--- title: "Duo Dickinson, architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/duo-dickinson-architect-pfvwus-pf~973437406 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~973437406.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Duo Dickinson, architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/52b3fe2d00cf2e08_1020-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "94 Bradley Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443-2644, United States" latitude: 41.309 longitude: -72.6153 phone: "(203) 245-0405" website: http://duodickinson.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 34 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 281 last_updated: 2026-09-14 --- # Duo Dickinson, architect Original Houzz profile: [Duo Dickinson, architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/duo-dickinson-architect-pfvwus-pf~973437406) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Madison, CT - **Serves:** New Haven, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Clinton, Westbrook, Killingworth, Northford, Deep River, Chester, Deep River Center, Guilford Center, Westbrook Center, Madison Center, Chester Center, America, Centerbrook, ct, Hadlyme, Ivoryton, mass, nj, ny - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Duo Dickinson is an architect, writer and Houzz contributor. Duo's architectural firm in Madison, CT was founded November 1st, 1987 - and has devoted his office to design, writing and service to clients ever since. Duo graduated from Cornell in 1977, is licensed in multiple states, and has built or renovated over 500 homes and worked on projects for over 40 not-for-profits in over 10 states, with budgets ranging from $5,000 to $5,000,000. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Barn Design & Construction - Structural Engineering - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - 3D Home Design - Remodeling - millwork design ### Areas Served - New Haven - Guilford - Madison - North Branford - Clinton - Westbrook - Killingworth - Northford - Deep River - Chester - Deep River Center - Guilford Center - Westbrook Center - Madison Center - Chester Center - America - Centerbrook - ct - Hadlyme - Ivoryton - mass - nj - ny ### Typical Job Cost $150 - 1,000 cost per square foot ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Duo Dickinson, architect | | Address | 94 Bradley Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443-2644, United States | | Phone | (203) 245-0405 | | Website | http://duodickinson.com | | License Number | CT: ARI0003391 | | Followers on Houzz | 281 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Duo Dickinson, architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/duo-dickinson-architect-pfvwus-pf~973437406) - **Website:** http://duodickinson.com - **Phone:** (203) 245-0405 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Please see our website:http://www.duodickinson.com/resume.html - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 34 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — otto katz, April 2021** > Shame I can’t pick 6 stars. Duo and his team are amazing to work with. Nothing fazes them or him. He holds your hand through the whole project, (especially important if this the first build for you), taking on the role of bad guy if needed with glee. He helps you realize your dreams, and designs according to what you want, not what’s “in” at the moment. He is enthusiastic, joyful even, as the project takes shape. He finds a way to get it done no matter the delays that may cause stumbles. **★★★★★ — Susan Pszenitzki, Jan. 2014** > I read about Duo in Metropolitan Home magazine years before I ever dreamed I would need his services and thought to myself, "If I ever needed an architect, this would be my guy." When my husband and I moved to Connecticut and bought a piece of property, we had Duo come out to discuss the possiblity of tearing down our old farmhouse and rebuilding. At that time, the project was a bit out of our reach so we decided to try to renovate. Our renovation project did not end well. In fact, there was so much hidden damage to the structure of the old house that we had to knock the whole thing down. Left with no more than a hole in the ground, we called Duo and he stepped in to save the day. Ten years later, there isn't a day that I don't find something to love about the house he helped us build and design. > Because we were taking down an existing structure, we were only allowed to build on the original footprint of the old house. Despite this limitation, Duo helped come up with a layout that didn't waste a square inch of space. While mindful of our budget, he helped us build a house that is filled with creativity and personality. > The final step in our experience with Duo came almost 10 years after our house was built. We tore down a remaining outbuilding and built a studio/garage that better fits our needs and the design of our property. Like our house, it is a wonderful, light-filled and usable space that feels much larger than it is and like our house, is a pleasure to spend time in. > Duo is a consummate professional (as is his staff) and an all around fun guy to work with. **★★★★ — Kaufmann Masonry LLC, June 2013** > Incredible creativity, a driving force in the shoreline architectural community with a passion for doing the right thing. > I'm looking forward to hopefully working with Mr. Dickinson again. **★★★★★ — sggroner, Feb. 2013** > There should be no other choice. Duo is, without question, a consummate professional, extremely creative, and as nice as they come. **★★★★★ — stellapearson, Feb. 2013** > We first worked with Duo Dickinson @12 years ago on a renovation and creative reorganization of space within the existing footprint of our 1910 tudor brick colonial. Duo is very conscious of the balance between livability and good design, As clients/homeowners we have always found Duo responsive to our aesthetic and practical preferences, and as a consequence have never felt that we were living in someone else's "idea". That said, Duo proposes lots of creative ideas and solutions, with an emphasis on natural light and efficient use of space. > An added endorsement - we are currently working with Duo again on a gut-rehab of a 19th-C farmhouse. **★★★★★ — courtneygibbons, Feb. 2013** > Duo and his team did a wonderful job designing the renovations required for my new business location in Madison, CT. He is a pleasure to work with, offers creative and effective design solutions and is on top of all details of the process. I highly recommend Duo Dickinson to any new business owner in the area. > \- Courtney Gibbons, Owner School of Rock, Madison, CT **★★★★★ — jmgruendel, Feb. 2013** > The Job: Remodel living areas of home directly on the CT shoreline. House had good "bones" but little imagination. > > Duo is an amazing professional. Creative, present, thoughtful. A great listener (not such a usual characteristic), > > We can in within budget. and with GREAT results (yes, I am yellling!) > > Your home is where your soul finds peace when your work and the world is crazy. Home renovations -- done well -- really matter. JMG **★★★★★ — lucybphillips, Feb. 2013** > Duo is a brilliant visionary. He is able to understand his clients' desires, wants and needs. He then takes these dreams and marries them to the structure within which he is working. I have interviewed several architects, and seen the work of many others in properties of friends, and business associates. When I look at something that Duo has designed, even if it was an addition, the entire structure is seemless and flows as if it was created and designed as a whole. > For all of this creativity and genius, I would be willing to put up with attitude, but the joy of working with Duo is that he is genuine, with no airs. He is the guy next door, but with an incredible gift. He is respectful of everyone on the job. He has recommendations on all types of resources, and his staff is polite and knowledgeable. I actually brought him to a home that our family was considering purchasing before we bought it, to make sure that it was right for our family and that Duo would be able to turn it into our dream home. > We met Duo, several years ago on the recommendation of a Realtor, who told us to find out who did an addition in our neighborhood. She said it was the most incredible transformation she had ever seen. We asked the homeowners who was behind the renovation. That is how we met Duo. **★★★★★ — rhoetjen, Feb. 2013** > Duo has insightful ways of creating pleasant, useful space. Great with light, both artificial and natural. He also spends time to be sure areas are properly accessable **★★★★★ — clockmaker2, Feb. 2013** > We live on a beautiful site overlooking a river and salt marsh. My wife and I are senior citizens that want to update our 1960"s ranch style time capsule house and make it handicap accessible so that we may remain here as long as possible. > > We read the book by Duo "Staying Put", were impressed with the work he has done, attended a talk he gave at the local library, interviewed him at his office here in town and hired him to do the design. He and his staff have been very helpful with some innovative design ideas and suggestions on how to minimize costs. The plans are now ready to go out for bids. > > I am very pleased with Duo"s knowledge of the mechanical and structural aspects of the project as well as the aesthetics and layout. He and his staff have been timely, accessible and work well with us. > > . **★★★★★ — Greg Miller gregmillerone@gmail.com, Feb. 2013** > Duo is a high-energy architect with concrete ideas on how to maximize the value of your investment in new or renovated/repurposed buildings. At the same time, he has great project management skills. Highly recommend. **★★★★★ — patrickpinnell, Feb. 2013** > Duo and his crew are superb; imaginative, professional, articulate, enthusiastic. If that weren't enough, add civic-minded and, dare one say it these days, running a socially-conscious, ethical practice. ## Selected projects - [3 Stories on the Coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3-stories-on-the-coast-pj-vj~7822661) - Location: Madison, CT - Photos: 15 - [Sound Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sound-renovation-pj-vj~7756410) - Location: Madison, CT - Photos: 18 - [Island Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-home-pj-vj~7654225) - Location: Branford, CT - Photos: 21 - [4 Stories on the Coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/4-stories-on-the-coast-pj-vj~7623093) - Location: Westbrook, CT - Photos: 11 - [Shoreline Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shoreline-renovation-pj-vj~7623070) - Location: Branford, CT - Photos: 17 - Description: A tight site had a 4BR 2,300sf home reinvented to 2,800sf in 2022. A modest variance was needed to have code compliant headroom on the small third floor. -Much of the street facing facades remain unchanged, but the first floor was radically opened-up to flip the stair in its existing opening, create a full house lightwell. -The second floor has its same organization, but the rear wing of the home was fully flawed, and a new wing replaced the existing for the Primary Bedroom. -The third floor was… - [Westport Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westport-contemporary-pj-vj~7602922) - Location: Westport, CT - Photos: 18 - [The Belvedere](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-belvedere-pj-vj~7602912) - Location: Tremont, ME - Photos: 13 - Description: Building your own 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in 2023 for under $500,000 in 2023 New England when you are a teacher and college administrator is problematic. •Unless: you edit: the home is 1,373 square feet. •Unless: land was strategically purchased for a low price in a very nice part of Maine. •Unless: the owners subcontract much of the work. •Unless: the owners directly shopped and purchased, scouring the COVID Internet for years prior to building for items that were not selling – at greatly reduce… - [Double House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/double-house-pj-vj~7602933) - Location: Bedford, NY - Photos: 10 - [20% Off Retail in Greenwich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/20-off-retail-in-greenwich-pj-vj~4298672) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Salt Marsh Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/salt-marsh-pool-pj-vj~4298895) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [$200 a Square Ft In Westchester](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/200-a-square-ft-in-westchester-pj-vj~2717157) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Sendak Foundation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sendak-foundation-pj-vj~2717136) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [California House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-house-pj-vj~1294914) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - [Columns and Trim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columns-and-trim-pj-vj~2665699) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Thousand and One Nights Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thousand-and-one-nights-room-pj-vj~2664942) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Sort of Getting Done in NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sort-of-getting-done-in-ny-pj-vj~2278672) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [MBR Down Farmhouse Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mbr-down-farmhouse-renovation-pj-vj~1934795) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Suburban Subversion 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-subversion-2-pj-vj~1882369) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Forever Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forever-home-pj-vj~1458555) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Suburban Subversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-subversion-pj-vj~1376497) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: There are 70 million existing houses in America. 95% were designed with no site or occupant in mind: there are generic, impersonal commodities. Capes, Ranches, Center halls, Bungalows: they can be made better: for the site and the owners who often grow to hate them... [See all 48 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/duo-dickinson-architect-pfvwus-pf~973437406) ## Ideabooks - [California House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93227019/list/california-house) — 19 ideas - [Columns and Trim](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93228682/list/columns-and-trim) — 10 ideas - [One Thousand and One Nights Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93229055/list/one-thousand-and-one-nights-room) — 8 ideas - [Entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51692206/list/entries) — 5 ideas - [What You Must Know About the Sun and Your Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8646137/list/what-you-must-know-about-the-sun-and-your-home) — 7 ideas - [3 Home Design Solutions to Challenging Building Lots](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7998039/list/3-home-design-solutions-to-challenging-building-lots) — 3 ideas - [Want to Live by the Water? What You Need to Know](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8646480/list/want-to-live-by-the-water-what-you-need-to-know) — 3 ideas - [The Hidden Factors Driving Your Home's Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6101958/list/the-hidden-factors-driving-your-home-s-design) — 5 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/duodickinson) ## Community Q&A **Q: Roof lines and how they join?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is there a better picture to show the how the roof lines join or don't join. Need to see from a different angle. The photos presented do not show how rooms are connected. A: You can see all that if you buy STAYING PUT (Taunton, 2010) my website link does not have a better view http://www.duodickinson.com/Suburban-2.html **Q: Love this screened porch. Do you recall the approximate dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love. this. Do you recall the approximate dimensions? Thank you so much. A: thankyou! almost 14ft x 16-20ft (back angles away... **Q: Is this backporch screened in?** *(in Photo Questions)* If so, at what points and how was it attached? Is this cedar? I live in Florida. A: Yes! **Q: What is the paint color of the exterior?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: At least 50 shades **Q: how did you tie the structures together?** *(in Photo Questions)* roof lines and walls A: This page shows all! Thanks for your interest!: http://www.duodickinson.com/ProjectsHouse65.html **Q: Do you know who the mason was? I know a few good ones on the Vineyard** *(in Photo Questions)* A: we were completely off-line during construction, but the product is pretty good! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*