PRELUDE Volume VI

Volume VI
SUSTAIN
ABILITY
& STYLE
RHODE ISLAND’S
HIDDEN CHARM
A publication of Boston Design Guide

AWARD-WINNING LEADER IN COASTAL BUILDING
W e know how important your home is to your well-being. As custom home
builders for nearly 40 years, we have crafted and restored coastal and luxury homes
in Rhode Island and throughout New England. Our goal is to create spaces that allow
you and your family to thrive.
DAVITTINC.COM

Coastal
PERFECTION
4 FRANK AVE • SUITE A1 • WEST KINGSTON, RI 02892 • 401.792.9799 • DAVITTINC.COM

JOYELLE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY
581 TREMONT ST, BOSTON, MA 02118 | 617-982-6136 | TWELVECHAIRSINTERIORS.COM

17 WOLCOTT CT., BOSTON, MA 02136 | 617.333.6800 | FBNCONSTRUCTION.COM

LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
CONSTRUCTION | MASONRY | MAINTENANCE
Photography: Marianne Lee
R.P. MARZILLI & CO., INC. | 508.533.8700 | 21-A TROTTER DRIVE | MEDWAY, MA 02053 | WWW.RPMARZILLI.COM

RICHARD MANDELKORN
RICHARD
New Homes | Renovations | Historic Preservation
New Homes | Renovations | Historic Preservation
Home Maintenance | Small Projects
Home Maintenance | Small Projects
Building trust since 1976.
171 Reservoir 171 RESERVOIR St., Needham, ST., NEEDHAM, MA 02494 | 781.237.0505 | falloncustomhomes.com | 781.237.0505
FALLONCUSTOMHOMES.COM | INFO@FALLONCUSTOMHOMES.COM
CUSTOM HOME
DESIGN/BUILD, WEST

From the Publisher
PRELUDE – Rhode Island
This PRELUDE is our RHODE ISLAND edition. While I have been traveling to the Ocean State
for over 35 years, I’ve mostly only visited Newport and Providence. In recent years, however, I
have learned about more and more people who are making Rhode Island their second home,
in towns including Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol, and Little Compton. Those bucolic towns
give me a whole different perspective of Rhode Island. Now, when I think of the area, I envision
farms, vineyards edged with stone walls, and wide open spaces with the ocean nearby.
Whether you’re living on Bellevue Avenue, Jamestown, or in Little Compton, the region truly
evokes the movie, Somewhere in Time—the 1980s period romance staring Christopher Reeve
and Jane Seymore—in which timeless architecture and regal beauty by the water really do
exist. Throw in the fact that the state is considered the “sailing capital of the world” and is
home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Newport Polo, Rhode Island’s refined, classic
character is indelible.
In this edition, we showcase some of the many people working in the design and build realm
who are mindful of the environment. We feature three homes in which sustainability was a key
component of the design. Conserving resources and creating energy are common themes
in this issue, which also showcases landscape professionals who are doing their part to be
stewards of this spectacular place we’re all blessed to be a part of.
So enjoy going back in time as you browse this PRELUDE. Take in the beauty and style in which
these talented individuals have created and preserved for generations to come.
Melanie Perillo, Publisher
@BostonDesignGuide @BostonDesignGuide @BostonDesignMag
PHOTOGRAPHY: WARREN PATTERSON
karensebastianllc@gmail.com • 617.529.6719 • karensebastianllc.com
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CONTENTS
12 Pastoral Haven
A historic Little Compton home get’s sustainable updates and a refined,
timeless landscape.
34 Passion for the Build
WKP Construction strives to get the job done right with precision.
40 Super-Powered Home
TSP Smart Spaces covers all aspects of residential technology.
43 Enduring Legacy
A masonry artist’s insights on building long-lasting client relationships.
50 Positive Vibes
Thoughtforms creates homes with people in mind.
54 Ship Shape
A family relies on its experience living aboard boats to build an
uber-efficient home.
58 Fresh Perspective
A kitchen overlooking Narragansett Bay embodies originality.
12
PUBLISHER
Melanie Perillo
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jaci Conry
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Rob Silsby
DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Andrea Mingels
WRITER
MaryKate Forté
SALES/DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Ian Kaplan
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Lisa Almquist
Ian Kaplan
Colleen Keelan
Maureen Lampert
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anthony Crisafulli
Warren Patterson
Michael J. Lee
Nat Rea
Keitaro Yoshioka
43
54
Cover: Architecture: Gale Goff Architect; Construction: Arkins Construction Company;
Landscape Architect: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC;
Landscape: Landscape Creations; Photography: Anthony Crisafulli
58
www.bostondesignguide.com
BDG PRELUDE - Volume VI, 2021, prints triannually and is
published by Boston Design Guide, Inc. 365 Boston Post Road, Box
373, Sudbury, MA 01776. Boston Design Guide (“BDG”) provides
information on luxury homes and lifestyles. Boston Design Guide,
its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher)
accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions
with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The
publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies
and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are
mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the
claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective
products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein,
and neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser
products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no
liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by
any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or
mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any
purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods
and/or claims made thereto. Opinions expressed in the magazine
and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the Publisher. Neither the Publisher nor its staff, associates or
affiliates are responsible for any errors, omissions or information
whatsoever that have been misrepresented to Publisher. The
information on products and services as advertised in BDG
PRELUDE are shown by Publisher on an “as is” and “as available”
basis. Publisher makes no representations or warranties of any
kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, services,
contents, trademarks, patents, materials or products included
in this magazine. All pictures reproduced in BDG PRELUDE
have been accepted by Publisher on the condition that such
pictures are reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent
of the photographer and any homeowner concerned. As such,
Publisher is not responsible for any infringement of the copyright
or otherwise arising out of any publication in BDG PRELUDE.
BDG PRELUDE is a pending licensed trademark of Boston
Design Guide, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
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written permission of the Publisher. ADDRESS SUBSCRIPTION
REQUESTS AND CORRESPONDENCE TO: Boston Design
Guide, 365 Boston Post Road, Box 373, Sudbury, MA 01776.
Email: Info@BostonDesignGuide.com or telephone 978-443-9886.
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Architecture by Flavin Architects Photo by Nat Rea
www.m-d-l-a.com | 203.592.4788 | Boston

Architecture: Stern McCafferty
Photography: Chuck Choi
KEVIN CRADOCK BUILDERS
Custom Building | Renovation | Millwork
617-524-2405 | cradockbuilders.com | Boston, MA

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A historic property in
Little Compton gets
sustainable updates
and a refined landscape
with timeless appeal.
PASTORAL HAVEN
bostondesignguide.com 13

Topped with a green
roof, the sleek addition
has three walls of
glass and connects
to the new patio
overlooking the pool,
vegetable garden and
pasture beyond.
One of the first homes built in Little Compton,
this property came into being in 1790. The rustic
Cape Cod-style house and adjacent barn, set
amid four verdant acres, ultimately became a
gentleman’s horse farm. The current owners who live yearround
in Boston purchased the place as a summer retreat in
2017. Before their offer had even been accepted the couple
consulted architect Gale Goff about renovating the original
house with a modern addition that would honor the historic
nature of the home.
Ultimately, Goff’s office designed a glass central core that
connects the storied structure with a 650-square-foot
addition encompassing a new open stairway overlooking the
living spaces, along with a mudroom, powder room, laundry
area and an expansive hang out space. ”The new room
has a very modern vibe, with large expanses of glass. It’s a
great contrast to the rest of the house,” says Goff. Set low to
the ground, the space seamlessly transitions with the patio
when the sliding doors are opened, blurring the boundary
between indoors and outside. Because truly, the home is all
about the lush parcel upon which it is set.
While it was important to the homeowners that the property
retain its patina and rustic appeal, it also needed to feel
suited to contemporary living. “Because of the way the
site is positioned away from the road, the place really feels
stuck back in time. The idea was to build on the agrarian
aspect of the property,” says landscape architect Matthew
Cunningham, who designed the grounds. “The family really
wanted the kids to be able to run around barefoot.”
Cunningham and his team worked with the homeowners to
select drought tolerant and eco-friendly plantings to create
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“THE RECLAIMED GRANITE PIECES HAVE INSTANT PATINA
THAT LOOKS LIKE IT’S BEEN THERE FOREVER.”
– Mathew Cunningham
Clockwise from above: The neighbor’s horses often roam on the property;
the addition is clad with clapboards painted black, while the original part
of the house features black trim and classic cedar shakes; the barn, which
has an outdoor shower is adjacent to the pool.
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a landscape that feels laid back and authentic and doesn’t
require huge maintenance or an intense carbon footprint.
The property has several century-old fieldstone walls and
Cunningham called for the creation of additional walls
made with antique rocks. Landscape Creations carefully
repaired the existing dry-stacked stone walls, installed
plantings, and introduced modern outdoor amenities
including a pool, firepit and terrace.
“Reclaimed granite pieces were brought in to fit the rustic
setting. We used feathers, wedges, and wrought iron tools
to antique materials to the desired look,” says Landscape
Creations founder, Jonathan Zeyl. “Then slings, excavators,
and vacuum lifts were used to place the massive stones to
exact specification.”
The house needed significant updates to ensure it was an
airtight space. “We stripped the home down to its original
post and beam structure and reframed the walls to get
the necessary insulated value,” says Andrew Cliff, project
manager of Arkins Construction, the firm that spearheaded
construction on the renovation. The need for fossil fuels
was eliminated on the property by installing solar panels.
A green roof was planted on top of the addition and
the home’s original stone foundation was wrapped with
a rubber membrane to make the basement watertight.
While the home’s new systems ensure that it maintains
a modernized eco-friendly footprint, interior details nod
to its origins. The original 18th-century floors have been
preserved on the main level along with three fireplaces and
a beehive oven.
The main chimney made out of ballast imported by brick
from the Netherlands in the 1700s was rebuilt with the same
joinery used back then. As with the way the landscape was
designed and installed with reverence to the property’s
provenance, Cliff says, “We worked hard to make sure the
craftsmanship matched the time-period of the house.”
Clockwise from left: A rebuilt stone wall with
granite steppingstones leads through the
gate to the pool. The gate posts are reclaimed
salvaged granite; the patio and firepit are made
of reclaimed granite procured from parking
lot curbs, bridge parts, and old foundation
slabs; Landscape Creations installed an allée of
Crabapple trees that lines the meadow path.
Architecture: Gale Goff Architect
Construction: Arkins Construction Company
Landscape Architect: Matthew Cunningham
Landscape Design LLC
Landscape: Landscape Creations
Photography: Anthony Crisafulli
Text: Jaci Conry
bostondesignguide.com 19

Clockwise from top: Rosemary Fletcher Photography, Ngoc Doan Photo, Anthony Crisafulli Photography
BUILD SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
We work with New England’s top landscape architects, custom builders, and clients to build extraordinary
landscapes. Rhode Island projects featured were completed in collaboration with (clockwise from the top):
Katherine Field and Associates, STIMSON, and Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design.
MASSACHUSETTS | CONNECTICUT | RHODE ISLAND landscapecreationsri.com | 401.789.7101

(401) 635-2329
info@arkinscorp.com
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTHONY CRISIFULI

Photography: Anthony Crisafulli
WWW.GALEGOFF.COM
401.855.1929
7 MAIN STREET LITTLE COMPTON, RI 02837

live large. insure simply.
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f ine homes.
autos. watercraft. aircraft. umbrella.

Native Surroundings
An outdoor haven is created with reverence
to its historic backdrop.
T
The backyard of this suburban home abuts conservation
land, a verdant wooded wonderland of pathways, fields,
and wildlife. The homeowners contracted landscape
design firm, a Blade of Grass, to create an outdoor oasis
where they could enjoy the view and spend time with
their family.
Owner and lead designer, Jim Douthit’s idea was to
divide the space into four outdoor rooms, including an
outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and a seating area
surrounding a firepit. “Each room is defined by distinct
bluestone patios. The plantings around them serve as
walls,” says Douthit.
As a nod to the heritage of the protected landscape, the
firepit is made of antique granite, which has a timeless
appeal. Since a bit of privacy was necessary to shroud from
the public pathway, the team calculated how tall plantings
would ultimately grow. “We didn’t want anything too tall
that would block the view,” says Douthit, noting that some
of the varieties selected include black-eyed Susans and
Verbena, which complement both the landscaped yard
and the wild nature of the adjacent conservation land.
For more information, visit abladeofgrass.com
bostondesignguide.com 25

Experience the beauty of light
with Palladiom Wall Controls & Shading System
• MUSIC
• VIDEO
• LIGHTING
• SHADING
• COMMUNICATIONS
• CONTROL
Providing the finest automation solutions to
homeowners and businesses throughout New England.
Cutting Edge Systems • 364 Littleton Rd. • Westford, MA 01886 • (978) 392-1392 • www.cuttingedgehome.com

ELEVATE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Lutron has been controlling light for decades by
offering a wide variety of fabrics and solutions for
window treatments that are reliable and quiet.
Their Palladiom Shading System and keypad is yet
another solution, elegant in its simplicity. The easy-tooperate
keypad is sophisticated without being complex
and its sleek design with backlit lettering makes it a chic
solution perfect for any type of room. “The idea behind
the shading system is that it has very simple lines, which
doesn’t take away from the environment because it’s so
non-obtrusive,” says president and CEO of Cutting Edge
Systems, Evan Struhl, whose company sells this system.
“The keypads don’t draw attention and don’t make you
look at the shades, they make you almost forget that
they’re there.”
The Palladiom keypad is designed to work with the
shading system, but it can also be used with the Lutron
HomeWorks System to provide lighting, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning control. “Lutron’s
evolution of different processes provides homeowners
and businesses with ways to control the light in their
environments,” says Struhl. “Palladiom is a step in the
direction of providing not only controls and the basic
features, but also elegance and simplicity for controlling
environments.” For more information, check out
cuttingedgehome.com.
bostondesignguide.com 27

COME HOME TO STYLE
BEAUTIFYING NEW ENGLAND ONE GARAGE DOOR AT A TIME
617-862-6164 | DESIGNERGARAGEDOORS.COM

Catherine Truman Architects opens an outpost on Cape Cod.
SOUTHERN EXPANSION
Catherine Truman Architects has been slowly and quietly
gaining a reputation for subtle, well crafted, understated,
and elegant projects. The Cambridge based firm, founded
seven-and-a-half years ago, is primarily known for its work in
the greater Boston area, yet its projects span from northern
New England to the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands—
with plans to do even more throughout New England.
Truman will be expanding her practice to add an office on
Cape Cod starting in 2021. The move southward comes as
a result of her recent purchase of one of the oldest homes
in Falmouth—and becoming her own client, undertaking a
painstaking renovation of the antique property.
The firm will continue to be anchored in the Cambridge
office: “our world headquarters,” Truman jokes, where she
and her team continue to take on new and varied projects.
Currently, she’s working on the design of a new artists
studio space in Boston, a mid-century modern renovation
outside of town, and a barn-inspired family home on a
conservation-protected property in a western suburb. At
the time of this interview, Truman was also thrilled to share
with us that her Net Zero Barn and Farmhouse project,
in Western Massachusetts, had recently been awarded a
Boston Society of Architects Residential Design Award—all
great news and indicative, we hope, of future success!
Photography: Nat Rea
For more information, visit catherinetrumanarchitects.com.
bostondesignguide.com 29

Photography: Warren Patterson
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION • HORTICULTURAL SERVICES • EXCAVATION • AGGREGATE & ORGANICS
(978) 263-1185 | ONYXCORPORATION.NET

Architect: Foster Associates; Photographer: Warren Jagger Photography
Fine Custom Home Building, Renovations & Home Services
“Exceptional Craftsmanship since 1978”
Cape & Islands: 215 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA 02558 | 508-295-8700
Greater Boston: 916 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720 | 978-635-9700
www.kistlerandknapp.com

Without Sandy, it wouldn’t be Clarke.
More than 20 years ago, Sandra
Lashway left a career in home
economics and education to join
the Clarke team. She is expertise
personified. Ask her anything
about cooking and how to
create your beautiful,
functional kitchen.
Spend an hour at a Clarke Showroom and one thing is clear:
your time with a Clarke Consultant is the most valuable part of your
kitchen journey. While they’re not designers, these are the people
designers call on when it comes to appliance recommendations.
You won’t buy anything at Clarke, so there’s simply no pressure.
What you can do is compare more Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove models
than anywhere in New England. And explore a living portfolio of kitchens
created by the region’s top designers. You’ll leave inspired with new
knowledge to make your appliance selections with confidence.
New England’s Official Showroom and Test Kitchen
Boston & Milford, MA • South Norwalk, CT
800-845-8247 • clarkeliving.com

The MacDowell Company Landscape Architecture
21 Center Street, Weston, Massachusetts - TheMacDowellCompany.com - 781.899.9393

“WKP Construction doesn’t just build homes,
we solve for longevity. We build homes that
are designed to be cherished and lived in,
truly lived in, for generations to come.” says
Wade K. Paquin, whose Newport, Rhode Island-based
firm, WKP Construction will mark its 20 th year in business
this June. “If a client comes to us with a challenging
request, all the better. We love experimenting with new
materials, leveraging the knowledge of our tradesmen,
creating innovative solutions and elevating our expertise
overall.”
Ensuring that a home is built to its highest quality with
meticulous attention to detail can sometimes be a long
process, but the end result makes it well worth it, says
Paquin. “Just as we appreciate and marvel over a fine
cuisine, hand-crafted furniture, high fashion clothing—all
of these things are in part luxurious and valued because
of the time, attention and thoughtfulness spent creating
them. I’m a firm believer that great things take time. And
since a home is one of the biggest investments most
people make, this has always just resonated with me. That
said, not everyone agrees with this philosophy. And we’re
okay with that. We’re not for everyone.”
Paquin has been on construction job sites since he was
a two-year-old when he would accompany his father, a
home builder and designer, on jobs in the Boston area. He
started framing when he was 12 and continued working
on his father’s construction sites through college. After
graduation from Construction Management at Roger
Williams University, Paquin did a stint working for a
large commercial construction firm, but he missed the
THE BUILD SHOW NETWORK
WADE PAQUIN
www.buildshownetwork.com
“I consider it a commitment to my clients, present
and future, to constantly enrich and immerse
myself in learning experiences that allow me to
better understand our industry and the materials
that help build long-lasting homes. My knowledge
base is constantly expanding from annual trade
shows, to meeting new tradesmen and artisans to
understanding innovative building technologies,”
says Wade Paquin, who is one of three builders
from around the country that serves as a contributor
on The Build Show Network, a channel devoted to
showcasing the science behind building and quality
craftsmanship with more than 900 videos.
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Passion
for the Build
WKP Construction strives to get the job done right with
precision, fine craftsmanship, and dedicated teamwork.
Photo by George Gray
bostondesignguide.com 35

Projects in WKP Construction’s portfolio include
these stunning spaces (clockwise from top): an
open-air porch has unfetterd views of the ocean
and a ceiling inset with custom wood detailing;
a spacious kitchen with brass fixtures exudes
contemporary elegance; this refined flat-roofed
home nods to mid-century modern design; a freestanding
tub in this master bathroom is oriented to
overlook the secluded pastoral setting.
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Photos by Warren Jagger
residential side and launched his own business. “I was a
one-man-show for the first few years, building during the
day and doing paperwork at night,” recalls Paquin.
Eventually, his hard work paid off, resulting in contracts
for large, high-end homes and a robust, growing team.
“I learned over the years that I had to get out of my own
way and let go of the reins a little,” says Paquin. “I had
to hire people to help the company grow and delegate
responsibilities.”
Since I’m working in the best interests of my clients, my
job is to not only deliver a superb final product but also
educate and evaluate along the way, in tandem with them.
So if that means spending a Saturday evening reviewing
the pros and cons of a product or material, I consider that
part of my commitment to them.
According to Paquin, the little details matter a lot. “My
project managers and subcontractors know that I’m a
stickler for the most minute details. I push everyone to give
each task their all and then some. I suppose I like to think
that perfection exists in home building. That mentality is
simply part of our culture.”
Visit wkpconstruction.com to learn more about the business.
bostondesignguide.com 37

Refrigeration Redefined.
RootCellar is a breakthrough
new product that may just
change your approach to grocery
shopping, food organization
and refrigeration.
This premier, fully customizable
refrigerated pantry and freezer
can replace or augment the
refrigeration in your kitchen and
fit seamlessly within your design.
866-366-5253
rootcellarconcepts.com
Instagram: @RootCellarConcepts
Wenham, MA
Photography: Warren Patterson
The Premier Refrigerated Pantry

Landscape Architecture
LombardiDesign.com

SUPER
POWERED
HOME
Offering advanced cyber security,
lighting, sound systems, and IT solutions,
TSP Smart Spaces covers all aspects of
residential technology.
Visit www.tsp.space
Launched by MIT graduate Michael Oh in the early 1990s as a
provider of Mac small business IT support, TSP Smart Spaces
recognized a gap in the market about a decade ago: clients were
asking for the company’s help at home. “They were dissatisfied
with their home systems and the level of service they were
getting from providers,” says Aaron Stallings, director of TSP’s
smart spaces division, who focuses on client relations and
residential design.
With high profile corporate clients including the Boston Celtics
and Novartis, TSP expanded into designing multi-faceted security,
lighting, audio, and IT systems for luxury residential projects. “Our
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history in IT services has provided us with more than just a robust
set of technical skills. It has given us a unique perspective on
home automation as a continuing relationship rather than just a
one-time install.” says Stallings.
TSP’s technical expertise is in demand now more than ever with
so many people working from home requiring robust networks with
strong security. “We build the cyber security infrastructure in the
house, including the firewall and networking equipment,” says
founder Michael Oh. “We’re not using stuff you buy on Amazon
which can be easy to hack.”
AV systems are now converging with more systems in the home
and that creates risk, says Oh. “Our job is to design the systems
including building the cyber security, having them installed, and
then being there along the way to provide updates.”
TSP also works with clients to install cutting edge lighting solutions.
“There is a lot to understanding lighting control these days.
We use systems that follow natural daylight patterns and rhythms
and have a big impact on the homeowner’s well-being,” says
Stallings. “Lighting is changing at the pace of computer technology
and our job is to educate ourselves about what’s out there and
bring it to our clients.”
bostondesignguide.com 41

We have raised the bar.
Walnut interiors.
Walnut drawers.
Our new standard.
Only the finest.
Only from Crown Point.
Handcrafted in New Hampshire
Custom cabinetry
for every room in your home
42 bostondesignguide.com
800-999-4994 • www.crown-point.com
Available direct, nationwide
Work with one of our
in-house design professionals

Enduring Legacy
A masonry artist’s insights
on creating excellence and
lasting relationships.
bostondesignguide.com 43

Photography: Warren Patterson
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By Nick O’Hara, O’ Hara and Company
When someone interviews me for a project,
regardless of size, one of the first things I
ask is, “How long are you going to enjoy
living in this house?” The answer that
motivates me most is when the client says, “Forever.
This is our last house.” That’s the client for me. It’s a new
opportunity to establish a long-term relationship, to build
something beautiful and build it to last.
These days I primarily work as an artist in my own right,
but I also jump at the chance to work with like-minded
people who want to build beautiful masonry projects that
generations of their family will enjoy.
Such was the case with this French-inspired, greater
Boston property, a project I have been working on for
three decades.
Artistically like-minded people often come in the form
of homeowners. People who want to see their visions
made into reality. I’ve also been fortunate to run into
many artistic and creative landscape architects, architects,
interior designers, a few really good general contractors,
and many great subcontractors.
I was lucky with the two different lady owners of this
magnificent property, both so talented in many ways. It
all started back in the 1980s. My brothers and I had just
“gotten off the boat” from Ireland. The original client
was Mrs. O, who asked us to install “a nice set of Indiana
limestone steps, please.”
Of course, we had no idea what Indiana limestone was.
Thus began my journey of discovery of all things STONE in
America. We installed those limestone steps, then sought
the help of an artistic landscape architect and installed the
swimming pool and tennis court.
One day, the artistic Mrs. O telephoned me. She had
sadness in her voice. She was selling the house but
assured me that she would only sell it to a like-minded
person.
And she did. I will just call that second owner Mrs. A. She
is a magnificent lady, very sharp, with an artist’s aesthetic––
always working it, a real collaborator, a gem. We added
four fountains, a stunning barbecue area, koi pond, new
terraces, a courtyard, entry gates, and a stucco addition
built by one of the best general contractors around––Rob
Lawrence out of Westwood.
The original project evolved over a decade and 28 years
later, I am still involved with the client’s team, paying close
attention to the home’s ongoing upkeep and working on
a few new projects like adding a pickleball court to the
existing tennis court.
bostondesignguide.com 45

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The message that I’d like to get across to young construction
professionals is that you can enjoy a long-term relationship with clients
who will always come back to you if you build it beautiful and you build
it to last. I didn’t invent that, I just learned from the masters who came
before me. And I’ve had a lot of help along the way.
Clockwise from left: A courtyard with fish pond
connects two parts of the home; a tranquil fountain
in the kitchen courtyard; an airy pergola
offers a shady spot to sit by the pool; a dining
pavilion on the property has a romantic, timeless
feel; the greenhouse overlooks the tennis court.
To learn more about O’Hara & Company, visit oharacompany.com.
bostondesignguide.com 47

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Behan Bros.’ skilled team of craftsmen has deep Rhode Island roots.
“It’s all in the details,” says Garrett Behan. Garrett and
his brother Mike Behan work as project managers at
Behan Bros., Inc., the construction firm their father
Michael Behan started in the 1970s. “All of our personnel
take a very detail-oriented approach to every task they
complete; every detail matters. This has been engrained
in the company culture for over four decades.”
Middletown-based Behan Bros., a leader in both
residential and commercial building in Newport
County, is regularly called upon to take on some of the
region’s most ambitious and challenging construction
programs—including the first LEED Gold-certified
project in Rhode Island and the venerable Carnegie
Abbey Club, now the Aquidneck Club. The firm builds
several custom homes a year and frequently takes on
nationally registered historic renovations.
Most of the firm’s employees are native Rhode Islanders,
which gives them intimate knowledge of the landscape
in which they are working. It is a family culture: “Many
members of the team have honed their carpentry and
construction skills with Behan Bros.’ for 20, 30, or even
40 years. This long-standing knowledge is critical to our
success,” says Mike Behan.
“Our customer service, experience, and commitment to
quality are what set us apart, along with our ability to selfperform
the most complex or critical details and facets
of each project,” says Mike Behan. With a fully operational
mill, a team of skilled carpenters, and several specialty
tradesmen on staff, the company is able to ensure
performance and quality are achieved on all job sites.
For further details, visit behanbros.com.
Photography Credit: Nat Rea Photography
Architect: Union Studio Architecture & Community Design
48 bostondesignguide.com

MICHAEL J. LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
CREATE
SOMETHING
REMARKABLE
BOSTON | 617-547-2800
CAPE COD | 508-300-3000
jwconstructioninc.com

Thoughtforms, in business since 1972, strives to
build homes that will endure. “The goal is to create
homes that will be enjoyed for generations,” says
Mark Doughty, who believes strongly in the value of
high-performance homes. Doughty and his team are
well versed in building science, product and process
innovation, and the lifecycle impacts of a home and they
are always looking for ways to build better and to share
what they learn.
“The possibility of a great future is something that
everybody has to participate in, particularly given
the range of challenges society is facing. There is no
reason for a custom builder today to not build a highperformance
home,” says Doughty. “But not everyone
does because there’s a lot of misinformation in the
market. The decision to build a high-performance
home is too often seen as a statement on people’s
values, rather than what it truly is: an objectively good
choice in terms of a family’s health, economics and the
environment.”
A high-performance home is one with “good bones
and a strong cardio system.” The building envelope
(the “bones”) is carefully air-sealed and is well insulated,
not just in the wall cavities, but also with continuous
exterior insulation and energy-efficient windows. The allelectric
mechanical systems (the “cardio”) are typically
smaller than systems in a less-efficient home and include
dedicated fresh-air ventilation that brings filtered air into
the living space, necessary to counter air tightness and
also an opportunity to improve indoor air quality.
“If you connect a high-performance home to renewable
energy—solar panels on the roof or adjacent land or
renewables on the grid—you can reach net zero,” says
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Positive Vibes
Mark Doughty, owner and CEO of
custom builder Thoughtforms, creates
homes with people in mind.
Photography: Chuck Choi
Doughty. A home that is net-zero produces as much
energy as it consumes. For his own home, Doughty
achieved net positive, meaning that the home produces
70 percent more energy than it uses; with the extra
electricity the family is able to power their home and a
plug-in hybrid vehicle, while also banking credits with
the electric company.
“In my house, the biggest thing you notice about
sustainability is that you don’t notice anything. It’s just
our home. You’d have no idea it has high-performance
attributes because it doesn’t seem any different inside
or out,” says Doughty. “Living in a high-performance
home, you have the comfort and emotional security of
knowing you’re protecting the environment. Now we just
have to figure out how to reduce the embodied carbon
in construction…”
For more details, visit thoughtforms-corp.com.
bostondesignguide.com 51

Construction: MacCormack Builders; Photography: Bob O’Connor
508-620-0775 | 93 Beaver Street, Framingham, MA 01702 | onyxgranite.com

Spring is nature's way
of saying, "Let's Party."
– Robin Williams
Don't wait until spring to start planning your
outdoor kitchen and patio projects.
PROVIDENCE | 401-421-5815 | 379 Charles Street, Providence, RI 02904
BOSTON | 617-244-3900 | 244 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02464
FINEHOMEDETAILS.COM

Ship Shape
A FAMILY RELIES ON THEIR EXPERIENCE LIVING ABOARD BOATS TO BUILD A HOME THAT IS OF MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
It’s no small accomplishment for a family of five to reside
on a sailboat. “We figured if we could manage on a boat,
we could certainly manage to live in a relatively small
house,” says Chris Museler, who set about designing a
sustainable home in Jamestown, Rhode Island with the
help of architect Paul Weber.
“The goal was to live in as small a space as we could get
away with while still having enough room for the five of
us,” says Museler, of this compact four-bedroom home.
“We also wanted the house to be unobtrusive and recede
with the woods; to look and feel as though it had been
here for a long time.”
Sustainability was a key object to the design of the home.
All systems are electric—heat pumps, air conditioning,
hot water, clothes dryer, lighting, cooking—and all run-off
batteries supplemented by photovoltaic panels installed
on the roof, says Weber.
“The house is super insulated with double-thick exterior
walls and triple-glazed windows.” As a result, the home
is net-positive, which means it typically produces more
energy than it uses over the course of a year.
Weber devised a simple-shaped, narrow, two-story
structure that echoes the extruded form of a barn with
yellow cedar exterior siding offset by cementitiouspanel
cladding. Utilizing a simple palette of materials
helps ensure the home doesn’t feel extravagant or
pretentious, says Museler, noting that the kitchen features
a combination of European birch plywood and Formica.
“Every space in the house is a multi-use space,” says
Museler. The home’s one “grand feature” is a doubleheight
vaulted ceiling in the living area. “As a result, we
lost two rooms upstairs,” he says. “But if we find we don’t
have enough space, that just means we need to get rid of
some stuff.”
54
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Kritsada photography
Visit paulweberarchitecture.com for more information.
bostondesignguide.com 55

781.861.0086 | brookesandhill.com
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Color Makes
a Comeback
FRESH STYLES REPLACE CLASSIC KITCHEN
AND BATH ELEMENTS.
With custom styles and splashes of color, kitchen and
bathroom fixtures are bolder than ever. Not only is color
making a comeback, but the return of wood is too,
according to Patricia Jones, vice president of retail sales at
Snow and Jones, Inc. who is observing an increase in the
demand for authentic wood vanities.
Driftwood and washed gray tones, along with white oak
are increasingly popular, says Jones, noting that wood
warms up bathrooms, which tend to be among the coolest
feeling spaces in the home. “For so long we were in a
world of only white and gray vanities, but now we’re seeing
more wood, which is long overdue.”
Snow and Jones offers Bertch semi-custom vanities,
available in a variety of wood tones. They also carry
Victoria + Albert custom painted bathtubs, offered in
volcanic limestone with 150 matte or glossy colors to
choose from. The bathtubs demonstrate homeowners’
willingness to incorporate more warmth and personal
touch in the bathroom.
“People used to be really focused on resale value and
didn’t want to make a mistake in a renovation,” says
Jones. “Now people are not afraid to be themselves.”
Two-tone faucets are another way individuals are spicing
up their spaces, which is seen particularly in urban areas,
says Jones. Snow and Jones displays the Juxtapose
kitchen faucet by Kallista, a black and brass two-tone
faucet that is bolder and more colorful than a traditional
stainless-steel faucet. Jones says, “The two-tone faucets
offer a fun pop of color and contrast in the kitchen and
bath spaces, which is refreshing.”
Snow and Jones has showrooms on Cape Cod and the
South Shore, for information visit snowandjones.com.
Architect: Marcus Gleysteen; Interior Designer: Hurley Hafen; Photographer: Douglas Friedman Photography
bostondesignguide.com 57

Photography by Keitaro Yoshioka
58
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FRESH
A JAMESTOWN KITCHEN OVERLOOKING
NARRAGANSETT BAY EMBODIES ORIGINALITY
PERSPECTIVE
With its majestic ocean views, it was
important that the elements of this
kitchen in Jamestown, Rhode Island
didn’t detract from the outdoor
perspective. Equally important, according to Samantha
DeMarco, the senior designer at Divine Design Center who
was contracted by the homeowners to execute the first
floor redesign, was that the kitchen exude a sophisticated
minimalist aesthetic with a calm and inviting appeal.
The homeowners are avid cooks who love to entertain,
says DeMarco, noting that they were very involved in the
design phase. “They wanted the kitchen to be reflective of
them and it was important that it have a modern vibe.”
Walnut continuous horizontal grain veneer frames the
white matte lacquer cabinetry, exuding a subtle sense of
warmth. All of the Doca cabinets feature custom Bunotte
doors with cut-out handles that are discreet and sleek. The
Arketipo Auto-Reverse sofa and the Leolux Parabolica add
casual sophistication to the living room.
The Gaggenau steam and convection oven commands
attention. The hand-crafted steel and glass oven is a
utilitarian work of art that is as efficient as it is luxurious.
With a touch to open feature for ultimate convenience, the
Gaggenau refrigerator and freezer are clean and minimal
with no handles. The appliance is encased discreetly behind
the white panels, creating no interruption in the cabinetry.
The quartzite island, which has a full surface induction
cooktop at the center, comfortably seats the family’s
four children and also serves as a great spot for adults to
congregate and entertain. Designed at a slight angle, the
island is oriented to capture an expansive view of
the water.
“Working with my clients on this project was truly a
rewarding experience in that we shared the same passion
for bringing this design to life. It was extremely fulfilling to
see it come together.” says DeMarco.
To learn more about Divine Design Center, visit
divinedesigncenter.com.
bostondesignguide.com 59

Maryann Thompson Architects, Scott Norsworthy Photography
96 SWAMPSCOTT ROAD, SALEM, MA 01970 | 781-592-3135 | GROOMCO.COM/BDG

EVERLASTING
Landscapes
Schumacher Companies
focuses on cultivating
grounds for longevity.
A family business since inception in 1965, Schumacher
Companies is a landscape construction and maintenance
firm serving a high-end residential clientele throughout
New England. With over 50 years crafting quality
landscapes, it’s clear that the team knows a few things
about longevity. The company has a keen understanding
of the impact their work has on the earth.
“Our goal is to be stewards of the landscape,” says Molly
Hutt-Wardell, the maintenance manager for Schumacher’s
Cape Cod division. “We have a respect not only for the
client’s expectations and aesthetic, but for the ecology
of the habitats we are working in.” This means that the
company is committed to sustainable practices including
using organic lawn fertilizers and vinegar to treat weeds.
A focus is put on using native plant material in Schumacher
designed landscapes as plants from other zones require
more water and additional fertilizers to stay alive.
Additionally, landscape teams double-grind leaves taken
from a property into compost that is put back into the
yard. Says Hutt-Wardell, “Taking raw material from a site
and transforming it is creating a circular system—how we
take what we have and utilize to the best of our ability.”
“Education and science are at the forefront of what we
do,” says Hutt-Wardell. “It’s a balance of maintaining the
integrity of the landscape and horticultural principles while
being a good steward.”
Visit dschumacher.com for details.
bostondesignguide.com 61

Quality Craftsmanship
Warren Patterson Photography
1545 Broadway Road Dracut, MA 01826 | 978-804-5083
www.liencustombuilders.com

This smart home embodies modern technology and style.
This Boston area residence, designed
by Slocum Hall Design Group, takes
cues from Prairie style architecture
and elevates the definition of smart
home to the next level. Concept
Building and Systems Design and
Integration collaborated on the
building and integration of electrical
devices for this home, using the
latest technology. Work began in
February 2019 and the project is only
a few months away from completion.
Jeff Capello, owner of Concept
Building, and his partner Alan Baima
have worked closely throughout the
process with the owners of Systems
Design and Integration, Alexa and
Angel Centeno, whose company
integrates smart home system technology into spaces.
They worked together to ensure that by the end of this
project every home automated function will be operated
by voice, phone, or iPad.
Josh.ai, a natural language processing technology, is used
throughout the home for voice control that is natural and
convenient. Savant home automation system and climate
control provides comfort at the touch of a button and can
be activated by the homeowners’ smartphones.
The home also boasts Seura TV Mirrors, which are highperformance
televisions when on, and stunning mirrors
when off. Leon moving art lifts are also featured, using
original art to conceal televisions so they blend into the
home. Lutron lighting throughout the house is managed
with the touch of a button, and Circadian lighting supports
the human circadian system by reflecting strong light
during the day and less of it at night.
Artison invisible speakers are located in the dining room,
hidden behind sheetrock so they seamlessly blend into the
space. A dedicated home theater showcases a 120-inch
screen and projector, creating a high-end entertainment
experience.
For more information, visit slocumhalldesign.com,
conceptbuildinginc.com and sdiboston.com.
bostondesignguide.com 63

CAPE COD, GREATER BOSTON & SOUTH SHORE, NH 774 255-1709 LONGFELLOWDB.COM

A R C H I T E C T & B U I L D E R

Welcome Home...
to the place for creating a modern home.
Our 8000 square-foot showroom at Battery Wharf is New England’s largest Modern Kitchen & Living showroom
offering Europe’s top brands, including TEAM 7, LEICHT, MisuraEmme, Arketipo, Altamarea, Gaggenau,
Thermador, Rolf Benz and Miele, for kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and wardrobes.
2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 02109 | 617-443-0700 | www.divinedesignbuild.com