Vernacular

03/16/2026

Since 1986, Whitten Architects has been designing thoughtfully considered homes that live with nature.

Over the years, we’ve helped tell their story through a modern, image-forward website, strategic communications, ongoing content creation, and, most recently, a full brand modernization project ahead of their 40th anniversary—with a refreshed identity rooted in the natural landscapes that inspire their work.

Working alongside a client whose values only deepen with time, helping their story evolve while staying true to what makes them exceptional is exactly why we do what we do. To the many years of collaboration, growth, and beautifully designed homes ahead.

02/17/2026

Your About page is your chance to showcase your approach and help potential clients decide to work with you. It's where you confirm you understand their specific challenges and demonstrate why you're the right fit.

Most About pages stick to the basics: firm history, awards, a team photo. But that's just a resume. Clients want to understand why you make the decisions you do and whether your approach aligns with their vision.

Show potential clients why you're the right fit for their project. Your philosophy matters far more than your accolades. Your process matters more than your pedigree.

The best About pages do two things: confirm you understand what clients are looking for, and build confidence before the conversation even starts. That's when the real decision gets made.

01/22/2026

New year, new you! It’s time to set goals for the year—and we have a few ideas to get you started:

✔️Investing in high-quality, professional photography that captures the quality of your work.
✔️Developing a case study process that tells the full story—challenges, solutions, and results.
✔️Making a point to collect testimonials along the way, when client enthusiasm is at its peak.

Investing in these tactics—and whatever other goals you decide on—will help to ensure your firm is understood and remembered. Ready to make 2026 your firm’s year? Let’s talk.

12/17/2025

Many Maine architecture firms share similar core values—designing thoughtfully with the landscape, for instance. The real differentiator isn't what you believe in, but how you practice it.

So, how do you showcase that practice in a way that stays true to your brand and self, while also differentiating yourself from the local architecture market? It's in showing how you apply those values to your work every day.

Differentiation lives in those specifics—how do you focus on sustainability in each project, how do you remain communicative throughout long processes? That's what your clients want to see, and that's what will set you apart.

Your process is your story; you just have to make it visible. We can help. Let's talk.

11/17/2025

The best clients make their decision about you long before they ever walk through your door. ⁠
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What are they seeing online?⁠
-Your website ⁠
-Your portfolio ⁠
-How you show up on social media⁠
-The way you respond (or don't) to comments and questions⁠
⁠
By the time they schedule that first meeting, they've already decided if they trust you.⁠
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The question is: are you building that trust intentionally, or leaving it to chance? Your online presence is your first impression, your credibility check, and your silent sales pitch. Make it count.⁠
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Let Vernacular help you build trust before that first meeting is even scheduled.

10/15/2025

Your portfolio isn't just a collection of beautiful images—it's your most powerful marketing asset. If you’re in the shelter industry, you know that your past projects tell the story of what you can create for future clients.

High-quality photography, clear project narratives, and strategic curation don't just showcase your work—they attract your ideal clients, justify your pricing, and differentiate you from competitors who treat portfolios as an afterthought.

Your portfolio is working 24/7 to either win you business or lose it to someone else. Make sure it's working in your favor. Ready to put together a stunning, award-worthy portfolio for your architecture or design firm? Vernacular is here to help.

03/26/2021

In case you missed it: ' lovely Loon Lake Retreat can now be seen on online. This deep breath of beauty can be found lakeside in New Hampshire and was made possible by , , , Albert Putnam Associates, K.P. Hood Construction, and . Story by Marni Katz () with photos by .

11/24/2020

The team has been thoughtfully designing homes in New England since 1986. We've had the pleasure of working with them for much of the last decade on marketing, web development, and communications, including at least two iterations of their photography-forward website. One of our favorite parts of our engagement is collaborating with the architects to compose detailed narratives for every completed project of theirs to highlight not only the intention and strategy behind the design, but also the meticulous steps taken throughout the design process both internally and externally. Once completed, these narratives live on Whitten's site for all to see and are used as the backbone for project press kits. It’s always an honor to compile the moving pieces of their completed work and bring it all to life on their site, earning them well-deserved coverage in the press.

Project: Damariscotta River View Cottage in Boothbay, Maine, shot by and featured here in Residential Design mag.

03/27/2020

Client and friend Birch Shambaugh is up to all good during these trying times. Last week, he and his team at Woodford F&B whipped up 200 burgers donated through the kindness of strangers for health care workers at places like Maine Medical Center, Barron Center and Urgent Care. This and more, in partnership with Feeding the Frontline—a grassroots movement providing sponsored meals delivered to those risking themselves to protect others in the fight against COVID19. Photos by Brianna Soukup of Portland Press Herald in their new series highlighting Maine Acts of Kindness.

Three Portland restaurants are part of an effort that delivers free meals to health care workers – and assists the struggling restaurants as well.

03/20/2020

We are in the midst of some heavy times. It’s heart-wrenching to see the businesses we love struggling right now. We are committed to helping you find ways to succeed during this time of transition into a new normal. For us internally, that means operating remotely for the time being to keep our team and clients safe and healthy, while doing what we can to “flatten the curve.” For our clients, that means supporting them through this however we can. If you're a business in need of support right now, we are offering free consults to help advise you on what you can do to stay afloat. From PR and messaging to social media and operational alternatives (like curbside pickup)—we're open. Because the only way through this is together.

01/23/2020

This just in— Whitten Architects has a rare opening for the right person to join their client-focused firm in Portland, Maine. They work on some jaw-dropping sites and are pretty great people too.