Business Details
19 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture in Portland, ME
Winkelman Architecture is a Maine-based architectural firm specializing in custom residential design. Founded in 2007, our practice spans remote and urban sites across Maine, Massachusetts, California, and Canada. With a team of ten professionals, we prioritize personalized service while delivering projects that emphasize collaboration, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Our designs integrate natural elements, daylight, and renewable energy sources, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. We maintain a small, dedicated team to ensure hands-on engagement with every project, from concept to completion.Our work has been recognized with awards such as the 2025 AIA Maine Design Award Citation. We approach each project with patience, respect, and attentiveness, fostering strong relationships with clients and builders. Our portfolio includes diverse residential typologies, from modern homes to traditional shingle-style structures. We emphasize transparency in budgeting and maintain rigorous attention to detail throughout the design process. Our office in Portland, Maine, embodies the creative and place-driven ethos we bring to every project.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Custom Home Design
Renovation Projects
Site-Specific Architecture
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in residential architecture with a focus on sustainable design.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client visions are realized through tailored solutions.
- We integrate renewable energy and sustainable materials as standard practice.
- A small team maintains personalized service while delivering complex projects.
- Award-winning designs reflect our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces tailored to clients' lifestyles and site-specific conditions. Our approach combines functional planning with aesthetic innovation, ensuring homes reflect both personal needs and environmental context. Projects range from ground-up construction to adaptive reuse of existing structures.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice integrates renewable energy systems, passive solar strategies, and locally sourced materials. We prioritize energy efficiency through tight building envelopes and high-performance systems while maintaining design integrity across all project scales.
Site-Specific Architecture
We develop designs that respond to geographic, cultural, and ecological contexts. This includes analyzing zoning regulations, environmental factors, and regional architectural traditions to create buildings that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting client requirements.
Renovation Projects
Our renovation expertise spans historic preservation to modernization of existing structures. We address structural challenges while enhancing functionality and aesthetics, often incorporating sustainable upgrades to improve energy performance and livability.
Custom Home Design
We craft unique living spaces that reflect individual client preferences and site characteristics. From initial concept to construction details, our process ensures personalized solutions that balance innovation with practical considerations for long-term usability.
People
Will Winkelman
Founding Principal
Registered architect with 35+ years of residential design experience. Graduated from University of Houston in 1982. Founded Winkelman Architecture in 2007 to focus on small-scale, collaborative practice.
Eric Sokol
Principal
Residential design expert with 20+ years of experience. Joined Winkelman Architecture in 2007. Specializes in translating client visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces through collaborative design processes.
Joanna Shaw
Principal
Architect with decade of experience in ecologically responsible design. Holds degrees from Cornell and Columbia Universities. Focuses on integrating architecture with environmental context while addressing client narratives.
Alex Lehnen
Principal
10+ years of professional experience in residential architecture. Combines academic knowledge with construction trade expertise. Emphasizes collaborative approaches to create durable, versatile living spaces.
Becca White
Project Architect
Specializes in natural material integration and sustainable design. Holds Masters in Architecture from University of Washington. Brings Pacific Northwest design sensibilities to Maine-based projects.
Questions
What types of residential projects does Winkelman Architecture specialize in?
We design custom homes, cottages, cabins, renovations, and unique structures like boathouses and retrofitted buses.
How does the firm incorporate sustainability into its designs?
We use renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, passive solar strategies, and prioritize local trades and resources.
Can the firm work on remote or challenging building sites?
Yes, we specialize in remote locations and utilize digital tools to manage long-distance design collaborations effectively.
What is the firm's approach to client collaboration?
We maintain open communication through every project phase, ensuring client goals shape the design process from start to finish.
Does the firm handle both modern and traditional architectural styles?
Our portfolio includes modern, shingle-style, Arts and Crafts, and regionally inspired traditional designs.
