters and stainless appliances create an elegant and sophisticated backdrop to the otherwise unobstructed views and a wood burning fireplace with its natural stone surround creates a stunning focal point in the adjacent sitting area. The exterior chimney… - [Great Horse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-horse-pj-vj~1520970) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Lakeside Maine Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-maine-cottage-pj-vj~1520963) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [New England Lakefront Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-england-lakefront-living-pj-vj~1520907) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [An Addition For The Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/an-addition-for-the-family-pj-vj~1521009) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Family Room Reinvention](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-room-reinvention-pj-vj~1008766) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners of this beautifully renovated space had operated a business out of their home for many years. After they retired and sold the business, they decided to convert the former shipping and warehouse space into a cozy family room and mudroom. The newly designed space is connected to the main house with a series of elegantly detailed arches. The homeowners confess that with a convenient gas fireplace, large screen TV and comfortable seating, most of their leisure time is spent in this new sp… - [Seaside Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-renovation-pj-vj~749355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - Description: Seabrook, NH - [Beacon Hill Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-hill-beauty-pj-vj~1521119) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Ocean Outlook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-outlook-pj-vj~621239) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 62 - [Designed for a Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/designed-for-a-family-pj-vj~105631) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: A home designed for "family living". All of the main spaces within the house are designed to surround the main living space, the living/family room. This family area becomes the nucleus of the house and the center of family living and dining. To reinforce the importance of the family room, the staircase was designed not as a formal staircase in the entrance foyer but more like a ""piece of furniture"" within the family room. The elegantly designed spiral staircase leads to the open balcony above… - [Exeter Village Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exeter-village-renovation-pj-vj~432404) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - [Barn Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barn-restoration-pj-vj~662271) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 [See all 59 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tms-architects-pfvwus-pf~1795375186) ## Ideabooks - [Stunning Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109332878/list/stunning-bathrooms) — 17 ideas - [Creative Lighting Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32340864/list/creative-lighting-ideas) — 15 ideas - [Kitchen Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109714026/list/kitchen-islands) — 5 ideas - [Beautiful Entryways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109713602/list/beautiful-entryways) — 5 ideas - [Highlighting Architectural Details with Color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29003800/list/highlighting-architectural-details-with-color) — 5 ideas - [Designing a stunning fireplace mantel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24256638/list/designing-a-stunning-fireplace-mantel) — 20 ideas - [Shore Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27692733/list/shore-homes) — 8 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/tmsarchitects1) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where did the staircase baluster and railing come from?** *(in Photo Questions)* This from TMS Architect Project New Hampshire Lakeside. Is it something I could purchase pre-fabricated or is it custom made? Please advise - I have a client very much interested. Thank you! Kelle Boyd Better Builders, LLC - Seattle, WA A: Thank you for your question. This staircase was custom made. **Q: oven & vent hood** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the measurements of that range and hood? I'm not sure if it will work but trying to avoid double wall ovens. Thanks! A: Kitchen design by Jewett Farms + Co. **Q: I love the bedspread and shams Were these made for the project?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Cebula Design (https://www.houzz.com/pro/cebuladesign/cebula-design) did the interior design for this project. They may be able to answer that question for you. **Q: House plan** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the house plans available? Thank you! A: Thank you so much for getting in touch. This is one of our favorite homes but it was a custom home built for a specific client so plans are not available. **Q: Barstools: from where? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for the question. The stools were made by a company called Woodbridge and can be obtained through Cebula Designs www.cebuladesigns.com You could also email Jeffrey Adams at Jeffrey@cebuladesigns.com to ask for assistance. **Q: Sink!** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the sink! Make and model, please? A: This was a vintage sink found by the very resourceful homeowners! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*