--- title: "Birdseye Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/birdseye-design-pfvwus-pf~847344522 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847344522.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Birdseye Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/73b3618d0af4ee3d_3925-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3104 Huntington Road, Richmond, Vermont 05477, United States" latitude: 44.3873 longitude: -72.9533 phone: "(802) 434-3105" website: http://www.birdseyevt.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 1837 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Birdseye Design Original Houzz profile: [Birdseye Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/birdseye-design-pfvwus-pf~847344522) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Richmond, VT - **Serves:** Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston, Waterbury, Stowe, Jericho, Hinesburg, Richmond, Waitsfield, Warren, Huntington, Underhill Center, Everywhere, Jonesville - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500,000 Ideabook Saves Birdseye Design is an award winning architecture studio specializing in custom residential design. Since 1996, Birdseye has produced soulful and timeless creations of beauty, originality and sustainability. The work has been widely featured in popular magazines, international architecture design books, and professional journals. Principal architect, Brian J. Mac, AIA, practices a holistic approach to design, artfully blending place, form and function to create homes of integrity and inspiration. Each Birdseye home represents the finest in architectural design and building innovation. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Historic Building Conservation ### Areas Served - Burlington - Essex - South Burlington - Colchester - Essex Junction - Williston - Waterbury - Stowe - Jericho - Hinesburg - Richmond - Waitsfield - Warren - Huntington - Underhill Center - Everywhere - Jonesville ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Birdseye Design | | Address | 3104 Huntington Road, Richmond, Vermont 05477, United States | | Phone | (802) 434-3105 | | Website | http://www.birdseyevt.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1837 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/birdseyebuilding - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/birdseye-design - Blog — http://www.birdseyebuilding.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Birdseye Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/birdseye-design-pfvwus-pf~847344522) - **Website:** http://www.birdseyevt.com - **Phone:** (802) 434-3105 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - American Institute of Architects - 2015 AIAVT Honor Award - 2012 AIAVT Honor Award - 2011 AIAVT Merit Award - 2011 AIAVT Honorable Mention Award - 2009 AIAVT Honorable Mention Award - 2007 AIAVT Design Award - 2005 AIAVT Honor Award - 2004 AIAVT Honor Award - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [HBRA of Northern Vermont](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/hbra-of-northern-vermont-pfvwus-pf~152256095) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-548577826, Sept. 2021** > Appreciate the assistance and working with needs. > I have updated the review to reflect a good business practices. Thank you **★★★★★ — Marc Reuss, Sept. 2019** > Birdseye has been amazing from start to finish. The project began 2.5 years ago, we were living in London and building in Vermont, we wanted a Vermont Architectural Firm and discovered Birdseye. We had a basic concept of a 'Modern Barn' they brought the concept to life brilliantly. It was an amazingly collaborative process, dozens of decisions throughout the building phase. They were respectful and accommodating when we felt strongly about something but we could also count on them to give their professional perspective if they disagreed. The project is now complete, I would recommend Birdseye without hesitation. This is not the only amazing house they have designed but you really sensed their professional pride and excitement in what they do. Also, they are really super people to work with and we enjoyed the engagement in every step of the process. The second best decision we made was to contract with their construction side of the business, equally as amazing! **★★★★★ — lwh191, June 2014** > Our Perfect Storm (in a good way!) > > It started with the purchase of an incredibly beautiful lakefront property (Shelburne Point), a gifted architect with a unique vision for our land (Brian Mac), and a team of craftsmen who take pride in every detail of their work (Birdseye Building). We had our perfect storm and the result was/is nothing less than breathtaking. We have our perfect home. > > My husbands review follows with more specifics but what I can tell you from my heart is that our house has 'good bones'. Strong and straight, lovingly designed and expertly crafted. We felt a responsibility to our land, not just because of its undisturbed beauty but also because of its history and visibility within the community. Every tree that had to be cut down weighed heavily on us. It was hard for me to imagine how the design of this home could possible respect the landscape. But it does in every way. The design and exterior finishes of our home are so unique and perfectly complement the surrounding beauty. Our home is exquisite both inside and out. Its architecture is both sculptural and interesting and I attribute that to the relationship and trust that we developed with Brian Mac. There were many times when we had to trust Brian's vision and I'm so grateful he was able to help us see the possibilities and we were able to 'just go' with his instincts and expertise. We expected the end result to be everything we wanted in a home but what we hadn't bargained for was a work of art. > > Lisetta Wiese-Hansen > > > Our experience using Birdseye Design and Birdseye Building for the complete design and construction of our new home was excellent. I have been through the design / build process before and did not have nearly the outstanding experience that I had with Birdseye. > > Brian Mac, our principal architect, did an amazing job of really listening to what my wife and I liked, what we didn't like, and what we didn't care about. I never felt like we were wasting our time during our interactions with Birdseye Design. At each design meeting we were always presented with appropriate and on-target ideas based on our taste and preferences. We had spent almost two years working with Birdseye on a design for a new home (the extended time was due to our scheduling, not delays on the part of Birdseye). We had nearly completed the entire set of plans for full construction, when we made a drastic change in our home location. The home that Birdseye had designed for us was a beautiful and amazing home, but it wasn't going to work on the new land we purchased, which is located on Lake Champlain. With absolutely no input from us, Brian Mac completely designed and built out of cardboard a scaled model of a proposed house. We met Brian at our new property and he presented the house to us for the first time. We loved the design and that original house Brian presented us with is what we have today. I firmly believe that it was a combination of Brian's amazing design skills and his ability to really listen and understand what we liked (and didn't like), that allowed him to create the design he did. > > Once we started the actual build process, we became more and more involved with Birdseye Building (the construction / craftsman side). We found the same outstanding professionalism and excellence with Birdseye Building as we did with Birdseye Design. Our project leader (Eric Sandy) was excellent to work with. I quickly learned that for Eric nothing is "good enough", it is either correct, or it is not. His super attention to detail was very welcomed. Not only did Eric do an excellent job of managing the project and the teams of workers, he always functioned as a "customer advocate" in balancing the high level of quality needed with reasonable and appropriate costs. Our custom home took just over two years to complete, so we had many opportunities to meet and interact with many Birdseye employees. Each and every member of the Birdseye team was enjoyable to be around. > > Some highlights of our experience with Birdseye: > > -- Excellent attention to detail in every aspect of the project (design and construction). > -- Outstanding and highly skilled: > -- -- Carpenters and craftsmen on their full-time staff (all rough and finish carpentry). > -- -- Cabinet / woodworking shop and crew (custom cabinets, wood finishes and built-in spaces throughout house). > -- -- Metal working craftsman (exterior and interior railings). > -- -- Excavating / landscaping crew (built custom seawall / terrace on waterfront). > -- Utilizes an excellent and diverse pool of sub-contractors for all infrastructure and landscaping requirements. > > Overall the entire process was excellent and I would enthusiastically recommend Birdseye Design and Building Company. > > David Potter **★★★★★ — cathywells, Nov. 2013** > I have worked with Birdseye on 3 different projects since 2007. The first one was the renovation of a storage barn into a guest house, the complete design/build of our main house and the design/build of a barn and equipment shed. The second project was building another barn and equipment shed and a processing pavilion for my farm. This included major sitework, including making two ponds, digging a well, installing irrigation and a septic mound. The third project is the renovation of my current house. Each of these projects has had different budgets, limitations and goals and Birdseye has been incredibly flexible and willing to adopt to each situation. Each time they have produced a superior product, been responsive to budget needs and are a delight to work with. In addition, they follow up with their work and I feel like I have a support team behind me even after the project is over. The first project won top awards and is featured in at least two major design magazines. They are great to work with. **★★★★★ — huevosrancheros, Nov. 2013** > Birdseye designed our new restaurant space in a 150 year old building in the downtown of Burlington, VT. Not only is the space highly functional, it has amazing street appeal and a winning esthetic. Throughout the project which included difficult structural solutions, the design team was always right on top of the project. I personally enjoyed working with this team and would recommend them to anyone looking for first rate design. **★★★★★ — virginiarowland, July 2013** > My husband and I renovated 3 different homes, a cottage and build a barn with Birdseye Building Company. They provided outstanding architectural design service, thoroughly comprehensive and punctual contracting services and accurate invoicing. Their entire team was outstanding to work with on each project, even though the size of the projects varied. I recommend them often and would happily work with them again! I included the approximate start date of our largest completed project with Birdseye, although we began working with them on a previous home in the late 80's and continued on with them on a different project into the 2000's. **★★★★★ — Wolffe Interiors, Feb. 2013** > A member of Birdseye Design offered to show a home to me that was designed by their company and nearly complete. The home in Shelburne was incredibly beautiful and no detail was left unfinished. The project was an entire home design and it was truly stunning. It made an impression on me for sure. ## Selected projects - [Mural House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mural-house-pj-vj~5882804) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Mural House is a single-family residence located in an urban infill lot in a historic section of Burlington, Vermont. The house is located on a corner lot with a sloping landscape backed by 100’ tall pine trees to the east and distant lake and mountain views to the west. The urban context is composed of a mixture of university buildings and single-family homes. The clients desired a contemporary aesthetic following the ideology of Ezra Pound’s simple but elegantly stated principal, “Make it New.… - [Vista House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vista-house-pj-vj~5765107) - Location: Waterbury, VT - Photos: 12 - Description: Vista House is a mountainside private residence located in a remote forest in the Green Mountains of Vermont. A concrete lower level anchors the house into the hillside, allowing the black cedar-clad upper level to float above the landscape, with large expanses of glass framing wide panoramic views to the valley below. The arrival sequence begins by ascending an angled steel bridge which ramps up to the main level over a lowered forecourt, before arriving in a transparent foyer, which frames vie… - [Modern Gable](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-gable-pj-vj~5757327) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Modern Gable is a private residence located in Southern Vermont. The house is sited due south overlooking a sloping meadow with distant mountain views. Dorset Peak, to the north, firmly roots the house into its mountainous context. The project aesthetic draws from the familiar steep gable barn roofs of Vermont. The juxtaposition of the flat roof adjacent structure and clean lines of the gable form reflect the contemporary language of the home. The exterior material palette combines a contrasting… - [Lift House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lift-house-pj-vj~3093506) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Lift House is sited on a narrow property adjacent to a ski trail, on a Vermont mountainside. The footprint of the house is boomerang-shaped to fit the landscape, with sleeping spaces below and social spaces on the top floor to maximize views. The reverse living arrangement is emphasized in the materiality and massing of the house. The lower volume of Lift House is a heavy, corten steel-clad form which anchors the house to the sloping mountainside and supports the floating form above. The garage… - [Board + Batten](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/board-batten-pj-vj~2637993) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Board + Batten, located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, is a spacious guest house sited at the edge of a mature forest overlooking a private meadow. Accessed by a narrow footpath, the secluded guest house is organized in a T-shaped symmetrical plan with bedrooms defining the edge of the forest and the living spaces projecting into the meadow. The residence is inspired by board and batten siding, ubiquitous in the region as a durable and functional cladding. Board + Batten is clad in a playful… - [Woodshed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodshed-pj-vj~2120639) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Woodshed is a residential project nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Sited on a clearing on a steeply sloping and heavily wooded site, the Woodshed is both a guest house and entertainment space for the main residence down the road. The project is conceptually inspired by the vernacular woodshed, a familiar and iconic element in the Vermont landscape. The residence is composed of two asymmetric gable roof forms, akin to the traditional woodshed, connected by a central ent… - [ADK Camp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adk-camp-pj-vj~5768452) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: ADK Camp, located in New York State’s Adirondack Park, is a private residence on Brant Lake, owned by the same family for four generations. The 5-acre site is defined by two existing boathouses, a tree-lined carriage road, and a vintage waterfront cabin. The structure replaces a dilapidated and structurally unsound building. In the spirit of Great Camp buildings, the minimalist-designed residence, in plan, anchors the historic buildings of the site to create a new central hub for the residents.… - [Hygge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hygge-pj-vj~5768480) - Location: Burlington, VT - Photos: 11 - Description: Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment. It can be alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary but it is always cozy, charming or special. A pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow Located along Vermont’s eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain in a densely populated lake-side neighborhood, the residence is situated on the footprint of a former residen… - [Cantilever House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cantilever-house-pj-vj~126059) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: 2012 AIAVT Honor Award - [Champlain Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/champlain-modern-pj-vj~487725) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 31 - Description: 2015 AIAVT Honor Award - [Two Shed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-shed-pj-vj~2120575) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - [Quaker Bluff Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quaker-bluff-residence-pj-vj~8784) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 200 - Description: 2011 AIAVT Merit Award - [Quaker Bluff Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quaker-bluff-cottage-pj-vj~2802) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: 2009 AIAVT Honor Award - [Fall Line](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fall-line-pj-vj~1088192) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - [Lake Camp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-camp-pj-vj~2120709) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 36 - [Quarry House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quarry-house-pj-vj~1386087) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Glass & Steel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glass-and-steel-pj-vj~2751) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This project was featured in Upper Valley Image magazine in October 2007. - [Sunset Cliff](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-cliff-pj-vj~126082) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - [Artist's Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artist-s-residence-pj-vj~2749) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: 2004 AIAVT Honor Award This home was also featured in the following publications: "Farm Houses: The New Style" by Neill Heath (2005, Harper Collins); Design New England magazine, Sept/ Oct 2007; Vermont Magazine, annual "At Home" issue, 2007 - [Vermont Organic Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vermont-organic-farm-pj-vj~2750) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 35 [See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/birdseye-design-pfvwus-pf~847344522) ## Community Q&A **Q: Light Fixture** *(in Photo Questions)* where did you purchase the industrial light mounted in this pic with the wheel A: Sorry, can't help. Interior Designer would know. https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/house-tours/a25373860/cathy-chapman-lake-champlain-vermont-house-tour/ **Q: What material is the wood-look counter around the sink? Real wood?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Walnut **Q: Resource for kitchen tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* LOVE this room! A: Floor marble is from a quarry in South Hero, Vermont. **Q: Stone type and source** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of stone is this and where can it be sourced? Not only are you talented but you are amazing for replying to all the questions you get. A: Mexican Beach Pebbles **Q: Siding** *(in Photo Questions)* I really like the way you transitioned the exterior material. Is that concrete on the lowest level? A: exterior stucco **Q: Any idea where the counter stools are from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: DWR, EMECO Navy counter stool --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*