--- title: "Ruhl | Jahnes Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ruhl-jahnes-architects-pfvwus-pf~313589474 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~313589474.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ruhl | Jahnes Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cc13add50c70231f_1621-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "281a Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States" latitude: 42.37 longitude: -71.1773 phone: "(617) 744-8722" website: https://www.ruhljahnes.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 36 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Ruhl \| Jahnes Architects Original Houzz profile: [Ruhl \| Jahnes Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ruhl-jahnes-architects-pfvwus-pf~313589474) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Watertown, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cape Cod, Cambridge, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Beverly, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, South Boston, Gloucester, Wellesley, Milton, Belmont, Dedham, Stoneham, Winchester, Marblehead, Winthrop, Concord, Bedford, Wayland, Ipswich, Weston, Charlestown, Cohasset, Rockport, West Concord, Lincoln, Dover, Sherborn, Essex, Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Pride's Crossing, Wellesley Hills, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2021–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves RUHL \| JAHNES creates warm, modern architecture − tailored to the unique circumstances of our clients and their sites and delivered with exceptional attention to detail − for a lifetime of enjoyment. We pride ourselves on our client-centric design process, helping every client find the most advantageous balance between budget, schedule, and level of detail, from our first conversation to the end of construction. We are committed to sustainable design practices, including maximizing natural day lighting and ventilation, minimizing unnecessary material and space, and encouraging renewable energy solutions to create buildings that are capable of achieving Net-Zero energy usage status. We look forward to bringing the joy and excitement of innovative modern architectural design to your project! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Home Gym Design & Construction - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Boston - Cape Cod - Cambridge - Quincy - Newton - Somerville - Waltham - Brookline - Medford - Arlington - Beverly - Jamaica Plain - Natick - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - South Boston - Gloucester - Wellesley - Milton - Belmont - Dedham - Stoneham - Winchester - Marblehead - Winthrop - Concord - Bedford - Wayland - Ipswich - Weston - Charlestown - Cohasset - Rockport - West Concord - Lincoln - Dover - Sherborn - Essex - Auburndale - Chestnut Hill - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Upper Falls - Newtonville - Pride's Crossing - Wellesley Hills - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $600,000 - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ruhl \| Jahnes Architects | | Address | 281a Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States | | Phone | (617) 744-8722 | | Website | https://www.ruhljahnes.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 36 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Ruhljahnes - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruhljahnes - Blog — www.ruhljahnes.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ruhl \| Jahnes Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ruhl-jahnes-architects-pfvwus-pf~313589474) - **Website:** https://www.ruhljahnes.com/ - **Phone:** (617) 744-8722 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Please visit our website, www.ruhljahnes.com for a current list of our publications and our regional, national and international awards. - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2021–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The Boston Society of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-boston-society-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888823119) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lisa and Bill Laskin, Dec. 2024** > Sandra and Paul helped us realize a vision we didn't even know we had! We did a complete renovation of our kitchen and master bath, and could not be happier with the results. They were exceedingly helpful guiding us first-time renovators through the steps of a somewhat complicated process, and always available to us and our contractors for guidance and support. They had a good sense of how we worked in the spaces, and made excellent design suggestions. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — HU-484418810, Feb. 2022** > Sandra Jahnes and her team are absolutely amazing in their vision, creative use of space, and ability to transform houses. We worked with Sandra for six months on an extensive renovation for our Arlington house. Her ability to hear our needs/wish list and translate that into multiple design options was impressive. She also quickly incorporated our feedback to update the plans over multiple versions. Her final designs were thorough and detailed. This was brought to my attention by one of the construction crew's sub-contractors who commented on how excellent and detailed the plans were, which would make his job easier. Throughout the entire process, Sandra was warm, friendly, encouraging, and patient. We happily would work with the Ruhl/Jahnes team again. **★★★★★ — Susan Herman, Nov. 2020** > Will and his team are incredibly talented, smart, and the nicest people that you could hope to work with on a long-term project. Older homes are usually full of surprises, and mine did not disappoint, but Will and team created viable solutions for issues that seemed nearly impossible to overcome. I was in awe of their collective problem-solving capability! > I also relied heavily on the firm's terrific interior design "chops". They sourced stunning selections of beautifully designed products accompanied by detailed specs, pricing, and floor plans. Will also kept a vigilant eye on the budget throughout the project, a gesture that I truly appreciated. > The end result: a superb renovation that completely exceeded my expectations, and is a joy to live in! **★★★★★ — Dean Podoll, Oct. 2020** > While searching for an architectural firm to work with on the redesign and addition to our ocean front home, my husband and I came across Ruhl Studio's site - and we are very glad that we did! Will and his team were a pleasure to work with from start to finish. Being very opinionated and vocal clients, Will and team took our ideas and our "wants" in stride and incorporated them with their architectural expertise to create our dream home. They did an incredible job providing us with the open floor plan and multiple entertaining spaces that we wanted, while making sure to capture the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from almost every room with large, oversized windows and doors. A complete joy to work with them and we look forward to another design adventure in the future!! **★★★★★ — Kenneth Settel, Sept. 2020** > Designing a contemporary Lake House in New Hampshire with Ruhl Studio Architects, was a wonderful experience of discovery and pleasure. > Will Ruhl and his team thoughtfully and creatively devised a plan transforming our lake front space into a stunning visual and experiential masterpiece. Ever sensitive to the relationship of the setting and location, transforming space into flowing function and bringing outdoor feeling within, he devised the internal details of the space to highlight the beauty of the site. > The total experience was seamlessly smooth and full of exciting transformation. Great process...... > What a pleasure to have someone with such a wonderful eye and enthusiastic manner!! > We love living in the final result. > Ken Settel and Linda Kline, owners **★★★★★ — Sea-Dar Construction, May 2017** > We have had the pleasure of working with Ruhl Walker Architects for more than 20 years. In that time, we have completed many projects together that varied in scope: everything from large suburban new construction to compact urban renovations. In every instance, Will, Brad and their team have brought the same high level of professionalism, creativity, and fun. We can’t wait to work with them again! **★★★★★ — User, May 2017** > We hired RuhlWalker as we felt an immediate click with Will Ruhl and Sandra Jahnes (and later on with Stacy Krieg when she joined the team). We needed an architect to help us to completely overhaul and renovate our historic house (from 1857) in Cambridge. While respecting the requests of the Historical Commission for the exterior of the house, we wanted RuhlWalker to help us to get the inside up to the 21st century and to create a contemporary home. It was a massive project (it took over a year) but the end result is absolutely fantastic. RuhlWalker helped us step by step, including discussing and 'defending' our project in front of the Historical commission during 2 of their monthly meetings. The project was complicated as the whole foundation of the house needed to be renewed (while being attached to another house). This was the most challenging part of the project and it took about 5 months but RuhlWalker worked very patiently with the contractor and engineers to get this to a good end. After the foundation was renewed all systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical - the whole lot) had to be renewed. All floors had to be renewed and most walls and ceilings as well. We also moved the kitchen from the back of the house to the front (and they helped us with EVERY detail !!) and RuhlWalker also designed a new powder room. They also designed the most fantastic deck. Will, Sandra and Stacy are extremely knowledgable (and very kind !), they helped us tremendously to keep an excellent overview of the project and at the same time they focussed on the very detail. They always were there for us if needed, they stayed calm (when we were panicking), they were very responsive, and they were on our side to discuss each step with the contractor As we had to manage the project from a far distance for the first 9 months we still felt very comfortable with RuhlWalker on our side as they were our eyes and ears. They have a very transparant system of invoicing and were constantly making an effort to keep the cost as low as possible. We can highly, highly recommend RuhlWalker. Give them a call !! **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2017** > Ruhl Walker Architects designed and oversaw a renovation of my mid-century home, and they were wonderful to work with! After researching and interviewing other firms, we selected Ruhl Walker to work with, impressed by their portfolio and their work on mid-century homes. They led us through a collaborative, engaging (and fun!) design phase to a smooth construction phase, working with us at each step to make sure the end result met our goals. In fact, our renovation--which had multiple parts: a small addition, conversion of a screen porch to a 3-season sun porch, new foyer and front exterior, replacement of floor to ceiling windows, and conversion of a basement into an living space--exceeded our expectations. We're so happy with the final product, and recommend Ruhl Walker without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Jessica Tsymbal, Dec. 2013** > Will, Lilly and Keith were a great team to work with as we built our home. It was our choice to build a home that is not at all big by today's standards, yet the Ruhl Walker team's design feels incredibly spacious, open, light, and airy. Each space within our home feels like it's ours, not someone else's design vision for how we should live in our home. > > Our neighbor's daughter summed it up best when she visited our home to trick-or-treat. Wide-eyed, she asked us, "Is this a REAL mansion?" **★★★★★ — debbobek, Dec. 2013** > We hired Ruhl Walker Architects after interviewing other firms and we couldn't have been happier. Will and Kathryn were with us every step of the way throughout the complete redesign of our loft space. They brought great ideas to us but were all receptive to our ideas and input - it felt like a true collaborative process throughout and we are so happy with the results. They were so great to work with and their creativity and attentiveness made what can be a stressful process really fun. I'd happily work with them again for any other projects we have. **★★★★★ — User, Nov. 2013** > Bright, modern, big enough to comfortably raise our growing family - yet, thoughtfully designed to be a manageable "forever home". That's what we asked of Will and his team, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Yes, our lot was a little unusual; but in the end, we're positioned so perfectly that it's hard to dispute that our property and our home were made for each other. Will listened to us. He listened so well in fact, that after our initial discussions in which we presented dozens of examples of homes and features that we liked, his first drawings were nearly spot-on. From the day we broke ground, the Ruhl-Walker team was always responsive, open-minded and respectful of our vision. They cared about our home, and loved it as much as we do. We couldn't have asked for more. **★★★★★ — hwcenter, Nov. 2013** > William T. Ruhl was the principal architect for the Hawaii Wildlife Center facility project in Kapaau, HI. The Hawaii Wildlife Center is a professional nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization serving the Hawaiian Islands, the endangered species capital of the world, and we needed a central facility to meet the needs of the native wildlife we care for. Will Ruhl and his team at Ruhl Walker Architects were able to take what we needed for a state-of-the-art wildlife response facility - the only one in the Pacific Islands region - and turn it into a building that is functional, efficient and beautiful. Now once an animal arrives in care, the process of treatment goes smoothly because of their dedication to understanding our mission and needs. They were able to take our vision, enhance it, translate it into a design plan, and produce something that far exceeded our expectations. The HWC facility has become a visual attraction in our community and a role model for other wildlife rehabilitation facilities nationwide. > > In addition, not only were Will Ruhl and Ruhl Walker Architects highly knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated, they were (and continue to be) a pleasure to work with and an amazing support system for us. They went above and beyond, absolutely embracing our mission to protect Hawaii's native species, and worked pro-bono on this project. They are true professionals in their field and wonderful individuals that support critical community projects like ours. ## Selected projects - [Gap Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gap-cove-pj-vj~5747802) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 34 - Description: In this age of rising sea levels and palatial homes overrunning coastal towns while dominating their fragile ecosystems, this more thoughtful house stands out. The modestly-sized house was designed in close collaboration with the local Conservation Commission, exceeds recently updated FEMA regulations, and was designed to produce as much electricity as it uses over the course of a year. Its overtly modern design is more about responding to its rugged site and to its inhabitants’ needs and dreams… - [House of Shifting Sands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-of-shifting-sands-pj-vj~5748735) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: Sited gently on the lower slope of a dramatic sixty foot high coastal bank and surrounded by miles of undeveloped Cape Cod National Seashore beaches and scrub pines is a warm, modern beach house that is more than just a place to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views and sea breezes. Our clients dreamed of a house that would work equally well as both a year-round family “camp” and also as a “thinking retreat” for collaborating with their colleagues. From the beginning of design it was critically import… - [Black Rock Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/black-rock-beach-house-pj-vj~6400768) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Our clients fell in love with a striking mid-century modern house on a stunning lot, with both ocean and pond views. They envisioned a restored refuge that incorporated the gorgeous scenery, perfect for entertaining. We kept the home’s layout intact but reworked the structure, adding an eight-foot window facing the ocean and a cantilevered glass cube to expand the main living space. Because the clients often host dance parties, we also added a bar with a built-in turntable cubby. The resulting 2… - [Westport River House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westport-river-house-pj-vj~5749193) - Location: Westport, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: Built on a gentle slope on the Westport River, less than a mile from the coast in southeastern Massachusetts is an unabashedly modern glass house designed for a well known Cambridge general contractor and his wife. Mature oaks and cedars define the property edges and frame dramatic sunset and island views. The architecture expresses the owners’ gregarious way of life, and accommodates their passions for cooking and entertaining their large group of devoted friends. The house is technically a ren… - [Rudolph House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rudolph-house-pj-vj~5748877) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: This mid-century modern house was transformed from a municipal garage into a private house in the late 1950’s by renowned modernist architect Paul Rudolph. At project start the house was in pristine condition, virtually untouched since it won a Record Houses award in 1960. We were tasked with bringing the house up to current energy efficiency standards and with reorganizing the house to accommodate the new owners’ more contemporary needs, while also respecting the noteworthy original design. Our… - [Tudor Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-modern-pj-vj~5749422) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 24 - Description: Modern renovation of Tudor house in Newton, Massachusetts - [Contemporary Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-victorian-pj-vj~5747921) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 12 - [Custom Prefab House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-prefab-house-pj-vj~5749342) - Location: Lincoln, MA - Photos: 16 - [Mystic Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mystic-lake-house-pj-vj~5759736) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: Our clients found the perfect location for their dream house on the shores of Mystic Lake, facing a heavily wooded park on the opposite shore and only a short drive from Cambridge and Boston. Alas, there was an existing house on the property, and the house was not actually for sale. However, the stars must have been aligned and their passion prevailed after it turned out that the current owner was actually contemplating a move to Washington, DC. With so few affordable undeveloped lots in suburba… - [Baptist Church Penthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/baptist-church-penthouse-pj-vj~5654997) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Cambridge House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-house-pj-vj~5759227) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: The initial challenge for this project was overcoming 12 years of ill-fated attempts by the owner and his 5 previous architects to design a house that would bridge the architectural gap between the widely varying scales and styles of the context, while also meeting the client's ever-changing programmatic requirements. Ultimately, the owner requested a house that would be as maintenance free as possible, composed of a warm and comfortable palette of sustainable materials, maximum energy efficienc… - [Boston Common House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boston-common-house-pj-vj~5749309) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 5 - [Ebay House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ebay-house-pj-vj~5758409) - Location: Southborough, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: Steve and Amy Ratner assumed they would never be able to afford the modern house of their dreams, but one day they discovered a relatively affordable lot and decided to see if they could do the impossible. Many considered the heavily wooded lot 'unbuildable' because it was squeezed behind five suburban McMansions, it was dotted with granite outcroppings, and its irregular shape made it hard to imagine a conventional house; but the lot's perceived 'unbuildability' made it affordable, and a small… - [Channel Center Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/channel-center-loft-pj-vj~5759399) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: One of the primary appeals of residential lofts is the presence of large, open living spaces; this is at the same time one of the main challenges in loft design, with the realities of the inhabitants' ever-changing and competing needs for privacy. The clients for this South Boston loft were transitioning from a traditional house in rural Massachusetts and wanted to create a series of single-function spaces within the loft without losing any of the desirability of the undifferentiated 1,900 SF ex… - [Universally Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/universally-modern-pj-vj~7558456) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: A family came to us looking to transform their mid-century modern home into a place that would bring equal joy and comfort to all family members, including their son with a genetic disability impacting his mobility. Rather than treating accessibility as an add-on feature, we worked hard to build it into design decisions along the way. Even more, we aimed to turn accessible solutions into aesthetic assets which feel cohesive with other aspects of the home. A new covered entry ramp to enlarged foy… - [Technicolor Dreamhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/technicolor-dreamhouse-pj-vj~7558513) - Location: Quincy, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: After splitting the year between a large apartment in South Boston and a house in Key West, our clients decided to downsize and move out of the city proper. They fell in love with a Gambrel-roofed fixer upper on the barrier island of Squantum, a property that provides stunning views of the Boston harbor and skyline. Their dream was to bring some Key West radiance to create a joyful summer retreat. Our team strategically reworked the exterior of the existing house, adding new openings to maximize… - [Hawaiian Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawaiian-retreat-pj-vj~7558504) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This family compound on the Big Island of Hawai\`i offers a tranquil escape for a multi-generational family. Perched on an elevated site within the Kukio Resort, the architecture provides expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, the dramatic volcanic mountains of the Big Island, and the neighboring island of Maui. Collaborating with our Hawaiian partners at Nanea Studios, we focused on elemental massing, material expression and crisply conceived details. By utilizing a natural material palette of la… - [Aspinwall Hill House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aspinwall-hill-house-pj-vj~7558471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: How do you reinvigorate an historic family home, maintaining its character while adapting it to meet a family’s modern lifestyle and creative work? Tucked behind a sweeping Victorian home is a dramatic artist’s studio set high in the trees, and new gathering spaces with walls of glass that flow seamlessly into the outdoors. These surgical renovations and additions, each individually tailored to the family's needs and existing conditions, unfold one by one from the driveway through extensive new… - [House on the Square](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-the-square-pj-vj~7558404) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: The Owners of this townhouse, situated at the storied heart of Beacon Hill, knew the property was a gem hiding behind several years of neglect and set out to renovate it inside and out. They wished to completely reorganize the space for modern living and entertaining, as well as to embrace the views afforded from the home’s upper levels. The home’s seven levels are each fitted out to meet the diverse needs of the Owners. The street level greets visitors with an oak paneled vestibule, a deep blue… - [Nid Heureux](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nid-heureux-pj-vj~7558385) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 23 - Description: This 2400 SF Cambridge home began as a candy factory, built in the early 20th century. When we started the project, it had already been converted to a live/work space, but there were no clear divisions between the uses. One of the goals of renovation was to delineate these areas, so that the workspace could be hidden after-hours. To that end, we transformed two downstairs bedrooms into offices that hide behind swinging ebonized oak panels when not in use, and moved sleeping quarters to a second… [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ruhl-jahnes-architects-pfvwus-pf~313589474) ## Ideabooks - [webuser\_168260069's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111980628/list/webuser-168260069-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ruhljahnes) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the flooring brand/collection and color in this photo?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the flooring brand/collection and color in this photo? A: Hello! The custom wood flooring is stained Clear Grade Rift Only White Oak, supplied and installed by Hunt's Flooring in Lexington, MA. **Q: Paint color of the blue accent wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* What’s the color of the blue wall A: The translucent blue panels are by 3form: Chroma, Custom Color SO-406408.2 **Q: What is the wall color?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love this color. What is it? A: Thanks! The color is Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 **Q: Where is this rug from** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I get this rug A: That rug came from Galerie TRIFF in Paris. Nathalie Daumas Galerie TRIFF – 13 boulevard Raspail – 75007 Paris – France +33 (0)1 42 60 22 60 contact@triff.com – www.triff.com **Q: Where can I buy this beautiful rug ?** *(in Photo Questions)* would love to find this rug . A: Thanks! The green wing chair is: Softline “Havana” w/ green felt mélange, designed by Busk + Hertzog, purchased from CASA Design Boston --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*