Hammer Architects

The perfect architects for the Cape. Supreme skill, superlative service, local connectivity. The Hammer team brought all of this to bear in helping me reimagine my Provincetown home. I’ll be enjoying it for a lifetime.

Hammer Architects renovated our 1890s beach cottage in Truro, Massachusetts this past year, and we are very happy with the results. Our goal was to modernize the house without losing any of its historical character and simplicity. Since we would be managing the project from out of town, we were looking for a team with a proven track record whose expertise and design aesthetic we could trust. We had long admired Hammer’s projects around town and, after meeting with Mark and Don, we knew we had the right team. They were both knowledgeable about fortifying the current structure and sensitive to preserving its most charming qualities. The plan Hammer ultimately created maintained the cottage's old-Cape charm and integrated contemporary updates. They managed the project in tandem with our construction team, keeping in touch with us via video chat as needed. The result is a house that looks and feels the same when we walk in -- all happy spirits present -- but offers elegant and modern comforts of home, and peace of mind that the structure is resilient. We love the house.

Mark and Don at Hammer Architects have been amazing to work with. The design process back and forth was fun, they both listened to what we wanted but also made sure the end product would look great. And the plans they produced made building very easy. Having them come up with ideas for even the small things (e.g. bath fixtures) saved a ton of time. Finally, their knowledge of the local businesses related to the build was very useful. We would definitely work with them again.

As the Senior Project Manager at LaBarge homes, I have had the privilege to work with Mark and Don for several years. They provide custom designs that are innovative, comprehensive, and flawless in detail. This facilitates an efficient work flow that enables me to accurately estimate and stay within the project timeline. Most importantly though is that our customers benefit from having homes with designs that are second to none and delivered on time.

Hammer Architects were extraordinary to work with on the design of our home on Cape Cod. Starting with our first meetings with Mark and Don, they listened carefully to our design preference, worked to understand how we planned to use the house, and matched their own architectural vision and deep knowledge of the Cape to present a fantastic design. They shared our aim of designing a house that fit beautifully within the natural attributes of the lot and the surrounding setting. The design is full of light, aesthetically striking yet compact and efficient, and Mark and Don's attention to detail throughout the house was amazing. They are responsive, clear, and patient in their communications, and great fun to work with.

In 2019 we purchased a home that needed to be replaced. We wanted our new home designed for age in place and take advantage of the lake front property. A friend referred us to Mark and Don, who had had designed her mid-century modern home, which we loved. In our first meeting they embraced the idea of the 2 bedroom less than 2000 square feet house that we desired. In walking the property and discussing our ideas they asked many questions regarding how we envisioned use of the rooms, what activities we wanted facing the water vs rooms that would not be provided views. They took the time to understand how we lived so that they could meet our needs. Mark and Don provided several preliminary designs for consideration, all were good, one was perfect. There was no question in our mind that we found the right architect and that they had listened to us. The design we chose met all of needs and somehow allowed all but the guest room to have a view of the lake. The process of refining the design and getting ready to bid the work went quickly even with the complications of learning to work in the pandemic. The level of detail of the design was exceptional. In addition to assisting us in finding the right builder for the homes construction Mark and Don also referred us to an excellent landscape architect to assist us on the hardscape and planting design. Throughout the construction of the home and the landscaping Hammer Architects have been in regular contact with the builder, their sub-contractors as needed, and us. Mark and Don have been responsive to any questions, any needs to make design modifications and update drawings and respond to our concerns. The design was so well thought out and designs so detailed that we had very little changes during construction. Since moving in we smile every day at how well the home and its design fits us. No matter if it is just the two of us or if we have a group of friends or family over. The rooms are perfectly sized and the flow from one area to another is natural. We would work with Don and Mark again in a heartbeat. We could not be happier.

In 2018 we started a large project to renovate and add to our existing house, build a guesthouse and add a barn. The scope of the project was such that we needed to find an architect that both shared our vision and could/would prepare a bid package that would allow us to procure a fixed price contract. We interviewed numerous architects and selected Hammer Architects because: 1) They had completed numerous projects that were super high quality and shared appealing elements of our proposed design, 2) Every previous client of theirs gave them great reviews, 3) We immediately developed a rapport with Mark and Don, 4) They understood our concern about the cost and scope of the project, 5) They had a strong knowledge of the quality and size of the local builders, 6) Understood Cape Cod and in particular, Truro, the Ocean, and the river, and 7) Had concern for, and knowledge of, our environment and location and the attached regulatory issues surrounding our project. From the start of design to the completion of the construction documents, took roughly one year. The documents were comprehensive and allowed the 6 builders we selected to provide us bids on exactly the same product. Hammer had worked with most of the builders previously and so were able to provide us with background information on each firm. We selected Cape Associates based partly on their bid (roughly in the middle of the group) and partly based upon Hammer's knowledge of not only the firm, but also the individuals we'd be working with. The permitting and building took an additional two years and we couldn't be happier with the end product. Their documents proved to be essential and we referred back to them frequently. Hammer was always available to discuss any issue which arose and were frequent visitors to the site.

We have just completed rebuilding our second house using Hammer Architects, and couldn't be happier with the results. After they designed our first home renovation to expand and open the back of the house to the yard, we so appreciated the choices they helped us make regarding design and materials, that we hired them to rebuild our second house. Their recommendations and designs, over and over again, have turned out to be spot-on. Throughout both projects, they have been an absolute pleasure to work with.

We chose Hammer as our architect on our project to tear down an existing structure and build our dream home on the site. Hammer became our pick after meeting with them, visiting some of their work and discussing our goals. The fact that they were very familiar with the intricacies of working in Provincetown and their design work on other projects convinced us to select them for our project. We had detailed meetings with Hammer about what our concept was for the layout of the house. We had no preconceived notions for the exterior. Hammer totally nailed the design on their first go and we actually had very few changes from the first concept they shared with us. The most challenging aspect of our project was with the permitting process with the town of Provincetown which took almost a year and a half. Hammer proved to be the perfect partner in helping us navigate through this and ultimately getting what we wanted. Hammer then worked with us to bid out the project and has overseen it's construction. We have been living in our new house since mid September and the highest praise we can offer Hammer is the fact that there is nothing we would change with the design.

Mark and Don designed a new summer house for us in Truro MA and updated and renovated our home residence in a suburb outside Boston. We have found that they not only have a great eye for contemporary design but also create plans that are practical and reflect our needs for space and livability. We strongly recommend them!

I believe ours was one of the first houses Hammer Architects designed, and we’ve been living in it for 20 happy, comfortable years. Mark was easy to work with, very collaborative at every turn. And the house is, if i say so myself, a real beauty. Highly recommended!

Mark and Don have a strong vision with classic and contemporary influence that creates beautiful spaces. They re-did my place on Cape Cod perfectly, and did it will efficiency and strong attention to detail. They are also lovely people! I cannot recommend them enough!