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See our blog for new projects, announcements, and all things TMS Architects & Interiors.
TMS Architects & Interiors’ Annual Pumpkin Carving Competition
The TMS office was in spooky spirits today during our annual pumpkin-carving competition and Halloween pizza party- a much-loved tradition that brings out the lighter side of our creative team.
An impressive showing of pumpkins made for a close vote this year, but ultimately, Job Captain Ellie Hayes took home the coveted Golden Gourd Award with her showstopping “Château de la Pumpkin.” Some design skills, it seems, translate seamlessly from residential to vegetable-based- who knew?
The coveted Golden Gourd Award
Ellie’s winning “Chateau de la Pumpkin” design
Rounding out the top three were Sicilia and Tim, whose imaginative carvings gave Ellie some worthy competition. Kudos to all who participated (although some of you might want to stick to the architecture and interior design scopes).
Sicilia’s 2nd Place Carve
Tim’s bronze medal-worthy pumpkin
As we near two months in our new office, this year’s celebration also marked a special milestone for our team. The new space has already enhanced collaboration, sparked inspiration, and provided even more opportunities for us to connect, both within our team and with our clients.
The Design Studio matched the Halloween theme with its Lutron lighting effects.
Feeling spooky and ~witchy~
Here’s to a season full of creativity, collaboration, and a little friendly competition. From all of us at TMS Architects & Interiors- happy (almost) Halloween! 👻
TMS Named a 2025 Top Coastal Architect by Ocean Home Magazine
We’re honored to be recognized by Ocean Home Magazine as one of the nation’s Top Coastal Architects for 2025 and proud to represent the beautiful New England coast!
For more than 40 years, our team has been dedicated to designing timeless, thoughtful, and unique homes that celebrate the enduring traditions of New England coastal architecture. From weathered shingle-style retreats along the Maine shoreline to contemporary waterfront homes, each of our projects is designed with craftsmanship, context, and connection to place in mind.
This recognition is a reflection of the work of our entire team, our trusted collaborators, and the wonderful clients who invite us to bring their visions to life along the coast.
We appreciate Ocean Home Magazine for the recognition, and those who continue to inspire our pursuit of design excellence by the water.
Explore some of our featured Coastal Homes Portfolio to see what makes seaside living so special to us.
TMS Architects & Interiors Celebrates 20 Years of New England Home Magazine
For more than two decades now, New England Home has shined a spotlight on the region’s most iconic architecture and design, and we’ve been fortunate to have many of our projects and people featured within its pages. From editorial highlights to awards, our partnership with the publication has always reflected a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity, and the timeless character of New England homes.
This week, our team had the pleasure of joining New England Home Magazine and many familiar faces from across the region’s design community to celebrate the publication’s 20th anniversary as a leading voice in New England design.
As one of ten founding partners, TMS Architects & Interiors was honored to serve as an exclusive sponsor in the magazine’s recent September–October issue, continuing a valued partnership built on shared dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and timeless New England architecture.
The celebration took place at the stunning Cumar Marble & Granite Showroom, where guests were surrounded by beautiful stone displays, warm conversation, and a curated menu (complete with caviar). The evening was a wonderful reminder of the power of connection within our region’s vibrant design community.
In the midst of our day-to-day routines, it’s always meaningful to pause and gather with like-minded professionals who share the same goal, which is to keep New England design distinctively beautiful, enduring, and unique.
Congratulations to our friends at New England Home on 20 noteworthy years. We’re proud to have been a part of your journey from the start, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating design together.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of John Merkle, TMS Founder
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our founders, acclaimed architect and community leader John Merkle. Since 1984, John has and will continue to represent all that we strive to honor here at TMS. The compassion, detail, and thought he put into each and every one of his endeavors set the tone and laid a foundation of accountability, thoroughness, and personal justification that we strive to emulate as professionals, and as human beings.
After graduating from the New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1969, John embraced life in the industry, working in both New Hampshire and New York. For some time, he also served as an academic program instructor at the University of New Hampshire, leading a “Management of Physical Structures” course within the Hotel Administration program.
In 1984, John joined forces with another young architect from MIT, William “Bill” Soupcoff. The partnership of these two would endure for over 30 years, and create a legacy that lasted long after their retirements, creating some of the finest architectural designs in New England.
From unique residential projects to large-scale renovations, John had a passion for the art of architecture, finding inspiration in creating distinctive design solutions for each venture, whether it be making the most out of a 600’ square foot home or resolving life safety concerns in the historic Wentworth Hotel.
One distinguishing characteristic of John’s was his passion and ability to save and restore celebrated historical structures throughout New England. Throughout his career, John made his mark in the renovations of the iconic Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH, the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, and the Bridges House (the New Hampshire Governor’s residence), just to name a few. He served as the President of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for some time, also serving on the board, and was an active member of the group up until his time of passing.
Most recently, in 2025, John was awarded the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Award for Excellence in Preservation, Planning, and Civic Engagement. Prior to this, he earned recognition for his work through various awards and leadership position acquisitions. In addition to the NH Preservation Alliance, John also held leadership roles with AIA New England, AIA New Hampshire, and the Exeter Historic District Commission.
John’s impact on the architectural and design community spanned not only New England but all along the East Coast, as he was registered in the states of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, and Vermont, and took part in the NCARB as well.
As we remember John and his architectural footprint on his community, let’s take a look back at some of his noteworthy projects.
Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, New Castle, New Hampshire (2003)
Originally built in 1874, the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel experienced eras of flourishing business and times of struggle and changing ownership throughout its history. After the most recent 20 year-span of neglect and deterioration, TMS was tasked with bringing the historic site back to life. This involved restoring the original foundation, reinforcing the precarious wooden structure with a steel skeleton, and adding two new steel frame wings to each side of the existing structure. The hotel reopened in May of 2003, and went on to earn the 2004 AIANH Award of Excellence and the 2007 National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award.
American Independence Museum, Exeter, New Hampshire (2004)
This project involved the relocation and restoration of the 18th century Folsom Tavern which was moved to a new site on the grounds of the museum. This preservation project gave the museum additional educational and display space and was recognized in 2008 with a New Hampshire Preservation Alliance award.
American Independence Museum, Exeter, NH.
American Independence Festival, July 21, 2007.
Ralph Morang
The Music Hall, Portsmouth, New Hampshire (2008)
This restoration of this landmark theatre has been accomplished in several phases, with the first efforts going to restore the proscenium arch and ceiling, with work proceeding towards a major change of the front entry lobby. The structure has been named an American Treasure for the Arts and was awarded a 2008 New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Award.
Phillips Exeter Academy Faculty Housing, Exeter, New Hampshire (2005/2008)
A group of detached single-family faculty homes built within the campus proper to strengthen the sense of community and ease of pedestrian access to the campus and downtown Exeter. The second phase was awarded LEED certification for its sustainability and energy efficiency.
Bridges House, Concord, NH (2012)
The Bridges House in Concord, NH is officially considered the residence of the Governor of New Hampshire. The house, on land occupied by Revolutionary Veteran Joshua Thompson, was built by Charles Graham in about 1835. Designed in a sophisticated, substantial, yet deliberately simple architectural style known as the Greek Revival, the home was gifted to the state by the former Governor and Senator Styles Bridges for use by the state’s governors and their families. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cottage Revival, Exeter, New Hampshire (2007)
Over the years, this in-town cottage had been repeatedly renovated. Rather than raze the 112-year-old home, a major restoration was pursued. This project involved the challenge of making a small home feel larger, without expanding the building footprint and to make the small space more efficient and aesthetically integrated. This project received a 2008 Excellence in Architecture Award from AIA NH.
Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH (2012)
Opened to the public in 1959, this mountaintop estate, built in 1913, was originally home to Tom and Olive Plant. High up in the Ossipee Mountain Range, this home is a unique example of Arts and Crafts Architecture in New England, expressing that aesthetic movement’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The house’s skillful craftsmanship is exhibited all throughout both the exterior and interior, and features several technological innovations of the early 20th century. With Tom Plant’s desire to maintain the integrity of his mountaintop estate property and the stewardship of the families who owned the property since his time, the Lucknow estate has survived in close to its original state. Owned and operated by Castle Preservation Society since 2006, the property is open to the public for guests to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful architecture and its magnificent mountainside setting.
Ocean Front Residence, Seabrook, New Hampshire (2000)
In this residence, the clients requested a modestly-sized year-round beachfront home that combined warmth with open spaces and modern functionality. The challenge was to develop a three-story building that had height restrictions of less than 28 feet on a lot that was 50 x 100 feet in size.
Farmhouse Restoration, Rye, NH (1988)
This project involved a major renovation and addition to an existing 2,000 square foot residence. The program called for an additional 1,800 square feet of living space as well as an extensive renovation to the existing first floor of the house. The home’s existing footprint could not be significantly expanded, so a second story was added to provide room for an additional bedroom and Primary Bedroom suite.
Other Projects Include:
Horizon’s Edge in York ME (1998)
Kittery Landing, Kittery ME (1999)
30 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth NH (2001)
Shaker Village Visitor’s Center, Canterbury, NH (2001)
Woodland Solace, Stratham NH (2003)
Family Friendly Renovation, Manchester, NH (2007)
The Music Hall Loft, Portsmouth, NH (2011)
The Music Hall Concessions, Portsmouth, NH (2011)
With John’s architectural wisdom came his adept perception of humanity and the art of life. With a passion for fairness, ethics, and outstanding dedication to his craft, he was able to create so many special designs, personal connections, and profound positive impacts on and for the people he was surrounded by. Laying the foundation for our firm over four decades ago, little did John know the influence he would have on the architectural community and the people of New England for years to come. We strive each day to personify what John stood for, and will honor his legacy with persistence and enthusiasm towards making the world a better place, one day and design at a time.
For those who would like to learn more about John’s life and legacy, his obituary can be found here.
Framing the Finish: This Season’s Photoshoots
Deep into summer, we are in the middle of one of the most rewarding parts of the residential design process- the final home photoshoots!
After years of ideas, collaboration, and thoughtful planning, seeing a home fully realized through the lens of our photographer is always a highlight. It’s the closing chapter of a journey that begins with schematic design, where our architects and interior designers work closely with clients to define their style, preferences, and priorities. From that first sketch to the final detail, the process is thorough, transparent, and collaborative, so we strive for the end result to feel personal, intentional, and truly rewarding for our clients. Being able to step back and admire the finished space through this lens is worth it not only for us, but for our clients.
Preparing for the Photoshoot
When the time comes to capture the beauty of these spaces, careful thought goes into the preparation and production of the shoot. With client permission, we will oftentimes bring our photographer to the home, as that is the easiest way to quickly gain an understanding of the home’s orientation, the lighting, and any specific details or shots that our architects and designers hope to highlight.
Whether it’s an eyebrow-curve detail above custom bifold porch windows, intricate millwork on a vaulted ceiling, or the gentle curve of a wall beside the wet bar, we want every shoot to showcase both the grand gestures and the subtle details, as sometimes the smallest details help capture the essence of the home. We love being onsite with our photographers to ensure these features get their chance to shine.
The Role of Lighting in Architectural Photography
Depending on the scope of the home and its location, the shoots may last one, two, or even three days. The most crucial element that drives the order of our shoots, dictating which spaces should be captured when? Easy. It’s the lighting. It’s fascinating to work with our photographers, who almost before even stepping out of their cars, can determine the order in which they would like to shoot a space, all due to the position of the sun and its relationship with the home. The home’s positioning, location, and even exterior color affect how it will appear on camera. For example, a darker, lakefront home reflects and absorbs light differently than a white cedar shingle-style home would. Taking all of these factors into account when it comes to lighting helps ensure that every space is captured in its prime.
Capturing the Story
While moving throughout the home, shot by shot, it’s important for us to remember that we are essentially looking to capture a story within each image. We are looking for these photographs to invite people into the space, and help them imagine spending and enjoying their time in that setting. We love incorporating touches bring a sense of life and comfort, whether it’s a glowing firepit, or our clients’ fluffy friends wagging for some screen time (which we happily embrace). These moments represent not only the architectural and design elements, but the spirit of the home as well.
Seasonal Backdrops
Regardless if it’s a blooming springtime shoot, vibrant and green summer backdrop, or crisp and golden fall scene, each atmosphere brings out unique highlights in a photoshoot. The variations emphasize the uses and feels of a home across different atmospheres.
More Than Just Pictures
For our clients, these photographs become a lasting reminder of their home design journey, from concept to completion. For our team, they serve as a way to reflect on the creative process and inspire new projects. The results of these photoshoots can be found on our website, social channels, and in print ads and feature stories. They represent more than just images- they are the visual closing notes to a story we’ve been building, designing, and bringing to life with our clients.
We can’t wait to share more content from these shoots in the months ahead. Stay tuned!
The Artist Retreat Home: As Seen in Maine Home + Design
We’re excited to share that our Artist Retreat project has been featured in the August 2025 issue of Maine Home+Design. For us, this project was an embodiment of careful planning, strong architect/client teamwork, and an enduring connection to the Coastal Maine landscape, and we are honored to share its story.
Set along the rugged coastline of Maine, this 2,900-square-foot home is rich with history and character. Originally constructed in the early 1800s, the home has undergone a series of thoughtful updates over the years. In the early 1900s, a mother-daughter duo expanded the house, adding a second floor and integrating modern amenities like plumbing and electricity. In the 1990s, architect and homeowner Brian Rodonets reimagined the home again, adding a side entry, breakfast nook, and extra bedroom.
When our client purchased the property in 2020, she brought a clear and personal vision to the next phase of the home’s life. Her goal? To simplify, age-in-place, and preserve the charm of the historic home, while ensuring it could serve her well for years to come. Even her beloved dog helped inspire the renovation, influencing decisions that would make the home more functional and accessible.
Despite the challenges of renovating a 200-year-old structure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain delays, rising costs, and structural surprises, our project team navigated each hurdle with care and collaboration. The result is a home that honors its history while embracing the future. Read more about this home and from the project team directly through Maine Home+Design’s feature story here.
Project Team:
Architect: TMS Architects & Interiors
Interior Design: TMS Architects & Interiors
General Contractor: Boston North Development
Photography: Megan Booth
Linked MHD Article Written by: Katy Kelleher
Featured in New England Home: Tips for Designing Coastal & Lakefront Homes
Tips for Designing a Home on the Water, From TMS Architects & Interiors
What we’re about to say won’t shock you. Designing or renovating a home, especially a waterfront home, can feel overwhelming. With so many ideas, decisions, and site-specific factors to consider, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. That’s where we come in.
At TMS Architects & Interiors, we help guide clients through the process by offering clarity, experience, and expert advice. Recently, New England Home Magazine sat down with Cristina Johnson, a Principal Architect and lead Interior Designer at TMS, to discuss what makes waterfront home design unique, and what homeowners should consider when planning a house by the ocean, a lake, or any water-adjacent site.
Waterfront Home Design Considerations
Designing a home on the water comes with a beautiful set of opportunities and some thoughtful challenges. In this article, Cristina shares insight into key design decisions, including:
-
Window Size and Placement
To maximize views while managing glare and exposure. -
Material Selection
Choosing finishes that withstand salt air, sun, and seasonal conditions. -
Color Palettes
How coastal light affects paint colors and interior selections.
Whether you’re building along the New England coast, on a lakefront lot, or overlooking a harbor, your home should respond to its surroundings while reflecting your lifestyle and personal aesthetic.
Read the Full Feature
You can read more of Cristina’s insight on the New England Home Magazine website:
Thinking About a Potential Project?
We’ve worked with our clients to design homes on the ocean, on the lake, in the city, and everywhere in between. If you’re planning on building or renovating your home and want guidance from a team that understands and considers both site and story, contact us or explore our portfolio for more inspiration.
Inside Our Featured Shingle-Style Home on the Water – New England Home July/August Issue
Weaving through the picturesque roads of coastal New England, it’s easy to spot the region’s signature architectural styles; from classic shingle-style homes to Colonial, Greek Revival, and Victorian influences. While these styles are familiar, each custom home tells a unique story shaped by client vision, site-specific constraints, and the natural character of the land.
Our Ocean Contemporary project is no exception. Designed with a blend of New England coastal charm and Floridian inspiration, this modern shingle-style waterfront home reflects our clients’ family roots and lifestyle priorities.
Featured in the July/August issue of New England Home Magazine, the home’s story is told through the lens of our senior project manager, Lafe Covill, who shares insights on balancing client desires with the complexities of a tight, waterfront lot.
The final result? A custom waterfront retreat that combines elegant architectural details with a comfortable, livable interior. A home that is timeless, functional, and rooted in place.
📖 Read the full article and explore the Ocean Contemporary project here:
Modern Shingle-Style Home Balances Sleek Design and Water Views – New England Home Magazine
TMS Cofounder John Merkle Named 2025 NH Preservation Achievement Award Winner
Last night was a special evening. We celebrated one of our cofounders, John Merkle, and his winning of a 2025 Preservation Achievement Award through the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance at the beautiful Tilton School. John dedicated over 45 years of his life to helping preserve and revive many of New Hampshire’s historic sites, with highlights including the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, the Portsmouth Music Hall, and Bridges House in Concord.
From L to R: Principal Architect Jason Bailey, TMS Cofounder John Merkle, Principal Architect Shannon Alther.
Along with his professional contributions, John’s volunteerism is also outstanding, as he has served as a president of the New Hampshire chapter of the AIA, as well as chair of his hometown Exeter Historic District Commission, among other endeavors.
John received his award from leaders of the NH Preservation Alliance.
Tilton School’s Fred A. Smart Chapel, where the award ceremony was held.
We are so happy to see his hard work and dedication recognized and spend time reflecting on the past 41 years of TMS with one of its founders. Congratulations to John and thank you for the foundation that you laid for the TMS legacy!
Celebrating 22 Years of Architectural Excellence with Principal Rob Carty, AIA!
Today we’re celebrating the 22-year TMS anniversary of one of our long-time principals, Robert Carty, AIA, LEED AP!
A few years after graduating from the University of Colorado with a master’s degree in architecture, Rob ventured back home to the East Coast. Joining our team as a project architect in 2003, he rose through the ranks to earn the title of principal by 2007.
Rob has designed many of our firm’s prominent residential projects, including both renovations and new builds, as well as over a dozen branch banks. His extracurriculars happen to be just as impressive, as Rob received his commercial pilot’s license in 2004 and continues to fly as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
We thank Rob for all of the hard work, time, and innovative designs he has provided us over the years!
TMS Turns 41
1984. Gas was $1.13, the Celtics won an epic game 7 against the Lakers to earn the title of 35th NBA Champion, and the original Apple Macintosh personal computer went on sale. This also happened to be the year that TMS was founded (the most significant fun fact, if you ask us. Who needs computers, anyway?).
41 years ago, William “Bill” Soupcoff and John Merkle joined together to create what is now TMS Architects & Interiors, a boutique home design firm servicing New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond, to create wonderfully unique and luxurious homes.
TMS Founders John Merkle and Bill Soupcoff on the cover of the 1999 May-June Issue of Residential Architect.
TMS Group Photo, 2003.
From the jump, Bill and John shared a common passion for architectural design and both heavily valued ethics, fairness, and the insistence of superior work quality. Coming from different backgrounds (John graduated from NYIT; Bill from MIT), these two took their shared interests and unique educations and created a partnership that resulted in some of the finest architectural work in New England. Some projects you may recognize if you are local to the New England seacoast area include the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel restoration, the Music Hall restoration, and the Bridges House, as well as many stunning residential projects that pepper the coastal, lakefront, and inland roads of the region.
Wentworth by the Sea Hotel.
Portsmouth Music Hall Restoration Team Uncovers Original Ceiling Mural.
As the decades have passed, there have been monumental changes within the industry and the world in general, but TMS’ values have remained the same. Our mission is to fully embrace our clients’ visions and turn them into buildings that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable. Whether it’s a residential build, a pool house renovation, or commercial office design, communication and attention-to-detail are critical.
Residential Kitchen Design, 1997 Project.
Residential Kitchen Design, 2023 (Coastal Legacy).
Considering the growth of technology since 1984, our founders established the TMS name when architects primarily relied on hand-drawn sketches. We are now able to take clients on a three-dimensional tour of their future homes thanks to virtual reality. How times have changed! (although many of our designers still enjoy creating by hand). As technology and our business have developed, so have our skills, capabilities, and portfolio. We have worked to establish ourselves as both an architectural firm and an interior design firm, collaborating with clients in all phases of the design process. Whether in the initial construction phase or in the final decorating phase, we set out to not only meet our clients’ expectations but exceed them.
Archived TMS Hand-Drawn Residential Rendering.
Lakefront Residential Rendering, 2025.
Over the years, our work has earned us more than 40 awards for excellence of design. These projects have ranged from a 2004 National Trust for Historic Preservation Award for our work on the restoration of the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel (spearheaded by John Merkle, our initial historic preservation enthusiast!) to the 2025 Modern Luxury Interiors New England award for Best NH Architect. These awards and the variation of them display just how much time, thought, and energy goes into understanding what our clients desire for each project. and teaming up with them every step of the way to achieve just that. We are honored to have been serving our community for 41 years, and we look forward to the new projects we have yet to take on. Thank you to everyone who has helped make TMS Architects & Interiors into what it is today (employees, clients, family, community, etc) and here’s to the continuation of beautiful, unique, and sustainable building design!
Initial Rendering of Expanded Interior Design Resource Studio in the new TMS Office Space.
TMS Group Photo, 2025.
TMS- New Office, Same Vision
As a firm, we pride ourselves in our ability to help clients who are looking to upgrade their spaces and create their dream homes. For one of our current projects, the tables have turned. We are excited to share that we will be relocating to a brand-new office this summer! After hitting our 40th anniversary (it doesn’t always have to be a mid-life crisis) we took some time to reflect and realized we were starting to outgrow our space- now, we’re ready to bring the TMS twist to a new one.
The move will be a short one distance-wise (just across town) but will surely have a significant positive impact on our team and our clients. Our new office will allow an abundance of room to host clientele, collaborate with teammates, and test out new design strategies. This includes a design and resource room double in size for our interiors team.
One Cate Street has provided 25 years of wonderful memories, acting as a catalyst for bold ideas and brilliant outcomes in design and build. It is a bittersweet feeling saying goodbye to our longtime headquarters, but we are thrilled for what is to come at Two International Drive. Stay tuned as we give you updates on our move, and a sneak peek at some renderings and construction progression of our own future home.
In case you haven’t yet, tour our current office before we go.
Backyard Chickens and Building Plans: Architects with a Passion for Poultry
All the talk about eggs, chickens, etc. this weekend had us realizing many people don’t know a little fact about some of our team members. A few call it friendly competition, others call it the egg wars. Regardless of your viewpoint, two of our very own, Job Captain Ellie Hayes and Project Architect Mike Cerbone, are proud chicken raisers.
Pictured: Ellie’s chickens
Pictured: A few of Mike’s roosters and hens in front of their custom-made coops.
When they’re not busy designing houses, Ellie and Mike have an interest in caring for their hens and roosters, raising baby chicks, and providing our team with the freshest eggs we could ask for. Given their occupations, most would not be surprised to know that both Ellie and Mike designed and built their backyard coops (does anyone else need custom chicken coop blueprints?). While it can come with some loud mornings, additional cleaning, and extra responsibility, they both thoroughly enjoy the hobby. With 4 years of chicken ownership under his belt, Mike and his wife continue to find joy raising their chickens, and Mike enjoys the friendly office competition that comes with having a fellow chicken owner on the team. It’s been about 2 years since Ellie and her husband first began nurturing the farmyard birds, and she has learned to appreciate the unique personalities and quirks of each one. Although the endeavor has its ups and downs, both Mike and Ellie have no intentions of giving up their chicken-related pastimes (have you seen the price of eggs lately?!), and our team appreciates the first-hand stories and fresh eggs that come from their experiences. Whether they’re in the design studio or out by the chicken coop, the passion, attention to detail, and patience Ellie and Mike hold doesn’t go unnoticed here at TMS.
Pictured: Some of Ellie’s baby chicks.
Pictured: Ellie’s chicken abode mid-construction.
Pictured: Perks of Mike and Ellies’ hobbies for their TMS colleagues.
TMS Celebrates 3 years with Dan Santacroce!
This past week, we celebrated 3 years with Senior Project Manager, Dan Santacroce!
Dan has been in the architecture industry for about 11 years and got his start after graduating from the Wentworth Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in architecture. Many aspects of his day-to-day role are ones he’s come to love, but the most rewarding part of the job for him is the establishment of successful working relationships with clients. He appreciates being able to help see clients’ dream projects come to fruition, with the ultimate goal of exceeding their expectations.
Several of the projects he initially began working on with us are reaching their final stages, so we are excited for Dan to see his hard work pay off and, as a company, we strive to continue with his same mentality of meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations.
Happy 25th TMS Anniversary, Tim Giguere, AIA!
This week we’re celebrating 25 years with Principal Architect Tim Giguere, AIA! A New Hampshire native, Tim has long appreciated the timeless and unique architecture found in New England. He initially earned a degree from New Hampshire Technical Institute and later earned a master’s degree from The Boston Architectural College. Tim joined TMS back in 2000 as a project manager and earned the title of Principal in 2017. After joining the industry, he found his way back into the academic setting for a period of time, also serving as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire where he taught Architectural Design Studio.
He has made his mark through the execution of many stunning projects and continues to prioritize creating unique homes for our clients. In terms of inspiration for the work that he does, Tim says, “I enjoy helping clients visualize what their project can be and surpassing their expectations. Our entire staff has talent, passion, and takes pride in the attention to detail that helps define our buildings.”
Our team wouldn’t be the same without him (also in part because he’s our go-to IT guy) and we appreciate all the beautiful works that he’s done and continues to do. Here’s to 25 more years, Tim!
Back in Time! Pictured from Left to Right: Principal Architect Jason Bailey, Senior Project Manager Kraig Kurtenbach, Principal Architect Tim Giguere
Seacoast Home Progress Reports
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and it feels like there are many new beginnings ready to take place at any moment over here. We have been hard at work on numerous projects that are starting to reach their final stages, and we’ve been making some site visits to check in on the progress.
Our first stop was to a Rye, NH-based shingle-style project. With exteriors pretty much completed save for the landscaping, the modern beach home looks like it’s right where it’s meant to be. The stone chimney serves as a focal point on both the exterior and interior, bringing a rustic and natural feel to the space, and the myriad of windows guarantees that the home will be soaking in all of the natural light the sun has to offer. The windows utilize mullions (heavier dividers that join window units) and muntins (thinner dividers separating panes of glass within a window) to strategically add a level of sophistication and complexity to the exterior.
Walking into the main foyer, the vaulted ceiling and open stairwell create a spacious and lofty atmosphere, and the recurring use of Nickel Gap paneling brings the beachfront feel in from the outside. Due to the limited acreage, expansive ceilings and open concept layouts were a key way of maximizing the home’s footprint.
The 3-bed, 3.5-bath home will include a small exercise room, as well as a cozy sunroom facing the backyard. The sunroom branches off from the main living area, where stunning beamed ceilings unite the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A massive quartz island will be the ultimate entertainment center in the kitchen. Upstairs, each guest bedroom has an accompanying ensuite bath, making this a perfect space for our clients to house their friends and family.
While this coastal-style home is wrapping up in the near future (and we can’t wait!), we ventured over to another type of project in its own stage of the process. The next site visit was to an in-progress entertainment barn, which is just finishing up interior framing. Although not as far along, the vision for this space is just as exciting, and we’ve included some renderings to back that statement up.
The barn boasts a grand stone chimney that houses a fireplace on both the first and second floors of the barn. The intricate stonework surrounds the bottom of the building and leads to the back entrance of the barn, where an arched chestnut doorway is topped by a beautiful eyebrow window.
The barn will also have a patio space, where friends and family can relax outside and enjoy warm weather and summer barbecues. When that time calls, the sliding pocket doors that hug the patio retreat into the exterior wall, creating an indoor-outdoor living situation that greatly enhances the seamless functionality of the space.
This entertainment barn will have its own kitchen, bathroom, and office as well. An unrivaled hang-out space! And if it isn’t obvious already, the vast fireplace will serve as a center highlight for the barn, which is not hard to believe given the sheer size of the structure (see picture below for scale). To make the most out of the space while also preserving its beauty, we have designed a system that allows the television to live within a pocket in the ceiling, automatically lowering it down to viewing height when desired. The optimum way to make sure this beautiful piece of masonry is appreciated fully whenever the digital entertainment is not being used!
We thoroughly enjoy the idea of creating specialized designs to cater to each and every one of our clients and their desires. No day, or project, is ever the same, and being onsite to see projects at their various stages creates an even bigger sense of appreciation for the end results. Don’t go too far, because we’ll be showing future updates of in-progress and finalized homes!
Architects Can Ski, too!
It was a brisk and bright March day up in the Maine mountains on Tuesday, and thanks to our structural engineering friends at Thornton Tomasetti, we were able to take full advantage of the conditions and have a day full of snowy fun!
Thornton Tomasetti held its 3rd annual Black Mountain of Maine Takeover up in Rumford and we were invited to come up and take on all the event had to offer- from alpine skiing and Nordic skiing to snow tubing and snowshoeing, and who could forget one of the best parts of the day- lunch and Après Ski!
As the sun burnt off the morning fog, the temperature rose, winter coats were quickly shed, and we got a real feel for the springtime ski season. Whether it was on the mountain, in the ski lodge, or out on the deck, it was a perfect day for mingling with the family and friends that came up to join, as well as our industry partners who also made the trip up North. Plus, whoever had the disco ball ski helmet, we’re all very jealous and also inspired.
We always appreciate and enjoy the unique opportunities that come with working in this field. Thank you to Thornton Tomasetti for having us and to all who participated in this refreshing team building and networking event!
TMS Celebrates 29 Years with Shannon Alther, AIA!
Since 1996, Principal Architect Shannon Alther, AIA, has been a part of the TMS team. He initially joined as a draftsman, with a 3-foot-wide desk sticking halfway into the hallway and a dream. He became a principal of the firm in 2007 thanks to a lot of hard work, dedication, and adaptability.
Prior to TMS, Shannon attended New Hampshire Technical Institute, Keene State College, and the Boston Architectural College. Once he had completed his academic pursuits, Shannon spent his early career as a crew supervisor for building projects, a painter, and a hardwood grader. The combination of his extensive academic experience and array of work in the field turned out to be a perfect combination to successfully transition into the architecture space.
At TMS, Shannon is involved in all aspects of the company and all different phases of projects. He serves as a valuable mentor for those who are in the beginning stages of their careers as well as more tenured teammates.
It’s been 29 years since Shannon first joined our team, and we appreciate all that he has accomplished and taught us along the way!
Happy 12th TMS Anniversary Cristina Johnson, AIA, NCIDQ!
It’s been 12 years of TMS for Principal Architect and Interior Designer Cristina Johnson, AIA, NCIDQ, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
Cristina joined our team in 2013 and helped build our Interior Design department from the ground up. She has served as a principal since 2023 and is directly involved with most of the projects that pass through our office. From residential renovations to commercial office and hospitality work, her experience includes new builds and renos ranging from $20,000 to $85 Million. No matter the scope of the project, she particularly enjoys striking the balance between aesthetics and functionality, so clients can live happily and easily.
Outside of the office, Cristina is currently dedicating most of her time to renovating her own 1850’s farmhouse (can you tell she loves what she does?).
A big thank you from our team for all of her hard work over the years and everything she has helped our team achieve. Here’s to many more years of beautiful design!
Brief List of Cristina Johnson’s Awards:
New Hampshire Home Awards
-Excellence in Interior Design-
2019 ~Coastal Dream
2020 ~Classic Seaside
2021 ~Wisteria Place
-Excellence in Remodeling/Renovation Design-
2019 ~Lakefront Transformation
2021 ~ Summer House
-Excellence in Kitchen Design-
2022 ~Ocean Break
2023 ~Cove Light (transitional)
2024 ~Oak House (contemporary)
-Excellence in Historic Renovation-
2023 ~Downtown Federal
-Excellence in Whole House Design-
2024 Winner ~Coastal Legacy
Our Office: Where Deadlines and Design Magic Meet
Life is funny. We (us, personally) spend so much time focusing on the smallest details in regard to the homes of our clients, making sure every corner of a room and frame on a window exceeds their expectations. Rarely do we stop and admire our own humble abode.
For the past 24 years, we have called One Cate Street in Portsmouth our home. In a building full of offices, we try to differentiate ourselves before you walk through our door. Once you make it up the four flights of stairs, your effort is rewarded with vibrant greenery. A traditional chest just outside our entrance often adorns various magazines to glance at or grab as you walk in.
One of our favorite parts about our office happens to be at the very entrance of the space, and that is the curved, Douglas Fir-treaded staircase that extends down into the main foyer. There’s just something about a grand view of a foyer that starts a morning off right. As you walk down the stairs, an intricate copper heron statue greets you. This statue, which also once served as a fountain, was created for us personally by renowned metal sculptor and New Castle native, Walter Liff.
The foyer includes a few fun touches, like our digital signage board and a vast display of magazines that we have been a part of throughout the years. Coming through the foyer, you have a few options when it comes to your next stop:
1. The design room. This is the interior design team’s safe haven. A room filled floor to ceiling with all of the textures, colors, and samples you could dream of. The lighting in this room has been specially constructed so that, depending on the mood of the specific design we are showcasing, it will shine in a variety of cool to warm color temperatures.
2. The conference room. Walk into the conference room, and you will see a grand display of our past projects thanks to the posters that line the walls. These serve as a wonderful source of inspiration and intrigue for anyone at the (rectangular) roundtable. Additionally, our witty tech guy, aka Principal Architect Tim Giguere, has worked hard to give the conference room some top-notch technological capabilities. This “smart” room allows seamless technology sharing throughout meetings, whether it’s through individual laptops, the designated conference room computer, or even a smartphone. Collaboration and communication galore!
3. The center island. To get to the office pods and the offset office rooms of our principals, you’ll pass the center island. This piece of focal point furniture has been the epicenter for many-a holiday party and networking events, and it also holds an eye-catching miniature 3D version of our Drift Line Residence project. If you’re lucky, you may run into our trusty office pooch/fierce guard puppy, Cava (pictured below).
Making it past the alley, the room opens up to walls of brick and vaulted ceilings that serve as our main workspace. Our interior design team, architects, and project managers have made themselves comfortable in these pods, where the layout lends itself easily to interaction.
We also can’t forget about the kayak. The stunning flotation device was hand-crafted by Lee Harvey, one of our former architects. He meticulously carved the stunning piece and was gracious enough to let us display it front and center in our workspace, which we have done proudly for the last decade. The piece lives on in his memory and reminds us of what it means to be a part of TMS.
From front to back, our office has become a unique product of the creative minds that have called it home since 2001. Whether it’s a small “Aha” moment on a random morning, or the exciting reveal of an award-winning project magazine feature, this office has seen it all. It has served as a testament of all of the hard work done by our team thus far and the growth that is to come.
Check out our social media if you would like to see some video content of our space and stay tuned for some throwback pics and company updates moving forward!