About Bold Coast Studio
At Bold Coast Studio, we combine an open-minded design philosophy with a strong focus on practicality, creating custom residential architecture that is both beautiful and functional. Located in Topsham, Maine, our approach is rooted in the belief that thoughtful design improves everyday living while respecting the unique character of the Maine landscape.
Brian brings over fifteen years of intensive experience managing projects, people, and processes at multiple high-end design-build architecture and construction firms. This extensive background offers a unique skill set that spans everything from the creative and artistic aspects of design to the practicalities of construction methods and project management in the field. He understands the entire lifecycle of a build, from concept to completion.
Brian’s approach is fundamentally client-focused and highly approachable. He listens carefully to your vision and translates your project goals into practical plans. His strong interest in creating spaces inspired by Maine’s rugged coastal and inland landscapes—focusing on natural light, durable materials, and seamless integration with the environment—makes him an exceptional collaborator for your project.
We believe great architecture results from a balance of art, science, and collaborative exploration of ideas.
Open Mind: We approach each project with a fresh perspective, free from preconceived notions, and aim to discover a customized solution that truly matches your goals and style.
Practicality: Our designs are grounded in buildable, budget-friendly solutions, utilizing Brian's extensive design-build construction management experience to ensure smooth execution.
Local Inspiration: We draw our inspiration from the natural beauty of our surroundings and project sites to create resilient, timeless homes, indicative of their place, that stand up to the unique climate of Maine and Northern New England.
Brian Knipp is the owner of Bold Coast Studio, a residential architecture firm known for its thoughtful design approach and attention to detail. Brian earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, establishing a strong educational foundation for his career designing custom residential and hospitality projects.
Before establishing Bold Coast Studio, Brian held a significant leadership position as Vice President at Barrett Made, a highly regarded architecture and construction firm based in Portland, Maine, where he managed all aspects of the company. During his tenure at Barrett Made, he demonstrated his versatility, holding multiple key roles including Director of Operations, Architecture Studio Leader, and Senior Architecture Project Manager. His experience at Barrett Made uniquely blended his skill in design and construction management; he not only designed large-scale custom residences but also managed the associated construction efforts, including budgets, subcontractor selection, contracts, and on-site work.
Before joining Barrett Made, Brian was a key design team member at Knickerbocker Group, another Maine-based high-end custom residential design-build firm, where he held the position of architecture project manager. Throughout his career, he has designed and managed residential projects of all scales, from small, detailed renovations to large projects valued up to $12 million.
Committed to sustainable and high-performance building practices, Brian holds certified passive house training from PHIUS (Passive House Institute US). He has a strong interest in energy-efficient and locally sourced building materials. He is also a lead-certified renovator and holds his OSHA 30 certification. This hands-on construction experience, combined with his architectural skills, makes Brian a unique collaborator within the Maine residential design community.
Outside of his professional life, Brian channels his creativity into woodworking projects and custom furniture for his home in his garage woodshop. He maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying time on the golf course as an avid golfer, camping, fishing, and spending every available moment with his wife.
Let’s collaborate together!
Thoughtful Residential Architecture
Serving Maine, New Hampshire, and beyond.
New Construction . Renovations . Additions.