---
title: "Downer / Associates — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/downer-associates-pfvwus-pf~595891510
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~595891510.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Downer / Associates"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7913d40c013e2c61_9091-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "13 Regent Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States"
latitude: 42.3932
longitude: -71.1338
phone: "(617) 491-2519"
website: http://downerassociates.com
rating: 5
review_count: 7
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 80
last_updated: 2026-11-06
---

# Downer / Associates

Original Houzz profile: [Downer / Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/downer-associates-pfvwus-pf~595891510)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Cambridge, MA
- **Serves:** Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Lexington, Watertown, Melrose, Wellesley, Belmont, Wakefield, Reading, Stoneham, Winchester, Weston, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Waban
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

With over 33 years in the architectural design field, the Downer / Associates team provides the most respected architectural design services in Cambridge, MA.

Downer / Associates offers complete and “a la carte” architectural design services from site analysis to custom cabinetry for all types of residential projects. Whether it is redesigning an existing floor layout to better fit the clients’ lifestyle, finding ways to re-purpose unused or underused existing space, or designing a thoughtful addition that accommodates a family’s changing needs, Downer / Associates will assist the homeowners in creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable home. Serving Cambridge, Winchester, and Greater Boston.

By listening to our Clients' needs and desires, exploring imaginative design solutions, choosing appropriate systems and materials, and partnering with quality contractors dedicated to craftsmanship, we help our Clients create beautiful, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- Home Additions
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Bathroom Design
- Universal Design
- Construction Drawings

### Areas Served

- Cambridge
- Newton
- Somerville
- Waltham
- Brookline
- Medford
- Arlington
- Lexington
- Watertown
- Melrose
- Wellesley
- Belmont
- Wakefield
- Reading
- Stoneham
- Winchester
- Weston
- Newton Highlands
- Newton Upper Falls
- Newtonville
- Waban

### Typical Job Cost

$100,000 - 500,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Downer / Associates |
| Address | 13 Regent Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States |
| Phone | (617) 491-2519 |
| Website | http://downerassociates.com |
| License Number | 5196 |
| Followers on Houzz | 80 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Downer / Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/downer-associates-pfvwus-pf~595891510)
- **Website:** http://downerassociates.com
- **Phone:** (617) 491-2519

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- AIA, NARI

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [National Association of the Remodeling Industry](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-the-remodeling-industry-pfvwus-pf~1954795205)
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews**

### All 7 reviews

**★★★★★ — Geraldine Cox, Sept. 2017**

> I very highly recommend Tom Downer who was hired by Paul Morse Constructions to plan my house renovation. Our house is transformed from a typical dark shoebox colonial into an open space filled with natural light. Having no experience with renovation, I found him a very good listener, respectful of my wishes, extremely honest, with an invaluable experience in the field of home renovations.

**★★★★★ — Kathleen & Frank Marmorek, May 2016**

> This is the second project Tom Downer has created for us.  We began with the simple idea of changing a deck into a porch.  Tom helped us clarify and develop our idea.  He listened to us, he asked questions, and then he translated the ideas into an open, sunny, magnificent three season room.  His suggestion of the pyramid skylight became the focus of this exquisite room.

**★★★★★ — bbqyan, Dec. 2015**

> Happy to have him to help us as home owner to renovate one unit with our two family house. Very satisfied, highly recommended. Will have him to do other unit. Thank you Tom.

**★★★★★ — dianeandchris, Feb. 2014**

> My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Tom Downer when we renovated our home and constructed a two story addition. We had interviewed several architects in the process but Tom was the only one who actually listened to what we had to say.  Not only was he able to address our needs, but he was able to work within our budget. His design was both practical and attractive at the same time. I could never have imagined that our home could have undergone such a major transformation with so little stress. Thanks to Tom, we now have an amazing house that we are proud to call our home.

**★★★★★ — michelleross10, Jan. 2014**

> Provided excellent architectural designs for our remodel.  Tom respectfully listened to what we wanted, took copious notes, and then designed the perfect plans based on our conversations.  He paid careful attention to all of our wishes.  When it came to structural difficulty with the remodel, Tom focused on explaining why something would not work and then provided a number of alternatives to satisfy our desired plan.
>
> We are absolutely thrilled with the results - light, spacious home, well designed to provide extra storage, allow for proper flow, and support our entertaining needs.

**★★★★★ — Charlie Allen Renovations, Inc., Jan. 2014**

> Tom Downer is a great architect.  We've worked with him on numerous projects and he is always our go-to architect for smart solutions and creative thinking.  He's particularly excellent at old house space planning.  We've noticed that Tom really listens to client needs and always manages to find solutions that work within their stated budgets.  We highly recommend him.

**★★★★★ — David Blake, Dec. 2013**

> We chose Tom after reviewing several architects from the Providence and Boston area for a kitchen addition.  We selected him based on his portfolio and his referrals.  We hired him based on our initial meeting.  Through the design stage he listened to us and heard what we were looking for.  He didn't force his design on us, but came up with a design from the elements we wanted to put into the space and the 'feel' we wanted to have, both inside and out.  During construction, our GC and the builders said several times that Tom was extremely helpful, attentive, and great to work with.  At the end of the build all of us just said 'wow' about the project.  The whole design flows with the rest of the property.  We are so satisfied, we hired Downer/Associates for a second major project.

## Selected projects

- [Whole Home Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whole-home-transformation-pj-vj~2442943)
  - Location: Winchester, MA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Our team helped a growing family transform their recent house purchase into a home they love. Working with architect Tom Downer of Downer Associates, we opened up a dark Cape filled with small rooms and heavy paneling to create a free-flowing, airy living space. The “new” home features a relocated and updated kitchen, additional baths, a master suite, mudroom and first floor laundry – all within the original footprint.
- [Cambridge Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-renovation-pj-vj~1032996)
  - Location: Cambridge, MA
  - Photos: 12
- [Cambridge Greek Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-greek-revival-pj-vj~382056)
  - Location: Cambridge, MA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Major design / build renovation and addition to late 1800s Greek Revival home, including new master bath, new family bath, and new guest bath
- [Second Story Renovation in Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-renovation-in-arlington-pj-vj~2769413)
  - Location: Arlington, MA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: This project entailed replacing and expanding the entire second floor to add a master suite and guest bedroom with office.
- [Winchester Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winchester-residence-pj-vj~535629)
  - Location: Winchester, MA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: The project involved replacing a one-story kitchen wing with two-story addition to provide better access to a larger kitchen and between the kitchen and dining. The contemporary kitchen features an island with seating in addition to a casual dining table. A Master Suite was created on the 2nd floor of the addition. This was a design/build project with ATA Building & Remodeling. Interior photos by Shelly Harrison Photography
- [Pequot Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pequot-road-pj-vj~382083)
  - Location: Wayland, MA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Whole house renovation and additions, including Master Bedroom Suite addition with new bedroom above, Family Room / Entry / Sunroom addition, Kitchen renovation and addition, new garage with Study / Guest Suite above.
- [New Home, Westport, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-westport-ma-pj-vj~1527197)
  - Location: Westport Point, MA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Clients of a prior home renovation in Brookline, MA had a small summer cottage on the coast in Westport , MA, and decided to totally replace it with a new Arts & Crafts style home. The two-story new home is only about 2100 sf excluding the basement, but has four bedrooms and a study / office in addition to an open plan Kitchen / Dining / Living area. A large deck to the east was oriented to maximize the water view of the Westport River. The Kitchen and Dining Room windows were oriented to view t…
- [Cambridge Contemporary Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-contemporary-townhouse-pj-vj~382013)
  - Location: Cambridge, MA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: A contemporary townhouse design / build renovation, including a complete new kitchen, two renovated baths, a new 1/2 bath, a new contemporary wood burning stove, A/C, and all new energy efficient windows and doors
- [Cambridge Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-victorian-pj-vj~381802)
  - Location: Cambridge, MA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Major interior renovation and exterior restoration of 1870's home in Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District as a Design/Build project with Charlie Allen Renovations Inc. Includes a new kitchen within the existing kitchen footprint, new baths, renovated bedrooms with added storage, unique circular closet created for the Master Bedroom, and two renovated home offices. Original details restored to the front porch and a conical roof added to the existing corner turret.
- [Elmwood Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmwood-street-pj-vj~382188)
  - Location: North Attleboro, MA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Kitchen and porch addition to late 1800s home.

[See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/downer-associates-pfvwus-pf~595891510)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Can you please tell me where the island light fixture is from? Thanks.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The light fixture was selected by the clients. Check with Charlie Allen Restorations (on Houzz), the contractor, who will know.
Tom Downer

**Q: Shower door hinges** *(in Photo Questions)*

Beautiful finishes. What finish did you chose for the hinges and handle for the glass shower?  It appears to me that the plumbing fixtures are polished nickel. Thank you.

A: The clients made the selection of hardware, so I don't have the details, but I believe all the metal finishes were polished nickel.

**Q: Fixtures** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me what brand are the shower fixture and sink fixture?

A: I believe all the fixtures came from Waterworks.

**Q: Where is sink vanity and sink from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The vanity is a Waterworks York single vanity with Danby pearl slab.

**Q: Lovely shower** *(in Photo Questions)*

What brand & color grout did you use?  I like the bit of contrast you have between the tile color and the grout color.

A: I don't know the exact color or brand as the client chose the tile and grout, but I believe it was a soft gray grout. You might check with Charlie Allen Restorations Inc. (also on Houzz.com.) as they were the contractors for this project.
Tom Downer

**Q: What is the counter material?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The counters are a green Vermont slate.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-06.*