Are you a homeowner in Boston considering a major remodel? 

Or are you a luxury real estate consultant working across Boston—fully responsible for shepherding your clients through the often stressful and perilous path of purchasing, designing and remodeling a new home? 

Both scenarios may require researching and obtaining both a quality architect and quality builder in Boston.  Knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy captains of these industries who can shepherd the project through to completion safely, on budget and on time.   

This is not a small task—speaking from 20 years of experience.  I’ve seen it done every shade of right and wrong. 

Such architects and builders are invaluable. 

We have nearly 300 years of combined experience at NEDC, and I wanted to share some knowledge on the best architects in Boston and what makes them effective, unique and reputable. 

Here is my view. 

THE BEST ARCHITECTS IN BOSTON ARE BUILDERS. 

A bold statement, surely.  Here is why I say this. 

Let’s start with the actual definition of an architect.

The root of the word architect breaks down into “chief” or “master” (arkhi) and “builder” (tekton). 

Archi and tekton come from the ancient Greek language, which originated as far back as 3,000 BC.

ARCHITECT = MASTER BUILDER

The truth is that throughout history for thousands of years on earth, the Architect was a Master Builder – fully responsible for the creation of a project, home, cathedral or other element in the built environment from start to finish. 

From the earliest concept and vision, through design, planning and construction the Architect oversaw and owned the entire project. 

The Architect was the Builder.  The Builder was the Architect.  They were one and the same. 

For thousands of years this natural approach to the creation of the built environment gave mankind such beautiful works as the Parthenon in Greece and  Ishtar Gate to the Cathedral in Florence and the Eiffel Tower.  

Both design and build were naturally intertwined in a creative process inherently consistent, true and effective. 

This natural method of Architectural Design Build was compromised and altered in the early 1800s after the formation of the AIA in a power push for social status. Unfortunately this is the truth of what occurred, and I have done years of research along these lines.  Design was separated from the building process in an effort to elevate the social status of an Architect.  This was a calculated decision by the founders of the AIA which led to an arbitrary and damaging fissure in the industry and its creative process by which the built environment had been forged for thousands of years. 

“Architects” became “designers.” 

Thus, Architects became separated from the trades–the very building background which formed an integral part of the hat of an Architect.  This arbitrary fracture was then introduced into the curricula of major universities and thus the beginning of the end of the Master Builder began. 

This is a large reason there is such havoc in the industry today and such a high dissatisfaction rate among clients. 

Impractical planning leads to cost overrun, plans that can’t be built, and massive overages in both time and finance. 

Today we take a different approach.  We believe the best architects in Boston are also Builders and stand by this belief and set of values.  We believe in knowledge, integrity and communication and the importance of these values in the creation of a home for a client family. 

There are several wonderful Architectural Design Build firms in Boston who handle the full interior and architectural design for a client as well as the artisan build.   

We pride ourselves on being one of these. 

Here is a recent NEDC Architectural Design Build client success: 

“NEDC did a gut renovation of our house. The process with them was amazing from start to finish. From our first meeting with the president, Dave Supple, who inspected all corners of house and talked about our goals, to the wrap-up of the punch list with the project manager and lead designer, everything went exceedingly well.The process began with a series of broad design options and price ranges, then settled to one primary design during which we refined all the details and finalize the budget; then we moved onto all the material, appliance and finish selections, which is also done hand-in-hand with NEDC’s designers.

Once construction began, we had a weekly meeting with the project manager to discuss what had been done the prior week and what was coming. This allowed for timely course correction.

The project was completed on time – maybe even a bit ahead of schedule, I don’t remember, despite some COVID permitting setbacks – and at the budget that was set at the end of the design process. We were very happy with NEDC.”

 

Here are several recent photos featuring our Architectural Design Build work:

and media pieces:

Here is short film we produced along these lines: 

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BUILD? 

Architectural Design Build is an approach to the creation of the built environment which embraces the legacy of the Architect in his original role as Master Builder.    

This is the natural course of building, cherished by humanity for thousands of years—responsible for nearly every beautiful creation which mankind has erected.  

In Architectural Design Build, one individual, entity or creative firm is fully responsible for the full design, planning and construction process.  This legacy is one of craftsmanship, knowledge, and full responsibility for every aspect of the projects—from conceptual design through to artisan build.  

The design and construction industry today has become unnecessarily fragmented, with arbitrarily distinct spheres of responsibility that lend confusion to the process and can create headaches and stress for the client.  With a fully separate architect, interior designer, landscape architect, and builder there can be gaps in coordination and spheres of responsibility.  

The client can suffer as a result and the overall project can increase in cost, and duration.  This is very much not ideal and can harm the client. 

Architectural Design Build is becoming increasingly popular throughout Boston and the United States as a whole as homeowners seek a simpler, more effective and fully responsible approach to the design and construction of their homes.  

AT NEDC WE ARE ARCHITECTS WHO BUILD.  

We are a creative team of approximately 20 architects, interior designers, project managers and artisan builders.  

We have many dear clients in Chestnut Hill, Cambridge, Somerville, Lexington, Lincoln, Wayland, Weston, Westwood, Waltham, Wellesley, Natick, Sudbury, Brookline, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, The South End and across Boston’s Metrowest. We love to collaborate and work with wonderful families to help bring their vision to life and improve the way they live. 

This is who we are: 

Please feel free to reach out!  We’d love to hear your dreams…and help you make them a reality! 

NEDC CONTACT INFORMATION:  

DAVID MUNIZ SUPPLE – FOUNDER/CEO NEDC  

1. DAVE@NEDESIGNBUILD.COM
2. 617 474 0309 

RYAN MANHOFF – BRAND MANAGER NEDC  

1. RYAMM@NEDESIGNBUILD.COM
2. 484 809 3636