News From Us
See our blog for new projects, announcements, and all things TMS Architects & Interiors.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.
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!
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
Turning Blueprints into Beauty: Updates on our Contemporary Central NH Project
No matter where you are in New England right now, chances are you’re surrounded by snow everywhere you look. If you happen to pass our contemporary Central NH project during your day, you’ll be greeted by another display of white beauty, but in the form of a multi-gable home with chamfered trimming and floor-to-ceiling windows. Welcome to one of our current renovation projects!
Originally a 1980s ranch-style home, this property consisted of low ceilings and empty attic space, just begging to be utilized. The homeowner made several additions over the years, adding a sunroom and an enhanced kitchen. but still, our clients wondered if there was a way to put that untapped potential to use.
When Principal Architect Jason Bailey initially took on this project two years ago, he and the team decided to keep the original footprint of the house intact (including the monumental brick chimney), save for an additional car garage and carport. One of the “musts” on their list was to finally convert that extra, untouched attic space into usable and beautiful square footage on the interior.
As soon as you walk into the house, even during construction, it’s clear that this “to-do” is getting checked off. Whether you are in the foyer, sunroom, living room, or master bedroom, the vaulted ceilings create a grand and luxurious atmosphere. The 8-ft offset pivot hinge doors on both the front and side doors accentuate these dimensions and are the initial installations to set the tone for the home’s contemporary, art-gallery vibe.
When climbing up or down floors, the grand and secondary mono-stringer staircases will contribute to that contemporary feel as well.
It’s already clear that natural lighting will play a huge part in the beauty of this home, but our client has honed in on a few more unique touches to add to the glamour. The master bedroom is set to include a sleek, built in, modern fireplace. Additionally, the master will include two bathrooms, several walk-in closet spaces, and even a secret door (shhh).
And the cherry on top? Considering such an important piece to this design puzzle is the natural lighting and use of windows, this team has pulled out all of the stops regarding window treatment. All windows within the home are made of triple-pane glass, helping with the overall performance rating of the windows. The third layer within the window glass allows additional sound control and insulation. Some extra peace and quiet!
While still in progress, this central NH contemporary build has already come such a far way. As more details fall into place, we are so excited to watch the project take shape as it turns into our client’s new oasis, one window at a time. Stay tuned on our website and social platforms for more updates!
TMS Architects Leads Redesign & Expansion of The Governor’s Academy Peter Marshall French Student Center
We’re proud to announce that The Governor’s Academy Peter Marshall French Student Center Redesign and Expansion in Newbury, MA is slated to break ground at the end of January 2020 with a targeted completion date of mid-August 2020. The Academy has selected Shawmut Design + Construction out of Boston, Massachusetts to serve as Construction Manager and General Contractor for the project.
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TMS Architects Announces the Appointment of Two New Principals
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of two new principals to our ownership group. Jason Bailey, project architect, and Timothy Giguere, project architect, join Shannon Alther and Robert Carty as principals of the company following their promotions. The move is a product of strong growth in our company’s clientele base and a desire to exceed service expectations within the industry.
Jason Bailey began his career with TMS Architects as an intern in 2001 while studying architecture and building engineering technology at the Vermont Technical College. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Boston Architectural College and has been instrumental in leading a broad range of projects for TMS with the use of sustainable building technologies and products.
Timothy Giguere has 18 years’ experience in the field working with TMS Architects as a project manager and architect. Giguere holds a Masters of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College and his background in technology has helped TMS to spearhead numerous innovative and efficient design programs within the production department of the company’s operations.
Of the company’s new shareholder appointments, TMS Architects incumbent principal Shannon Alther said, “Both Jason and Tim bring a strong leadership skillset and design talent to TMS. We feel that their promotion will help to create a solid base for the future of TMS and its employees.”
Congrats, Jason and Tim!
Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2016
As a brand new year begins, many of us find ourselves craving a fresh start. While everyone else is breaking a sweat at the gym or trying out a trendy new juice cleanse, we prefer our New Year’s resolutions to have some staying power. Giving a room in your home a brand new look can be the perfect way to invigorate your senses this winter and beyond.
We chatted with TMS’s Interiors Project Manager, Cristina Marais, about up and coming Interior Design Trends for 2016. Think blushing pinks, splashy wallpaper, patterned tiles, natural elements, and a focus on comfort and hospitality. Read on for a little inspiration…
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Celebrate the Season in Portsmouth, NH
There’s a reason this time of year is considered the most wonderful, the most magical. The world is a little kinder, the nights a little cozier. The best part, of course, is being together with the people you love most. Cherish this month with these incredible Portsmouth events — Travel + Leisure called us “Christmas Capitol of America” for good reason, after all!
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Real or Rendering? You Decide
The following amazing photo-realistic images were commissioned by TMS Architects to provide a client with a full understanding of the rather unconventional concept and design of cottages for their extended family and guests. These renderings will be used as a visual reference for the homeowners, the contractor and the architect to develop construction documents for future construction and were provided to TMS by Jonn Kutyla of PiXate Creative.
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Historic “Refreshing” of Three Chimneys Inn
TMS Architects’s principal , Rob Carty and interior designer, Cristina Marais, recently worked with the historic Three Chimneys Inn on a project to provide some changes to the inn that will be in keeping with the time period of the historic structure. Built in 1649 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Three Chimneys Inn is one of the oldest homes in New Hampshire. It now serves as an inn in Durham NH, home to the University of New Hampshire, with twenty-three guest rooms, dining in the historic ffrost Sawyer Tavern and serves as a host for many weddings, events and conferences.
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Likely Lightning Rod Legend Lives On
TMS Architect’s guest blogger and local historian, J. Dennis Robinson, provided us with a December post that, in this season of light, appropriately turns its attention to electricity, Ben Franklin and an historic Portsmouth home.
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A TMS-Designed Residence in Progress
Like a painting in which more detail is added or a piece of clay taking shape on a potter’s wheel, it is wonderful to see the construction progress of a new TMS-designed home. This residence, in northern Massachusetts, has been under construction by DiPiero Construction, Newburyport, Massachusetts, for a little less than a year and the homeowners are finally seeing the light at the end of the project…choosing colors, tile, fixtures, furniture and artwork for their new home as the abstraction of the floor plans become individual and specific rooms.
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Your First Look Inside Madbury Commons
The opening of the new student apartments at Madbury Commons was eagerly anticipated this fall and so far, have proved to be a success beyond expectations. As Halloween winds down and the rest of the year’s holidays begin to arrive, family is a constant in students’ lives and the comfort and security of Madbury Commons has made the transition from family to school much easier. It’s never easy bundling a child up for their first day of school, or adapting to them living away from home; but it is an incredibly exciting and fulfilling time for everyone, in many ways.
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In Search of Haunted Seacoast Architecture
TMS couldn’t let Halloween go by without a piece on Seacoast hauntings from our local historian, J. Dennis Robinson! New England is famous for its stories about witches, witchcraft and haunted homes and according to Dennis, the Seacoast was not immune from these beliefs.
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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen: Part Three
In this series, TMS has covered countertop materials and appliances and now turn our attention to trends in kitchen cabinets; colors, materials and built-in functionality. While white cabinets are still the leaders in popularity, according to design sources, “grey is the new white”.
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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Part Two
As we continue our discussion of trends in kitchen design, materials and appliances, it is interesting to note that kitchens are combining a mix of cutting-edge technology and materials while also incorporating “retro” designs and a wide array of colors. Long gone are the days of avocado and gold appliances and in addition to stainless steel, kitchens are sporting appliances in a wide array of styles and colors. KitchenAid just introduced the industry’s first-ever black stainless steel finish which they term a “new neutral look”.
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