Kaplan Thompson Architects

Name: Kaplan Thompson Architects
Address: 102 Exchange St., 2nd floor, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Telephone: (207) 842-2888
Rating: 4.9

12 Reviews

Architects

2 Verified Hires

Write a Review

About Us

Eco-friendly

15x Best of Houzz winner

References available

New England Sustainable Architect & Design Firm
Best of Houzz 2024!

Beautiful. Sustainable. Attainable. These are the defining characteristics of Kaplan Thompson Architects’ work. We combine the practicality of sustainable design with the artistry of architecture to deliver high-quality, low-impact, and on-budget buildings. Since 2006, we have designed hundreds of deeply sustainable buildings at every scale, developing a portfolio of completed projects that spans single-family new construction and renovations, market rate and affordable multifamily housing, education facilities, and restaurant and retail spaces across New England and beyond. We provide a full range of architectural services, including assistance selecting a build-site, choosing a general contractor, and developing a working budget. Our team guides clients through a clear and predictable design process, beginning with aesthetic vision and goals for function. Together we progress through project details with assistance from our in-house Interior Designers and Sustainability Specialist. By modeling expected energy consumption and overall embodied carbon, we help clients to understand the return-on-investment– both financially and in terms of enjoyment - for efficiency upgrades and sustainable solutions. Great architecture balances empathy and listening with technical expertise and creative problem solving. We follow these practices to ensure a client’s priorities are satisfied and budget is respected, without compromising on quality or performance. We design not just for environmental stewardship, but also human health. We partner with our clients to determine how best a project can meet their needs and improve their well-being. Consideration is given to indoor air quality, material toxicity and sensitivities, durability and ease of maintenance, and lasting economic viability. Comfort, resilience, and joy are part of every program.

Awards

Maine Licensed Architects, Certified Passive House Consultants, LEED AP, Best of Houzz winners 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

39 Projects

Mid-sized rustic two-story wood house exterior idea in Portland Maine

Ledge's Edge

Trendy beige one-story wood house exterior photo in Other with a shed roof

Rockbound Park

Portland, ME

Back to Navigation

Business Details

Business Name

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Phone Number

(207) 842-2888

Website

www.kaplanthompson.com

Address

102 Exchange St., 2nd floor
Portland, ME 04101

Typical Job Cost

$1 million - 5 million

Followers

504 Followers

Socials

Back to Navigation

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Building Design

Home Remodeling

Architectural Drawings

Custom Homes

Home Additions

Home Extensions

Sustainable Design

Energy-Efficient Homes

3D Rendering

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Green Building

Multigenerational Homes

3D Home Design

Custom Home

Remodeling

Back to Navigation

Areas Served

Portland

West Scarborough

South Portland

South Portland Gardens

Biddeford

Scarborough

Saco

Westbrook

Windham

Gorham

Falmouth

Kennebunk

Cape Elizabeth

Old Orchard Beach

Yarmouth

Falmouth Foreside

South Windham

Chebeague Island

Little Falls

Cousins Island

Long Island

Littlejohn Island

Boston

Cliff Island

Cumberland Center

Cumberland Foreside

Peaks Island

South Freeport

Back to Navigation

Credentials

Back to Navigation

Featured Review

Hans Asoera

If you’re looking to work with an architect to design and coordinate the building or renovation of your dream home, you Can Not go wrong with KTA.Read Full Review

Write a Review

12 Reviews for Kaplan Thompson Architects

Newest first

Birch Norton

Phil and Jamie and the rest of the team at Kaplan Thompson are a joy to work with. Smart, friendly, not ego-driven and they genuinely work in close collaboration with their clients. Their familiarity with modern, energy-efficient building techniques and materials especially comes in handy when planning the full scope of the project. The only negative, and I think this is true of many architects who work with a wide range of builders, is that they sometimes don't have as tight a handle on how various design decisions will impact the budget as I would have liked. It's a bit inherent to the process, where we worked on designs, then brought them to builders for estimates, but we would have likely made some different design decisions if we had understood better how those decisions would drive the building costs up or down.

August 21, 2019

Peter Smith

KTA did an excellent job coming up with a design for our new home that fit the unique features of the site and a grandfathered building envelope. They were also very patient dealing with a challenging client (me). Although energy efficiency was not at the top of my priority list, it is wonderful having a home that uses so little energy and is very warm on cold Maine nights.

August 20, 2019

Hans Asoera

If you’re looking to work with an architect to design and coordinate the building or renovation of your dream home, you Can Not go wrong with KTA. Jesse got our concept right away and Richard brought our ideas to life. My wife and I offered up vague ideas and they made the real. They coordinated interviews with the builders and after we selected Bowley, they worked hand in hand to ensure the execution of our shared vision. From emails, to site visits to billing, we felt like their only client. Give them a call, go in for a visit, look at their work on their walls... you’ll be glad you did!

December 17, 2018

Comment from Kaplan Thompson Architects:

Thanks for the feedback Hans! It was a pleasure working with you!

Annie Gatewood

Phil and his team designed a 2600 ft house, 4 bedroom house that comfortably sleeps 10. Two families share the house all summer with ease due to the easy flow and design. Phil really listened to our needs while designing a home that is visually pleasing and environmentally thoughtful. I highly recommend Kaplan Thompson Architects!

August 30, 2017

M Hutchinson

We worked with KTA over 2 years to design and build our wonderful home. It is a house where all who walk in comment on how beautiful it is. We had very strong views as to what was needed, and had lived at the site for 10 summers before building so we knew the winds, lighting, etc. KTA took our ideas and appropriately challenged and enhanced them and we are very pleased with the result.

August 18, 2017

M Venkatraman

We approached KTA associates with an ambitious request: We love our cosy Dutch Gambrel home but it is a little cramped and cut off from its setting that winds down to a river bed. Eighteen months later we have a home we love even more -- which we did not think was possible. Phil Kaplan and Jamie Broadbent worked with us and got to the essence of our needs, style, and aesthetic. They gave us the design we asked for including more space, sweeping views, relationship of the inside with outside, and an entirely different contemporary design. More important, they brought their special expertise in energy efficient homes to bear on the heating and cooling mechanics of the home freeing us from fossil fuels and making the home more environmentally friendly. The test of any good design ultimately is its implementation and here KTA has a unique and winning formula. They work with a client to select a builder and involve them in the final design phase. Our builder- Josh Howell of JD Howell and Company, Waldoboro ME- did an excellent job in translating the project from paper to a glass and clapboard structure and more. Overall, I have no hesitancy in giving this team of architects and builder the highest recommendation.

August 17, 2017

bridge1

As a sub contractor they are great to work with, interesting and fun. Projects have been detailed, easy to follow and extremely energy efficient. I consider them to be leading the charge on high performance homes in Maine.

December 20, 2016

Shelterwood Construction

Shelterwood Construction is currently building a passive house designed by Kaplan Thompson Architects. They are creative, responsive, flexible, and fun to work with. The team at Kaplan Thompson welcomed my perspective as a builder during the design phase, took the time to share knowledge of new products, and continued to be a great partner throughout the building phase. They really seem to be a leader in the passive house design world.

April 11, 2016

Soren deNiord Design Studio

I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Kaplan Thompson Architects on several projects. With each experience they continue to impress me. Phil / Jessie and the KTA team are innovative designers / good listeners / technically savvy / well organized / and very professional. They deliver a forward thinking and dynamic approach to every step of the design process...resulting in beautifully smart architecture. I highly recommend working with them!

June 17, 2014

Shawn Buterbaugh

We hired Kaplan Thompson to design an energy efficient home under a strict budget. We really enjoyed working with everyone in the firm. Everyone is super nice, professional, and creative! They understood our requirements, budget, and timelines. They did several site visits to ensure the project fit the neighborhood and also established a rapport with our local code compliance to ensure approval of our design. Based on all the input we provided, they presented a couple great options as a starting point. Since we were out of town, we used web conferencing to view and refine designs. Most importantly, they provided guidance as we chose a contractor and reviewed costs and materials. They put together an energy model to help us validate selections heating equipment, efficient and minimal, I might add, thanks to our tightly insulated building. KTA also provided us the guidance we needed to install the right amount of PV panels, ensuring maximum value without producing energy we wouldn't be able to use. During the build process, they visited the site at appropriate intervals, with amazing attention to detail, to ensure everything met the design specifications. Since we had a tight budget, they came up with creative ways to get 'high design' without the high price tag. I'd highly recommend KTA and will use them on my next project!

June 13, 2014

Comment from Kaplan Thompson Architects:

Thanks for the kind words Shawn, it was a pleasure to work with you both!

David Wallace

Great guys that can really deliver unique and challenging projects. We asked for something special that had never been done before and boy did they deliver! The house is so good we never want to leave except they also created a unbelievable outside space for us as well. There is no one better for designing a enviromental energy efficient home. Did I mention that it costs 50cents a day to keep it at 71 degrees year round?

June 13, 2014

Comment from Kaplan Thompson Architects:

Thanks David! Your project is certainly a favorite within the firm!

Big Twig Homes

Kaplan Thompson Architects is a top notch firm with energy efficiency as its major focus. They are easy to work with and are full of ideas. We have worked with them on several projects over the years.

April 2, 2014

Back to Navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are adept at managing projects through all stages, including pricing and permitting. We guide you through the process, ensuring your project meets all regulatory requirements. Our team handles feasibility studies, schematic design, and construction documentation to make the process smooth.

We specialize in a diverse range of projects, including new custom homes, renovations, additions, and extensions for single-family residences. We also have extensive experience with multi-family buildings, educational facilities, and commercial spaces like restaurants. Our portfolio showcases our expertise across New England and beyond.

We prioritize designing within your budget by bringing builders in early to price the project accurately. Our team has years of experience finding clever, cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. We also use energy modeling to show the long-term financial benefits of sustainable choices, ensuring your investment is sound.

Yes, we offer full-service architectural services from initial concept through construction. Our team manages all stages, including feasibility studies, schematic design, permitting, construction documentation, and construction administration, ensuring a seamless process and successful project completion.

Absolutely, we specialize in designing fully custom homes tailored precisely to your unique needs and desires. Our approach ensures your project truly reflects your personality and lifestyle, creating a space that is uniquely yours from concept to completion.

FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.

Back to Navigation

1 Ideabook

Back to Navigation

100 Comments

Commented: what wood is this?Hi, thank you for reaching out! The interior wood cladding on this project is fir.

January 18, 2025

Commented: siding materialHi Jordana, this home is clad in vertical cedar planks. The wood in this instance is untreated and will patina into cedar’s characteristic silver over time.

December 31, 2024

Commented: what is the brand of the bookshelf in the bedroom pls?Hello! Thank you for your interest in this project. We were not part of the furnishings for this residence so unfortunately do not know the brand.

January 21, 2024

Commented: Wood species used in ceiling and wall millworkHi Larissa! The wood used for the interior of this home is locally-sourced Douglass fir. It makes for a light and bright space and as you said, is absolutely gorgeous!

July 8, 2021

Commented: How much would a kitchen like this cost installed?Hi Kevin, Thank you for your inquiry! We assess costs of construction and renovations in terms of price per square foot. The kitchen in the Blackwood House includes all custom millwork, cabinetry, a...

February 27, 2021

Commented: cabinets?They are cherry!

September 25, 2019

Kaplan Thompson Architects