--- title: "J. Schwartz Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/j-schwartz-design-pfvwus-pf~436771586 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436771586.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "J. Schwartz Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/db636ff8036294e5_0566-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "135 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States" latitude: 42.3427 longitude: -71.0922 phone: "(617) 584-1295" website: http://www.jsdesign.us/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 232 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # J. Schwartz Design Original Houzz profile: [J. Schwartz Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/j-schwartz-design-pfvwus-pf~436771586) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Boston, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, West Roxbury, Weymouth, Arlington, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, Wellesley, Saugus, Milton, Belmont, Dedham, Stoneham, Winchester, Winthrop, Westwood, Swampscott, Bedford, Charlestown, Hull, Dover, Auburndale, Brighton, Kennebunk ME, Needham Heights, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Portsmouth NH, Waban, West Newton, York ME - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Residential Architects and Interior Designers Additions, Renovations, New Construction. City, Seaside, Urban, Rural. Custom homes for every phase of your life. J. Schwartz Design (JSD) is a Boston, Massachusetts based, award-winning, full-service architecture and interior design firm focused on the integration of architecture, interiors, and planning of residential spaces. Our seamless design approach translates creativity and utility into comfortable, beautiful and functional spaces. Whether contemporary, traditional or transitional, every project is a celebration of our clients’ heartfelt aspirations for their homes. From additions and renovations to new construction and custom homes, our clients seek a sense of home and place that has little to do with square footage and everything to do with architectural and interior details – details that speak to how they, their families and friends live in and enjoy a home. There’s a quality – a richness – that happens when architecture and interior design fuse with the fundamentals of creativity, utility and function of living spaces. At JSD, our passion is to tap into the core of these elements and ensure that every client is happy in their home every day. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - Historic Building Conservation - Structural Engineering - Whole Home Remodel ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Newton - Somerville - Waltham - Brookline - Medford - West Roxbury - Weymouth - Arlington - Jamaica Plain - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - Wellesley - Saugus - Milton - Belmont - Dedham - Stoneham - Winchester - Winthrop - Westwood - Swampscott - Bedford - Charlestown - Hull - Dover - Auburndale - Brighton - Kennebunk ME - Needham Heights - Newton Highlands - Newton Upper Falls - Portsmouth NH - Waban - West Newton - York ME ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - $2,500,000 Determined by Project ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | J. Schwartz Design | | Address | 135 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States | | Phone | (617) 584-1295 | | Website | http://www.jsdesign.us/ | | License Number | Multiple Individuals | | Followers on Houzz | 232 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/jschwartzdesign - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschwartzdesign - Blog — http://www.jschwartzdesign.net/design-eye/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [J. Schwartz Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/j-schwartz-design-pfvwus-pf~436771586) - **Website:** http://www.jsdesign.us/ - **Phone:** (617) 584-1295 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - JSD Professionals: RA,,NCARB, AIA, IFDA, - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 22 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Fran MacMaster, Oct. 2016** > Top Notch. Jeff designed a full house renovation on our sizable summer home in Maine. He has a meticulous eye for detail. Jeff spent weeks consulting with us prior to his first draft so as to get a full picture of what we were looking for. If he ever noticed a hint of hesitation on any of our responses, he would talk it through so that he had a firm idea of what we were seeking .. many times, WE did not know what we were looking for and Jeff's patience and expertise would draw the best architectural scenario. Jeff was hands on and on- site throughout the construction. Jeff and his staff were accessible and eagerly responsive throughout the project. Very easy to work with . **Comment from J. Schwartz Design:** > Fran and Don were terrific clients. As Fran says, communication was key. We valued their honesty throughout. It's especially gratifying that, after three years, they are enjoying their home now more than ever. They and their family's obvious zest for life are what make this home so special! **★★★★★ — Marc Mansell, Nov. 2015** > A few years ago, Jacinda and I engaged J. Schwartz Design to help us design additions for our 1930s cape in Shrewsbury. Our primary focus for “hiring the right architect” was chemistry. We wanted to find an architect that shared the same passion and enthusiasm for our home as we did. We wanted an architect that would collaborate to help us achieve our vision, not one that would impose solely their ideas on our home. We wanted an architect that would respect the setting and the traditional style of our existing home, while helping us to create our new spaces. We found the right architecture firm when we found J. Schwartz Design. > > From the very first conversations over the phone to the first meetings at our home, we could tell that we were on the right track. Jeff Schwartz and Dimiter Kostov connected not only with our project, but also with our family. They wanted to know us – to know how we lived, what was important to us in terms of living spaces, what we enjoyed about our home and what we wanted to improve. The collaboration during the design phase was at first overwhelming, but nonetheless invigorating. We had a number of boundary conditions to design within, whether the constraints of building on waterfront property or our desired budget. Their backgrounds include interior design, and we talked as much about how the spaces might feel and look as we did the layout of the plan views. They also learned that we loved outdoor living, and they helped us to tie our design into the landscape of the site. > > Jeff and Dimiter said that they felt obligated to push the boundaries of our own design sense -- and they did -- but never with ego, and always to a better final solution for us. They were always patient and accessible, and were always accepting if we said, “We don’t care for that idea.” We learned a lot about design through the process, and we learned a lot about ourselves that made for a wonderful design. > > In the end, I can honestly say that few days pass where I don’t see and reflect on the painstaking details in the design that make our home special. It’s a home of which Jacinda and I are proud, and we are grateful that Jeff and Dimiter share that pride. They are high quality, genuine and authentic people, and we value them not only as professionals, but more importantly as enduring friends. We wholeheartedly recommend J. Schwartz Design. **Comment from J. Schwartz Design:** > The Mansell's were a joy to work with! Their heartfelt endorsement means everything to the J. Schwartz Design team. Jeff Schwartz **★★★★★ — bjones15, Aug. 2015** > We have had the pleasure of working with J. Schwartz Design on three projects. Their plans were detailed and specifications concise and easy to follow. Their team members worked closely with our staff and were always available to answer any questions. > > We can highly recommend J. Schwartz Design for any sized project and look forward to working with them in the future. **★★★★★ — Rich Collins, Jan. 2015** > Hired Jeff to plan a simple and affordable interior design review for a new (to us) home in Greenland NH. Jeff and his team made construction suggestions (wall removal) and set us up with design templates and blueprints allowing us to purchase items on our own time and with our own budget. **★★★★★ — etja, Aug. 2014** > As a practicing architect for decades and leader of a firm Edward T Johnson & Associates, engaged in projects large and small, I have had the experience of building professional teams to custom tailor services in all aspects of the built environment. > > One always seeks first and foremost professional competency. That's a given. But there is something beyond this, an intangible, which is best described by terms like: Passion, Uber Creativity, Sound Business Judgment, A Get-It-Done Work Ethic, and Synergy where the whole becomes an exceptional delight. > > Jeff and his J. Schwartz Design Team have demonstrated these qualities time and again to the benefit of our mutual clients. I am honored to count myself among their colleagues. > > Edward T. Johnson II, AIA, NCARB **★★★★ — sissybuck, Aug. 2014** > Jeff Schwartz and his colleagues have a keen understanding and great appreciation for the vernacular of historic homes in the setting of the small coastal Maine community where we spend our summers. Aware of this, my husband and I approached Jeff to talk about our home which was in need of some TLC and updating for our expanding family. Jeff was enthusiastic, listened attentively to our needs and style preferences, and during our meeting came up with a plan that we had never considered but which was genius, marrying old with new. Without altering our 1890 house, he designed a beautiful new addition that sits on the same footprint of an old dysfunctional addition. This new space includes a new kitchen and family room with a master bedroom and bath on the second floor, connecting to an office space over the garage via a glass bridge. Jeff and his team were easy to work with, met deadines, and we really appreciated the open lines of communication with them. His design team also worked well with our local builders and Revision Energy, who installed our photovoltaic array on our roof. **★★★★★ — Eileen Glovsky, July 2014** > I've worked with J.Schwartz design twice and was extremely pleased both times. The first was a remodel of a large family room and master bedroom. Jeff was able to come up with a spectacular design for both, making both (very large) rooms elegant and cozy. When we downsized to a condo, I asked Jeff to plan which pieces we could bring with us. His layout was perfect and utilized more pieces than I would've thought. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jeff and his team to anyone. **★★★★★ — cheryauw, July 2014** > After interviewing several architects, we knew right away that J. Schwartz Design was the company for us. We hired J. Schwartz Design for a whole house renovation. Jeff and Dimiter are a pleasure to work with and their vast knowledge and expertise are commendable. They listen and truly care about their clients wishes. This project was a special one for us. After 25 years of living in this home, raising our children, the many family gatherings and multiple summer barbecues, we just couldn't see giving it up. But it needed a major renovation and we are so happy with the results. Throughout the process, Jeff kept reminding us that we will have the house of our dreams and he was right. We are so happy and very thankful to the J. Schwartz Design team. **★★★★ — Two Storey Building, July 2014** > I was hired as the builder for a complex construction project that involved a multi purpose addition on an existing lakefront home with significant design and construction challenges. Dimiter Kostov of J Schwartz Design was the architect. I was very favorably impressed with the detail in the drawings, the care demonstrated for the many intricacies of the project and the hands on involvement with both the homeowner and builder in making sure the project was built according to the homeowner's desires and conceptual framework. J Swartz Design is obviously a top quality architectural firm that strives for the best results for its customers and helps all the partners involved work towards that goal. I look forward to working with them again in the future. **★★★★ — Edward Dougherty, June 2014** > My brother-in-law was an architect who advised us on our first renovation that the last thing we should do was to hire an architect! I had a pretty good idea of what we wanted and we hired a builder who could translate my ideas into working drawings. > But on the second renovation, I could not conceive of how we were going to integrate the existing structure with what we wanted in new construction. It was then that we hired J. Schwartz Design. They were able to integrate the old with the new and came up with a design that has been deeply satisfying. They suggested things we would never that thought of on our own, such as a cathedral ceiling in the family room and moving the stairs to the basement to create a much needed basement. All this came in within our budget and on time. They did a great job and we would certainly recommend them to friends. **★★★★★ — alconnolly, June 2014** > J Schwartz design did two projects for me.One in my home about ten years ago.It was a complete renovation of my master bedroom.It took my bedroom from the 50's to an elegant contemporary room.Two years ago we sold our home and moved into a condo.J Schwartz design laid out and chose furniture ,wall colors,lighting fixtures,to help totally renovate a 60 year old condo into a lovely space,which we get many compliments on.Jeff is particularly easy to deal with,he listens to the customer and then comes up with a plan to meet that customer's needs.I have highly recommended him for many projects. **★★★★★ — katemhewlett, June 2014** > We hired Jeff Schwartz Design to help my folks downsize from the house we all grew up in to a condominium. The building my folks were moving into had very specific time frame requirements which the team at Jeff Schwartz Design was familiar with and able to deliver a product on time. No small feat as were were totally gutting two units and putting them together into one. The work involved removing one kitchen, creating a larger opening in the new kitchen through a cinder block wall, installing a laundry room, creating new interior walls, building a walk in shower with tile, building multiple built ins and installing hardwood flooring. The entire project - start to move in - had to be completed within 90 days. > > The team delivered a beautiful space that my folks have been very pleased to enjoy with their family and friends. Jeff and his team designed a space that works incredibly well for my folks. Jeff met with all of us, listened to how we wanted to utilize the space, noted the important pieces of furniture my folks wanted incorporated into their new space and created a great design. ## Selected projects - [Biddeford Pool Seaside Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/biddeford-pool-seaside-bungalow-pj-vj~535547) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This bungalow is the dream home of Jeff Schwartz, founder of J. Schwartz Design. Jeff renovated the 1940s home, keeping in mind the time period in which it was built. The house – along with all of the cabinetry, built-ins and niches – truly feels like it belongs in its environment. One of Jeff’s favorite features is the dry stack fireplace and reclaimed barn board above, which nicely fills in the double-story living room. - [New Patio and Cape Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-patio-and-cape-renovation-pj-vj~1753792) - Location: Shrewsbury, MA - Photos: 5 - [Maine Oceanfront Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maine-oceanfront-renovation-pj-vj~535484) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: The most exciting part of this Maine ship chandlery renovation was the two new structures we designed and connected to the main house with bridges. The bridge on the first floor doubles as a kitchen for the old and new buildings. The first new building is a family room with a master bedroom suite above, and solar panels on the roof. The second bridge connects the master suite to the study above the newly built but very “old Maine” garage. The garage is sheathed in reclaimed Maine barn board. - [Historic Home Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-makeover-pj-vj~2233300) - Location: Wakefield, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: A professional couple with two young kids fell in love with the character and beauty of this 1865 historic house when they relocated from Colorado nine years ago. They came to us to seeking a renovation to accommodate their growing family's contemporary​ lifestyle, while maintaining the architectural and design integrity of the original house. ​ JSD transformed and expanded, with new dormers, unused attic space into a beautiful new master suite with spacious walk-in closet and sumptuous bath. We… - [Ocean Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-cottage-pj-vj~588376) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Contemporary Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-home-pj-vj~827458) - Location: Londonderry, NH - Photos: 16 - [Island Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-cottage-pj-vj~535558) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 4 - [City Houses](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-houses-pj-vj~535586) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 3 - [By the Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/by-the-bay-pj-vj~555985) - Location: Duxbury, MA - Photos: 6 - [Ocean Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-views-pj-vj~556043) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Kitchens & Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-and-bathrooms-pj-vj~535578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exteriors-pj-vj~549171) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Contemporary Waterfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-waterfront-home-pj-vj~1961263) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Island Legacy Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-legacy-home-pj-vj~535818) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/j-schwartz-design-pfvwus-pf~436771586) ## Ideabooks - [Ranch House Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68531260/list/ranch-house-renovations) — 14 ideas - [jeffschwartz's ideas - Exterior Paint Colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32984349/list/jeffschwartz-s-ideas-exterior-paint-colors) — 7 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jeffschwartz) ## Community Q&A **Q: Chandelier** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me who makes this chandelier, please? A: Hi Loretta--Thanks for your inquiry the chandelier is Thomas O'Brien. **Q: What is the siding? Color and manufacturer** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We used natural cedar shingles that were pre-treated with a weathering stain (bleached). The contractor sourced the product locally (Southern Maine), but similar products are available from Waska ( http://waska.com/ ), Maibec ( http://www.maibec.com/en/products/individual-shingles-eastern-white-cedar-shingles ), Michigan Prestain ( http://cedarshinglesdirect.com/ ) and through your local lumber yard. The shingles changed to a silver grey tone over the course of a little more than a year and now give the house a sense of belonging to its seaside community. **Q: light fixture - where can i find it?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the light fixture over the table -can you tell me where can I find it? A: Hey Crowela, Isn't it a great chandelier? We purchased this from CB2. It's called the Firefly Pendant Light. Thanks for your question! \- JSD **Q: Hi Jeff! Can you tell me the color of your cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question. Are you doing a kitchen with similar style cabinets? What part of the country do you live in - the light varies from New England to the southwest, eg and this color will change from blue to green and back again. We're happy to do a color consult tailored to you and your project. JS **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the decking? A: Hi - Thanks for your question. It's Trex. Make sure it's installed by a professional. Take proper care re: height above ground, stone and fabric ground cover below and adequate distancing between the planks. You'll be very pleased with the results. JS **Q: Where did you get the chandelier?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: How long and how wide is the table? It's actually called Visual Comfort Lighting, my apologies. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*