--- title: "Mottram Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mottram-architecture-pfvwus-pf~562769367 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562769367.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Mottram Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3a23ea990287f78e_5970-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "40 Lafayette Street, Yarmouth, Maine 04096, United States" latitude: 43.8009 longitude: -70.175 phone: "(207) 706-9291" website: http://mottramarch.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 65 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Mottram Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Mottram Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mottram-architecture-pfvwus-pf~562769367) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Yarmouth, ME - **Serves:** Portland, Lewiston, South Portland, Auburn, Brunswick, Westbrook, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Topsham, Yarmouth, Freeport, Gray, Poland, New Gloucester, Harpswell Center, Harpswell, Lisbon Falls, Durham, North Yarmouth, Lisbon, Mechanic Falls, Cumberland, Minot, Falmouth Foreside, Pownal, Hebron, Greene, Sabattus, booth bay harbor, Cumberland Foreside, East Poland, Peaks Island, South Freeport, West Minot - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Our mission is to design simple, but effective homes that are attractive, durable and use space efficiently. We design super insulated and zero energy homes in a soulful and creative way with healthy living in mind. Mottram Architecture is a full service architecture firm specializing in energy efficient residential home design and home design or renovation within 250 feet of any major lake, river, or water body in Maine. We are licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and New York. We design for cold climate building, but we think energy performance anywhere in the country is important and we strive to provide our clients with the best information available! We firmly believe in integrated design and look at everything from water consumption, energy consumption, building envelop, orientation, and function. Many homes are beautiful, but all homes should inspire the homeowner and require less effort to maintain. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Portland - Lewiston - South Portland - Auburn - Brunswick - Westbrook - Falmouth - Cape Elizabeth - Topsham - Yarmouth - Freeport - Gray - Poland - New Gloucester - Harpswell Center - Harpswell - Lisbon Falls - Durham - North Yarmouth - Lisbon - Mechanic Falls - Cumberland - Minot - Falmouth Foreside - Pownal - Hebron - Greene - Sabattus - booth bay harbor - Cumberland Foreside - East Poland - Peaks Island - South Freeport - West Minot ### Typical Job Cost Cost depends on each unique project and what the homeowner is looking for. Some may need an energy audit for an existing home to design of a new home and everything in between ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Mottram Architecture | | Address | 40 Lafayette Street, Yarmouth, Maine 04096, United States | | Phone | (207) 706-9291 | | Website | http://mottramarch.com | | Followers on Houzz | 65 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/mottramarchitecture - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/MottramArch - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/mottram-architecture - Blog — http://www.mottramarch.com ## Offers Free Home Designing/Renovating Guide _Call us today!_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Mottram Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mottram-architecture-pfvwus-pf~562769367) - **Website:** http://mottramarch.com - **Phone:** (207) 706-9291 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - RA, CPHC+D, NCARB, HERS Rater, - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2020), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Linda Berger, May 2019** > Once we decided to build a home rather than buy a resale we researched and interviewed a number of architects that build energy efficient homes here in Maine. We were looking for a great architect with inspired ideas and vision. They also had to understand our needs and design requirements, which didn't conform to the standard home design in the area. We found Emily Mottram, who fit the bill perfectly. She knew how to listen, she knew how to explain the process, and she was always available to explain the details. She was also an invaluable go-between helping us work with our building contractor. She is excited to sell her design plans and we highly recommend her. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you! You both have been an absolute pleasure to work with! I loved adding something modern to our portfolio and seeing how the energy aspects translated into different styles and ideas! I can't wait to build this house again and your design and style inputs made it all possible! **★★★★★ — Dave Kroondyk, May 2019** > Working with Emily has been a pleasure from the start. She and her team have always been available to have in depth discussions around different approaches on building high performance homes. They take the time to consider alternatives and educate on the best choices. We felt like we got more than architecture, more like full guidance and advice on all aspects of construction - someone we could trust to answer any question we think up. Thanks Emily! **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Dave, it has been a pleasure working with you. I love to get into the weeds with sustainability and think about every aspect of the science that goes into building! It's so far beyond the traditional approach and in the end the house is healthy, happy, and uniquely suited to you! Thanks for trusting us with your project! **★★★★★ — Lyman Smith, May 2019** > I believe that there are three things that one looks for when trying to find an architect. > 1.Someone that’s talented. > 2.Someone that has been in business for a while. > 3.Someone that is designing the kind of homes that you are interested in. > Oh, and 4. Someone who is personable. > In my opinion Emily from Mottram Architecture encompasses all of these things. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you for your kind words. It has been a blessing to work on this net-positive house with you! The opportunity to push the boundaries of sustainability, panelization, and pull together the warm, cozy, healthy Maine home has been an experience we are so proud to be a part of. You had a vision and we are humbled that you chose us to help you make that a reality. **★★★★★ — Dianna and Dan D, May 2019** > When we were looking at building a net zero home in very a cold climate, we found Emily at Mottram Architecture. After a phone call, we knew instantly that Emily was the architect that we wanted, she checked all of our boxes. She communicated so well with us even as we navigated our move to Canada. She understands all of the aspects of building energy efficient homes as well as the all of the products that go into them. It is apparent that she spends a lot of time keeping up with the latest innovations, resources, technology and building codes. Emily always responds to you quickly with solutions which is so important. She went over and beyond to help us with our contractor and building codes in Canada. Emily also has a great design sense so even with our energy efficient build, we have a really stylish modern farmhouse. We could not have picked a better architect for this project. I highly recommend Emily at Mottram Architecture, we feel so fortunate to have found her. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you for your kind words. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the two of you and we are very excited to see your home come to life! **★★★★★ — HU-643750697, May 2019** > Thank you Emily for listening to our needs and transforming our current space into something functional for our lifestyle. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent, patience and creativity. We are eternally grateful for turning our vision into our dream home! **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you! Renovations can be a challenging puzzle. It's wonderful to work with a client that has such great design style and a real understanding of how they want to experience and feel in their space. Its a pleasure to see your dream become a reality and be even better than we could have imagined. **★★★★★ — karenburrell, March 2016** > I met with Emily, of Mottram Architecture, through the recommendation of a high quality builder, as well as a business referral and I was immediately impressed with her sincere desire to get involved and jump right in to my project. We had a rough drawing and an exact house plan drawn out on 1” x 1” grid paper of our vision for our ‘Barn’ home. Emily took our dream and turned into a reality. She offered energy efficient suggestions and ways to help streamline our tight budget, and we had our first set of plans within a week. I can’t speak highly enough of her professionalism and feel that my husband & I have made a life-long friend. She has visited the build often and invested herself in us to the degree that we consider her our ‘go-to’ person with any type of question. She has gone above & beyond simply drawing up a set of plans and easily was worth 3 times what she charges. This is our third building project (1st with Emily) and she has made it effortless. From expanding our living room 4 feet into the garage; to curving the stairs; to adding a 24’ x 14’ covered porch; to adding a 10’ x 6’ horizontal window – she has been willing to work with us to make it happen and we have been delighted. I would willingly recommend Mottram Architecture and gladly use her for our next building project. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you Karen for your kind words. You were a pleasure to work with and I hope we will do many more projects together! **★★★★★ — barbmcmullen, May 2014** > My husband and I had owned our house for over 30 years when we decided it was time to do a renovation. I thought we were just going to redo the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. All I really wanted was a dishwasher. Then my husband decided we should just gut the whole downstairs and bump out onto the front porch and put in a new stairway to the upstairs. So we contacted Mottram Architecture to help with our project. Emily helped us design our open concept living area. It was so much better than I had ever dreamed. She showed us plans and 3D models to help us understand how the project would look when completed. Emily helped us narrow down our product selections to get us exactly what we wanted and within our budget. We couldn't be happier with her and all her knowledge on green energy. > We have now been able to hold Thanksgiving and Christmas parties at our house which in the past we were never able to do thanks to Mottram Architecture's creative space design and attention to detail. She walked us through the whole process and explained all the details in selecting insulation, flooring materials, appliances and wall colors. > Emily was a pleasure to work with and always took the time to explain or change anything we wanted. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > It is a pleasure knowing that you are able to fully enjoy your space. Thank you for allowing me to help you create a home you love. **★★★★★ — hicbukah, May 2014** > Mottram Architecture helped us build the house of our dreams. We were building on the family farm and had no plans to ever move so we wanted to build a house that we loved and enjoyed everyday. We sat down with Emily, of Mottram Architecture, and told her the style of house we were thinking about and the feel we wanted from the house. With that information, she designed our house to flow between rooms and to be as energy efficient as possible. There is only one Architecture company I would recommend and that is Mottram Architecture! **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > I still remember the careful planning of every window in your home to take advantage of the amazing views across the family farm. It was a pleasure working with you and your wife. I wish you many years of happiness in your home. **★★★★★ — Eric Gould, May 2014** > Mottram Architecture is the reason our remodel is so functional still till this day. She took the time to listen to our ideas, asked numerous questions, and really got a feel for what we wanted out of the project. Then took our old farm house and walked us through several different design possibilities which incorporated new ideas and thoughts. Much of this helped us understand what we wanted out of each area and how much space we truly wanted in each room. Mottram Architecture helped throughout the project answering questions that the contractors had. We are thoroughly happy with the finished product. The functional use of space and getting what you want out of a project even when you might not know exactly what you want is the reason we would use Mottram Architecture again and recommend using them for a remodel or new build. **Comment from Mottram Architecture:** > Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure working with you and your wife. I look forward to working with you again in the future! ## Selected projects - [Birch Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/birch-farmhouse-pj-vj~1739667) - Location: Cumberland, ME - Photos: 71 - Description: Birch Farmhouse is a contemporary white farmhouse designed as a zero energy ready home in the cold climate zones of Maine. This house is 90% better than a code built home and costs roughly $11/mo to live in. It's a 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home with soaring vaulted ceilings on the second floor, open concept first floor living, and an attached mudroom & garage. - [Tula Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tula-modern-pj-vj~5583613) - Location: Freeport, ME - Photos: 64 - Description: Tula Modern is a twist on a contemporary home for a client with mid-century modern aesthetic. This home, at just over 2,000 sf is a semi-customizable plan set with room for expansion and contraction. As built it has a first floor master suite and 2 second floor bedrooms. Expansion to build out over the garage or up to a 3rd level is more than possible. Designed as a high performance home, it boasts a slab on grade construction, polished concrete floors, and heat pump heating systems. For healthy… - [Timber Frame Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/timber-frame-renovation-pj-vj~1645131) - Location: Cumberland, ME - Photos: 26 - [Energy Efficient Lake House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/energy-efficient-lake-house-remodel-pj-vj~2706832) - Location: Auburn, ME - Photos: 21 - [Kitchen & Sunroom Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-sunroom-addition-pj-vj~5722133) - Location: Falmouth, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: This kitchen and sunroom addition added much needed space and circulation to a small cape style home located close to the ocean in Maine. The beautiful white kitchen brightened a north facing kitchen space and opened up onto a wonderful 3 season porch. The screen panel doors can be converted to screens or glass depending on the year and extending the use of the porch space. Circulation and flow is now around the dining room and open space allowing for a functional cooking kitchen and entertainin… - [Private Residence - Gut Rehab - Pennsylvania](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-gut-rehab-pennsylvania-pj-vj~377860) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: This pre-civil war home was converted into first floor living with an open concept living/dining/kitchen. That bathroom, bedroom, and laundry rooms were updated and a full size stair replaced the old winding kitchen stair. The old kitchen was bumped out onto the porch to create a spacious bedroom, while the new kitchen was constructed where the old den was located. The now open concept living boasts granite counters, cherry cabinets, new wood flooring, and a super insulated wall system that was… - [Red Barn Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/red-barn-home-pj-vj~2780420) - Location: Cumberland, ME - Photos: 37 - [Cape Style Home Addition - Maine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-style-home-addition-maine-pj-vj~456676) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Energy efficient first floor living to add a master suite to an existing cape style home. This home, located near the coast, has a cool toned beach cottage theme, rustic pine floors, and boasts a walk through master bath/laundry/master suite. A white toned board wall and vaulted ceiling make this space comfortable and cozy - [Kitchen Renovation on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-renovation-on-the-lake-pj-vj~2535426) - Location: Casco, ME - Photos: 7 - [Private Residence Minot Maine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-minot-maine-pj-vj~456667) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Kitchen and Bath Renovation, Portland ME](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-bath-renovation-portland-me-pj-vj~1241067) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mottram-architecture-pfvwus-pf~562769367) ## Ideabooks - [Ski Chalet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129708556/list/ski-chalet) — 18 ideas - [For Emily & Frank](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46936587/list/for-emily-frank) — 54 ideas - [46 Intervale](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118713388/list/46-intervale) — 9 ideas - [Melissa's House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66766967/list/melissa-s-house) — 57 ideas - [Cable Railing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48625541/list/cable-railing) — 5 ideas - [Cozy Country Farmhouse Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44215301/list/cozy-country-farmhouse-retreat) — 12 ideas - [Bunkhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43929088/list/bunkhouse) — 22 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/emottram) ## Community Q&A **Q: Help for front door colour** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi everyone! Our summer cottage is seen here. I'm not happy with the front door or the colour. We plan on investing in a new door with larger windows to allow more light into the entry way. Any suggestions for colour? The siding is James Hardie Iron Gray. I've seen red used a lot but not crazy about it. I do love a yellow door but I think the yellow I chose is too drab. Thanks in advance! A: You're Welcome! I love a bold door! It adds so much curb appeal and when you land on a color you love it will make you smile every time you enter your home! **Q: vent free fireplace** *(in Design Dilemma)* I was thinking of installing a vent free fireplace in den area. Really just for looks/ambience - not for heating purposes. Would appreciate any comments. A: Vent free fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which is tasteless, colorless, and odorless - and very dangerous. I'd advise you to re-think vent free and go with an electric fireplace that looks very nice, or install a vented unit. Whenever I do an energy inspection and find a vent free unit, I always advise the homeowners to remove it or install a vented unit. **Q: painted woodwork verses stained woodwoork?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have hard wood beech floors all through house. The great room (kitchen,dining, and livingroom) has a wood stained cathedral ceiling. This is all in a cedar rustic house. Looks resort of like mountains. A: I would paint window and door trim long before I painted floors due to wear and tear. Painting the ceiling white can increase the brightness of the room and make it feel larger. If you are just concerned about all of the "brown" with all the wood, consider adding cool colors to the walls like a neutral grey instead of tan or white. That will help modernize the space if you are trying to make updates. Painting the wood on the ceiling will give it more of a beach feel, so depending on where you are located, might not feel appropriate. **Q: Help with exterior paint color, gray or white and which one?** *(in Design Dilemma)* The original paint color is Duaphin Gray, but the paint company went out of business years ago and I can't match this color exactly again. I'm needing help with either a light gray exterior ( I love the Hamptons style) OR perhaps a white exterior (farmhouse look). I need some tried and true suggestions for exterior paint colors, can you help? A: I agree with @laurakdesigns. Grey and white look great together and it will be easier to cover your currently grey home with a newer & fresher coat of grey paint. If you are repainting, I would eliminate the shutters on the dormers above. To add a pop of color, paint the doors red or blue. **Q: Contrast between wood floors and cabinetry stain** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have medium brown stained cabinetry going into our new house, and American Cherry floors in the kitchen, currently awaiting finishing. Is it more aesthetically pleasing to have a floor that is lighter or darker than your cabinetry? I am trying to take into account how the cherry wood will darken/patina over time before deciding which stain, if any, to use. Here's the state of affairs so far.... A: I think, because your countertop has nice dark graining, that you should go darker on the floor as long as you have enough light in the kitchen to make the space not feel too dark. **Q: Fiberglass or cellulose for wall insulation?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We're in the middle of building, we had cellulose in our contract, but the builder is asking if we would consider changing to fiberglass insulation for the walls. Does anyone know if there is a difference between the 2? Is one more energy efficient than the other? A: For better clarification: fiberglass insulation traps air particles in between the fibers. Those air particles are what resist heat flow. When there is any air movement through the fiberglass it takes the heat with it and becomes a filter. It's cheaper, and rarely installed correctly. When it is compressed in a cavity it compresses the air cavities making it less effective. And as your house dries and settles, there is bound to be some air movement in the wall cavities which fiberglass, unlike cellulose, has no power to stop. I hope that clarifies a little better why you should go with cellulose over fiberglass. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*