--- title: "SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA) — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/swz-architects-llc-merging-with-lfa-pfvwus-pf~93312821 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~93312821.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA)" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2703c5ed03ac73a6_5726-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "30 Winsor Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States" latitude: 42.37 longitude: -71.1773 phone: "(617) 893-8907" website: http:// rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 177 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA) Original Houzz profile: [SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/swz-architects-llc-merging-with-lfa-pfvwus-pf~93312821) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Watertown, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Woburn, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Lexington, Watertown, South Boston, Melrose, Wellesley, Belmont, Wakefield, Burlington, Wilmington, Stoneham, Winchester, Bedford, Lynnfield, Weston, Charlestown, Middleton, West Concord, Lincoln, Brighton, New England, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Waban, Wellesley Hills - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2024), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Woman owned TRANSFORMATIONAL, SUSTAINABLE, ATTAINABLE The character of our environment profoundly affects the quality of our everyday life. SWZ Architects LLC creates homes that will provide long-lasting experiences and memories by designing unique and enduring spaces with a sense of place that welcomes, comforts and delights. We design thoughtful, timeless, contemporary architecture inspired by our client’s dreams and rooted in the history of the region. Our architecture respectfully responds to the site and it surroundings, as well as the design vision. Established business and design practices allow us to efficiently perform architectural services from programming and design through construction. We value working with others who share our enthusiasm and aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. Simply put, we love what we do! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Handicap-Accessible Design - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Custom Homes - New homes - Site Planning ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Newton - Somerville - Waltham - Brookline - Medford - Arlington - Woburn - Jamaica Plain - Natick - Lexington - Watertown - South Boston - Melrose - Wellesley - Belmont - Wakefield - Burlington - Wilmington - Stoneham - Winchester - Bedford - Lynnfield - Weston - Charlestown - Middleton - West Concord - Lincoln - Brighton - New England - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Upper Falls - Newtonville - Waban - Wellesley Hills ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - $5,000,000 SWZ Architects LLC offers a full range of architectural services for new construction and renovation for a wide range of clients. The firm is service minded and comfortable handling projects of various sizes and locations. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA) | | Address | 30 Winsor Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States | | Phone | (617) 893-8907 | | Website | http:// | | License Number | 30083166 | | Followers on Houzz | 177 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=15486740&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile\_pic - Blog — swzarchitectsllc.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/swz-architects-llc-merging-with-lfa-pfvwus-pf~93312821) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (617) 893-8907 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - MA Registered Architect - LEED AP - North East Sustainable Energy Association - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2024), for Service, Design. **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 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Andrew, Dec. 2023** > We had the pleasure of working with both Shelley and Malvina on our Kitchen and Mudroom renovation in Winchester, MA. I would (and have been) recommending SWZ to my friends in the area contemplating various renovation and construction projects. We found their knowledge, attention to detail, and thoroughness invaluable across all stages of our project. Living in an older house, they were able to help us massively improve the flow and utilization of our space to more comfortably support our growing family. They listened to our wants, and ideas, incorporated them into plans and proposals, and saw them executed and delivered accurately for us. They handled changes and setbacks easily and competently as the project progressed from pouring the foundation to final appliance installation. I would happily work with SWZ again! **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > It was a true pleasure to create a space for you and your growing family. Thank you! **★★★★★ — Erika Faulkenberry, Oct. 2023** > We had the pleasure of working with SWZ Arquitects for the renovation project of our house. This was the first time we did such a large renovation and we were overwhelmed with the complexity. Project included a merging two bedrooms to create a master bedroom/bath, finishing an attic with a dormer added, moving walls to create access to the attic from a hallway, total redesign of the kitchen and dining room, in addition to a mudroom conversion and a deck added. Additionally the project was challenging because we were looking to maximize space without making any additions to the property. > > We are so grateful that we worked with Malvina from the beginning till the end of the project. Her vision, expertise and experience helped us design a beautiful and functional space in every room touched. By changing the layout of walls, windows, flooring, and other spaces, our house looks bigger, open and it is functional! Being an almost 100 year old house, Malvina also ensured that the architectural design matched the style and original character of the house. She was attentive to details, light, flow of movement and everything between. SWZ also gave us contractors’ recommendations and helped us choose the best quotes, and coordinate with other experts such as the structural engineer. We decided to work with Express Remodeling Group contractors which were also amazing and did great teamwork working with Malvina and Shelly. > > Additionally, Malvina kept very close to the budget we had set and provided valuable advise when we had to make decisions between materials, location of lighting, doors opening for max space usage, windows, etc. always keeping continuous communication, providing us updates and playing a key role so we could finish the renovation and move to our house in the timeline planned. > > We highly recommend SWZ Architects. > > Erika and Mark Faulkenberry **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > It was a true pleasure to work with you. Thank you! **★★★★★ — Katie Williams, Feb. 2023** > We hired SWZ Architects to help with conceptualizing and implementing an addition on out 1950's ranch. As a design professional, I appreciated the partnership with Malvina and her expertise. She was able to bring in a fresh perspective on our design. We were able to develop the perfect solution for our addition and could not be happier with the final spaces. **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > It was a true pleasure to work with you. Thank you! **★★★★★ — Express Remodeling Group, Jan. 2021** > Working with Shelly (SWZ Architects) has been a great experience for many reasons. First and foremost her professionalism and attention to detail is top notch! SWZ Architects are very organized, which is super important and helpful no matter what size project. Also, they are very knowledgeable and creative and were a great resource for both myself and the client. I look forward to working with them again, and I recommend them highly. **★★★★★ — Ellen Torres, Nov. 2020** > We engaged SWZ for a kitchen addition for our 1920's Colonial and worked primarily with Shelly Ziegelman. We are now happily enjoying our new space and so glad we hired Shelly! We did a prior project with a design build firm and had a not great experience. Having an experienced architect guide this project made all the difference for us. We ended up with a kitchen we are thrilled with rather than regrets. Shelly listened and created a design that was better than anything we had imagined. For example, we moved our basement entrance to the side of the house, creating light in the basement and and a much better plan for the kitchen addition since all the available space could be used for the kitchen itself not basement ingress. The plans that Shelly created perfectly complemented the style of the house. The addition made the house look better from the outside - a hard thing to do. Moreover, Shelly's detailed designs made the construction process easier for the contractor and us because there was little about which to be confused. We picked colors and style for the kitchen ourselves but we knew Shelly would tell us if we were making a mistake. We trusted her design sense to look to Shelly for guidance on these decisions and were able to quickly move on without second guessing which made the process painless. Shelly made sure the contractor kept to the plans but in such a way that a positive team spirit prevailed. You will be in good hands with SWZ! **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > Malvina and I are so grateful to have you both as clients! It was a pleasure every step of the way! Your new space is a result of great team work, clear communication and your incredible organizational skills. Thank for your trust!. **★★★★★ — Nora Viskin, Oct. 2019** > In the Fall of 2017, two deeply naive but enthusiastic homeowners set out on a mission to convert their quaint, classic 1930s home into a modernized space that would work for a growing family in the 21st century. We interviewed 4 Architects and confidently moved forward with SWZ after our first meeting, primarily partnering with Shelley. From the beginning, Shelley was warm and open, but direct in a way that allowed us to establish realistic expectations and plan a timeline and approach that worked for us all. She was completely respectful of our reasonable (though tight) budget - including design recommendations that allowed us to save massively so we could spend the balance elsewhere. She beautifully incorporated our vision into the final design and walked us through the process of hiring and working with a contractor (also her recommendation - and he was fantastic). The finished product -an almost entirely gut renovated first floor with a 400 sq. ft. addition - is seamlessly integrated into the rest of our home. Beyond being bright and lovely - every inch is used meaningfully, and the flow allows us to simultaneously spend quality time as a family while going about the necessities of life. We honestly wouldn't change a thing. We've already discussed our next project, and can't wait to work with SWZ again! **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > We are so grateful to have you and Tal as clients! It was a true pleasure to create a space for you and your growing family. **★★★★★ — holly clifford, Dec. 2017** > Working with Shelly was the best decision I made in my kitchen renovation. From her great list of contractors to her attention to detail regarding the many aspects of creating a kitchen from the studs in an 1890 house about which I knew only a fraction, I value her expertise, her breadth of experience and her network of resources on which we could draw, and yes especially her design aesthetic. When you spend the kind of money that a kitchen/bath renovation demands, it is imperative that you have the right information to make make good choices. I highly recommend Shelly, Malvina and SWZ architects. **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > It was a pleasure to work with you Holly! Malvina and I wanted to create a space that would complement your delightful dinner parties and delicious meals. Thank you for your recommendation! **★★★★★ — Nancy/Robert Giles, Oct. 2017** > Malvina was everything one would desire in an architect: very smart, visionary, cooperative, knowledgeable, conscientious about and prompt in meeting deadlines, appropriately humorous, empathic and successful in meeting our goals through her talents! She approached our classic Bauhaus-era home in Cambridge with respect, imagination and confidence. She helped to transform it into an unforgettable dwelling place. We were grateful for her time, talent and the beautiful results. **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > Thank you, Nancy! It was pleasure working with you and Bob on a truly amazing project. **★★★★★ — Stephen DeRose, Sept. 2017** > I previously worked with Malvina (previously with LFA) when I was building my home in 2004-2006. The total cost of the project was about $1 million. Malvina was professional and easy to work with. She is organized, detailed, who came up with great ideas. One of the best things also about Malviina is that she gets back to you promptly with any questions or concerns i had. I did not hesitate to contact her again for my next project for my business. Shelly was also excellent to work with. **★★★★★ — Cathy Russo, March 2017** > We hired SWZ Architects to design a master bedroom suite and more open concept first floor living space. Shelly did a great job with drawings and presenting the plan. She also recommended wonderful contractors, one of which we used to complete the project. We are thrilled with the overall outcome. **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > Thank you for the kind words Cathy! I truly enjoyed working with you and Tom. **★★★★★ — Anthony Braga, March 2017** > We hired SWZ Architects to help us design and plan renovations to our master bedroom and master bathroom. Given the layout of our home, the job was very complex. Shelly Wood Ziegelman did an excellent job listening to our hopes for the particulars of our new space and developed a plan that was much better than what we imagined was possible. She is very creative and collaborative with her clients. Shelly responded immediately whenever we contacted her with questions. We always felt like we were in very good hands. And, most importantly, Shelly is a genuinely good person. We highly recommend her and will definitely ask for her help on our future projects. **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > Thank you Anthony. It was a delight to work with you and Jacki! **★★★★★ — Connie Garrison, March 2017** > We hired Shelley to design a family room/mudroom addition to our house and integrate it with an existing kitchen and bath which would be remodeled. Shelley created a fabulous, open concept design with a great eye toward detail to ensure that the addition blended with the architectural style of our brick home built in 1927. We absolutely love the finished product! **Comment from SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA):** > Thank you Connie! It was a pleasure to work with you and John. Tom did a great job implementing the design. ## Selected projects - [SWZ Presentation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/swz-presentation-pj-vj~6471866) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Craftsman Bungalow Update - Watertown MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-bungalow-update-watertown-ma-pj-vj~6146973) - Location: Watertown, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: The solution for this 1911 uninsulated concrete block house with many small rooms was to view the building as two halves, restoring the traditional front and removing everything in the back including the roof and chimney. Through the introduction of a large south-west facing dormer, spatial and energy needs were met: the dormer creates new rooms, a master suite with a curbless shower, a family bath and a third floor office suite. The new dormered back half of the house provided space for a solar… - [Cambridge Barn Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-barn-conversion-pj-vj~6947119) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Ever dream of downsizing in your own backyard? Our Client’s old barn behind her historic 1846 house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was transformed into her retirement dream house. A sun-filled 675-square-foot open floor plan downstairs feels spacious and welcoming under lofty 11’ ceilings with exposed joists. Some original details were preserved, enhanced and reused, such as the original timber posts and knee braces, antique floorboards and interior beadboard siding. The horse stall windows on the… - [Kitchen and Powder Room Renovation, Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-powder-room-renovation-winchester-ma-pj-vj~2991678) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: This project is a kitchen and powder room renovation in Winchester, MA in a Mid-century modern style. The cabinets are white lacquer and Walnut The counters are white caesarstone and Carrera marble - [Breakfast Room Addition and Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/breakfast-room-addition-and-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~6471785) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 7 - [Condo Renovation, Winchester MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/condo-renovation-winchester-ma-pj-vj~1810522) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: Contractor: Millwork Builders Interior Designer: Elana Rudiger - [Julia Child's House, Cambridge, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/julia-child-s-house-cambridge-ma-pj-vj~602210) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 18 - Description: The irrepressible energy that Julia Child brought to her life and her cooking was the guiding spirit for the renovations and additions made to the property. Our concept for the entire house was to create a coherent design style, palette, and approach, with subtle motif and theme variation and development, from room to room, and from floor to floor. Our goal was to open up the spaces and integrate the new kitchen space with the beautiful garden and terrace. We accomplished this blurred connection… - [Addition to Victorian Shelter Island, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addition-to-victorian-shelter-island-ny-pj-vj~2684435) - Location: Shelter Island, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Located in the Heights section of Shelter Island, the project called for the renovation and expansion of an 1800’s Victorian House. Challenges included the restricted building envelope, the proximity of neighbors, the desire to maintain a street presence and yet the need to provide privacy for the Owners. The existing Victorian was completely renovated to permit the blending of details with the new 1200 s.f. addition. A series of landscape and architectural features, including brick steps, patio… - [Home Addition - Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-addition-winchester-ma-pj-vj~603950) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 1 - Description: A jewel-box family room addition with a cupola, a small deck that bridges to the entrance porch and a covered terrace below the patio. The varying rooflines and connections with the existing carriage house posed a welcome design challenge. This house was featured on “This Old House”, the PBS television series. - [Additions & Renovation - Fresh Pond Lane, Cambridge, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/additions-and-renovation-fresh-pond-lane-cambridge-ma-pj-vj~603962) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: The elegant turn-of-the-century craftsman colonial was renovated by extending and weaving an existing 1970s addition into the main house, collaborating with the Landscape Architect to blur the line of indoor and outdoor space and siting a detached garage, creating a transition from public street to private yard. The kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms were relocated and designed according to the family’s lifestyle and personal taste. - [Renovation and Addition - Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renovation-and-addition-winchester-ma-pj-vj~837065) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 5 - [Second Floor Addition - Needham, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-floor-addition-needham-ma-pj-vj~719952) - Location: Belmont, MA - Photos: 2 - [Addition and Renovation - Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addition-and-renovation-winchester-ma-pj-vj~837055) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: At the beginning of the project, while walking through this grand vintage Tudor home, the first comment the owner made was, “I don't like Tudor and I really don’t like stucco.” Our challenge was to renovate the entire house, add a garage, front entrance porch and kitchen, and give the house a new non-Tudor look. We softened the Tudor style through a layering of materials: clapboard, stone, and stucco. We introduced clapboard siding to the first floor and third floor dormer, and designed a field… - [Modern Meets Craftsman - Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-meets-craftsman-winchester-ma-pj-vj~651528) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 25 - Description: A 100 year old craftsman colonial with carefully perserved formal living spaces and 21st century kitchen and bath rooms. The butlers pantry flows into a transitional sitting area off the sleek, modern kitchen. The master bath addition integrates the craftsman lines and aesthetic on the exterior with modern fixtures and sensibility on the interior. - [Renovation - Cambridge, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renovation-cambridge-ma-pj-vj~602314) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: Originally a Philadelphia style two-family house, the Kenway residence was transformed into a single-family residence. Situated in a historic district, the exterior was restored to the Victorian era in which it was built. In order to avoid preservationism as an end in itself, the kitchen and bathrooms employ a cutting-edge design aesthetic to create an exciting and contemporary experiential dynamic. - [Full Home Renovation & Additions, Belmont, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/full-home-renovation-and-additions-belmont-ma-pj-vj~877627) - Location: Belmont, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: This center entrance colonial was transformed with new bathrooms and kitchen and many discrete additions. The additions included starting in the front of the house a new entry portico and a two story office and master bathroom addition. Dormers were designed allowing for a stairway, headroom and light in the new guest bedroom suite. On the rear of the house, a new conservatory/dining area off the kitchen flows out onto the new bluestone terrace, and a garage extension houses a back stair, mudroo… - [Modern Addition, Cambridge, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-addition-cambridge-ma-pj-vj~2684465) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: Located near Harvard Square, this project called for the renovation and expansion of a 1950’s Carleton Richmond House. Challenges included, the narrow site, proximity of neighbors and the desire to balance the privacy ofcouple with the active social life of their professional careers. All major living spaces (Living, Dining and Kitchen) were reorganized to create an open plan and respond to the L-shaped pool; thereby creating an easy transition between the interior spaces and exterior landscape.… - [Guesthouse Germatown, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/guesthouse-germatown-ny-pj-vj~2684446) - Location: Germantown, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: This 1300 s.f. Guesthouse was designed to provide a two car garage, storage and workshop below with an Office, Living Area and Bedroom above. The dumbbell plan allows the Office and Bedroom to frame the main Living Area that opens to a covered porch with a view across the Hudson River. Natural ventilation is achieved through the porch and and fans located in two daylighted (recalling the barn vernacular of the area). Materials include: a slab on grade, painted cedar siding, Pella doors and windo… - [Private Residence Provincetown, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-provincetown-ma-pj-vj~2684474) - Location: Provincetown, MA - Photos: 2 - Description: Located on the edge of Provincetown, this 2000 s.f single family residence is situated at the edge of wetlands and the bottom of a steep hill. An open main floor plan, combining living, dining and cooking, connected to a sunroom and large deck, provides numerous opportunities for entertaining A central open stair links the activites of the main floor with an upper level with 4 bedrooms and three baths The staggered roof line allows for light into a central hall and views from all the rooms - [2 Family Renovation, Lexington, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2-family-renovation-lexington-ma-pj-vj~2684427) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 1 - Description: Renovation of a “Techbuilt” home on 4 levels to accommodate a growing family and an independent private in-law apartment with art studio. Provides axial light filled spaces while enhancing the modern characteristics of the original design. Main House: Open floor plan for living, dining, large kitchen and den, with four bedrooms and three baths on different levels. Self-contained in-law apartment with living, kitchen, bedroom, studio and separate entrance [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/swz-architects-llc-merging-with-lfa-pfvwus-pf~93312821) ## Ideabooks - [Stelling](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115457490/list/stelling) — 7 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/swzarchitectsllc) ## Community Q&A **Q: Hello! What is the paint color for the wall? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi there, The walls are Sherwin Williams, Oyster White. **Q: Countertops???** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you provide more info on the countertops? Color/ brand etc? A: Thank you for your interest! **Q: Could you tell me who crafted the beautiful vanity? Who made the sink?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your interest! The vanity was custom designed and built. **Q: what is the ceiling height?** *(in Photo Questions)* thanks! A: approximately 11'. **Q: Door hardware on french doors** *(in Photo Questions)* When I was in Spain the doors to the balcony had the same type of locking hardware (twisting handles that locked at top and bottom of doors). Where can I find that type of hardware and what is the name of this specific latch? A: Thank you for your inquiry about the door hardware. I believe, the Client purchased the hardware at a specialty hardware store on Charles Street in Boston. **Q: closet doors** *(in Photo Questions)* love the black framed mirror closet doors. very unique. I'm assuming they were custom made - correct? Any tips on recreating?? A: Hi Jane, thank you for the interest! The Trustile doors were custom fitted with mercury glass. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*