Business Details
19 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture in Maine
Founded in 2007, Winkelman Architecture is a Maine-based firm specializing in custom residential design. Our team of ten professionals combines over 35 years of collective experience with a collaborative, craft-driven approach. We prioritize connections to nature, daylight integration, and sustainable materials in projects spanning remote sites across Maine, Massachusetts, California, and Canada. Our process begins with evaluating environmental and contextual factors before aligning designs with client needs, ensuring spaces are both functional and aesthetically dynamic.We maintain close partnerships with builders and craftspeople, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and systems thinking. Our portfolio includes diverse project types from net-zero homes to renovations, reflecting our stylistic versatility and commitment to responsible design. With offices on Portland's working waterfront, we bring passion and creativity to every project, large or small.
Services
Residential Design
Sustainable Architecture
Custom Home Design
Net-Zero Construction
Daylight Integration
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of combined residential design experience
- Our team maintains AIA and LEED professional accreditations
- We integrate renewable energy systems in 100% of new home projects
- Our small team ensures personalized attention to every detail
- We employ a collaborative design process with builders and craftspeople
Associations and certifications
- AIA (American Institute of Architects)
- LEED Accredited Professional
Services
Residential Design
Our residential design service creates custom living spaces tailored to client needs and site conditions. We specialize in integrating natural elements and daylight while maintaining stylistic versatility across modern, traditional, and regional architectural forms. Projects range from new constructions to renovations.
Sustainable Architecture
We incorporate sustainable practices through material selection, energy-efficient systems, and passive design strategies. Our approach includes local sourcing, tight building envelopes, and renewable energy integration. This commitment extends to both new builds and renovation projects across diverse climates.
Net-Zero Construction
Our net-zero service combines high-performance building envelopes with renewable energy systems. We implement geothermal heating, photovoltaic panels, and advanced insulation techniques. These homes achieve energy balance through grid interaction while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.
Daylight Integration
We specialize in strategic daylight utilization to enhance spatial quality and energy efficiency. Our designs optimize window placement, light-reflective surfaces, and architectural features to create dynamic interior environments that change throughout the day.
Custom Home Design
Our custom home service focuses on unique client visions and site-specific solutions. We collaborate closely to develop personalized layouts, material selections, and architectural details. Each home reflects both the occupants' lifestyle and the surrounding natural environment.
People
Will Winkelman
Founding Principal
Registered architect in Maine since 1989 with over 35 years of residential design experience. Founded Winkelman Architecture in 2007 to maintain small-scale, collaborative practice. Holds BArch from University of Houston.
Eric Sokol
Principal
Residential design expert with 20+ years of experience. Joined Winkelman Architecture at inception in 2007. Specializes in translating client visions into site-specific solutions while maintaining strong builder relationships.
Joanna Shaw
Principal
Licensed architect with decade of experience. Holds BArch from Cornell and MS from Columbia. Focuses on ecological impact and art-inspired design. Serves on Architalx Board and teaches architectural design.
Alex Lehnen
Principal
Over 10 years of professional experience. Combines academic knowledge with construction trade expertise. Built his own home over six years to deepen understanding of design/build processes.
Becca White
Project Architect
Project architect with dual degrees in Biology and Architecture. Specializes in natural materials and environmental balance. Holds Masters from University of Washington with concentration in Materials and Fabrication.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We design custom homes, cottages, cabins, camps, compounds, boathouses, vacation retreats, and renovations of all scales.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use local materials, passive solar strategies, high-efficiency systems, and renewable energy integration in all projects.
Can you work with remote or challenging sites?
Yes, we specialize in remote locations and have completed projects across Maine, Massachusetts, California, and Canada.
What is your design process like?
We start with site analysis, then overlay client needs, focusing on daylight, circulation, and environmental integration throughout the process.
Do you handle both design and construction phases?
We provide full-service architectural design and collaborate closely with builders during construction for optimal results.
