--- title: "Joan Heaton Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joan-heaton-architects-pfvwus-pf~218169749 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218169749.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Joan Heaton Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6cb35d040e8508e6_9742-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "12A Main Street, Bristol, Vermont 05443, United States" latitude: 44.146 longitude: -73.0717 phone: "(802) 453-7120" website: http://www.joanheatonarchitects.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 534 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Joan Heaton Architects Original Houzz profile: [Joan Heaton Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joan-heaton-architects-pfvwus-pf~218169749) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Bristol, VT - **Serves:** Burlington, Shelburne, Middlebury (village), Stowe, Bristol, Ferrisburgh, Warren, Addison County VT, Chittenden County VT, Cornwall, Essex County NY, Warren County NY, Washington County VT - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2013–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Joan Heaton Architects provides comprehensive residential design services with a personalized approach. We take pride in designing thoughtful architecture that responds to our clients’ needs. We enjoy a collaborative process and encourage client participation in the design. We listen to your wishes, communicate clearly and create meaningful spaces. We recognize that the success of a project depends on teamwork. Since 1996 we have collaborated with consultants, local contractors, and talented craftspeople to create enduring homes. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Burlington - Shelburne - Middlebury (village) - Stowe - Bristol - Ferrisburgh - Warren - Addison County VT - Chittenden County VT - Cornwall - Essex County NY - Warren County NY - Washington County VT ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Joan Heaton Architects | | Address | 12A Main Street, Bristol, Vermont 05443, United States | | Phone | (802) 453-7120 | | Website | http://www.joanheatonarchitects.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 534 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Joan Heaton Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joan-heaton-architects-pfvwus-pf~218169749) - **Website:** http://www.joanheatonarchitects.com/ - **Phone:** (802) 453-7120 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIAVT 2017 Merit Award - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2013–2021), 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) - [AIA Vermont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-vermont-pfvwus-pf~1511418982) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — North Country Tile, Dec. 2018** > It has been a great pleasure to team up with Joan Heaton Architects on a wonderful range of projects through the years. What we admire most about Joan is her originality, her commitment to design excellence as well as her relationships with clients. When working on a project she thoroughly engages the client in the decision making process, bringing them into the showroom to go through all selections and guiding them as needed. Joan has amazing versatility and is extremely detail oriented, whether she is working on a Vermont farmhouse, Adirondack style home, Arts and Crafts bungalow or a contemporary lake front cabin. We look forward to future projects with Joan and her team! **★★★★★ — Mika Frechette, Dec. 2018** > Joan Heaton has a gift. I am a designer who has worked with dozens of architects all over the United States. Joan is one of the very best I've ever known. I chose her to design my dream house and I never looked back. She brought ingenuity, style, and restraint when necessary for budget reasons. I've never seen anything like the end product. We never had a "down" moment. Each meeting left me feeling invigorated and in control. She is good at listening to client wishes as well as advocating for her own vision. The output was a blend of ideas that hit all the right notes. I am working hard to save enough to do another building on the property just so I can see what she has dreamed up next...I am sad now that the project is over. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you Mika! I have enjoyed our collaboration and I look forward to our next project. **★★★★★ — Paul Trahan, Oct. 2018** > Our project seemed simple enough; take our existing small cottage and transform it into a true Lake House. The challenges posed, were to accomplish this by maintaining the existing structure’s footprint and to work with the restrictions that the proximity to the Lake presented. After our first meeting with Joan, we knew we had made the right decision. She was up for the challenge. > > Joan listened to us. We formed a true collaborative partnership with her and developed a vision of what our Lake House could become. She was able to take in our ideas and wish list items and apply her eye for creative design, space and function to make our Lake House dream a reality. > > Even when confronted with unexpected challenges, Joan worked closely with our contractor to develop resolutions that were true to our design. We threw last minute ideas at her and she always gave them thoughtful consideration and honest feedback. > > Joan has a keen eye, an incredible focus and a command of color. We truly couldn’t be happier with the end result; a Lake House that we cherish. Thank you, Joan. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Hi Paul, Thank you for your review. I enjoyed our collaboration; your project was a great team effort. **★★★★★ — Anna Burns, May 2018** > Doing a project with Joan has been very rewarding, and creating a house together has forged a bond between Joan and me that has worked especially well. I trust her competence, her aesthetic, her concern for detail, her ability to manage hundreds of details at once and also over time, and her way of skillfully keeping me on track when I veered into territory not good for the house. I think Joan had a vision of the house way before I did, and her vision was 3-D, right on target for what we said was important to us, and more importantly, really gorgeous and completely functional! What a ride we have been on, and what a bonanza at the end of the process! Thank you, Joan, from the bottom of my heart. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you, Anna, for your kind review. I enjoyed working with you! I hope that you enjoy your new home in Vermont. **★★★★★ — Jeff Hudson, Dec. 2017** > Joan Heaton was the architect of our new VT vacation home and did an outstanding job. She worked with us from the initial stages through completion of construction. Joan communicates very clearly and could readily translate our preferences, needs and aesthetics into the design. She was generous in guiding us through the numerous decisions that are part of new home design and construction. The resulting design is outstanding! Our new home feels spacious, comfortable, and has a simplicity that only comes from working with a skilled architect. Joan was exceptionally skilled at siting our home, knowledgeable about it's construction, had a great eye for both structural design, color, texture and the interiors. It is rare to find an architect with such a broad set of skills. Her many years of experience repeatedly benefited us in this process. Joan was respectful of our budget - she kept it in mind and was helpful in making choices that resulted in an elegant, quality home which fit within our budget. Joan is great with people! She helped us locate an expert builder and had a great working relationship with him. The three of us worked extremely well together. We are at the very end of this process and have enjoyed our work with Joan and the builder so much that we will feel sad to see the work end! **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you for your kind words. I cannot imagine a better team of architect, client, and builder. **★★★★★ — Silvermaple construction., July 2017** > I was the job manager on Mary Cullinanes project working for Silvermaple construction.This was my first time working with Joan,she was very thorough with her information and promt at answering any guestion I had or coming up with drawings that I needed. I enjoyed working with her and am looking forward to our next project together,thanks Joan. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Hi Randy, Thank you very much for the review. I enjoyed working with you and I too look forward to our next project together. **★★★★★ — janineracanelli, May 2017** > Joan Heaton managed all of the interior and exterior design including landscaping, working closely with the contractor. She has wonderful expertise, design aesthetic and attention to detail. She has very high standards and is scrupulously professional. She is a great communicator and is easy to work with. She is a superstar. She produced superb results. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you for the opportunity to work with you on your fantastic project! **★★★★★ — Raycroft/Meyer Landscape Architecture, Feb. 2017** > It has been great fun working with Joan over the years! > As a landscape architect, I truly appreciate her commitment to our collaboration from the onset of a project. Her sensitivity to the landscape in the design process is reflected in her beautiful portfolio of work. My experience working with Joan has benefited me as a professional and I am honored to have shared in her successes. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you for your kind words. I am glad to have you on my team and I look forward to our next project. **★★★★★ — Brothers Building Company Inc, Jan. 2017** > It has been a true pleasure working with Joan Heaton architects on many projects. Whether it is a new build or renovation we always enjoy collaborating with Joan. She brings great ideas to the table and approaches every job with an open mind. Joan always works closely with the client to help them create the home of their dreams. We look forward to many more projects with Joan Heaton architects in the future. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you! I always enjoy working with Brothers Building. I look forward to the start of our upcoming project this spring as well as many more projects in the future. **★★★★★ — cindywiseman, Dec. 2016** > We could not be happier that we found Joan to transform an old, small house into the perfect Adirondack cottage for our family. > She has incredible vision and her attention to detail is unmatched. She took a one room cabin and created a stunning, yet simple 2 bedroom cottage for our family of five. She always listened to our needs and desires and improved upon them in her plans. > When we decided to start a second project we called her immediately. She renovated an existing structure into a beautiful and purposeful barn/carriage house. Her enthusiasm is infectious. She has the perfect blend of whimsy and practical. She is super creative and has exquisite taste. It is clear that she views design and build as a team sport and makes everyone feel welcome in the process. > We found her a joy to work with and no doubt will look for more projects just to have her around. > > > > Guest quarters **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you, Cindy, for the kind review. It was a pleasure working with you and your family. I look forward to our next project. **★★★★★ — Mary Cullinane, Dec. 2016** > When looking for a design partner for a new home i was building in Weybridge, VT i was introduced to Joan and her talent. Joan's ability to bring creativity, quality and personality to my project was outstanding. She recognized and encouraged my participation in the process, she listened every step of the way, while still helping me see what i couldn't see. Building this home has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and i couldn't have done it without her! **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you, Mary. I enjoyed our collaboration. Your project was a wonderful team effort. **★★★★★ — Ann O'Leary, Sept. 2016** > Joan and I are collaborating on a lake house in the Adirondacks. Joan has a wonderful sense of scale and balance. Her approach to each aspect of the design is well researched and thoughtful, whether it be a beam location or the shape of a handrail, all bear the same amount of weight in coming to a successful conclusion. > > I have found her to be a delight to work with and I sense the same from the client and contractor. Our back and forth has been in all sense open and synergistic. I look forward to working again with her... very soon I hope. **Comment from Joan Heaton Architects:** > Thank you Ann! I've enjoyed working you and I look forward to collaborating again soon. ## Selected projects - [Vermont Modern Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vermont-modern-barn-pj-vj~2391184) - Location: Weybridge, VT - Photos: 22 - Description: The Vermont modern barn, a small, simple, get-away home is sited to take advantage of southern exposure and views to the west. The barn, modeled on the local form, is updated with a structural system of steel beams and big expanses of glass in the windows and doors. A twelve-foot wide sliding door disappears into the gable end wall and a pivot entry door welcomes the owner and visitors. A “bump out” containing four bunk beds accommodates overnight guests. Retaining walls of local Panton stone cr… - [Home on Lake George](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-lake-george-pj-vj~2832923) - Location: Hague, NY - Photos: 15 - Description: Sited on the shore of Lake George, this four-bedroom lake home incorporates large spaces where groups can gather as well as intimate spaces for relaxation. Details of shingles and stone typical of Adirondack architecture tie the house to its site and the region. The granite fireplace is a central feature of the open first-floor plan; the same stone is repeated in the chimney, at the foundation, and in the landscape. The scope of work for this four-bedroom lakefront home encompasses the design of… - [Addison Vermont Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addison-vermont-barn-pj-vj~2203551) - Location: Addison, VT - Photos: 24 - Description: Renovations to the Willmarth Farm in Addison, Vermont include updating the master bedroom, kitchen, family room and four baths in the existing farmhouse, stabilization of an enormous, historic, timber-framed, dairy barn and renovation of an existing carriage barn into guest quarters. Architectural interventions comprised of clean, modern lines complement the existing historic fabric. Living spaces in the farmhouse and guest house take advantage of panoramic west facing views of the Adirondacks.… - [Net Zero Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/net-zero-home-pj-vj~5499221) - Location: Cornwall, VT - Photos: 18 - Description: The Net Zero Farmhouse is a three-story, four-bedroom, accessible home with four and one-half baths. The house and garage are simple gable forms; an entry porch and screened porch with shed roofs anchor the house to the land. The volumes are connected in the tradition of Vermont vernacular architecture. Sited to face due south, the house makes use of both passive and active solar and achieves the goal of net zero with roof mounted, grid-tied, solar panels. Landscaping, including board-formed con… - [Mountain Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-cabin-pj-vj~1630793) - Location: Waitsfield, VT - Photos: 11 - Description: The Mountain Cabin, located in central Vermont, is nestled among the trees on a west facing knoll overlooking the Mad River Valley. This two bedroom, two bath home provides compact living on one level. Bi-fold doors at the south west corner of the cabin open wide to provide access to a deck and connect with the outdoors. Low maintenance, energy efficient, modern and edgy are among the adjectives the client used to describe her vision for her new home. The Mountain Cabin is all of the above with… - [Addison Vermont Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addison-vermont-farmhouse-pj-vj~2203577) - Location: Addison, VT - Photos: 28 - Description: Renovations to the Willmarth Farm in Addison, Vermont include updating the kitchen, family room, master bedroom, and four baths in the existing farmhouse, stabilization of an enormous, historic, timber-framed, dairy barn and renovation of an existing carriage barn into guest quarters. Architectural interventions comprised of clean, modern lines complement the existing historic fabric. Living spaces in the farmhouse and guest house take advantage of panoramic west facing views of the Adirondacks.… - [Stowe Vermont Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stowe-vermont-home-pj-vj~26345) - Location: Stowe, VT - Photos: 20 - Description: The Stowe Vermont Home is sited on a sloping site with stunning mountain views to the west. This four bedroom home, accommodates a family of three generations with a guest suite on the lower level and bedrooms for the two younger generations upstairs tucked under the roof. Open kitchen, living and dining areas are places for family and friends to congregate. Outdoor spaces consist of a covered porch and a large deck. Local woods are featured throughout the house; floors are red birch and maple,… - [New York Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-york-farmhouse-pj-vj~2205985) - Location: Westport, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: The family farmhouse in Westport, New York, accommodates the owners, their children and grandchildren. The residence consists of a five-bedroom home and a separate barn with guest quarters. The house and barn sit at opposite ends of a parking court and are connected by an open, timber-framed pergola. The space between the house and barn offers views to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains beyond. The house is comprised of simple gable forms. Porches to the south, east and west anchor the house… - [Middlebury Barn Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/middlebury-barn-renovation-pj-vj~2150712) - Location: Middlebury, VT - Photos: 12 - Description: The challenge in this project was to transform an existing 100 year old hay barn into a modern three bedroom home. The design incorporates both old and new - the antique timber frame contrasts with contemporary steel stairs and railings while new energy efficient windows sit next to salvaged barn doors. The west facing barn takes advantage of spectacular Adirondack views; a large steel balcony allows occupants to sit outdoors on the second level. Located in Middlebury Vermont, the renovated barn… - [Adirondack Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-addition-pj-vj~56032) - Location: Elizabethtown, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: Renovating older buildings is one of the primary principles of green building design. We transformed this Adirondack summer cottage located on an historic estate in Elizabethtown, New York into year round retreat by winterizing the existing cottage and adding a new structure containing bedrooms and baths for family and guests. The addition, located at right angles to the existing cottage, forms an outdoor courtyard with dramatic westerly views of the Adirondack Mountains. The design of the addit… - [Modern Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-cabin-pj-vj~20232) - Location: Lincoln, VT - Photos: 9 - Description: This small modern cabin provides ample living space for a weekend (or week long) getaway. The 800 square foot cabin can sleep up to six people. Clean lines and sleek appliances and plumbing fixtures contribute to the large feel of the space. Windows on all sides provide day lighting and cross ventilation; large south facing windows frame views of the Green Mountains. The covered porch and wrap around deck provide outdoor living space. The cabin is intended as a prototype for a small modular hous… - [Rustic Woods Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-woods-cabin-pj-vj~26340) - Location: Lincoln, VT - Photos: 8 - Description: Built on a remote site in South Lincoln, Vermont, the cabin is accessed by a long pedestrian bridge across the New Haven River and a footpath. Every board that went into the cabin was carried over the river and up the hill. With a footprint of just over 600 square feet, the small cabin of sustainable design makes efficient use of resources and building materials. Trees that were cleared form the site are used in the round log timber-framed porch. The exterior siding and shutters are made of loca… - [Sugarbush Ski Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sugarbush-ski-home-pj-vj~534844) - Location: Warren, VT - Photos: 14 - Description: This four-bedroom rustic contemporary home and garage of new construction occupy an east-facing slope near Sugarbush Ski Area. Adjacent to the ski slopes, it is the perfect location for an active family of four. Access to the trails is by means of a communal snow cat. The house is clad in wood shingles and rough sawn cedar siding and trim. A concrete and stone patio wraps the southeast corner and anchors the house in the site. Windows in the family room, dining room and den are pushed to the cor… - [Vermont Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vermont-farmhouse-pj-vj~26334) - Location: Bristol, VT - Photos: 23 - Description: This new energy efficient, three-bedroom home in Bristol, Vermont, sits on a hill taking advantage of southern exposure and views of the Green Mountain. The house is built on the foundation of an older cabin. We dismantled the cabin and salvaged as many materials as possible. The design of the Vermont farmhouse allows for single level living on the first floor with additional space in the basement and on the second floor for numerous guests. The house serves as a gathering place for three genera… - [One Bedroom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/one-bedroom-home-pj-vj~20233) - Location: Middlebury, VT - Photos: 3 - Description: This one bedroom home in Middlebury, Vermont combines traditional forms derived from neighboring houses with lofty, contemporary interior spaces and details. Large windows grouped at the corners of the house create an open and airy feel and bring light into the two-story living room, kitchen and loft above. Warm wood ceilings milled from native white pine and custom steel railings complete the contemporary look. Less visible is the radiant heat beneath the floors and the insulation of recycled n… - [Adirondack Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-barn-pj-vj~834375) - Location: Elizabethtown, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: The Adirondack barn is located on an historic estate in Elizabethtown, New York. The barn is sited to relate to its immediate surroundings, which include an historic cottage and formal sunken garden, a newly planted apple orchard and vegetable garden and also to take advantage of dramatic westerly views of the Adirondack mountains. On the lower level the barn houses garden equipment, including a tractor, a collection of canoes and Adirondack guide boats and a rainy day play space with a ping-pon… - [House in the Trees](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-in-the-trees-pj-vj~1554925) - Location: Stowe, VT - Photos: 10 - [Lake Champlain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-champlain-home-pj-vj~56028) - Location: Westport, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Sited on the shore of Lake Champlain in Westport, New York, this home of sustainable design is built with local and green materials including FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood. Triple glazed windows further the energy efficiency of this well insulated home. Designed for a family with three children who entertain other families with children, this four-bedroom lake home incorporates spaces where large groups can gather as well as intimate spaces for respite. Details of shingle, ston… [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joan-heaton-architects-pfvwus-pf~218169749) ## Community Q&A **Q: Were are the sofas from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful living room! I would like to know where the sofas are from? Thanks :) A: Hello, You would need to contact the designer Ann Stilman O'Leary for that information. **Q: flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell us if the flooring is tile, wood, or LVT? A: Flooring is wood. **Q: Love the walls and floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the shower wall and floor made of? Is it one big slab or concrete or? I’m looking for something with no grout. A: The shower walls are stone slabs. **Q: Amazing work. Bravo!** *(in Photo Questions)* So well done! Was this a preexisting structure? A pole barn? Or did you start from scratch? A: This project was new construction. **Q: I love this design. Could you provide an estimate of square footage?** *(in Photo Questions)* And how many bathrooms? I see the full bathroom upstairs and wondering if there is a half-bath tucked in behind the kitchen! Gorgeous!! A: The footprint is 1,350 square feet and there is a bath with shower on each floor; in other words, two baths. **Q: Great wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* Please provide the paint info for the main walls A: Paint is by Ralph Lauren; I do not have the exact color. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*