--- title: "Treehouse Design, Inc. — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/treehouse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~184810438 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~184810438.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Treehouse Design, Inc." category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/67d3960c00197914_0259-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "31 Poole's Lane, Rockport, Massachusetts 01966, United States" latitude: 42.658 longitude: -70.6194 phone: "(978) 919-4437" website: http://www.treehousedesigninc.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 71 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Treehouse Design, Inc. > Award Winning Cape Ann Architecture & Construction Management Original Houzz profile: [Treehouse Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/treehouse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~184810438) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Rockport, MA - **Serves:** Gloucester, Ipswich, Hamilton, Rockport, Essex, Manchester - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Treehouse Design, Inc. is a design-build company located on Cape Ann. We are a respected design firm because we understand building; we are a successful building company because we respect design. We were founded in 1990 to provide architectural and construction management services for the needs of the vibrant, historically-rich coastal communities of Cape Ann. We believe in regional architecture, where understanding a building site and its place in the community greatly contributes to the way a building should be made. We believe that by respecting the unique environmental attributes of each property, we can make buildings feel at home on even the most difficult sites. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Building Design - 3D Rendering - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Space Planning - Site Planning - Construction Drawings - Custom Cabinets ### Areas Served - Gloucester - Ipswich - Hamilton - Rockport - Essex - Manchester ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Treehouse Design, Inc. | | Address | 31 Poole's Lane, Rockport, Massachusetts 01966, United States | | Phone | (978) 919-4437 | | Website | http://www.treehousedesigninc.com | | Followers on Houzz | 71 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Treehouse Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/treehouse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~184810438) - **Website:** http://www.treehousedesigninc.com - **Phone:** (978) 919-4437 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — mary hughes, Aug. 2017** > The name Treehouse has always made me smile. I instantly visualize a really cool space that is very unique. That is exactly what I have gotten in my experiences working with this company. I have twice hired Treehouse Design. Once for a modern addition and new deck and most recently they have drawn plans to renovate and modernize my 1950 Cape located in Lanesville, Ma. I have been very happy in all respects working with them. Tim Thurman and his associates are not only professional and easy to work with. They are all highly creative. The attention to detail and individual attention paid to my esthetic and budget created a perfect pairing. I cannot recommend this company more highly. Tim, Nichole and Meg were my \*team\*. The cohesiveness they shared added to the seamless end result of my plans. The project will be executed beginning March of 2018. Could not be happier! Thank you Treehouse! And a special thanks to Nichole Arvanites. ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — David & Christine Sidon, June 2017** > We just moved home in mid-May to a renovated 1790's cape that that Tim Thurman and Ellen Levine of Treehouse designed for us. It is spectacular and exceeds every expectation we had (the builders also had a hand in that, but the stellar design led the way). The architectural challenge of merging an addition into a classic old home confounded other firms that we were considering, but Treehouse created a "flow" that feels seamless now that we are living in it. Most importantly, we were "heard" throughout the design process, and the final result beautifully matches the dream that we have had percolating since we bought the house 20 years ago. In short, we love these folks. **Comment from Treehouse Design, Inc.:** > Thanks for the positive words Christine and Dave. It was a real pleasure working with you on this project. We've enjoyed watching the transformation and look forward to stopping by to see the finished project. > All best, > Tim **★★★★★ — Barbe Ennis, June 2017** > Treehouse made the process of building our dream home on the water a fun and painless experience. Tim took our ideas and likes and transformed them into a design that worked for the site as well as opening up our minds to new design concepts. The Treehouse crews showed up every day and were very professional. They also offered a very creative designer to help us with all the finishing touches. They finished on time and also stayed on budget! We were so happy with their work ethic and professionalism that we had them come back to do an office over our garage as well. We highly recommend them! **★★★★★ — Diane Bengston, June 2017** > Treehouse staff was wonderful to work with and their creativity and attention to detail was outstanding. We love our house and Tim and Warren are always responsive when we have questions or repairs even 3 plus years later. Would highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — William Whitham, June 2017** > We interviewed many local architects before deciding to hire Tim Thurman, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. We appreciated not only his emphasis on "green" design elements and materials, but his holistic approach to the design process, and attitude about how we, and those who follow here after we are gone, may use these spaces now and in the (changeable) future. > I chose to have Treehouse also build the house, another very good decision. Thereby, we learned about the dedication and loyalty their very proficient staff, and independent tradespeople, have to Tim and Cheryl. I am a leader of teams for live show production and picked up on Tim's genuine concern for the needs and interests of everyone who works with them. Many times we heard people say their first choice would always be to work for Treehouse and deliver the best quality they could. "Look at how excellent this house is! It makes me feel great to be part of this project." The Treehouse staff have so much experience and also dedication to their projects. > > We are so pleased to be now living here. It makes us feel good. It's so comfortable year around and I have negligible utility bills. We love the views. Naturally, the house is not perfect, but the few issues are very minor and we all saw them ahead because of necessary design compromises. > Sorry I don't have more photos of the interior, but it took us a while to move in and get set up and I've been so busy with the rest of my life. > In summation, everybody was very professional and showed great depth of knowledge, not only of their department, but those around them. They gave us invaluable advice as we went along. The quality of the work was top notch and done expeditiously. Tim, Cheryl, and I went over the budget every two weeks which was most helpful and kept the project under control. > Our kudos to all involved and thank you so much! **★★★★★ — David Herlihy, June 2017** > Treehouse transformed our small colonial from an awkward 'shotgun' floor plan to a delightful and bright home. The Treehouse team handled everything; architectural plans, meetings with Historical Preservation Committee as well as all phases of construction. > All of the craftsmen who worked on the project were highly skilled and a pleasure to have on our property. Everyone loves our Treehouse Custom Kitchen. **★★★★★ — Patricia Rosenblatt, June 2017** > Working with the whole Treehouse team was a pleasure from start to finish. I've never before been involved in a construction project that I was sad to have end! And Treehouse remains responsive to all questions and concerns (these are few) that arise. The house that Tim Thurman designed for us is beautiful inside and out, sensitively designed to echo the landforms around it and to maximize the available light at all times of day. We love it. **★★★★★ — Christine Southard, June 2017** > We are in the process now of renovating our beach home. > We find Treehouse very open to our needs and wants. They > always offer wonderful and useful alternatives. We are not novices > to renovation and know when we are working with a GOOD > builder. **★★★★★ — Debra Dellacona, June 2017** > Treehouse is a group of very talented, very professional individuals who listen to what you have to say. They are creative and have no problem thinking out of the box. Their subcontractors are all top notch. our experience from start to finish was a positive one and are now happily living in the home of our dreams! **★★★★★ — Rory O'Connor, June 2017** > Tim and his crew did a total reinvention of our 1700s era cottage, and made it into a cozy little jewel. They added extra square footage, moved walls, dug a basement, and more, and made us a perfect little getaway. Couldn't recommend them more highly. ## Selected projects - [Gull Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gull-island-pj-vj~7235416) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Magnolia Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-modern-pj-vj~7146332) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This new single-family home is located on Gloucester’s south shore. The goal was to create a home that was both modern and minimalist, while also in harmony with the traditional shingle style homes of the area. A central stairwell tower clad in vertical hemlock siding, and a thoughtful hardscape of decks, create a dramatic exterior. The open floor plan highlights a sleek stone fireplace and a floating staircase that leads to two primary bedroom suites and a rooftop deck, affectionately referred… - [Gloucester Mid Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gloucester-mid-century-modern-pj-vj~7146355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Built in 1953 as a single-level home in the deck house style, Treehouse was commissioned to redesign the original structure and add a second level that celebrates the home’s original mid-century modern style spirit. Renovations include an open and expanded entry foyer, an open floor plan kitchen, and better access to exterior spaces and view corridors. The new second floor includes a living space with ocean views and access to an ocean front roof deck, an art studio open to the living space, and… - [Annisquam Summer Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annisquam-summer-home-pj-vj~66424) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: The goal of this project, which replaced an existing summer cottage, was to work within the New England vernacular often found in the village of Annisquam: small additions and a combination of one and two story levels. The plan is designed to encourage an informal summer lifestyle, but also to serve as a year round retirement home. Local field stone was used for the fireplace; cabinetry throughout the home was built by Treehouse cabinetmakers. - [Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shingle-style-pj-vj~174607) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: Originally built in 1980, significant alterations were made to this Eastern Point home. The original 7’6″ ceilings at the second floor and attic levels were raised by 18” within the existing superstructure. Alterations included a new open floor plan, wrap-around porch, pergola, front entry, dormers, and windows to create a contemporary shingle style home. Extensive site work was necessary to connect the house to its yards and gardens. New granite retaining walls and steps were added at the front… - [Old Garden Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-garden-beach-house-pj-vj~220489) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: This project involved razing a poorly-built 1970s ranch house and rebuilding on the existing foundation. Working within the Rockport vernacular “Cottage Style,” the home is an eclectic balance of new and recycled materials–resulting in a casual summer home. The interior features extensive cabinetry and interior woodworking, while large decks at the rear of the house look over the new infinity-edge swimming pool and terraces with views of Sandy Bay. - [Sunset Rock Arts & Craft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-rock-arts-and-craft-pj-vj~220537) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: The original cottage is perched on an outcropping of ledge called “Sunset Rock” and was built in 1904. New additions on the southern side of the cottage offer great solar exposure and brought the house down to the ground, connecting it to yard space that had been largely inaccessible from the original cottage. The new living room wing has similar proportions to the old “Great Hall,” and is oriented to solar south on one side, with a view to Squam Rock on the east. Double glazed south-facing wind… - [Sustainable modern prefab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-modern-prefab-pj-vj~1772502) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Treehouse Design is pleased to share its most sustainable project. Designed and finished by Treehouse, with a shell factory-fabricated by Bensonwood Homes of New Hampshire, this home is an excellent example of creative contemporary design and environmentally conscious construction. The house runs on energy generated by solar roof panels and solar hot water panels that power an advanced electric air to water heat pump, radiant floors, and ducted heating and cooling. Electrical use is further mini… - [Plum Cove Transitional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plum-cove-transitional-pj-vj~1772308) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 13 - [Rockport Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockport-shingle-style-pj-vj~2197121) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 22 - [Rockport Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockport-contemporary-pj-vj~1772350) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Treehouse Design has brought new life to this mid-century modern home located along the coast of Rockport, Massachusetts. The original house was designed by Carl Koch, a student of Walter Gropius, who, along with Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, is regarded as a pioneer of modern architecture. Key aspects of the original home, such as the dramatic roof eaves, exposed fir purlins and massive granite fireplace, were embraced and complimented with a new roof profile, new window pattern, an… - [Straightsmouth Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/straightsmouth-contemporary-pj-vj~220475) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: This new home is perched atop a massive granite ledge on Rockport’s south shore. The main floor includes a private bedroom wing and an open living, dining and kitchen area that connects to a deck with spectacular ocean views. The lower level includes an office and art studio, while the top floor serves as a master bedroom suite with sitting area and private deck. - [Annisquam Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annisquam-cottage-pj-vj~2198256) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: This post and beam cottage was designed to replace a small building in Annisquam village. The stone fireplace is a central focus of rooms that are arranged to maximize views of Lobster Cove. The dining area features a salvaged stained glass window. The loft is a great space for visiting grandchildren, and the Owner’s vegetable and flower gardens complete this beautiful home. - [Annisquam Village Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annisquam-village-revival-pj-vj~2198299) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This renovated home in Annisquam village features an open living, dining and kitchen addition. The dining table is positioned at a window bay with views of Lobster Cove. A stone fireplace anchors the living room and is backed by an outdoor fireplace on the patio. Granite stonework highlights the terraced landscape. - [Granite Pier](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/granite-pier-pj-vj~6582996) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 16 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/treehouse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~184810438) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840740239.m3u8?s=91f428ad90cdba2fff1d347b24325d224cc5a849&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you manage permitting and approvals?** Yes, as part of our comprehensive architectural and construction management services, we handle all necessary permitting and approvals. We guide you through the process, ensuring your project complies with local regulations in Rockport and the Cape Ann area. **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, Treehouse Design, Inc. is a licensed design-build firm. We also carry all necessary insurance to protect both our team and your project throughout every phase of design and construction, ensuring peace of mind. **What does your design-build process include?** Our design-build process at Treehouse Design, Inc. integrates architectural design and construction management from start to finish. We begin by understanding your vision, move through detailed architectural and building design, create construction drawings, and then expertly manage the entire construction phase, ensuring a cohesive and efficient project. **Do you handle both architectural design and construction?** Absolutely. As a design-build company, Treehouse Design, Inc. specializes in integrating both architectural design and construction management. We believe this unified approach creates a seamless process and a superior outcome for your project, from concept to completion. **Can you work on additions and large renovations?** Yes, we have extensive experience with both home additions and large-scale renovations. Our services include 'Home Additions' and 'Home Remodeling,' and we are adept at respecting the unique character of existing structures in historically-rich areas like Cape Ann while enhancing their functionality and beauty. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [South Street interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138414649/list/south-street-interiors) — 27 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/treehousedesigninc) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*