Harrison Mulhern Architects

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Harrison Mulhern Architects The Intersection of Fine Art and Engineering

Harrison Mulhern is an architectural design firm specializing in residential and commercial projects with focus on innovative solutions with breathtaking results. With deep respect for landscape and existing conditions, we are known as purveyors of timeless and understated excellence in design, material selection and client service.

Not every room in your home needs to look picture-perfect. 🏡Real homes have shoes by the door, laundry waiting to be fol...
10/13/2026

Not every room in your home needs to look picture-perfect. 🏡

Real homes have shoes by the door, laundry waiting to be folded, groceries that haven’t made it into the pantry, packages arriving, sports bags, cleaning supplies, pet gear…and all the other things that come with everyday life.

The problem usually isn’t the mess. It’s where the mess goes. That’s why some of the most valuable spaces in a thoughtfully designed home are often the ones guests barely notice. A mudroom where everyone can drop shoes, coats, and bags. A laundry room with enough space to actually sort and fold. A pantry that keeps groceries and small appliances organized. A back kitchen for entertaining. A utility area for cleaning supplies, deliveries, recycling, or pet care.

We sometimes think of this as designing a “messy room”, not necessarily one specific room, but a dedicated space or service zone that handles the practical side of everyday life. And when these spaces are planned well, something interesting happens: the rest of the house feels calmer. 🌿

Instead of everyday clutter constantly spilling into the kitchen, entryway, dining room, or family room, everything has somewhere logical to land. The main living spaces can breathe, and keeping them organized becomes much easier.

But thoughtful residential design also asks less glamorous questions:
Where do the backpacks go?
Where do you unload groceries?
Where does the laundry actually get folded?
Where do packages wait to be opened?
Where do muddy shoes, sports equipment, cleaning supplies, and pet necessities live?

These details may not be the first things you envision when your home is finished, but they can have an enormous impact on how your home feels and functions every single day.

Thinking about renovating or building a home? Look beyond the rooms you want to show off and think about the routines happening behind the scenes. Because good architecture doesn’t just design for how a home looks. It designs for how you actually live. 🏠

Does every extra room really need to be a bedroom? 🏡Sometimes, what makes a home truly work isn’t having more rooms—it’s...
10/05/2026

Does every extra room really need to be a bedroom? 🏡

Sometimes, what makes a home truly work isn’t having more rooms—it’s having smarter, more adaptable spaces that can change along with the people who live there.

Think about how much life can change over the years. A room might begin as a home office 💻, become a welcoming guest room when friends or family visit, transition into a playroom as a family grows, and later become a quiet reading room, creative studio, exercise space, or hobby room.

That’s the thinking behind a well-designed flex room. ✨

Rather than assigning one permanent purpose to a space, we consider how that room could serve a homeowner in different ways over time. The details matter: generous natural light can make it an inviting place to work or relax; thoughtful storage can accommodate changing needs; and the right proportions and layout can allow furniture to be rearranged without the room ever feeling like an afterthought.

This kind of flexibility can be especially valuable when planning a renovation, addition, or new home. Instead of designing only around the way you live today, thoughtful residential architecture considers how your needs might evolve—without trying to predict exactly what life will look like 5, 10, or 15 years from now. 🌿

Maybe children grow up and move out. Maybe working from home becomes part of everyday life. Maybe you need space for aging parents or frequent guests. Or perhaps you simply discover new interests and want your home to accommodate them.

The goal isn’t necessarily more space. It’s making the space you have—or the space you’re creating—work harder and more beautifully for you.

Because a thoughtfully designed home should do more than meet your needs today. It should have the flexibility to grow, change, and evolve with the way you live. 🏠✨

Have you outgrown your home or has your home simply stopped working for the way you live?It’s an important distinction.A...
09/28/2026

Have you outgrown your home or has your home simply stopped working for the way you live?

It’s an important distinction.

A home that worked perfectly five or ten years ago may no longer fit your life today. Families grow, work moves home, hobbies change, storage needs increase, and the way we use our spaces evolves.

Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they show up as small frustrations you’ve simply learned to live with.

The dining table has become a permanent office. You hesitate to invite people over because entertaining feels difficult. Certain rooms rarely get used, while others are constantly overcrowded. You wish you had more storage, better natural light, or simply a layout that made everyday life easier.

But needing your home to work differently doesn’t necessarily mean you need a bigger house.

Sometimes the answer is an addition. Other times, rethinking the existing layout, improving circulation, or finding a better use for underutilized space can make a significant difference.

Good residential design starts with understanding how you actually live—and creating a home that supports it.

Swipe through for 10 signs your home may no longer be working for you. Which one feels most familiar?

Your contractor says one thing. Your engineer recommends another. A supplier suggests a different solution.Who are you s...
09/15/2026

Your contractor says one thing. Your engineer recommends another. A supplier suggests a different solution.

Who are you supposed to listen to?

Building or renovating a home involves many specialists—contractors, engineers, consultants, suppliers, fabricators, and tradespeople. Each brings valuable expertise, but each is also looking at the project from a different perspective.
That’s where the architect’s role becomes especially important.

An architect looks at the project as a whole, coordinating the different disciplines while keeping the original design intent, functionality, budget, and client priorities in view.

That means making sure architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans work together; identifying potential conflicts before they become costly construction problems; and helping clients evaluate competing recommendations when there isn’t one obvious answer.

Good coordination isn’t simply about keeping everyone informed. It’s about understanding how one decision can affect everything else.

A successful home requires skilled professionals. But just as importantly, it requires those professionals to be working toward the same outcome.

Some design decisions should last 20 years. Others don’t need to.The key is knowing the difference.Design trends can be ...
09/10/2026

Some design decisions should last 20 years. Others don’t need to.

The key is knowing the difference.

Design trends can be a great source of inspiration, but a home is a long-term investment. The elements that are difficult or expensive to change—layout, proportions, architectural details, lighting, and major materials—should be considered with longevity in mind.

That doesn’t mean a home has to avoid trends or feel overly traditional. Trends can bring personality, freshness, and character when they’re introduced thoughtfully.

Paint colors, furniture, artwork, textiles, and décor are all opportunities to experiment because they can evolve with your taste over time.

The goal isn’t to choose between **timeless and trendy**. It’s to create a strong, lasting foundation and be intentional about where trends are introduced.

Before committing to a major design decision, ask yourself:

Will I still appreciate this in 5, 10, or 20 years?

Swipe through to see which design choices tend to stand the test of time—and which are more influenced by what’s popular right now.

When people think about architecture, they often picture concept sketches, renderings, and the finished building. What t...
07/25/2026

When people think about architecture, they often picture concept sketches, renderings, and the finished building. What they don't see is the extensive work happening behind the scenes long before construction begins.

Architecture involves far more than design. Before plans are finalized, architects research site conditions, review zoning requirements and building codes, analyze project constraints, and identify potential challenges that could impact the success of the project. These early steps help establish a strong foundation for everything that follows.

As the design develops, every decision is carefully evaluated. A seemingly simple change can affect structural systems, mechanical requirements, circulation, costs, timelines, and construction methods. Architects continually balance creative vision with practical realities, ensuring that the final design is both beautiful and buildable.

Collaboration is another critical part of the process. Architects work closely with engineers, consultants, contractors, and clients to ensure every aspect of the project functions together seamlessly. This coordination helps reduce conflicts, improve efficiency, and keep the project moving forward.

Detailed construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation are then prepared to communicate the design accurately and minimize issues during construction. Even after building begins, architects remain actively involved—reviewing progress, answering questions, addressing unforeseen conditions, and helping solve challenges that arise in the field.

While the completed building is the most visible result, it represents only a fraction of the work involved.

At Harrison Mulhern Architects, we guide clients through every stage of the process—from initial concept and planning to construction and completion. If you're considering a new home, renovation, addition, or commercial project, we'd be happy to discuss how thoughtful planning can help bring your vision to life.

Every building starts as an idea.It might begin with a homeowner envisioning their dream home, a business owner planning...
07/15/2026

Every building starts as an idea.

It might begin with a homeowner envisioning their dream home, a business owner planning a new commercial space, or a developer looking to bring a project to life. While the initial vision may seem straightforward, transforming that idea into a functional, buildable structure requires careful planning, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving.

This is where architects play a critical role.

An architect's work goes far beyond creating floor plans and renderings. Architects transform ideas into practical designs while balancing aesthetics, functionality, budget, regulations, site conditions, and construction requirements. Their goal is to create spaces that not only look great but also perform well for the people who use them every day.

The process begins by understanding the client's goals, priorities, and how the space will be used. Architects then evaluate important factors such as the site, climate, zoning requirements, building codes, and project budget before developing design concepts that respond to these unique conditions.

As the design evolves, architects refine layouts, select materials, coordinate building systems, and address technical details. These ideas are then translated into detailed construction documents that provide contractors with the information needed to build the project accurately and efficiently.

Throughout the process, architects collaborate closely with engineers, consultants, contractors, and clients to ensure every component works together seamlessly. This coordination helps identify challenges early, improve efficiency, and keep the project aligned with its original vision.

If you're considering a new home, renovation, addition, or commercial project, the team at Harrison Mulhern Architects can help bring your vision from concept to construction. Contact us today to start the conversation and discover what's possible for your space.

One of the biggest misconceptions about architecture is that great design always comes with a hefty price tag.While budg...
07/08/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about architecture is that great design always comes with a hefty price tag.

While budget certainly plays a role in every project, good design is not about spending more; it’s about making smart, informed decisions.

Every project begins with a vision, but it must also align with practical realities. Whether you're building a custom home, renovating an existing space, or developing a commercial property, budget constraints are a natural part of the process. The real challenge is finding ways to maximize value without sacrificing quality, functionality, or the overall experience of the space.

A skilled architect understands that successful design is often about prioritization. Not every feature needs to be expensive to create impact. In many cases, thoughtful planning, efficient layouts, and strategic material selections can achieve beautiful results while keeping costs under control.

For example, simplifying a building’s form can reduce construction complexity and expense without diminishing its architectural character. Selecting durable, locally sourced materials may lower transportation costs while improving long-term performance. Designing around natural light and ventilation can reduce future energy expenses while creating healthier, more comfortable environments for occupants.

The key is understanding where to invest and where to simplify.

Elements such as structural integrity, building performance, safety, and user comfort should never be compromised. Other design features can often be approached creatively, achieving the same visual impact and functionality through more cost-effective solutions.

This is why collaboration is so important. When architects, clients, consultants, and contractors communicate openly about goals, priorities, and budget expectations from the outset, projects are far more likely to stay on track and avoid costly surprises down the road.

What design decisions have you found provide the greatest value in a project?

Design has always had a visual component 🎨But today, with the influence of social media 📱, many spaces are no longer jus...
06/20/2026

Design has always had a visual component 🎨

But today, with the influence of social media 📱, many spaces are no longer just designed to be experienced,they’re designed to be captured. And while visually striking interiors can absolutely be inspiring, prioritizing how a space looks in photos over how it performs in real life can create a disconnect that becomes more obvious over time.

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have reshaped what many people now perceive as “good design.”

Photo-driven spaces often include:
• Highly curated compositions ✨
• Perfectly symmetrical layouts 📐
• Statement furniture pieces 🛋️
• Minimal visible clutter 🌿
• Dramatic lighting and styling choices 💡

These elements photograph beautifully. But beautiful photography and successful day-to-day living are not always the same thing.

A space designed primarily for visuals may sacrifice important aspects of livability:
• Seating that looks elegant but lacks comfort
• Layouts that restrict movement in order to preserve composition 🚶
• Lighting designed for mood shots rather than daily tasks
• Materials selected for appearance instead of long-term durability 🪵
• Open shelving or minimal storage that looks clean in photos but becomes difficult to maintain over time

These decisions may succeed in a still image but might fail in everyday life.The challenge is that homes are not static environments. They evolve with routines, seasons, families, work schedules, noise, storage needs, pets, and daily habits. A home has to function on a rainy Monday morning just as well as it does in a professionally styled photograph ☕🏡

Over time, the gap between visual intention and lived experience becomes harder to ignore. What was meant to feel aspirational can slowly become a space that requires constant adjustment.

The most successful spaces are not only visually compelling. They continue to feel comfortable, functional, and effortless long after the photos are taken.

Most clients focus on the obvious before signing a contract: cost 💰, timeline ⏳, and deliverables 📐These are tangible. E...
06/10/2026

Most clients focus on the obvious before signing a contract: cost 💰, timeline ⏳, and deliverables 📐

These are tangible. Easy to compare. Easy to understand.

But once the project begins or worse, once it’s already in motion, a different set of questions often starts to emerge.

Questions that rarely appear in the proposal headline… yet quietly shape the entire experience of working together.

And most of the time, they trace back to one thing: scope clarity. This sounds simple, but it’s where many misunderstandings begin.

Clients may naturally assume things like: revisions are unlimited, site visits happen frequently, 3D renderings are included or that coordination with contractors is automatic.

From the client’s perspective, these can feel like normal parts of “the process.” But from the designer’s side, each of these is a specific service, often tied to additional time, resources, and cost. And unless they are clearly written into the agreement, they are usually not included by default.

A well-defined scope doesn’t limit a project. It protects it 🤝

It ensures that:
• The designer can deliver quality work without being stretched too thin
• The client knows exactly what to expect at every stage
• Both sides can plan time, budget, and involvement more accurately
Without this clarity, even a beautifully designed space can become a frustrating experience.

In design, what’s not included is often just as important as what is. Because the moment a project crosses that invisible line, without anyone realizing it, that’s when confusion turns into cost. And cost turns into frustration.

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611 Main Street Unit 300
Winchester, MA
01890

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Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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