--- title: "Frank Shirley Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/frank-shirley-architects-pfvwus-pf~595686186 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~595686186.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Frank Shirley Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ce93eba90b1d4a6a_3026-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "40 Pearl St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States" latitude: 42.3647 longitude: -71.1042 phone: "(617) 547-3355" website: http://frankshirleyarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 571 last_updated: 2026-08-21 --- # Frank Shirley Architects Original Houzz profile: [Frank Shirley Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/frank-shirley-architects-pfvwus-pf~595686186) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Cambridge, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Revere, Medford, West Roxbury, Weymouth, Arlington, Woburn, Chelsea, Braintree, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, South Boston, Melrose, Wellesley, Milton, Belmont, Wakefield, Burlington, Dorchester, Reading, Dedham, Stoneham, Winchester, Winthrop, Bedford, Charlestown, East Boston, Dover, Nahant, Allston, Brighton, Chestnut Hill, Hyde Park, Needham Heights, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Wellesley Hills, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2023), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Frank Shirley Architects offers clients decades of experience in high-end residential architecture. The firm balances an appreciation of traditional proportions, crafts, and materials with a command of the latest and most cost effective sustainability technology. Our approach yields elegant designs, sound structures, and satisfied clients. New Homes from 1.5 Million to 6 Million. Home Renovations from $250,000 to 3 Million. Historical Restorations from $250,000 to 3 Million. Kitchens from $75,000 to $350,000. These are estimates only based on experience and your actual costs may vary depending on the scope of your project. Frank Shirley Architects provides complete architectural services, from master planning and conceptual design to completion, including interior and cabinetry design. Contact us for a consultation about your project. ### 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 - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Home Gym Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Quincy - Newton - Somerville - Malden - Waltham - Brookline - Revere - Medford - West Roxbury - Weymouth - Arlington - Woburn - Chelsea - Braintree - Jamaica Plain - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - South Boston - Melrose - Wellesley - Milton - Belmont - Wakefield - Burlington - Dorchester - Reading - Dedham - Stoneham - Winchester - Winthrop - Bedford - Charlestown - East Boston - Dover - Nahant - Allston - Brighton - Chestnut Hill - Hyde Park - Needham Heights - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Upper Falls - Newtonville - Wellesley Hills - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 6 million New Homes from 1.5 Million to 6 Million. Home Renovations from $250,000 to 3 Million. Historical Restorations from $250,000 to 3 Million. Kitchens from $75,000 to $350,000. These are estimates only based on experience and your actual costs may vary depending on the scope of your project. Contact us for a consultation about your project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Frank Shirley Architects | | Address | 40 Pearl St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States | | Phone | (617) 547-3355 | | Website | http://frankshirleyarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 571 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frank-Shirley-Architects/154677601234236 - Blog — http://frankshirleyarchitects.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Frank Shirley Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/frank-shirley-architects-pfvwus-pf~595686186) - **Website:** http://frankshirleyarchitects.com - **Phone:** (617) 547-3355 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Boston Home Award; 2008, 2011, BSA Research Grant; 2009, Dream Home Award; 2010, 2012, ICAA Bulfinch Award; 2012, 2014, 2017, Cambridge Preservation Award; 2013, 2014, Faith & Form Award; 2014, Marvin Dream Window; 2016, BSA Accessible Design Award; 2017, Fine Homebuilding Award; 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2023), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Drew Faust, March 2020** > Frank Shirley Architects worked with us renovating two houses-- one a little summer house on the Cape, the other our regular residence. Frank was imaginative, dedicated, a pleasure to work with in every way. Both houses were transformed into places that lift our spirits and improve our lives every day. > > One project was completed in 2010, the other in 2018. Both were essentially gut rehabs. **★★★★★ — mlmcham, July 2016** > As I sit watching landscaping finally underway at our 1885 historic Victorian home in Jamaica Plain, I am reminded to contribute a review of Frank Shirley Architects on Houzz. Thanks to the skill of Frank and his associates, our extensive renovation, including an addition, finished basement, and total gut of a a good part of the house, blends seamlessly with those parts of the home that were minimally touched. Frank studied our unique original woodwork and carried the best features throughout the renovated areas. The new areas feel like unique "historic modern" design that compliments the old house but does not attempt to completely replicate it. We couldn't be more pleased with the quality and design of final product. I would highly recommend FSA to the historic/antique homeowner who loves their home but wants to update it for the twenty-first century and beyond. **★★★★★ — Landmark Services, Inc, March 2016** > If you love old houses and traditional design (with an ability to integrate your modern lifestyle) you've met your match with Frank and his team at FSA. Frank has that rare combination of technical depth, impeccable taste, and a collaborative style that makes working with he and his team a genuine pleasure. Cannot recommend them highly enough. **★★★★★ — Ange Cavallo, March 2015** > Frank is a great architect and a pleasure to work with. We renovated an 1860 Italianette Victorian and he took the time to design a space that was both functional and beautiful. I can't recommend him any more highly. **★★★★★ — skisugarbush, Feb. 2015** > We couldn't be more thrilled with our experience with Frank Shirley Architects. Our remodel/addition was challenging to say the least, with multiple elevation issues and peculiar issues to be resolved on our 100 year old home. From conception to completion of our project, everything moved along in a very precise manner and the results are stunning! It was a very enjoyable relationship! **★★★★★ — sschiffman59, Feb. 2015** > I have an apartment in an historic 1850's brownstone in Back Bay, and I wanted to replace the spiral staircase that ran between the two floors of my unit with a regular set of stairs. Frank Shirley successfully designed the job in a way that met all code requirements, while operating in very constrained space. Moreover, he worked with me and my wife to come up with a plan that retained the historic integrity of the apartment, and adhered closely to our express intent to make the finished product look like it had been there since the building was first built. Frank was absolutely outstanding in listening to our demands and balancing those against what was required to get the job completed. **★★★★★ — bobobobo, Nov. 2012** > We hired Frank Shirley Architects to design and rework a couple of additions to our home while creatively integrating these into a cohesive whole. Frank excelled at achieving a finished product that looked original and authentic -- as if he had either designed it originally or the house had never required modifications and additions. The exterior and interior both feel original in scope, charm and detail. Having lived in the home for fourteen years, this was a huge relief to come home to all that was new and feel that it was indeed our beloved home. We have received numerous compliments on our home's beauty and even an unsolicited offer to purchase! Kudos to Frank Shirley Architects and Landmark Services. We would hire this team again in an instant. **★★★★★ — belcovski1, Nov. 2012** > Frank Shirley architects helped us with a total renovation and addition to our 1754 farmhouse. Everyone as FSA was very professional down to every last detail. Frank is an expert in the resoration of old homes and really knows his stuff. He helped us to realize all of our goals for our lovely home while maintaining the historical charm. ## Selected projects - [South Shore Gambrel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-shore-gambrel-pj-vj~138867) - Location: Marshfield, MA - Photos: 3 - [Newburyport Riverside Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newburyport-riverside-home-pj-vj~3579) - Location: Newburyport, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: To meet the needs of a growing family, FSA replaced a low-pitched gable roof with a third floor gambrel addition. This dramatically increased the attic headroom and provided space for master suite with a bedroom sitting room, master bath, laundry, walk-in closet, and a viewing deck off the sleeping area overlooking spectacular waterfront views. - [Massachusetts Shingle Style Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/massachusetts-shingle-style-carriage-house-pj-vj~14795) - Location: Swampscott, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This delightful Shingle style carriage house was dilapidated. Horses took their toll early on, and more recent, misconstrued accommodations for an RV nearly sealed the building’s fate. Fortunately, the new homeowners saw a fun, quirky old building worthy of salvation. We were instructed to preserve the bones of the old building, while adapting it to their needs. Vehicle storage was paramount for the family with teenage drivers, so storage for four cars led the design. To avoid an overbearing fac… - [Georgian Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/georgian-revival-pj-vj~592803) - Location: Westwood, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: 1930s Georgian Revival estate. The manse needed some repair and a lot of polish, but the only major renovation was the kitchen/great room wing of the house. The final product is shining vision of the original estate with a family space that looks as if it were always there. - [Hearthstone Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hearthstone-farm-pj-vj~48040) - Location: Needham, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: This 1754 Georgian farmhouse is a humble jewel. Prior to our client’s purchase it had seen little change for nearly a century. This aided in retaining many of the historical features of the farmhouse – the house oozes old world charm. But it also kept the house from modern living. The kitchen and baths were older than forty years, and the rear ell retained its 19th c shotgun layout. We reshaped the house to accommodate a large family wanting 21st c living. But we did so while preserving the char… - [Newburyport Federal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newburyport-federal-pj-vj~2502) - Location: Newburyport, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: The original house—a center-entry Federal with two rooms on each of three floors—suffered a number of poorly conceived additions over its life. It came to us as a four-unit condominium, which we were asked to convert back to a single-family. We redesigned the floor plans, which feature a new stair hall and a custom conservatory overlooking the rear yard and garden. The exterior elevations were altered via new roof lines and windows to achieve a cohesive appearance. The interior features new cust… - [Massachusetts Oceanfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/massachusetts-oceanfront-home-pj-vj~2517) - Location: Marblehead, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: The owners of this ocean-side English manor home treasured both the earthen materials that sheathed the exterior and the amber glow of old wooden paneling that enveloped the interior. Much of the success of our design depended on recreating the warm, lived-in feel of the paneled rooms and finding materials that would harmonize with the old house. The addition is roofed in a rare slate from Delaware, and the walls are supported by beams of white oak res-cued from razed barns in western Massachuse… - [Back Bay Stair](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-bay-stair-pj-vj~451285) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 3 - Description: Condo renovation in Boston's Back Bay that included replacing a spiral staircase with a more appropriate formal stair. - [Martha's Vineyard Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martha-s-vineyard-addition-pj-vj~2503) - Location: Vineyard Haven, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: Situated at the end of a peninsula overlooking a tidal pond and harbor, this home turned its back on the water. The house lacked a master suite and a room where family and guests could enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the setting. Working within the restrictions imposed on waterfront properties, we designed a room worthy of the site. The new great room soars with a cathedral ceiling and two-story glass wall. Douglas fir, sustainably harvested, envelops occupants in an amber glow. Panoramic vi… - [Home on New England Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-new-england-green-pj-vj~4373) - Location: Newbury, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: This house dates from the mid 19th century and overlooks the public green. We were asked to design a large addition that responded to the house’s character. We chose to set the addition back from the house to give emphasis to the original structure. Original roof lines, window heights and trim details are used again in the addition to present a unified face to the public park. The carriage house is set back again, and is reduced in both scale and detail. - [Vibrant Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vibrant-victorian-pj-vj~6075342) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: This home was a surprisingly pedestrian Victorian. When the present owners moved in they saw a need to instill charisma in their home – something most Victorians have in spades. Inside, the formal rooms lacked identity – all were plastered walls and painted trim. The kitchen and baths were a homage to 1970s tastes. Outside, the house was awkwardly tall, the facades unrelentingly flat. Someone pasted on a colonial revival entry, perhaps to give the house a hint of the third dimension, perhaps to… - [Tudor Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-revival-pj-vj~6072430) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This home came to us worn down, outdated and deprived of architectural interest. We saved only that which zoning required, and started anew. The house sits in a lovely neighborhood of early 20th century Revivalist homes, and our client had fond memories of his childhood Tudor Revival home. The Tudor language would be that which this house would speak, inside and out. Out of the ashes arose this home with its bold, public façade standing proudly with other refined homes of the neighborhood. Old w… - [Cambridge Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-victorian-pj-vj~6075445) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: Our task was to meticulously renovate, inside and out, this Victorian home for a three-generational family. We renovated three floors, restoring time-worn details to their original grandeur and renovating dilapidated rooms in the spirit of the home’s Victorian heritage. Key features of the home include an open floor plan, a new kitchen and breakfast area, a new master suite, a writer’s studio, and four baths. An elevator was added to facilitate ease of movement for all family members. Exquisite… - [Colonial Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colonial-revival-pj-vj~6075474) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This Colonial Revival home had good bones and had been cared for. Unfortunately, the house had undergone changes to the kitchen and master suite that did not improve the house. We tossed the kitchen, breakfast room, pantry, and powder room on the first floor, the master suite on the second floor, and started over. Key features of the renovation include a large kitchen, a new butler’s pantry and a sunny breakfast room. The living room was cleaned up and underwhelming cabinets were replaced with o… - [Dole Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dole-residence-pj-vj~6075365) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: Old houses have so much going for them. Their kitchens, however, fail to make the list of assets. Designed to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind, they occupy small, left-over polygons of otherwise robust floor plans. Fast forward 125 years and these demure rooms are now the center of attention. When Charles Dole, father of the Dole Food Co founder, built this handsome Queen Anne in 1885, his kitchen was like every other of the era. For the current owners that would not do. Their love of cooking and… - [North Shore Georgian Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-georgian-revival-pj-vj~6075318) - Location: North Andover, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: This large Georgian Revival sits in a lovely setting; the house is cradled on three sides by woods, with a long, sloping field for a front yard. But once inside, the house took on a Hotel California persona – try as one might to get outside, it felt like you could never leave. The house had grown piecemeal over the years, leaving rooms and views hemmed in. The last of the additions was also painfully unattractive – a clunky greenhouse with Texas-sized arched windows above drawing attention where… - [Beacon Hill Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-hill-condominium-pj-vj~3846) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: This project joins two separate condominiums, each with one grand room and rudimentary service areas, in an early 19th century building. A new oval parlor both joins the two units and serves as a common entry. The new master suite at the rear can be separated for privacy when guests visit. Other features include mahogany paneling, custom cabinetry, and marble mosaic floors. - [Martha's Vineyard Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martha-s-vineyard-home-pj-vj~3580) - Location: Chilmark, MA - Photos: 2 - Description: This is a new home nestled in a gently rolling site on Martha’s Vineyard. The design draws on the folk Victorian style common on the island, with strong roof lines and elegant details. Stone harvested from the site, along with wooden shingles and trim, allow artisans to demonstrate their craft. The result is a home built well and in harmony with its landscape, warmly embracing those it shelters today and for decades hence. - [Family Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-rooms-pj-vj~1128180) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Assortment of custom-designed family and great rooms. - [Victorian Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-renovation-pj-vj~3821) - Location: Abington, MA - Photos: 1 - Description: The original veranda on this Queen Anne had been expanded and enclosed years ago. Unsympathetic to the original house, the porch detracted from the house’s character. The owners asked us to rejuvenate the porch at its current size. We returned the front to an open porch, unmasking the beautiful oak door original to the house. Elsewhere we redesigned the walls to emphasize its porch origins: a rhythm of porch columns, divided-lite windows spanning between, and a decorative wooden skirt that ancho… [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/frank-shirley-architects-pfvwus-pf~595686186) ## Ideabooks - [40 powder rm](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121018091/list/40-powder-rm) — 7 ideas - [Taylor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67195073/list/taylor) — 8 ideas - [fshirley's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26590138/list/fshirley-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/fshirley) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks A: yes, but please credit our firm, Frank Shirley Architects, with the image. Thank you for asking. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-21.*