---
title: "Arocordis Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arocordis-design-pfvwus-pf~59621314
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~59621314.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Arocordis Design"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2193bd8a040f1aa1_3867-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "88 Phillips Road, Montpelier, Vermont 05602, United States"
latitude: 44.2641
longitude: -72.577
phone: "(802) 448-0056"
website: https://www.arocordisdesign.com
rating: 5
review_count: 11
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 68
last_updated: 2026-09-01
---

# Arocordis Design

Original Houzz profile: [Arocordis Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arocordis-design-pfvwus-pf~59621314)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Montpelier, VT
- **Serves:** Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Colchester, Rutland, Essex Junction, Barre, Montpelier, Shelburne, Saint Johnsbury, Saint Albans, Middlebury (village), Northfield, Morristown, Waterbury, Stowe, Jericho, Randolph, Manchester, Newport, Richmond, Charlotte, Norwich, Williamstown, Hartland, Woodstock, White River Junction, Vergennes, East Montpelier, Morrisville, Grand Isle, Calais, Waitsfield, Warren, Moretown, Tunbridge, North Hero, Plainfield, Worcester, East Barre, Graniteville, Quechee, Websterville, Waterbury Center, South Hero, East Burke, Adamant, Barre Town, Burke, East Calais, North Montpelier, Northfield Falls
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2025), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100 Ideabook Saves
- Eco-friendly
- High-end
- 14 years in business

Arocordis Design: Licensed Vermont architects creating modern, sustainable custom homes, renovations, and aging-in-place retreats since 2010.
 
We specialize in creating modern, sustainable residential architecture that harmonizes with the unique topography of Vermont and its landscape. As a fully licensed firm, we transform complex dreams into enduring homes, with a specialized focus on custom new builds, expansive additions, and whole-home renovations across Washington, Lamoille, Orange, and Caledonia Counties.

Design for a Lifetime
Whether you are creating a legacy second home at your peak earning years or seeking a sophisticated "aging-in-place" sanctuary, we prioritize climate-responsive design and energy efficiency. Our work seamlessly integrates interior living with the outdoors—connecting your home to nature through curated terraces, walkways, and views that breathe.

Our Philosophy
We go beyond the blueprint. We manage the delicate balance of beauty, durability, and long-term value, helping ensure your peace of mind from initial concept through construction. Let’s design a home that is as functional as it is breathtaking—a space designed for today, with a vision for your future.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Barn Design & Construction
- Mudroom Design
- Basement Design
- Garage Design
- Landscape Plans
- Modular Home Additions
- Passive Solar Heating & Cooling
- Home Gym Design & Construction
- Prefab Houses
- Builder selection services
- Cost estimating
- Furniture Selection
- Interior design as part of larger project
- Masterplanning services
- Planning Services

### Areas Served

- Burlington
- Essex
- South Burlington
- Colchester
- Rutland
- Essex Junction
- Barre
- Montpelier
- Shelburne
- Saint Johnsbury
- Saint Albans
- Middlebury (village)
- Northfield
- Morristown
- Waterbury
- Stowe
- Jericho
- Randolph
- Manchester
- Newport
- Richmond
- Charlotte
- Norwich
- Williamstown
- Hartland
- Woodstock
- White River Junction
- Vergennes
- East Montpelier
- Morrisville
- Grand Isle
- Calais
- Waitsfield
- Warren
- Moretown
- Tunbridge
- North Hero
- Plainfield
- Worcester
- East Barre
- Graniteville
- Quechee
- Websterville
- Waterbury Center
- South Hero
- East Burke
- Adamant
- Barre Town
- Burke
- East Calais
- North Montpelier
- Northfield Falls

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000 - 150,000

$30,000 - 150,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Arocordis Design |
| Address | 88 Phillips Road, Montpelier, Vermont 05602, United States |
| Phone | (802) 448-0056 |
| Website | https://www.arocordisdesign.com |
| License Number | VT 003.0074817 |
| Followers on Houzz | 68 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/arocordis
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/arocordisdesign
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenfrey
- Blog — https://www.arocordisdesign.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Arocordis Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arocordis-design-pfvwus-pf~59621314)
- **Website:** https://www.arocordisdesign.com
- **Phone:** (802) 448-0056

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- A registered architect in Vermont, LEED AP.

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2025), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [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 — 11 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 11 reviews

**★★★★★ — Sticks and Stones Construction LLC, Dec. 2025**

> We at Sticks and Stones Construction LLC have had a great experience working with Arocordis Design on a number of projects!
> In our experience, what truly sets Arocordis Design apart is their collaborative spirit. They foster a partnership between architect, builder, and client. When working with them we solve problems together as a team, sharing insights and solutions to achieve the best possible outcomes. The collaborative approach that they foster creates a positive work environment and leads to successful projects.
> Arocordis brings a strong understanding of building science and project costs to the table. Before diving deep into the design, they help assure that the project is financially feasible for their clients. The details are thoughtfully considered to ensure that the plans are practical, buildable, and within budget. Their knowledge prevents costly surprises and makes the construction process smoother for all involved.
> We find that drawings and 3D models from Arocordis are accurate and detailed, which is helpful for both budgeting and building. The information provided allows us to confidently estimate costs and execute the construction with precision. This helps ensure that all parties are on the same page.
> On a personal note, Stephen Frey (principal architect and owner at Arocordis), is a great listener who values input from both the builder and the client. At Arocordis they creatively design solutions that balance functionality, beauty and comfort. They are always focused on keeping the client's vision and practical needs in mind. The results are spaces that not only look stunning but also work well for those who use them.
> It is a pleasure to work with Arocordis and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an architect who is accurate, collaborative, practical and creative. Our projects together have been successful because of their dedication and skill, and I look forward to working together on future endeavors.
> -Greg Wallace owner of Sticks and Stones Construction LLC

**★★★★★ — Sarah Hoffmeier, Jan. 2025**

> Steve was wonderful to work with as we took on a big project for us: an addition to our 1940s home. He listened to our wants and needs and was able to create visions for connecting a gambrel roofed foursquare home to a more modern styled addition with a large deck. He supported us throughout the design process and worked well as part of the team with our builder and interior designer. Steve brought extensive architectural experience and beautiful artistry to the project. We wouldn't hesitate to work with him again!

**Comment from Arocordis Design:**

> Sarah and Alex, thanks for the review. It was my pleasure to work with you both to design your addition and major renovation. What a special 1940’s four square gambrel in Montpelier. Collaborating with you and Lauren, the interior designer to bring the details home. Thanks again!

**★★★★★ — Thomas Bussiere, Aug. 2024**

> Stephen Frey is an amazing architect that did fantastic work designing a home for us in Vermont. If you need someone who will collaborate with you, listen, seek to capture your creative vision, coach you on consultants and the process, site engineering and home design work, he's the right architect for you.

**★★★★★ — Matthew Prohaska, July 2023**

> Steve helped us with a garage addition to our property.  He really listened to what we wanted out of the project, the functional goals, but also considered the general design theme/elements of our current house and property and our likes and dislikes.  The first draft was near perfect.  He was able to put on paper exactly what we were wanting.  He was very easy to work with and the flexibility of virtual meetings and discussing the project while manipulating the plans in 2D/3D in real time was very efficient and helpful.  He has offered his input with small questions along the way and is always very thoughtful to the whole project and goals.  We were very happy with his services and the whole process.

**Comment from Arocordis Design:**

> Matthew, thanks for the kind review. It is a true pleasure helping you and your family with the Barn project architectural design and planning. I can’t wait to see the end results! .

**★★★★★ — rebeccahovey, Nov. 2022**

> Arocordis was the perfect design firm for our project – a modest ranch house renovation on the edge of a family farm with picture window perfect views of the Connecticut river watershed and farm fields. What started as a renovation discussion led to a creative rethinking of the New England ranch house design appropriate for the lifestyle choices we are making, creating a simple home that is easy to care for and delightful to live in. Stephen Frey was also the perfect person for the project. He listened to our thoughts about the purpose of the house, our relationship to the land around it, and our long-term plans for enjoying the space.
> Steve quickly understood our vision for the renovation and transferred our ideas to a simple and attractive design. He was always positive in our discussions and an easy person to have a conversation with. While starting a building project during the pandemic was a challenge, especially with labor shortages, shipping delays and price increases (!!), Steve coached us through these challenges and was helpful in rethinking some of the original architectural features in order to meet constraints with the building site and process.
>
> We highly recommend Stephen Frey of Arocordis as a talented architect who is a pleasure to work with.

**Comment from Arocordis Design:**

> Rebecca, it has been a true pleasure working together with you and Guy on your project. It is great to see it in construction this winter. You were both inspiring to work with and had such delightful ideas to develop together on the project. We hope you both enjoy your modern-inspired renovation and addition for years to come! These are early design visualizations and will be replaced by new images once the project is complete.

**★★★★★ — Bob Watson, Oct. 2020**

> I recently had the pleasure of interacting with Steve of Arocordis Design for a small home expansion project. The experience was great; Steve provided drawings, 3-dimensional views of the design and easy-to-read specs. Steve is also an exceptional communicator that made the process move forward with little effort. I would highly recommend him for architectural planning on your project.

**Comment from Arocordis Design:**

> Bob, I am most grateful.  It was a pleasure to assist you with bringing your vision alive on the carefully designed expansion of your front porch on your historic Vermont farmhouse. I wish you great success in its construction and happy memories to come!

**★★★★★ — Laura Purcell, Sept. 2018**

> We called Steven while in the midst of a building project that was moving along quickly.  He responded to our call the very next day and despite being a Holiday weekend, made an appointment to meet us at the camp we were renovating. He listened to our concerns and wishes carefully and made some very valuable suggestions.  His drawings were delivered within the week and were a good frame of reference for communicating with our contractor. As our building plans we're changing rapidly, Steve was able to adjust just as quickly. He met with us again about a week later and shared his 3D drawings which were so instrumental in helping us visualize the building project.  He was flexible when deciding how many hours we felt we would need and could afford. When we had completed the number of hours work we requested, Steve gave us more of his time at no additional charge. He was easy to communicate with, very professional and knowledgeable.

**★★★★★ — Andrea Therrien, Nov. 2015**

> I feel horrible that it has taken me so long to write a review for Arocordis Design.  So many challenging things happening one after another, some of which Steven, actually helped us through!  I felt like he really listened to what we wanted, he really took the time to figure out what would work for us, considering my significant other's opposite style.  Building a relationship with clients, I give Steven an A++! Level of skill also an A++, we were giving beautiful drawings that completely encompass our vision of a dream home!  I would also give him an A++ in caring, community and patriotism.  Steven, took it upon himself to research the Wounded Warrior Project and various accessibility options for us based on my disabilities I sustained while in the military.  As well as different options for my autistic son. That really means something!  Due to medical and financial reasons we did not finish the project we started with Arocordis Design, but that's on us.  I would absolutely recommend his business to anyone!

**★★★★★ — pfallon70, Sept. 2015**

> We're working toward a dream, and I didn't even know where to begin.  Steve at Arocordis Design has obviously been there and done that because of all that he did for us!  Although we are just in the early stages of this process of planning for our retirement property, the Arocordis Design survey helped us (and him) to hone in on our long-term wants and needs.  The questionnaire that started our conversation was like an answer to a prayer because originally, I wasn't even sure where to begin;  that can be an overwhelming feeling.  Steve was great!  He kept checking back in, discussing the various stages of the process and the project itself, and step by step, placed us on the path to putting form to our nebulous dreams.  We have a long way to go, but I am really grateful that Steve and Arocordis Design will be there with us at journey's end.

**★★★★★ — chordplay, Jan. 2015**

> We wanted to work through two potential future projects: 1) A separate design/work studio away from our main house   2)  An expansion of the existing home to meet our home business needs
>
> Steve was fantastic, and we enjoyed working with him. He effectively guided us to better define the function of each space we were considering and helped us come up with realistic costs for the projects. I felt like it was a true collaborative effort. Having someone there to ask the right questions and help shape an idea into a doable plan is incredibly important. It has been a pleasure working with Steve. We now have detailed plans and a much better idea of what it will take to implement them. We would recommend Steve without hesitation.

**Comment from Arocordis Design:**

> Thanks Chordplay for your review. Hope spring is around the corner for you in Roxbury. I sense it here in Montpelier.

**★★★★★ — jaoverton1, Sept. 2014**

> Steve Frey of Arocordis Design worked with me through a year and a half of hard decisions and amazing outcomes. We began by discussing plans to build a home out of shipping containers. He researched and incorporated green building techniques to keep within my low budget of 150K-200K. When the designs were in their first stages, he shopped them out to a couple known shipping container builders. He gently broke the news to me that getting the containers to Vermont was cost prohibitive used too much energy, defeating the purpose. We moved onto a simpler wood construction and through a few sit-down meetings we collaborated on the design, wants and don't really need kind of stuff , to establish a full blueprint. During this time he found my Realtor and set up interviews with 3 builders (newer guy into green building, established middle of the road kind of guy, and a top green builder). The only hitch was not being able to find a reasonable bit of land for the right price in the right spot. Steve was great at letting me know when it was time to take a break, give it time, and move on the next opportunity. I eventually decided to buy an existing home, an 1840's farmhouse, that need work, but had great bones. Steve went back to the drawing board and did 4 elevations, an addition design, and reworked the interior for more open concept. Since I had decided to partner with Jacob Rogen at Rogen Design Build initially, Steve graciously handed the reigns over to Jacob, who has done a masterful job during the 1st phase of renovations. I thankful for Steve's support and professionalism throughout this process. He knows his industry and is constantly looking to learn more and keep on top of new discoveries. Our time during the design phase was so productive and he listened to what I needed. He took what I had to say and interpreted it in the designs with perfection.

## Selected projects

- [Multi-generational Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multi-generational-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~7263160)
  - Location: Calais, VT
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Multi-generational Modern Farmhouse \| Central Vermont Arocordis Design reimagined this East Calais home to enhance multi-generational livability. We designed a 522 SF addition with a high-performance R-35/R-60 envelope, integrating a new main bedroom and a "garden level" guest suite with private terrace access. The project features a renovated cherry kitchen, black board-and-batten siding, and expansive window walls that connect the forest views to the interior—creating a sustainable, light-fill…
- [Curtis Pond House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curtis-pond-house-pj-vj~6091188)
  - Location: Calais, VT
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: In the summer of 2018 we received a call for help from a homeowner in the midst of a major renovation project of a summer camp with frontage and a dock on Curtis Pond. They asked us to create some design drawings to communicate with their general contractor then working with them. We met with them a few days later as they were up from out of state for a week to see their home and get a sense for their project and needs. After the visit, we sent them our residential design questionnaire receiving…
- [Grand Isle Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-isle-carriage-house-pj-vj~5857952)
  - Location: South Hero, VT
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: LAKESHORE LIVING This recently completed two-bedroom home sits overlooking Grand Isle bay on 4-1/2 acres of land with beachfront access. We assisted the client in adapting a carriage house garage and live above plan to their specific needs. Designed as a full-time home for a couple with adult children who visit occasionally, its compact design provides open plan living upstairs with a master-bedroom suite along with a two-car garage, a guest bedroom, a laundry room / bathroom combination. Two de…
- [Farmhouse Renovation - Central Vermont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-renovation-central-vermont-pj-vj~677158)
  - Location: Northfield, VT
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: We worked with the owner to design a renovation of a circa 1850's farmhouse. Heavily added onto and modified, with two floor plus basement farmhouse we worked our client to design a more livable, enjoyable space for her and her daughter on the main bottom level. We provided overall architectural design, space planning and building layout with a future possible phases including a deck extending the dining room, new exterior siding and a possible great room addition. Located on the southeast corne…
- [ZigZag House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zigzag-house-pj-vj~7283439)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: A small net-zero-ready modern inspired prototype design. A 1,000 square feet, it has two bedrooms, one-bath, and a great example of small space single level living. The design can be customized to include more bedrooms and other spaces. It has a generous deck to extend alfresco living and connect to nature. Explore beautiful and sophisticated open space living with bespoke kitchen, dining and living area design. Check out the unique living room viewfinder element that has a nook framing views fr…
- [Grey House Renovation & Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grey-house-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~1267263)
  - Location: Burlington, VT
  - Photos: 3
- [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~1331821)
  - Location: Montpelier, VT
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: LOOKING FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING? Interested in sustainable living at home? Wondering how to integrate beauty, function and a concern for energy efficiency, low or next to no energy use while creating a more predictable affordable future? Wanting to downsize from your now oversized family home to something simpler, perhaps smaller in size and maybe not so complicated? Or starting to transition at work and thinking about starting a home based business or working from home more and more often but wa…

[See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/arocordis-design-pfvwus-pf~59621314)

## Ideabooks

- [Arocordis Residential Design Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34236240/list/arocordis-residential-design-inspiration) — 163 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/arocordis)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Let’s gut “the Motel” to the studs** *(in Building a Home)*

My husband and I have owned this...building...on a small lake in Maine in an association comprised of old fishing camps for almost 20 years. It is referred to as “The Motel,” because it was designed to be rented out As 4 individual rooms connected by a screened porch. each room used to have a full bathroom. For years we have done little in upkeep or renovation, paralyzed by the fantasy of someday putting in a real foundation (it is post and pad and it MOVES!) and going up. 
The recent need for a new roof (being installed now) has closed door on that fantasy: we have come to terms with the fact that this is a camp, not a cabin, and if we can ever afford it and still want it, we will buy a bigger better place. In the meantime this is a crappy but happy place with lots of memories.
SO...let’s make this place all it can be! Yes an architect is the best way to go and I have reached out to some but this is a less-than-glamorous job. 
Imagine that everything can go, maybe with some beams. The roof is a truss system. To keep costs low and facilitate anti-freezing measures, plumbing MUST remain in the back. 
Best views are South and west (especially from the first three rooms from the left), afternoon sun from the west is beautiful and fully lights the two middle bedrooms via the windows in the bathroom. One thing that I could miss is the gorgeous cross-ventilation from the porch to the back, even with the tiny bathroom windows 
we we love the huge porch and eat all the family meals out there In summer, but due to traffic flow it is way bigger than it would need to be if we didn’t  have to use it as a hallway too. I have toyed with the idea of putting the porch on the south side. As long as there were room for seating as well as a large table. Maybe sliders on the south side would allow for large table inside instead but that is a lot of interior space. 
This is also a ski place. Need big mud room but a better design could shrink ours a bit I suppose. 
The he kids are teens. We really could move the functionality of the play part of their space to the common area. They have an air hockey table they probably use twice a year. 
I would love to have a private guest “suite” as we do, along with girls and boys bunk areas with a bathroom and our own room with bathroom. There is plumbing for a bathroom we removed on the back wall of the kids room. 
Ceilings are low. It is what it is. Makes it easy to keep warm at least. 






View from south window



Kids room



Our room-2 queens



56’ screened porch



Would love bigger living space. We cook a ton here regardless. 



This is what it’s all about. 



Yikes we are painting this after the roof-this is the south facing side
Rebuilding the shed and getting rid of all the silky chimneys. Regrading etc too. 



Propane tank wrecks view from kids room. 
What at do you think?? Are you up for it Houzzers??

A: It is fun to dream though. I would love to learn more about the climate, if this is to be four seasons or just camp in Summer. I see a wide variety of creativity and great ideas from all contributing. It’s like we’re collaborating on a story in a writers room but need clearer info. Perhaps when the OP returns she will have time to respond. I agree on the need to clarify constraints first. Great design evolves from the constraints and the opportunities they present. Anyway, that’s my belief.

**Q: clapboard or shingle accents?** *(in Building a Home)*

We’re going for an “elegant farmhouse” look.  Which siding option is best for the peak areas - horizontal clapboards or shingles?

A: Seeing the earlier concern with the gables near each other. Do you have any kind of snow or severe rain events near you? If you do the the gables almost overlapping on the corner are a severe huge leak issue as pointed out. If in snow belt you will have significant ice dams.  Relocate the gables away from one another by five or more feet or eliminate one of them altogether. Did they design this in 3-d for you like is typical these days? That would have avoided this issue altogether as this could have been caught. Or was one of the gables in the roof added after the fact or adjusted for during construction?

**Q: Help me add some curb appeal to my cute little home!** *(in Landscape Design)*

Bought this house 10 years ago for me and my little guy. I updated the inside and it looks fabulous but just don't know what to do with the outside. I did replace the roof and painted the exterior. The property includes the hedges and trees on the left side (there's no backyard so the pool is there until the end of summer).
Any thoughts, suggestions and ideas are appreciated!

A: I agree with many of the comments, white stained deck and railings, perhaps the pool could move some photo left to avoid killing grass below. (Got to move it every few weeks etc.) trimming vegetation, blue pops. 
What about upping the cottage vibe and installing a white picket fence, a gateway from sidewalk, path to ...the deck. Is this the front door as well? Possibly install white wood railing planters, walkway lighting etc?  You could install a linear planting bed in front of the new fence with colorful flowers, daisies, Lillie’s, hydrangeas, spiky tall grasses....

**Q: Arrange our backyard for optimal use and entertaining? (Los Angeles)** *(in Landscape Design)*

I've got a good sized backyard for Los Angeles. On the main patio area, we have a dining table, and a small lounge area. 
Behind our garage, there is an extra area with pebbles/rocks/decomposed granite. 
How might you re-arrange this backyard space for optimal entertaining and usage?
Some ideas we had were to put in a hot tub, or put in a firepit with more seating in that rock area, or move the dining over to the rock section. Looking for ideas. Thank you!

A: I agree, produce a base plan showing all the existing elements, key dimensions and so on. 
But planning and reflection would be where I would recommend starting. 
As part of planning ask yourself what size and types of gatherings you would hope to host, what key activities would need to be supported by the outdoor spaces? How does the yard work with the entertaining spaces in your home? How could improving the yard inform the look and feel, function of those entertainment areas in your home? Do you have a terrace or deck by the house with transitions to other outdoor rooms? Will you have formal events or a mix of casual family friendly activities? Sports areas ie lawn bowling, playing catch, playing with kids, or no kids and adults only? Nighttime  versus daytime vibe?  
Think about the seasons, holidays and so on as well. What might change over the year with usage patterns? 
Make a list and prioritize all of this to think through what you envision. What’s possible, where are the gaps? Do you have a partner or spouse and do they share your vision or? Would your entertaining be DIY or with catered? Or a mix? Bands, musicians, what would the needs be for that? Do you have dedicated storage for entertaining related items, access to power etc. in the yard? 
Buzz me if you need more insight I’m planning. Good luck!

**Q: Little Hotel** *(in Design Dilemma)*

... In need of repairs and a paint job.  What colours would you use?

A: I like to suggest looking at exterior color question another way. More from a branding and storytelling perspective. Doing so may help make the color choices come naturally following from these considerations.

So here goes; What is the hospitality vibe and brand story you envision? Or are you developing one in parallel to getting your overall plan together which the exterior color ideas might most amplify, coordinate with?

Are you catering to a sophisticated market with contemporary modern expectations? Or a market looking for a nostalgic hotel experience with an historically accurate color palette, canopies, and a cutesy vibe? Is this a crazy colorful tourist town full of quirkiness or sedate monochromatic colors? 

Are your key customers Millenials or Gen Xers, Baby Boomers? The color choices might want to dovetail, or contrast with those demographic expectations? You likely want differentiate your brand somehow and your exterior color choices might want work for you, not against you.

Do you have a logo and identity package developed with brand colors, suitable to be used across web, print, and physical aspects of the exterior, interior common areas, restaurant and hotel rooms? 

Coordinating your color choices to create a unified customer experience may help create lasting positive and professionally distinct impressions. 

All helping build your brand, repeat happy customers that love telling your story to their friends. 

I like to think holistically like this. Call me crazy, but I think it's vital to do so. It's good business. And good architecture. Good luck. If I can help more let me know. Best, Steve

**Q: Need a facelift for better curb appeal** *(in Design Dilemma)*

The interior is awesome, exterior is lacking.  This is located in a neighborhood with classic 75 year old colonials and unique bungalows.

A: Can you share more photos of your front of your home, maybe from the street and closer to your driveway to get another perspective than what you've already shared? The photos of neighboring homes were really helpful.  Thanks for responding.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*
