Graphite Studio

Graphite Studio is an architecture and design firm located in Amherst, Massachusetts, focused on high-performance residential design and deep energy retrofits. Principal Andrew Webster is dedicated to making an impact in the local community by improving our existing building stock - making it more functional and beautiful while reducing energy use.

Andrew Webster

I love designing homes.

Do you own a house that's ready for some major work?
Are you buying an old place in a perfect part of town?
Do have a new construction dream you're itching to hatch?

I'm interested.

A client told me once to add "What do you fight about?" to my list of questions for homeowners. For some families, it's the need to protect the late sleepers from the banging and clanging of the early risers. For others, it's the need to find a solitary place to get some evening work done or a sunny spot to enjoy lunch.

Whether it's a deep energy retrofit or a new home built to Passive House standards, I love most the process: the winding way we discover together what will really make a project sing. I relish the problems we can solve with a small addition or a second story, a new porch or a gut rehab. If we've also got a failing boiler or a basement that's never been useful, we've got a real challenge I'd love to dig into.

I'll work with you to turn "complicated" into "doable" and get you un-stuck on your path to the house you dream of.

Lina Menard

Houses are my favorite thing in the world and I began dreaming of designing and building my own home when I was a little kid. I love that I now get to help other people design theirs. My path to Graphite Studio has been meandering. Along the way I have:

played with a bunch of legos and blocks
volunteered with Habitat for Humanity
renovated a 1920s house
inadvertently become a tiny house expert and ADU geek
helped create the world's largest collection of ADU Case Studies
written a thesis about the shared division of labor in intentional communities
lived in a yurt, a travel trailer, four tiny houses on wheels, and a couple of ADUs
received my Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at Portland State University
collected several certifications (Sustainable Homes Professional, ADU Specialist Yestermorrow's Sustainable Design Build Certificate, Sustainable Building Adviser)
designed and built my own tiny home on wheels (TWICE! - see Lucky Penny & T42)
created a tiny cohousing community (also twice!)
served as the Operations Manager & Project Engineer at Green Hammer
engaged with Yestermorrow Design-Build School as student, instructor, and Online Curriculum Coordinator

Molly Solano

I started interning with Graphite Studio my senior year of college while attending The University of Massachusetts - Amherst. I am excited to join the team full-time as a Junior Designer and indulge in the world of architecture!

The field combines analytical thinking with creativity and finding the balance. If you can dream it, theres a way to make it work. I love that each part of the process is a puzzle piece to a bigger picture. Although some pieces are harder to place than others, when it comes together at the end, it is the most rewarding feeling to have made someone a home rather than a house.

My favorite part is interacting with clients and utilizing my minor in psychology to understand what people need/want in a space in regards to their lifestyle and individual personalities.

Let's get out the pencil and paper and get designing!

Collaborations

Graphite Studio is proud to be a part of the Building Energy Bottom Lines peer business network, working to develop best practices across the Triple Bottom Lines of people, planet, and profit. Serving as co-convener of the Anti-Racist Action Group.
Part of a community of PHIUS practitioners committed to design with the climate in mind via an evolving standard for high performance homes across the globe.
Part of the community at the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association for more than 13 years. Currently serving on the Board of Directors, and a Liftetime member.
Architect Trade Partner with Vermont's Efficiency Excellence Network.
Taught Sustainable Design and Green Building at Greenfield Community College, in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department.
Member of Vermont Green Building Network.
Before moving to the Pioneer Valley in 2006, I lived for 20 years in New York and Washington, DC.

Credentials

Licensed as an Architect in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Trained with the Passive House Institute of the US (PHIUS) - Certified Passive House Consultant #1900.
Served as co-chair for Building Energy Boston Conference.
Written for Fine Homebuilding, the Northeast Sun, GreenBuildingAdvisor and the Berkshire Eagle, and been written about in Architect Magazine and other places.