Building Dreams: A Conversation with Architect Jenny Birnstiel of ArchiPlicity
In this interview, we speak with Jenny, founder of ArchiPlicity, an architecture firm based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. As one of Barnes Custom Builders' trusted architectural partners, Jenny shares insights into the architectural process, collaboration with builders, and trends shaping residential design on Cape Cod.
The Path to Architecture
I'd love to hear about your background and how you got into architecture.
Jenny: In high school, I really liked art, but I never actually thought I would make a living as an artist. I was good in math and science, so I thought architecture might be something I'd like. I always say I chose it for all the wrong reasons because I don't think you can truly understand what architecture is until you're in it. But I ended up finding a profession that I absolutely love. It engages both the artistic and technical sides of the brain.
After architecture school, I had a really good mentor who taught me a lot about construction documents and how to put things together. He even allowed me to do my own work on the side while I was working for him, checking my work to ensure I wasn't making mistakes.
I minored in preservation because I like older buildings. Now we design many new buildings that look old because that's what you find in this area. I always knew I wanted to do residential work. I've done some small commercial projects, but residential is where I excel.
Design Philosophy
Do clients typically come to you with a general idea of what they're looking for?
Jenny: It varies. Some people might know functionally what they want to achieve, others know aesthetically what they want, and some leave it up to us. We always foster a collaborative environment. We encourage homeowners to send us images if they have certain ideas. We often use Houzz for idea books, or clients create Pinterest boards.
I always tell clients it doesn't have to be just the exterior of the house—it could be a kitchen they like or a living space that appeals to them. This helps us get a feel for their preferences. Sometimes clients don't realize that the pieces they've selected have similarities that we can connect. We're primarily looking for the feel they want, using whatever information they can provide.
The Design Process
Do you start with proportions and structural elements before moving to design decisions and material selection?
Jenny: It's an all-at-once process. I usually design the floor plans and elevations simultaneously, keeping material and trim choices in mind. We create a very detailed set of plans because if somebody has a specific image in mind, we need to incorporate the right trim or details to create that vision.
We don't leave these choices to the builder. However, we remain collaborative—if Charlie from Barnes Custom Builders suggested an alternative that the homeowner liked, we're open to that discussion. We're not the type of company that insists it has to be our way. We provide direction and details because it's actually easier for the builder when we do. It creates transparency and clear communication with all parties.
Technology and Evolution in Architecture
What are some of the biggest changes you've seen from when you started to how you work now?
Jenny: For the first seven years of my career, I actually hand-drafted because the company I worked for didn't use computers. I knew CAD from college, and now we do everything on AutoCAD. We use 3D technology like SketchUp models for many houses, showing clients what their home will look like inside and out.
I use Morpholio Trace on my iPad with an Apple Pencil to sketch schematic site plans, renderings, or quick sketches that I might have done by hand on paper before. We work on a Mac-based system that allows me to share files between devices. If I need to pull something up at a site meeting, I can access PDFs or even use the AutoCAD app to check dimensions that might not be on the plans.
“Building codes have become much more stringent, especially wind codes due to hurricanes. Building materials have evolved with more efficient options available now. For traditional-looking homes, we tend to use similar materials, but even there we see changes—like using PVC-based trim instead of wood.”
Energy efficiency requirements in Massachusetts have become much stricter. Heat pump technology has improved significantly. In the past, a homeowner might have been able to sketch some basic plans and build to code, but now building departments require much more detailed information.
Keys to Successful Collaboration
In a residential project, you have three key parties: the homeowner, the architect, and the builder. What makes this relationship successful?
Jenny: Communication is key. Even if I don't have the answer someone wants to hear, I'll respond within 24 hours because it's better to tell somebody something than leave them wondering. This is somebody's home—it's important to them and their family.
I treat people the way I would want to be treated. People respond best when you're honest and communicative. During construction, I never make a builder wait for an answer. I try to respond as quickly as possible rather than leaving them to figure out difficult details on their own.
It's also about having respect for everyone involved, knowing each person brings something valuable to the project. My plans might be a well-designed picture, but they remain just a picture until someone builds it. The builder's skill in construction is equally important as my skill in drawing, as are the contributions of all subcontractors.
A plumber will have seen far more shower head heights and temperature valve locations than I have. You need to listen to what others have to say. The project becomes better when you communicate with everyone involved. Having the builder engaged from early on can improve the process and help achieve what you want at the cost you want.
How do you prefer to communicate during projects?
Jenny: It varies based on client preferences. We use BuilderTrend if the builder does and includes us. Some people prefer texting, emailing, or phone calls. We try to make the process as enjoyable as possible because design should be the fun part, where you're bringing ideas and dreams to reality.
I don't believe we always need scheduled calls—if that works best for the client, that's fine, but for quick questions, they can call anytime. Each person has different communication preferences depending on whether they're at work or home, and we adapt to how they prefer to interact.
Communication is more important than anything else. People need to feel comfortable with you to achieve the best project possible.
“What sets us apart is communication with both the client and builder. Making the process collaborative is crucial. The relationships are equally as important as the product we provide.”
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
What are some common issues you see in projects, and how can people avoid them?
Jenny: Underestimating project costs is a major one. I try to have clients give us a budget from the start. We can design anything, but if they don't have or want to spend the amount needed to build it, the design isn't worth the paper it's drawn on. People see pictures on Pinterest, Houzz, or design shows and think they can achieve the same look with less expensive products, but quality construction comes with certain costs.
Another issue is not understanding everyone needed in the process. For example, clients often don't realize they need a site engineer and site plan before we can start. Unless you're doing a renovation within the same footprint, you'll need a zoning permit before a building permit. The site plan tells us where you can build—do you have enough distance from neighbors or setbacks to build the addition you want? Where's the septic system in relation to the house?
Site engineers are extremely busy, so this process could take months. This leads to another issue: timing. Many people don't understand how much time these steps take—for permitting, design, construction drawings, and if they need to go through conservation, zoning, or historic review boards.
What percentage of your projects need conservation, zoning variances, or historic permits?
Jenny: Probably around 50%, though that reflects the nature of our projects and their locations. If you're building near the ocean, you're more likely to have wetland concerns. If you're in a historic village center, you'll have historic district commission requirements.
Conservation areas are becoming more strictly regulated, especially in tightly packed waterfront communities like Popponesset in Mashpee. There, you might need to make properties flood-compliant, which adds complexity. Climate change is making these considerations even more important.
The wind codes are a relatively new concern from the past 15 years. We now include shear walls, metal hold-downs for roof-to-walls, and roof strapping to keep houses more secure during high winds.
Massachusetts energy codes changed significantly last year, pushing toward all-electric homes. Heat pump technology has become prominent. New requirements include solar-ready roof areas and EV charger hookups. Insulation values are much higher now—we couldn't even meet current requirements with the 2x4 walls that were standard when I started. Now 2x6 construction is the norm.
The Future of Residential Architecture
Is there anything about the future of architecture or building that particularly excites you?
Jenny: Materials and sustainability excite me, though I think we're still developing in some areas. In this region, people are exploring technologies and materials that last longer and have less environmental impact. It's exciting to see how our choices can affect things positively.
Many clients want to do better for the environment, and it's our job to educate them on what's available. They may not realize they could use one material instead of another with a smaller impact, or that windows made in Maine versus Iowa reduce the carbon footprint due to shorter shipping distances.
Restoring a historic home is actually one of the most sustainable things you can do—you're not tearing down an existing structure, which creates a carbon footprint that's hard to recover from.
How feasible is it to use reclaimed materials?
Jenny: It can work in some cases. Older materials are often more stable than newer ones because the wood was grown more slowly than today's lumber. The challenge is balancing labor costs against material costs. If you're tearing down an old house, Charlie can save certain elements, but we have to consider how much time and money it takes to reuse something versus buying new.
We recommend saving special items, but some things aren't worth preserving. That's where we collaborate with the contractor to determine what's practical. Sometimes instead of trying to match 100-year-old materials, we might incorporate them into a new design pattern that looks intentional—paying homage to the original while acknowledging we can't replicate it entirely.
Final Thoughts
Jenny: What sets us apart is communication with both the client and builder. Making the process collaborative is crucial. The relationships are equally as important as the product we provide.
A Partnership Built on Trust
At Barnes Custom Builders, we understand that creating your dream home requires more than just skilled craftspeople—it demands thoughtful design and seamless coordination between all parties involved. We’re a building partner to professional architects like Jenny at ArchiPlicity to deliver exceptional results for our clients across Cape Cod.
Ready to discuss your project?
Contact us today or call 508-566-8911 to schedule an exploratory call.
