Black Mountain Architecture

Jesse recently had the pleasure of spending time with Paul Eldrenkamp, from Helm Construction Solutions, during his fishing trip here in the Adirondacks. Jon Brown from Tree Nail Builders also joined in for a day of fishing on Lower Saranac Lake. 🐟

It’s always a pleasure to spend time outside of work with some of our favorite people that we work with!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, clients, and collaborators for celebrating our office-warming party with us!

You are the first “P” in our three “P” triple bottom line business.
People-Planet-Profit. Here’s to the future of doing good profitable work while doing good by the planet and our community!

Thanks again for making this milestone so special 🎉

We're gearing up for our next foundation, slated for 2024, with planning and precision. By determining ledge locations ahead of construction, we've been able to draw detailed foundation plans, ensuring we're build-ready right from the start. 🔨

Our approach involves using typical footings in some areas and pinning to ledge in others. By addressing these details early in the process, we enable the contractor to work swiftly and efficiently.

A huge thank you to our incredible team for making this possible:
Structural Engineer: Northwoods Engineering, Tim Northrup and Joe Garso
Contractor: JFP Enterprises, Jon Poissant
Surveyor: Leifheit Land Surveying, Dean Franklin

We had a special visitor at the office!

Betsy's daughter, Marjie, joined us this morning while waiting for Northern Light School drop-off. She brought a delightful energy to our workspace while watching Bluey 💙

We're thrilled to share that Jesse has been featured in the latest article by Tony Hall in the Lake George Mirror, titled The Greening of the Hamlets.

The article highlights the multifamily housing sector and the current housing crisis, showcasing how we're revitalizing hamlets with environmentally conscious design and innovative practices.

A huge thank you to the Lake George Mirror for sharing our story. Read the article here:
https://www.lakegeorgemirror.com/the-greening-of-the-hamlets/

The Greening of the Hamlets - Lake George Mirror Jesse Schwartzberg, the Saranac-Lake based architect whose firm has received countless awards for its net-zero, multi-family residential buildings, says high performance, low-carbon buildings do not have to be cost-prohibitive – for either developers or renters. And there is nothing to prevent the...

Jesse and Therese are on-site, checking out the exciting developments at our new-build residential project. 📋

A big shoutout to P H Gucker, Inc., Hollrock Concrete, Inc., and Tremblay Builders for their hard work in prepping the site and laying the foundation! We're also grateful for this patch of Adirondack sandy soil, which is an asset in facilitating smooth sitework.

Check out the latest renderings for our upcoming boathouse project, currently in the construction document phase.

This onshore boathouse is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, providing a perfect retreat by the water.

🏆 Black Mountain Architecture Named Best of the Mountains for Best Architecture Services! 🏆

We are incredibly honored to announce that Black Mountain Architecture has been named Best of the Mountains for Best Architecture Services!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community for your votes and support. We are grateful for your trust and confidence in our work. A special shoutout to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise for hosting the Readers’ Choice for Best of the Mountains 2024.

We were thrilled to have our talented remote employee, Katie, join us in the office recently! Katie holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. Her passion lies in creating beautiful, meaningful spaces that enhance our physical and mental health and foster stronger relationships with those we share our environments with. 🏡

Katie, a native of Oregon, usually works from her home office in Vancouver, WA—affectionately known as Black Mountain West. Her visit was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect in person, exchange ideas, and strengthen our team spirit. It was great to have Katie here with us!

The Village of Saranac Lake Department of Public Works is hard at work on a full road reconstruction on Main Street. 🚧

As a proud member of this community, with our office located right here in downtown Saranac Lake, we are thrilled to see these improvements. Here’s to investment in the infrastructure of our beloved Adirondack Hamlets 👏

We had a blast at Pisgah Pedalfest! A huge shoutout to SLICK (Saranac Lake Innovative Cycling Kids), an inspiring group of local mountain bikers who are enhancing and celebrating youth biking in our community. 🚴‍♂️

Special congratulations to Jesse’s son, Benny, for winning gold 🎉

First paddle of the season! 🛶

Our commitment to creating sustainable and beautiful designs is deeply rooted in our love for this pristine place. Here's to embracing the tranquility of nature and the spirit of adventure that fuels our creativity.

New exterior signage has been installed at our Black Mountain Architecture office at 16 Academy! 📍

A huge thank you to Stender Brothers Signs Co. for their exceptional work. The sign complements the building beautifully, and we’re excited to showcase our new place. Come visit us and see for yourself!

First camping trip of the year! Nothing like reconnecting with nature to inspire you. 🏕️

Look at the beautiful pattern on these dragonfly wings drying. Della and Jesse found this beauty on the shore of Whey Pond. This place holds special memories for Jesse— he watched his dad site cast with dry flies for rising trout here when he was his kid’s age.

We are proud to share photos of the Saranac Lake branch of Champlain National Bank, a project that we designed with both convenience and functionality in mind. 🏦

Situated on Church Street, along the Saranac River, this branch elevates the banking experience for the Saranac Lake community.

https://www.blackmountainarchitecture.com/champlain-national-bank

At Black Mountain Architecture, our commitment to net-zero energy, local materials, and sustainable design is at the heart of every project. 🌱

We’re inspired by Grandma Beth’s solar and wind-powered internet transmitter. It’s a perfect example of how renewable energy can power our daily lives and connect us to the world.

We had a productive contractor meeting at our office with Shawn Tremblay (Builder), Peter Roy (Electrician), and BMA’s Jesse and Michael. We’re diving into the details of the Oseetah Narrows project, an all-electric home. Stay tuned as we work on crafting a sustainable and innovative living space! 🏡

Here is the Saranac Lake Civic Center — crafted by Black Mountain Architecture and beautifully captured by photographer Ryan Bent 📷

Beyond its striking exterior, the Saranac Lake Civic Center embodies a harmonious fusion of form and function. Every detail, from its layout to its materials, is crafted to serve the needs of our community!

Thank you to
—Matt Wolter, Ollie Burgess, and the SLCC team for making this happen for our community 👏
—Robert M. Sutherland P.C. for turning our vision into construction documents 📋
—Luck Builders for executing the design 🔨

Today, the BMA team dove deep into strategic planning with Helm, charting our course for the next five years. It's not just about where we want to be as a company but also the positive impact we aim to make in the world.

At BMA, we believe in the power of the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Prosperity. Sustainability isn't just about environmental stewardship—it's about fostering thriving communities and ensuring economic viability. By prioritizing these pillars, we're not only building structures but also nurturing a brighter, more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue on this journey. Learn more about Helm here: https://buildhelm.com/about

Back in Boston and captivated by the timeless allure of Quincy Market—a cornerstone of the city since 1826.

Quincy Market isn't just a structure; it's a testament to the power of public spaces. From its bustling halls to its tranquil corners, it offers a sanctuary amidst the urban hustle—reminiscent of the iconic Grand Central Terminal in NYC.

People often fixate on how buildings look. Yet, it's the intangible essence, the way a space makes you feel, that truly resonates. Quincy Market not only boasts architectural beauty but also radiates a palpable sense of peace and vitality.

Jesse had the privilege of attending the Business Breakfast gathering hosted by Adirondack Health at the Hotel Saranac.

It was an enriching experience that shed light on the intricate dynamics of our local economy. The conversation focused on the unique challenges and opportunities that define our region. The Adirondacks possess a distinct allure, but with it comes the reality of a place where resources can be scarce and costs can be high.

One cannot discuss the local business landscape without acknowledging the pivotal role played by Adirondack Health. From its humble beginnings as the Saranac Lake General Hospital to its evolution into a cornerstone of healthcare excellence in our community, Adirondack Health has been a beacon of healing for generations.

For many of us, myself included, Adirondack Health holds a deeply personal significance. My own childhood memories are intertwined with the corridors of this institution, where my father, a dedicated small-town doctor, served tirelessly.

The legacy of Adirondack Health is not just one of medical excellence, but also of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of the Adirondack way of life.

Recently the spring on Jesse’s garage door broke. As inconvenient as it was to encounter this hiccup, it also presented an opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable service provided by Scott from Overhead Door Company of Plattsburgh.

When life throws us a curveball, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, it's also when we discover the value of trusted partnerships and reliable support networks.

At Black Mountain Architecture, we draw inspiration from the natural world that surrounds us.

Check out this photo Jesse captured. An intricate pattern of moss delicately growing on an Adirondack masonry chimney. Each tuft tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and beauty 🌱

We are thrilled to share a glimpse into our new office space at 16 Academy!

We recently hosted our very first client meeting. Team members, Michael and Jesse, collaborated with Interior Designer Georgeanne Gaffney and the clients on the intricate details of the Turtle Pond addition and renovation project.

Jesse and Della recently enjoyed an end of season ski at Whiteface. Against a backdrop of endless blue skies they carved their way through the slopes.

At Black Mountain Architecture, we understand the importance of balancing work and play!

Every corner of the new office is super comfy at 20 degrees, there is snow outside, and only a temporary electric heater, “little red,” providing heat to the entire 2 story building.

It is wonderful to know that our triple pane window and dense pack cellulose wall assembly are working. Even next to the large windows is very comfortable…no draft!

We got our mini-splits covered!

For us it's not just about creating stunning structures; it's also about ensuring their longevity and functionality. These covers not only add a sleek finishing touch to our building's exterior but also serve a practical purpose in safeguarding the integrity of our HVAC system. ⚙️

After months of planning, designing, and construction, we're putting the final touches on! 🌟

We're currently in the process of testing out the BMA sign template. We're ensuring that every detail, from scale to legibility, is perfected to match the unparalleled quality of our craftsmanship.