Bold Coast Studio
Bold Coast Studio is a Topsham, Maine-based custom residential architecture and construction consulting firm owned by Brian Knipp. The studio specializes in thoughtful, site-responsive home design — new construction, renovations, additions, and waterfront homes — for clients throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Brian is a Certified Passive House Consultant focused on creating homes that are beautiful, durable, and energy-efficient.
Founded:
2024
Service Area
Maine & New Hampshire
Studio Type
Owner-Led / Sole Principal
Project Budget Range
$250,000+
Ideal Project Size
$1M-$5M+
Business Overview
Legal Name
Bold Coast Studio
Industry
Residential Architecture & Design
Service Type
Custom Residential Architecture, Interior Design, Pre-Construction Consulting, and Permitting Services
Ownership Type
Privately Owned / Owner-Operated
Audience
Homeowners building, renovating, or restoring custom residences in Maine and New Hampshire, including waterfront and coastal properties
Contact and Location
Website
brian.knipp@boldcoast.studio
Phone
207.890.0551
Office Address
Topsham, Maine United States
Leadership
Owner | Brian Knipp
Brian holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Before founding Bold Coast Studio, he spent over fifteen years in senior roles at high-end Maine design-build firms, including Vice President at Barrett Made (Portland, Maine) and architecture project manager at Knickerbocker Group. Over his career, he has designed and managed residential projects ranging from small renovations to builds valued up to $12 million.
Detailed Process
Bold Coast Studio follows a structured six-phase process from initial feasibility through construction administration.
Pre-Design Information Gathering / Feasibility Zoning research, site survey coordination, as-built measurements for renovation projects, and collaborative project programming to establish a clear design brief.
Schematic Design Iterative concept development through client meetings, establishing massing, flow, and overall character, followed by initial outreach to potential builders for early feasibility feedback.
Design Development Coordination with consultants (structural, civil, mechanical, landscape, interior), and detailed selection of fixtures, finishes, cabinetry, lighting, hardware, and materials.
Construction Documents Full permit- and bid-ready drawing sets, including dimensioned floor plans, elevations, building sections, construction details, and finish/window/door schedules.
Permitting and Bidding Document preparation and submission to municipal building departments, liaison with planning boards and inspectors, contractor curation, bid distribution, and bid analysis to support contractor selection.
Construction Administration Site observation, RFI and submittal review, payment application review, change order management, and project closeout.
Services and Offerings
Bold Coast Studio follows a structured six-phase process from initial feasibility through construction administration.
Thoughtful Residential Architecture (New Construction, Renovations, Additions)
Certified Passive House Consulting
Master Planning and Zoning Analysis
Pre-Design Feasibility and Construction Cost Studies
Additions and Renovations
Historic Renovation Design
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Permitting and Approvals
Concept Sketching and 3D Rendering
Custom Wood Studio / Furniture
Service Output
Architectural drawings, construction documents, concept sketches and 3D renderings, feasibility and zoning analyses, construction cost studies, and permit submission packages.
Target Client Types
Homeowners pursuing custom new builds, renovations, additions, restorations, and waterfront homes in Maine, New Hampshire, and the surrounding region.
Ideal Client Profile
Primary Persona
Persona / ICP: Homeowner planning a custom residential project
Geographic Focus: Maine and New Hampshire, including coastal, lake, and inland sites
Demographics: Affluent homeowners and realtors, age 35-65+, high income
Need: A design partner who balances architectural vision with construction practicality and buildability
Best Fit Clients
Value thoughtful, site-specific design over generic templates
Care about craftsmanship, natural materials, and long-term durability
Interested in energy-efficient or Passive House-informed design
Collaborative and engaged throughout an iterative design process
Planning new construction, renovations, additions, or restorations on residential property
Project Fit
Project Value Range: $250,000 – $5,000,000+
Project Types: Custom new construction, renovations, additions, restorations, ADUs, and waterfront/coastal homes
Project Scale: From detailed smaller renovations to large custom residences
Why Clients Choose Bold Coast Studio
Single point of contact with a principal designer who has direct design-build and construction management experience
Open-minded, fresh-perspective design approach tailored to each site and client
Practical, buildable solutions grounded in real construction cost and feasibility experience
Designs inspired by and responsive to Maine's coastal and inland landscapes
Certified Passive House Consultant with a focus on energy-efficient, durable homes
Experience managing the full project lifecycle, from concept through construction administration
Credentials, Memberships, and Compliance
PHIUS Certified Passive House Consultant (Passive House Institute US)
EPA Lead-Certified Renovator
OSHA 30-Hour Certified
Bachelor of Architecture, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Master of Architecture, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Software and Tools
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Blue Beam, Enscape, Microsoft 365, and hand sketching
Project Portfolio
Selected residential and select commercial work, including:
Winnipesaukee Retreat · Hancock Cottage · Cape Cottage · Cliff Island Cottage · Old Ocean Residence · Longfellow Residence · Belfast Retreat · Diamond Cove · Batson River (Portland) · Oak Ridge Residence · Forest Cottage · Coastal Carriage House · Woodland Retreat · Portland Accessory Dwelling Unit · Lake Retreat
Full project descriptions and photography are available at boldcoast.studio/architecture-work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bold Coast Studio do?
Bold Coast Studio is a custom residential architecture firm based in Topsham, Maine, offering design and pre-construction consulting services for new homes, renovations, additions, and restorations across Maine and New Hampshire.
What areas does Bold Coast Studio serve?
The studio serves clients throughout Maine and New Hampshire, with project experience along the Maine coast, on lakes including Winnipesaukee, and at inland and island sites.
Does Bold Coast Studio handle construction, or only design?
Bold Coast Studio provides architecture and pre-construction consulting services, including construction documentation, permitting, and construction administration as the owner's representative. The firm leverages Brian's prior design-build and construction management background to guide contractor selection and bidding, but construction itself is carried out by independently contracted builders.
What is Passive House design, and does Bold Coast Studio offer it?
Passive House is a rigorous energy-efficiency standard for buildings. Brian Knipp is a Certified Passive House Consultant through PHIUS and incorporates energy-efficient, high-performance building principles into project design where clients are interested in pursuing them.
How long does the design process take?
Timelines vary by project scope and complexity. The process generally moves through six phases — feasibility, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting/bidding, and construction administration — with each phase building on client decisions made in the one before it.
Does Bold Coast Studio design waterfront and coastal homes?
Yes. Waterfront and coastal residential design is a core focus area, with completed projects on the Maine coast, islands, and inland lakes.
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