Photograph by Neil Landino
Robert Dean Architects came onto the scene more than 30 years ago and has been dazzling clients and design enthusiasts ever since. They consider themselves an updated version of old-school academic architects, celebrating old and new with impeccable taste accompanied by a spirit of adventure.
The firm creates homes to cherish, based on a philosophy that demands an intimate knowledge of and respect for the history of architecture. Of course, today that history is more complex, with modernist principles now coexisting with older romantic and classical traditions. This leads to a body of work that is versatile, vibrant, and inspiring. As Rob Dean says, “We are more interested in the beauty than the logic of creation.”
Photograph by Trevor Tondro
Whether the firm is restoring a treasured midcentury modern or designing a shingle-style dwelling on Block Island, their finished homes arrive from friendly guided collaboration that is palpable in every detail. A high standard of design excellence and communication keeps long-term clients coming back; the firm takes pride in the number of clients for whom it has designed multiple homes.
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1/18
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
In ski country, Robert Dean Architects gave clients the space they craved by converting their property's principal barn into a full-sized family dwelling.
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
In ski country, Robert Dean Architects gave clients the space they craved by converting their property's principal barn into a full-sized family dwelling.
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2/18
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
The project makes extensive use of handcrafted and antique materials inside and out.
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
The project makes extensive use of handcrafted and antique materials inside and out.
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3/18
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
Though one would never guess this exquisite house used to be a barn, it honors the history of the weathered building with the wood seen throughout.
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
Though one would never guess this exquisite house used to be a barn, it honors the history of the weathered building with the wood seen throughout.
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4/18
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
A bright and inviting entrance for a warm, post-slopes welcome.
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
A bright and inviting entrance for a warm, post-slopes welcome.
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5/18
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
The perfect winter escape, the fireplace is a focal point for evening reading or hours of playing charades.
A Family Farm House in Vermont - Photograph by Chris Kolk
The perfect winter escape, the fireplace is a focal point for evening reading or hours of playing charades.
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6/18
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
This new construction home was designed to take full advantage of its Block Island shorefront site. With classic shingles, it effortlessly reflects the coastal vernacular.
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
This new construction home was designed to take full advantage of its Block Island shorefront site. With classic shingles, it effortlessly reflects the coastal vernacular.
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7/18
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
Sitting amongst the dunes, it also offers views to a private freshwater pond.
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
Sitting amongst the dunes, it also offers views to a private freshwater pond.
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8/18
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
Inside, the plan is designed for openness from room to room. This brings a feeling of ease, which is only natural at an island getaway. Robert Dean Architects also infused plenty of cozy corners were book collections can live and all can feel at home.
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
Inside, the plan is designed for openness from room to room. This brings a feeling of ease, which is only natural at an island getaway. Robert Dean Architects also infused plenty of cozy corners were book collections can live and all can feel at home.
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9/18
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
A covered, wraparound porch provides an idyllic environment for year-round, indoor-outdoor living.
Shingle-Style Home in Block Island
A covered, wraparound porch provides an idyllic environment for year-round, indoor-outdoor living.
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10/18
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Trevor Tondro
The firm applied their talents twice to this striking midcentury house, first restoring the property when the clients purchased it.
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Trevor Tondro
The firm applied their talents twice to this striking midcentury house, first restoring the property when the clients purchased it.
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11/18
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
They were called on again when the home unfortunately suffered a fire. This time, the growing family needed parts of the home enlarged and reconstructed to fit their needs.
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
They were called on again when the home unfortunately suffered a fire. This time, the growing family needed parts of the home enlarged and reconstructed to fit their needs.
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12/18
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
Minimalism shines at the midcentury modern, reflecting the architectural movement from which its design was born.
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
Minimalism shines at the midcentury modern, reflecting the architectural movement from which its design was born.
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13/18
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
Bright and tranquil with ample oversized windows. The house has wooed more than just its owner, too, as it has been featured in Elle Décor and the New York Times.
Midcentury Modern Restoration - Photograph by Zach DeSart
Bright and tranquil with ample oversized windows. The house has wooed more than just its owner, too, as it has been featured in Elle Décor and the New York Times.
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14/18
Classic Residence - Photograph by Neil Landino
At this distinguished Georgian Revival home, additions over the years had left it feeling unbalanced. The owners turned to Robert Dean Architects to resolve this.
Classic Residence - Photograph by Neil Landino
At this distinguished Georgian Revival home, additions over the years had left it feeling unbalanced. The owners turned to Robert Dean Architects to resolve this.
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15/18
Classic Residence - Photograph by Michael Partenio
The white kitchen embraces styles of the past with impeccable moldings, yet it's open atmosphere is exactly what modern living requires.
Classic Residence - Photograph by Michael Partenio
The white kitchen embraces styles of the past with impeccable moldings, yet it's open atmosphere is exactly what modern living requires.
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16/18
Classic Residence - Photograph by Michael Partenio
The sun-filled breakfast area exemplifies traditional elegance with a wall of French Doors.
Classic Residence - Photograph by Michael Partenio
The sun-filled breakfast area exemplifies traditional elegance with a wall of French Doors.
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17/18
Classic Residence - Photograph by Olson Photographic
A study and conservatory was carefully added, and although these spaces are brand new they fit the home like a glove.
Classic Residence - Photograph by Olson Photographic
A study and conservatory was carefully added, and although these spaces are brand new they fit the home like a glove.
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18/18
Classic Residence - Photograph by Neil Landino
To enhance the sense of history, the team added generous terraces and other landscape design features. The stately brick exterior combined with magnificently maintained boxwoods creates an enchanting aesthetic.
Classic Residence - Photograph by Neil Landino
To enhance the sense of history, the team added generous terraces and other landscape design features. The stately brick exterior combined with magnificently maintained boxwoods creates an enchanting aesthetic.
Photograph by Trevor Tondro
It’s undeniable that Robert Dean Architects’ portfolio is enormously varied, and this continually breathes life into the firm. The team aims to create homes that are unmistakably fresh, and yet seem somehow familiar, as if they always should have been there.
“I was educated to be an architect during a brief period in the 1970s when history reasserted itself and young architects wanted to hear the long echo of style and form that extends back from where we stand today,” says Dean. “I’ve carried that outlook through my working life.”
Dean honed his skills in an early career that crossed the boundaries of academia, the construction business, and employment at internationally-known design firms. In establishing his own firm, Dean has built upon that experience by bringing together people with seasoned and varied talents who enjoy working together.
Designing each and every project with the classical pillars of architecture as their foundation, Robert Dean Architects is up to any challenge and keeps widening its scope. To see more of their stunning projects or work with them on your dream home, visit their website.
