Business Details
Sustainable Architectural Design in Saranac Lake
Black Mountain Architecture is a design firm dedicated to creating human habitats in and around Saranac Lake that harmonize with the natural environment. Our mission focuses on bridging the built and natural worlds to foster environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and enduring community experiences. Led by Principal Architect Jesse Schwartzberg, a Saranac Lake local, our team combines high-caliber design with expertise in LEED and Passive House standards to deliver energy-efficient, sustainable solutions for residential, commercial, and community projects.With deep knowledge of Adirondack region code requirements and strong relationships with local officials and contractors, we guide clients through every phase from concept to completion. Our commitment to excellence ensures projects balance budget, schedule, design intent, and performance goals while creating spaces that inspire and endure for generations.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Community Projects
LEED Certification
Passive House Design
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Adirondack region code-compliant sustainable design
- Our team holds LEED and Passive House certification expertise
- We maintain trusted relationships with local officials and contractors
- We offer end-to-end project guidance from concept to completion
- Our designs balance environmental stewardship with functional performance
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Passive House
What people say
Sustainable solutions
Deep local knowledge
Design excellence
Client-focused approach
Regional expertise
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that integrate with natural landscapes while meeting energy efficiency standards. Our designs prioritize functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic harmony with the Adirondack environment. Clients benefit from code-compliant solutions that balance personal vision with practical construction requirements.
Commercial Design
Our commercial architecture combines modern functionality with environmental consciousness. We design spaces that enhance business operations while maintaining compliance with local regulations and sustainability goals. Clients receive tailored solutions that support both operational needs and community integration.
Community Projects
We develop architectural solutions for community spaces that foster social connection and environmental stewardship. Our approach creates accessible, durable public areas that reflect local character while meeting strict sustainability standards. Projects emphasize long-term value through thoughtful material selection and energy-efficient design.
LEED Certification
Our LEED-certified expertise guides projects through sustainable building standards while maintaining design integrity. We implement energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials to achieve certification without compromising aesthetic goals. Clients receive comprehensive support navigating LEED requirements and documentation processes.
Passive House Design
We specialize in Passive House principles to create ultra-low energy buildings without sacrificing comfort. Our designs optimize natural resources through strategic orientation, superior insulation, and advanced ventilation systems. Clients benefit from reduced energy costs while maintaining rigorous environmental performance standards.
People
Jesse Schwartzberg
Founding Principal / Creative Director
Jesse Schwartzberg leads with 20+ years of Adirondack architectural experience, specializing in sustainable design that respects regional character while implementing cutting-edge energy solutions for residential and commercial projects.
Kimberly Schwartzberg
Communications Director
Kimberly Schwartzberg manages firm communications, ensuring clear project updates and marketing materials that reflect the studio's commitment to environmental stewardship and community-focused design principles.
Betsy Davison
Office & Operations Manager
Betsy Davison oversees daily operations and client relations, maintaining efficient project workflows while ensuring adherence to sustainability standards across all administrative and sales functions.
Kristen Starheim
Production Manager / Project Lead
Kristen Starheim directs project execution with technical precision, managing construction documentation and coordinating with contractors to deliver code-compliant, energy-efficient buildings that meet design intent and budget requirements.
Katie Culp
Project Lead
Katie Culp guides client projects through design and permitting phases, leveraging deep knowledge of local zoning laws to create innovative solutions that balance regulatory compliance with creative vision.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on sustainable modernism that integrates with natural landscapes, specializing in LEED and Passive House standards while respecting Adirondack regional character.
How do you handle local permitting processes?
Our team navigates Adirondack code requirements with established relationships with town officials, ensuring smooth permitting through our 20+ years of regional experience.
Can you work with historic buildings?
Yes, we balance preservation with modernization, maintaining historical integrity while implementing energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials in renovation projects.
What sustainability certifications do you offer?
We provide LEED certification guidance and Passive House design expertise, implementing energy-efficient strategies tailored to each project's specific needs and budget.
How do you manage construction budgets?
We employ value engineering throughout design phases, balancing material selection, construction methods, and design intent to maintain budget integrity without compromising quality.
