Custom Home Architects
in Lexington

From the start of our design process to move-in, most projects take 24-36 months. This includes site analysis and schematic design (2-3 months), permitting and approvals (3-6 months, longer if historic / preservation approval required), contractor selection (1-2 months), design development and construction documents (3-5 months), and construction (12-18 months). We'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project at the beginning of the design process.

Yes. We often work with clients and their Realtors before a property purchase to provide site analysis. In Lexington, this includes evaluating permit requirements (including historic district status and demolition delay review), buildable area, solar access, and overall feasibility. Lexington's Historical Commission maintains an inventory of over 1,400 documented historic resources, so understanding a property's status early is important. This analysis allows you to make a more informed acquisition decision before starting the design process.

Lexington has four local historic districts: Battle Green, Hancock-Clarke, Munroe Tavern, and East Village. Properties within these districts require approval from the Historic Districts Commission for any exterior changes visible from a public way. Outside of these districts, the town's demolition delay bylaw gives the Historical Commission the ability to impose up to a one-year delay on demolition of buildings deemed historically or architecturally significant. We factor these requirements into early project planning and have experience working through both processes.

Lexington has one of the most significant concentrations of mid-century modern residential architecture in the country, including Six Moon Hill, Five Fields, Peacock Farm, and Turning Mill, many designed by architects from The Architects Collaborative and MIT. We're deeply familiar with the principles behind these homes: site-responsive siting, open floor plans, connection to landscape, and community-oriented design. Whether you're renovating an original mid-century home or building something new that draws on that tradition, we bring both the design sensibility and the building science to do it well.

No. Our homes are designed to be beautiful first. High-performance is not a visible aesthetic—it’s integrated into our process and design decisions to support comfort, durability, and long-term value. What you’ll see is thoughtful architecture, tailored to your site and vision.

Lexington's residential zoning includes setback, height, and floor area ratio requirements that vary by district. Many of the town's older neighborhoods have lots with generous setbacks and mature tree cover, which can create both opportunities and constraints for new construction. Projects that don't conform to dimensional requirements may require a special permit or variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. We assess these factors at the outset and design accordingly.

Very much so. Lexington's suburban lot sizes and tree canopy actually support high-performance construction well. The town's commitment to sustainability, including participation in the state's stretch energy code, aligns with our approach. Many Lexington lots offer favorable solar orientation, and the town's culture of environmental stewardship means neighbors and town officials are often supportive of high-performance building goals. We've worked on net-zero projects throughout the western suburbs and can walk you through what's realistic for your specific site.