Where we work

We work in the New England states. Our headquarters is in Berwick, ME, we have a northern branch in Portland, ME and our shop space is in Nottingham, NH. This allows us good access to the North Shore of Massachusetts up along the coast to Damariscotta, ME and inland areas of New England to the west. Our two crews—one based in New Hampshire and one in Maine—work both independently and in collaboration as projects require.

While our crews typically repair historic structures within one hour of Portland, Maine and one hour of Seacoast, New Hampshire, we also travel further afield to conduct conditions assessments for our clients. If a structure is located at the outer edges of our range and commuting is impractical for our crews, we can provide repair plans and guidance to share with skilled local contractors.

Guild membership and involvement

Our philosophy

We are a practical bunch. We combine lessons learned from the past with advances in technology to perform traditional repairs that honor our historic structures. We understand the importance of pragmatism when balancing preservation philosophy with comfort, livability and environmental considerations such as energy conservation. We reject the notion that history and technology are mutually exclusive.

Those who love, and live in, historic buildings know that the key to preserving them is to maintain their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Unused and unloved structures tend to suffer from a lack of proper maintenance and can deteriorate quickly. On the flip side, thoughtful repairs along with proper care and maintenance can be the difference between an endangered structure and one that is well placed to provide another two-hundred years of reliable service.

As we engage increasingly with projects involving climate mitigation, it is critical for us to make thoughtful decisions about what we value and how we choose to live. Climate change is already having an enormous impact on our built environment. This presents an opportunity for us to reconsider our relationship with the natural environment, preserve the best of our past, and build better for future generations with truly sustainable materials.

Timber framing is the strongest, longest lasting and most sustainable building model. History tells us this. No other form of construction is more beautiful. The future of building must include the sustainable use of our wonderful forests. As we face climate change and witness its effects on the built environment, we must learn from historic examples to make better and longer lasting buildings using natural materials and traditional methods. We must reject industry greenwashing of harmful materials and reduce waste while creating beauty and resilience. Wood is sustainable, reusable, adaptable and comforting. We embrace both traditional techniques and modern technology to create and preserve livable, warm spaces full of life.

A trusted network

We collaborate with a trusted network of specialists to produce work of the highest quality, from architects and engineers to preservation advocates and practitioners in adjacent trades. We work with preservation-oriented architects and engineers to review and gain approval for structural solutions. Our relationships with local sawmills help us to acquire timber as close as possible to our projects. We have a twenty-five-year history with a special network of subcontractors in adjacent preservation crafts, such as masonry, lime plaster, and coppersmithing, who work closely with us to ensure your project is a success. We are directly affiliated with organizations who teach, advocate for, and succeed in historic preservation.