Remodeling of historic buildings and re-use of historic artifacts.

Harrison Woodfield Architects is particularly interested in preserving valuable links to our architectural and cultural past and in the recycling of building materials where this is practical, economic or aesthetically desirable.

A few examples of our work:

Remodeling of Historic Buildings


Click the image for enlarged view

New England Barn

After a lifetime as a barn on a farm in New England, this building was dismantled beam by beam, transported to Sonoma in California and re-erected, where it has started a new life. Sara completely reconfigured the building as a two bedroom custom home with every modern amenity, adding the circular farm style silo as a staircase to the master bedroom and loft. There is a wonderful feeling of warmth from the old wood throughout this delightful new home.

Maybeck house

Just north of San Francisco, in Marin County, a home designed by the iconic architect Bernard Maybeck in 1906, is now under an historic preservation order. Years ago, before the home was designated an architectural treasure, alterations were made to the building which were not in character with the original Maybeck design. Sara was engaged to remodel the building in harmony with the true Maybeck concept. This required detailed designs, negotiations and approvals from the City to ensure that the finished house was historically authentic. The work was successfully completed, and the owners know that they have significantly improved the authenticity and the value of their home.

Click the image for enlarged view

Click the image for enlarged view

Historic Carriage House

Currently under design in San Rafael, this building was an original 1890’s carriage house for an estate that was later converted into a residence. We will be adding 166 square feet to the building, but in important places: expanding and rebuilding the kitchen, dining room and breakfast room, and creating a lovely second floor living room under the original gable roof. As a historically significant building our remit is to keep the building looking original and authentic, and to assure this we are involved in a complicated planning approval process with the city.

Front Door Entry

Polychrome terracotta door frame and wall medallions from an old Mid-West Restaurant, circa 1910.


Click the image for enlarged view

Iron Entry Gate

This iron railing was a stair rail in the original building on this site. We saved it and refurbished it as the front gate, and a connection to the past.


Click the image for enlarged view

Deck Rail & Interior Balcony

Solid iron railings from a demolished hospital and rail taken from a turn of the 19th century department store in New Orleans.


Click the image for enlarged view

Antique Fireplace

Frequently we will salvage or purchase used architectural antiques and incorporate them into the project. This French fireplace was discovered, cleaned and installed in this new home.


Click the image for enlarged view

Antique Floors

Antique limestone paving stones from France, cut in random rectangles. Re-used terracotta flooring.


Click the image for enlarged view

Antique doors

These antique doors will be used in a special location in a new home, along with antique carved columns, light fixtures and tile medallions.


Click the image for enlarged view

Stone Garden Sink

This antique basin is made of limestone and was brought from France. It probably started life as a cherished household or garden sink. We set it on new stone legs, and found an interesting faucet to provide cold water for washing vegetables and hands while working in the garden.


Click the image for enlarged view