--- title: "Christopher Barry | Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/christopher-barry-architect-pfvwus-pf~721900718 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721900718.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Christopher Barry | Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/628392030151b14b_6893-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "South End, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States" latitude: 42.3362 longitude: -71.0729 phone: "(617) 510-6510" website: http://www.cjb-architect.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 152 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Christopher Barry \| Architect Original Houzz profile: [Christopher Barry \| Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/christopher-barry-architect-pfvwus-pf~721900718) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Boston, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Revere, Medford, West Roxbury, Weymouth, Everett, Arlington, Woburn, Chelsea, Braintree, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, Norwood, Melrose, Milton, Belmont, Dedham, Hingham, Stoneham, Winchester, Winthrop, Westwood, Swampscott, Charlestown, East Boston, Hull, Nahant, Allston, Brighton, Chestnut Hill, East Weymouth, Needham Heights, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Readville, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Christopher J. Barry is a residential architect who builds dreams. His refined eye spotlights details that are spatially conscious and visually stimulating, while also functional and cost-effective. With over thirty years of expertise in commercial, institutional, and residential architecture markets, Christopher is disciplined in envisioning end results before a project begins. He guides clients through the sheer multitude of decisions to be made from conception to completion, while also helping them see their homes in a new, resplendent light. Home renovation shows and “design-build” contractors can foster a misconception that creating a home is easier than it really is. With an honest rapport and pragmatism that won’t lead you astray, Christopher cuts through the noise of poorly conceived solutions and creates homes worthy of a lifetime. Whether you are planning a renovation, addition, or new construction, Christopher’s breadth of experience can save you money, curate unique solutions to complex problems, and give clarity to your design aspirations. As your residential architect, Christopher’s practicality and enduring passion can transform dream houses into homes. Click here to learn why Christopher is the residential architect to assist you in achieving your goals. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Quincy - Newton - Somerville - Malden - Waltham - Brookline - Revere - Medford - West Roxbury - Weymouth - Everett - Arlington - Woburn - Chelsea - Braintree - Jamaica Plain - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - Norwood - Melrose - Milton - Belmont - Dedham - Hingham - Stoneham - Winchester - Winthrop - Westwood - Swampscott - Charlestown - East Boston - Hull - Nahant - Allston - Brighton - Chestnut Hill - East Weymouth - Needham Heights - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Lower Falls - Newton Upper Falls - Newtonville - Readville - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $1,500 - 2 million I work with clients regardless of how small or large their job may be. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Christopher Barry \| Architect | | Address | South End, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States | | Phone | (617) 510-6510 | | Website | http://www.cjb-architect.com | | License Number | available upon request | | Followers on Houzz | 152 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrry ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Christopher Barry \| Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/christopher-barry-architect-pfvwus-pf~721900718) - **Website:** http://www.cjb-architect.com - **Phone:** (617) 510-6510 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NCARB, AIA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, BRAGB Prism gold - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-931143406, Jan. 2021** > Christopher was excellent to work with in an ongoing project we have with our center entrance colonial house in Rhode Island. > We essentially reconstructed the entire back of the house, reconfigured the space, with new kitchen, opened walls, added many windows and a deck. It looks fantastic. In specific, Christopher inspired confidence in the project by his exacting standards and attention to detail. We had a challenging space to work with and were down too fractions an inch to get it all the way we wanted it to look. We highly recommend Christopher. **★★★★★ — dollydenyse, Dec. 2020** > My husband and I hired Chris to design a new construction house on a challenging coastal lot in Truro, MA. He is great to work with - he listens, manages the project on time, is responsive and creative, and overall does great work. He designed a beautiful home for us within many parameters such as square footage restriction, height restriction, setback restrictions, etc. > I highly recommend Chris for his design, as well as project management expertise. **★★★★★ — Allan Dillabough, Nov. 2020** > My husband and I hired Chris to combine two condominium units in Provincetown. Chris was excellent in meeting with us, discussing the various options and listening to our feedback and vision. The ideas and options that he brought to the table in regards to lighting, sound proofing, storage space, window options, heating, bathroom, built in's... were really amazing. He helped us think out of the box, and to really understand the plans and envision the space. His attention to detail is amazing and is reflected in his CAD drawings. He was very easy and fun to work with, organized, punctual, reliable and professional. We definitely recommend Chris and will absolutely have him help us with any future projects! **★★★★★ — HU-276844607, Nov. 2020** > Chris is a master at his craft, both in terms of architectural design and working with people (surveyors, contractors, owners). He is a great listener and incorporates feedback into his design in a way I have never seen. He is invested and engaged in the projects he works on and provides valuable, pragmatic feedback to ensure the finished product meets expectations. We would recommend Chris to anyone! **★★★★★ — Jane Akin, Nov. 2020** > Originally, in 2012, we hired Chris to do an addition to our bedroom wing. It was a redesign of the old bedroom into two offices, adding an elevator and adding footage to accommodate a large master bedroom, double master bathroom and large double closet. Last year we hired Chris to do our kitchen/dining room renovations. In both areas, the results were clean lines with great functionality. To the kitchen, he brought some newer linear lighting options that allowed for better light spread for art work while creating an interesting, less invasive look to the dining room ceiling. In the master bedroom, he put in a soffit around the whole ceiling with up lighting that was just the right added ambient touch. The design of cabinetry in all spaces yielded high functionality with high quality. He's really attentive to detail and brilliant with his CAD drawings. He's easy to work with and very open with his ideas and designs. **★★★★★ — lauren\_barozie, Feb. 2019** > My husband and I hired Chris for a gut renovation of a two floor brownstone condo in the South End of Boston. Chris was amazing! With us through every step, he was the best part of the project. He truly understood what we were looking for design-wise - the final product is better than I could have imagined! Chris was easy to work with, trustworthy, incredibly organized, always on top of things, and had amazing ideas! He helped us through a situation with a difficult contractor, standing up for us while always remaining professional. We weren’t experts in construction, and Chris helped us understand each step of the process, from his first presentation to the condo association to help us obtain buy-in for the project, to the final walkthrough with our contractor. A+++++ **★★★★★ — Howard Rudzinsky, March 2018** > I hired Chris to do my "Arlington Attic". I hired him based on seeing something he had done previously on his Houzz profile. What a terrific person to work with, and a highly capable and creative professional architect to have on this project. Chris was able to take my vision of the space and work with my budget to come up with a design that fit my vision and budget. Chris understood clearly the zoning/building code issues, and my "old house" uniqueness. Chris helped me interview contractors and we agreed on the contractor selected. Chris was a terrific intermediary between myself and my builder giving me advice on best building practices, and helping keep the project on track. When the contractors and subcontractors are complimenting you profusely on your bed/headboard design, you know that you have a pretty cool design! Chris brings both a practical design sense, but also a creative flair that I would recommend unequivocally and enthusiastically! **Comment from Christopher Barry \| Architect:** > Great client, great contractor. expectations for great results were set from the beginning and achieved through clear, open rational process. The project was a pleasure. **★★★★★ — Heidi Pribell Interiors, July 2016** > Christopher Barry is a consummate seasoned professional. He was an absolute life-saver for a Colonial Revival project I was working on. From issuing lighting plans, to developing cabinetry & architectural details along with remodeling eight period fireplaces he made himself immediately available for each design/build issue we faced. He provided impeccable support when it was needed the most. I would recommend working with him in a heartbeat and know from first hand experience he is a tremendous asset to any project. **★★★★★ — carissa322, Aug. 2015** > Chis did an amazing job designing our home. We were looking to expand our 1940's Cape Style house to accommodate our growing family. His design turned out amazing. The house fits into the neighborhood without looking overwhelming from the street but offers plenty of room on the inside. Chris was easy to work, very professional and conscious of our budget constrains with his design. We would recommend Chris without any hesitation. **★★★★★ — ja0322, June 2015** > I hired Chris to design a new fireplace and built in bookcase for my living room for my condo in Boston. > > Chris did an excellent job working with me and the contractor on turning this ugly situation into a beautiful masterpiece! I could not be happier! > > d **Comment from Christopher Barry \| Architect:** > This was a great example of an inexpensive renovation that made all the difference in the world and how good design makes the difference. **★★★★★ — Lauren Digange, June 2015** > I hired Chris for a second time to design my Charlestown brownstone. Just like with the last project, Chris did a fantastic job. Many Charlestown homes have a similar style, but not my new home. Chris designed it with exquisite detail for a finished look that is truly unique. The main focal point in the dining room is a gorgeous French door surrounded by windows. Chris has excellent ideas and carefully considers every situation for the optimal design. Everyone that visits the house is wowed by the details. > > I know I will be working with Chris again! **★★★★★ — ridgewalker20, April 2013** > I worked with Chris on a gut renovation of the third floor of my 100 year old home in Boston. > > Overall, Chris was outstanding. He laid out a thorough and efficient process for choosing the design and delivered the plans sooner than he promised. As with any older house, there were some tricky problems to work around and Chris came up with creative solutions to all of them. > > When we ran into a structural problem with the floor, Chris hired an engineer and worked out a solution to solve it. He also did extensive research on how to solve some technical insulation problems with the roof. > > He was professional and easy to work with. My contractor said he was a little "particular" and I loved it! Just what I am looking for in an architect. Would recommend him to anyone. **Comment from Christopher Barry \| Architect:** > No construction project is without some challenges. People open to working with their design professional to find creative solutions to the problems their renovation project present are rewarded with great results. ## Selected projects - [Colonial Meets Miami](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colonial-meets-miami-pj-vj~6438435) - Location: Milton, MA - Photos: 2 - Description: This reconstruction was envisioned with the family’s mixed Miami and traditional New England roots. A common issue with the developer style colonial houses built throughout the region is that they lack an open concept, spacious living, and fail to take advantage of views. This colonial was no exception, but it did have one strong advantage: location! In working with this client, Chris uncovered their underlying desires and envisioned a home here in Massachusetts that could engage the traditional… - [Rutland Penthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rutland-penthouse-pj-vj~6438420) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: After being out bid on many apartments, the owners of this newly renovate duplex sought to create an apartment of their own from an old undesirable unit. Gutted to the studs, this two floored apartment was transformed into a gracious open living space. An old fireplace was removed and the spaces were reorganized all with a focus on creating a large open volume focusing on one of the main features, an expansive view. To reinforce this feature, a new gas fireplace was located to capture both these… - [Gullwing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gullwing-pj-vj~6438383) - Location: Truro, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: Perched high on a coastal dune overlooking Cape Cod Bay, this site provided a unique opportunity to construct a new home with a position most often reserved for lighthouses. This fully open concept house includes a twenty-three foot sliding glass door that opens this home to the warm summer breezes and sunny days Cape Cod is famous. The living and dining are one space with a gabled cathedral ceiling opening to the kitchen surrounded by windows. Upper cabinets were limited to preserve the opennes… - [Charlestown Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlestown-revival-pj-vj~6438390) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: The clients, a growing family, were suddenly offered the opportunity to acquire this single-family home but needed to adapt it to their needs. The house had been renovated in part, but lacked quality design and thought to accommodate todays lifestyle. Christopher's designs help modernize the home to accommodate basics such as a useful kitchen with open living concepts, all while preserving historic features and reviving some of the character that had been lost in prior renovations. The project w… - [Ski In Ski Out](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ski-in-ski-out-pj-vj~7365854) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Charlestown Blues](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlestown-blues-pj-vj~6438368) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: Renovated in the 1990s as a condominium development and later renovated again by a prior owner, the space did not meet the client’s needs. After looking at several options, it was decided the basic layout was correct but function was lost in the prior execution. The space was completely stripped to the studs and refitted with function in mind complete with custom cabinets. The living and kitchen spaces were designed as a harmonious collection crafted by a single millworker for continuity and det… - [Approaching Zero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/approaching-zero-pj-vj~7365839) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 2 - [Ptown Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ptown-modern-pj-vj~6438289) - Location: Provincetown, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: The Provincetown Modern homeowners wanted a room that felt like they were outdoors. On a quiet street in Provincetown, Christopher designed this modern addition to complement its surroundings, while providing the homeowners with a panoramic view of the landscape and future pool. A coating on the glass keeps the heat of the sun out while the awning windows and sliding doors, including one with three panels, open to let the breeze in. This addition also opens into an expanded kitchen for an entire… - [Island Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-living-pj-vj~5543592) - Location: Jamestown, RI - Photos: 7 - Description: Centrally located in the wooded area of Jamestown, this 1980s house was in desperate need of a makeover. The new, creative owners sought to enjoy this near seaside location for its surrounding beauty. Unfortunately, this home was plagued with low ceilings, choppy spaces, and small windows. There was no clear view through the house and little view of the home’s primary focus: the backyard. A few walls, an ill-placed laundry room, and the upper kitchen cabinets obstructing the view were removed. N… - [Brookline Eclecticism](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookline-eclecticism-pj-vj~6438465) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: A traveling doctor spends much of his time in hotels dreaming of his own suite to call home. Guided by his stays and images seen through magazines, the owner sought out local designers and architects that could respond to his many visions. Chris offered his skill in organizing a collective group of talented designers into a cohesive team with a singular set of documents that could be used by the contractor to execute this project of many specific desires. Executed at a higher level of quality th… - [Studio Westport](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/studio-westport-pj-vj~201702) - Location: Westport, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: Studio Westport, Massachusetts- As a retreat from the City, the owner / artist was seeking to transform this shaker style barn into a studio for his many interests. He was attracted to the graceful roof structure and huge volume it creates, open for a multitude of uses. The lower level is also a studio but equipped for all weather conditions for year round use. The renovation was to be sensitive to the vernacular while modernizing the structure for today’s new uses. In association with MPA. - [Lexington Gray](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lexington-gray-pj-vj~1240534) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: Nestled into a 1950s neighborhood of modest homes, this teardown and reconstruction was crafted to blend into its surroundings while providing the space this family needed to grow. After careful consideration of their options, the family decided remaining in their existing neighborhood was the best option. The solution was to expand up and out to create the living space desired. The roof of the existing home was removed, saving only the first floor walls. A taller second floor over the old home… - [Newfields NH](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newfields-nh-pj-vj~757806) - Location: Newfields, NH - Photos: 4 - Description: After building the house of their dreams, the owners decided attention had not been paid to many aspects of the home they so desired. Collaborating with Ann Henderson Interiors, collectively we re-imagined the living environment with changes to both architecture and decoration. Rooms were re-oriented and spaces defined. Walls, doors and windows were moved, removed and added; crafting living spaces with individual character from what was once undefined open space. Additionally, detailed moldings… - [View to Boston](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/view-to-boston-pj-vj~6438447) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: A roof top escape, essential to urban life by some, is reimagined into a potted garden for evening socializing and retreat. A small 10×10 deck was replaced with this expansive outdoor entertaining space but not without a few structural dynamics. In order to accommodate this deck, the entire structure of the unit below had to be altered in order to support the new deck. During the course of renovating the apartment below, new structure was put into place that could support both the deck and the d… - [The Little House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-little-house-pj-vj~749410) - Location: Ogunquit, ME - Photos: 1 - Description: Named the little house, this project was designed for the owners to down size into a more modest home with the space to continue entertaining at their previous scale. A post and beam house from the 1970s, this home was completely stripped down to its shell and reconstructed with a large living room structure added in the rear which alleviates the cramped low ceilings of the original house. Additionally, from most any location in the house you can see through to the outside, adding a spacious fee… - [Beacon Light](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-light-pj-vj~6438499) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 5 - [Arlington Attic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-attic-pj-vj~2997831) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 7 - [Penthouse One](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/penthouse-one-pj-vj~201205) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: Twin Condos, Boston- Sitting adjacent and mirrored to each other, these two condominiums with separate owners were in despite need of updating from their 1980s construction. Because these units are situated in one of the most advantageous locations of the Back Bay, the owners did not want to move, making renovation the desired approach to a new home. Many design elements are similar but each has its own identity. See Penthouse for second condo. - [Tear It Down](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tear-it-down-pj-vj~201753) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 3 - Description: Winchester Mass- A growing family of four decided to settle in Winchester. In an expensive market, finding good housing close to schools was difficult. Faced with these issues, the couple decided a small house with the potential to become larger would be the answer. Technically a “tear down”, this 900 sf 1950s ranch will be transformed into a 2800sf, three bedroom home with dining and family room for extended family gatherings. In association with JDP. - [South End Flat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-end-flat-pj-vj~1935924) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: Originally designed as an Edwardian Flat style apartment, this condominium has been transformed to allow a more modern living arrangement. The apartment’s original design had the living room and the eating facilities at opposite ends of a long floor plan. These spaces were linked by a narrow hall with bedrooms to one side. Initially, the owners sought a kitchen and bath renovation leaving these functions in the same location but were open to possibilities. As their architect, I immediately saw t… [See all 34 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/christopher-barry-architect-pfvwus-pf~721900718) ## Ideabooks - [D&T](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107582970/list/d-t) — 1 idea - [1686W3](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53794673/list/1686w3) — 5 ideas - [4 Andrew](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53794245/list/4-andrew) — 1 idea - [7SCBH](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51334354/list/7scbh) — 12 ideas - [\#FOASmallSpaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45473858/list/foasmallspaces) — 9 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cjbrry) ## Community Q&A **Q: paint color please!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: a soft and subtle blue, thanks! **Q: Kitchen sink and faucet** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, I am interested in the sink size and manufacturer and also the faucet. Both look good in this space and kitchen! Thanks! A: the sink is a basic Frankie D bowl. I don't know the faucet. thanks **Q: Can you provide the wall color and brand name?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: sorry kaylie15, I do not know. **Q: Addition and landscaping** *(in Design Dilemma)* Looking for ideas for an addition style And affordable front landscape ideas. A: There are many things you can do. It really depends upon what you want to spend. See the house I renovated in Winchester. The before pictures are similar to this. Check your zoning first, most likely you can only add on to the rear or up. **Q: Qualified Kitchen contractors** *(in Other)* Where would I begin to find a reputable Kitchen Contractor? Many colleagues of my mine, would never rehire their contractor. Help!! Need a kitchen remodel? Thank you, A: Greater Boston **Q: What are the wall and trim colors?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: blue and white, beyond that I do not know. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*