Cummings Architecture + Interiors provides Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) architecture and interior design services. Whether you’re expanding your home or creating more housing opportunities, CAI can bring your vision to life.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have been growing in popularity over the past twenty-five years. Extended families are one example of how Americans have changed culturally. Grandparents or adult children with families may use an ADU as a permanent or seasonal home. This lifestyle of an extended family allows additional support familiar to prior to the vision of nuclear family that started in the 1920’s. Other opportunities are for guests upon your property or and au pair. Recently the government has looked for additional housing in a wise manner that fits into the existing historic fabric of a neighborhood.
Massachusetts passed a law allowing a 900 sf ADU to existing single family properties by right for extended family or rental. Options are:
• Attached to the existing home by right.
• Detached by right.
• As a third unit with local zoning relief.
Designing an ADU can be exciting. The dynamics of how an extended family may live together can create diversity for a good architect to use to design unique opportunities such as shared exterior living spaces while still having private areas in and out of the ADU. Detached ADU’s can create outside courtyards and differing areas on the same property for families or privacy for rentals between families. Using an design firm to plan these ideas is key to a successful design and project.
This ADU is designed as a classical New England Victorian Carriage Barn as part of a historic neighborhood in a Winchester suburb of Boston Massachusetts. Separated from the main Victorian it allows for second floor living being private from the main home. It can be used an In-Law, Guest House or an Au Pair suite. A two-car garage located below keeps the cars warm and cozy for the guests to walk right upstairs and keep out of the snow. A balcony allows for a private outside space to have a coffee or watch the sun rise. CAI has designed many differing types of ADU’s over the years being attached or detached as carriage houses, barns or little homes depending on the situation. Each one is personalized to suit each of our clients hopes for their family and property.
Cummings Architecture + Interiors brings ADUs to life in New England, including the North Shore, Greater Boston/Metro West, Boston, Cape & Islands, Southern New Hampshire, New Hampshire, and Maine.
A self-proclaimed architecture fanatic with three decades of experience, Mat’s genuine love for the art and craft of his profession is infectious. His passion draws out the best in his teammates and makes his clients feel comfortable immersing themselves in the process. A skilled and empathetic listener, he is able to read between the lines to uncover valuable insights and creative inspiration. Mat has worked on many notable houses throughout New England, but his passion remains rooted in the happiness of his clients and the designs he creates for them.
An accomplished interior designer for over 20 years, Mindy leads a group of talented designers and has transformed the firm’s Interiors Department to be one of the sought-after firms for full-service Interior Design. She creates comfortable and luxurious environments that celebrate timeless style, with a keen eye for detail. Mindy’s designs span a broad array of styles, from American and European, Traditional, Coastal to Country and Contemporary.
Garvin Weeks Farmstead (c. 1790)
North Reading, MA
Lynnfield Farmhouse (c. 1860)
Lynnfield, MA
Stanwood Estate (c. 1790 & 1870)
Topsfield, MA