Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Treehouse Design Inc. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
Treehouse Design is a Rockport, Massachusetts design-build firm that pairs architecture with construction under one roof — the kind of outfit local press keeps returning to for Cape Ann's more ambitious builds, including a 2005 project once described as draping a home over a boulder in Rockport. Timothy Thurman is named as the owner on its BBB profile (BuildZoom also lists Patrick Herlihy as an owner), and the company handles architecture, interior design, construction and in-house custom cabinetry for new homes and renovations, with typical jobs running $200,000 to $4 million per its Houzz listing. Houzz states the firm was founded in 1990; BBB puts its start in 2000 — the two disagree on exactly how long it's been operating. The written reviews — all posted in 2017 — describe a company that leans on design before swinging a hammer. One homeowner, in a 2017 review, described a 1790s Cape renovation where "the stellar design led the way" in merging a new addition into the old structure; another recalled a full reinvention of a 1700s cottage, adding square footage and digging a basement. A third, also from 2017, described navigating Rockport's Historical Preservation Committee on a colonial remodel that included a custom kitchen, and one reviewer said the team was still answering repair questions "even 3 plus years later." Several reviewers came back for second projects. More recent local magazine coverage (2021-2026) describes the firm the same way — "architecture firm first with construction capabilities" is how one homeowner put it in a Northshore Magazine piece on a Wingaersheek Beach renovation — and BuildZoom shows three building permits from 2024-2025 totaling roughly $2.9 million, including a $1.53 million new home in Beverly. Worth asking for references from a current or recent project: the ten written reviews on file all date to 2017, so the most recent independent word comes from press coverage and building-permit records rather than fresh customer accounts. Its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active; a prior registration number tied to the company is now inactive. This is a fit for a substantial custom build, addition, or historic-home renovation where design leadership matters as much as the construction, not a quick fix. Confirm current availability and budget range before reaching out.
““Treehouse is an architecture firm first with construction capabilities, not the other way around, which is exactly what we were looking for,” notes the husband.”
“To realize their vision, they turned to Rockport-based Treehouse Design, Inc.”
“the full-service firm handled the architecture, construction, interior design, furnishings and cabinetry seamlessly under one roof”
“Treehouse Design, Rockport”
“The team at Treehouse Design operates from the belief that building design and the natural world are inextricably linked.”
The name Treehouse has always made me smile. I instantly visualize a really cool space that is very unique. That is exactly what I have gotten in my experiences working with this company. I have twice hired Treehouse Design. Once for a modern addition and new deck and most recently they have drawn plans to renovate and modernize my 1950 Cape located in Lanesville, Ma. I have been very happy in all respects working with them. Tim Thurman and his associates are not only professional and easy to work with. They are all highly creative. The attention to detail and individual attention paid to my esthetic and budget created a perfect pairing. I cannot recommend this company more highly. Tim, Nichole and Meg were my *team*. The cohesiveness they shared added to the seamless end result of my plans. The project will be executed beginning March of 2018. Could not be happier! Thank you Treehouse! And a special thanks to Nichole Arvanites.
We just moved home in mid-May to a renovated 1790's cape that that Tim Thurman and Ellen Levine of Treehouse designed for us. It is spectacular and exceeds every expectation we had (the builders also had a hand in that, but the stellar design led the way). The architectural challenge of merging an addition into a classic old home confounded other firms that we were considering, but Treehouse created a "flow" that feels seamless now that we are living in it. Most importantly, we were "heard" throughout the design process, and the final result beautifully matches the dream that we have had percolating since we bought the house 20 years ago. In short, we love these folks.
Treehouse made the process of building our dream home on the water a fun and painless experience. Tim took our ideas and likes and transformed them into a design that worked for the site as well as opening up our minds to new design concepts. The Treehouse crews showed up every day and were very professional. They also offered a very creative designer to help us with all the finishing touches. They finished on time and also stayed on budget! We were so happy with their work ethic and professionalism that we had them come back to do an office over our garage as well. We highly recommend them!
Treehouse staff was wonderful to work with and their creativity and attention to detail was outstanding. We love our house and Tim and Warren are always responsive when we have questions or repairs even 3 plus years later. Would highly recommend them.
Treehouse transformed our small colonial from an awkward 'shotgun' floor plan to a delightful and bright home. The Treehouse team handled everything; architectural plans, meetings with Historical Preservation Committee as well as all phases of construction. All of the craftsmen who worked on the project were highly skilled and a pleasure to have on our property. Everyone loves our Treehouse Custom Kitchen.
Specializes in
Also offers
Service area
Languages
1 change recorded — last scanned Aug 8, 2026.
20 years in business3.0
Rot repair included5.0
Porches and stairs4.9
Gut renovations down to the studs4.9
Roofs and siding done together4.8
Picked over three other contractors3.4