Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Nantucket Island Architectural Design Partner
Founded in 1993, Thornewill Design has dedicated over 25 years to crafting residential architectural solutions that honor Nantucket Island's heritage while embracing modern innovation. Our husband-and-wife leadership team, Luke and Carrie Thornewill, brings combined expertise from diverse architectural backgrounds, including international projects and local construction management. We specialize in merging historical context with contemporary needs through full-service residential design, historic preservation, and comprehensive project management. Our approach prioritizes site-specific solutions that respect natural landscapes, optimize functionality, and reflect clients' unique lifestyles. With a portfolio exceeding 700 completed projects, we maintain deep familiarity with local building regulations and environmental considerations.Our services range from feasibility studies to complete design-build execution, ensuring seamless transitions from concept to reality. We emphasize collaborative client relationships, making the design process both enjoyable and rewarding regardless of project scale. Our work has earned recognition through long-standing client relationships and community integration on Nantucket Island. We remain committed to advancing sustainable residential environments that balance tradition with forward-thinking design principles. This dedication positions us as trusted stewards of Nantucket's architectural legacy while meeting contemporary living standards.
Services
Residential Design
Historic Preservation
Additions & Renovations
Site Master Planning
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of Nantucket-specific architectural experience
- Our full-service design/build approach ensures project continuity
- We specialize in merging historic preservation with modern functionality
- Our team maintains deep knowledge of local building regulations
- We provide personalized service for projects of all scales
Services
Residential Design
Creating custom residential spaces that harmonize with Nantucket's architectural heritage and natural environment. Our approach combines historical context with modern living requirements, ensuring functional layouts and aesthetic balance. We specialize in new home construction that respects local building traditions while incorporating contemporary design elements.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in maintaining Nantucket's architectural legacy through careful preservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures. Our team applies deep knowledge of traditional building methods while integrating modern systems. We navigate regulatory requirements to protect historical integrity while meeting current living standards.
Additions & Renovations
Designing seamless additions and renovations that enhance existing structures while respecting their original character. We focus on creating functional spaces that complement historical architecture. Our solutions address modern needs without compromising the integrity of Nantucket's distinctive building styles.
Site Master Planning
Comprehensive site analysis and planning services that optimize land use while preserving natural features. We create integrated designs considering environmental factors, regulatory constraints, and client needs. Our approach ensures cohesive development that respects Nantucket's unique coastal environment.
Project Management
Full-spectrum project oversight from concept to completion, ensuring seamless execution of architectural visions. Our hands-on management approach maintains design integrity throughout construction. We coordinate all aspects of development while maintaining compliance with local regulations and environmental standards.
People
Luke Thornewill
Principal Architect
University of Kentucky architecture graduate with international experience in England and Italy. Managed construction projects through Thornewill Construction LLC from 1997-2012. Combines design expertise with practical building knowledge to create functional, context-sensitive architecture.
Carrie Thornewill
Principal Architect
Boston Architectural College graduate with design honors. Nantucket resident since 1995, bringing deep local knowledge to residential projects. Collaborates on all design aspects while maintaining focus on client needs and island-specific architectural traditions.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on Nantucket's traditional building styles while incorporating modern design elements. Our work respects historical context while meeting contemporary living needs through custom solutions.
Do you handle both design and construction?
We offer full design services and have construction experience through our past design-build practice. We now focus exclusively on architectural design while maintaining strong construction process knowledge.
How do you approach historic preservation projects?
We combine traditional building methods with modern systems integration. Our approach maintains historical integrity while ensuring functional, code-compliant spaces that meet current living standards.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on projects of all scales, from small renovations to large custom homes. Each project receives personalized attention regardless of size or complexity.
How do you handle environmental regulations?
We have extensive experience navigating Nantucket's regulatory landscape, including Conservation Commission requirements and flood zone construction standards. Our designs proactively address environmental constraints.
What's your design process like?
We begin with client goals and site analysis, exploring spatial relationships and environmental factors. Our process emphasizes collaboration, creating tailored solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance.
