Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Historic Preservation & Residential Design
Mills Whitaker Architects specializes in the restoration, rehabilitation, and modification of historic structures and replacement buildings, with a significant focus on residential single-family house renovations and new designs. Our award-winning projects span southern and coastal Maine and eastern Massachusetts. Since 1982, our firm has prioritized hands-on involvement from principal architects Don Mills and Craig Whitaker, ensuring expertise in phased repairs, restorations, and adaptive reuse. Our team of five professionals includes three registered architects licensed in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with one LEED Accredited Professional.We emphasize historical analysis, prioritized budgeting, and detailed planning for phased renovations, alongside new institutional and residential construction. Our work has earned recognition from the Boston Society of Architects, Maine Preservation, and the Boston Preservation Alliance. We invite clients to review our portfolio and engage directly with our team for tailored architectural solutions.
Services
Historic Preservation
Religious Property Restoration
Residential Design
Multi-Use Facility Planning
Phased Renovations
Adaptive Reuse
New Institutional Construction
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in historic preservation and residential design.
- Our team includes three registered architects licensed in three states.
- We prioritize direct involvement from principal architects in every project phase.
- Our phased renovation approach ensures cost-effective, historically sensitive outcomes.
- Award-winning work recognized by regional and national preservation organizations.
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accredited Professional
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized restoration of historic structures, including phased repairs and adaptive reuse. Our team conducts historical analysis and develops prioritized budgets to maintain architectural integrity while meeting modern needs. Projects include the award-winning Winslow Homer Studio restoration in Maine.
Residential Design
Design and renovation of single-family residences, blending traditional aesthetics with energy-efficient solutions. Services include new construction, timber-framed homes, and solar-integrated designs tailored to client preferences and local regulations.
Religious Property Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of churches and religious buildings, addressing structural needs and accessibility requirements. Recognized for work on Park Street Church and Hancock United Church of Christ, ensuring historical and functional preservation.
Phased Renovations
Strategic planning for multi-phase projects, starting with condition assessments and prioritized budgets. This approach minimizes disruption while addressing critical repairs first, ideal for historic buildings requiring long-term stewardship.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming existing structures for new uses while preserving historical elements. Examples include the Cary Memorial Building conversion and Carriage House renovations, balancing modern functionality with heritage conservation.
People
Donald W. Mills
Principal Architect
With over 40 years of experience, Don Mills leads historic preservation projects, specializing in phased renovations and public building restorations. He holds a Master of Architecture from MIT and is licensed in three states.
Craig A. Whitaker
Principal Architect
Craig Whitaker co-founded the firm in 1997 after earning his Master of Architecture from MIT. He focuses on residential design and adaptive reuse, with expertise in LEED-certified projects and historic building analysis.
Questions
What architectural services does Mills Whitaker specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, religious property restoration, residential design, and phased renovations for existing properties.
Where are your projects located?
Our projects span Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, with a focus on historic buildings in coastal and urban areas.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Our principals began collaborating in 1982, and the firm was formally established in 1997.
What sets your firm apart from other architects?
We combine hands-on principal involvement, LEED-certified expertise, and a focus on historically sensitive renovations.
Do you handle both restoration and new construction?
Yes, we specialize in restoring historic structures and designing new residential and institutional buildings.
How can I review your past projects?
Visit our website to explore case studies of award-winning projects like the Winslow Homer Studio restoration.
