This light-filled condo got a major refresh ✨
A once cramped, closed-off galley kitchen was thoughtfully reimagined on a tight budget—proving that a few strategic changes can make all the difference. Opening the kitchen to the dining area, adding smart storage, and relocating the washer/dryer completely transformed the flow and functionality. The new kitchen stays true to the pre-war character while feeling bright and practical, with dark gray and white cabinetry and crisp white counters.
Crafts!!! Making mock ups of light fixtures to hang in a project under construction so the clients can see them in the space! This augments three d renderings we also show (I'd include here but this client is very private and we honor that by not sharing images of their project).
By day, it’s all about restraint and clarity. By dusk, this Second Empire architectural gem truly sparkles. Oversized windows and doors pour light outward, turning the house into a lantern—softly illuminating its historic shell while hinting at the calm, modern interiors inside.
Minimal, but exacting. Gracefully arched steel windows lead into a quiet retreat where antique brick floors, Venetian plaster walls, and custom cabinetry set a restrained palette. Oversized steel doors fold fully open, turning the pool house into an airy arcade, tuned to sea breezes and slow afternoons. A tucked‑in sitting room offers shade, while the kitchenette is equally suited to casual lunches and evening cocktails. Effortless, refined, and made for summer.
This Boston condo renovation balances warmth, simplicity, and purpose. The rift oak cabinetry anchors the kitchen and dining spaces, creating a soft, contemporary backdrop that still nods to traditional craftsmanship.
The clients were transitioning from a spacious suburban Georgian home, so maximizing storage and maintaining distinct rooms—like keeping the kitchen separate—were essential.
Victorian Renovation + Addition on the Cambridge / Somerville Line.
Our clients had loved living in their historic home for years. But like many older houses, it wasn’t keeping up with how they lived. A relatively modest extension made a major impact — proving that smart design can transform how a home lives while honoring its history. @natreaphotography@hawthornbuilders
CTA is both honored and thrilled to be on the cover of @nehomemagazine March/April 2026 issue. Set within gardens originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this 1,000 SF pool house is a beautiful example of “quiet architecture.” Designed to defer to its surroundings, it features a custom historic green palette, preserved old-growth trees, and calming, flower light plantings that create a serene retreat seamlessly integrated into the landscape. With verdant, tranquil plantings guiding the transition from the historic garden rooms to a modern coastal escape, the space feels as though it has always been part of the property. Our extraordinary partners at @brookesandhillcustom , and patelandarch crafted a design so timeless that visitors often assume the structure is a century old. Photography @natreaphotography Writer @larrylindner_
Blanketed in snow, the simplicity of this home comes into sharp focus. Set on a striking lot overlooking protected conservation land, the design was shaped by strict site and zoning constraints—long, narrow, and carefully calibrated in scale. What appears effortless is the result of a highly considered design and approvals process. Inspired by the classic New England gray barn, the house feels both rooted in tradition and unmistakably new.
MOUNTAIN RETREAT | NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
Designed as a contemporary four-season escape, this four-bedroom vacation home sits on an existing 30’ x 30’ foundation, thoughtfully oriented to capture sweeping mountain views. A highly efficient floor plan places the primary suite, kitchen, and a dramatic double-height living and dining space on the main level, with three guest bedrooms tucked above.
Rustic hickory floors add warmth and character, grounding the home’s clean, modern lines. CTA led both the architectural design and the furnishings, creating a cohesive retreat that feels refined yet connected to its rugged setting.
Design Challenge Turned Statement Piece - Renovation of a two-family home into a single residence offered the challenge of a steep winder stair with minimal head clearance. Our goal was to create a single, functional stair to unify the home. The result: a sculptural ribbon stair with custom brackets and railings—a continuous architectural element connecting all three levels.
For this First Period 1600s home, a modern-day kitchen was long overdue. The new addition mirrors the original steep roof pitch, creating a vaulted, antique beam-lined interior filled with light. Dark gray cabinetry, soapstone counters, and a walnut island ground the space, while reclaimed pine floors bridge old and new.
