John Cole Architect specializes in the design of vacation and retirement homes in western Maine and the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire. These homes all start with the owners' attachment to a place and the dream of a more relaxed life-style.  John works personally with each client to give form to their dream. 

"My first home building experience came at the side of my father, a frugal Yankee carpenter. My training in design came later at Yale, Washington University and the School of Wood Sculpture in Quebec. In between was a brief hockey career in Europe. Early in my architectural career I designed homes for custom builders. As a partner in a large Boston area firm I continued to design homes for friends and word-of-mouth clients, as well as leading teams on award-winning commercial projects. Drawn back to my roots by the satisfaction of hands-on work, I now focus only on home design inspired by New England traditions of craft, thrift and whimsy."

I offer complete design-build services in association with MWV Homes, the region’s premier high performance builder. This collaboration provides the home owner with information on pricing, technical details and supply chain issues early in the design process which can shorten the overall project schedule and avoid costly design changes. In addition the owner has the advantage of a single point of responsibility for the design and construction of their home.

Certifications & Awards

Licensed Architect in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Work published in Down East, Builder, Lake Living, Maine Home + Design, Fine Homebuilding, Cabin Living and The New Wood House.

2019,2016,2015,2014 Best of Houzz Service Award Winner

2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 Best of Houzz Design Award Winner