Our Philosophy
At Chace Architecture, we are designers and builders. With years of experience in the fields of architecture and construction, our work is rooted in thoughtful design and refined craft.
We specialize in simple, modern design, and carry a deep appreciation for New England traditions and sensibilities. Our creative process is not bound to a particular style, as each project is specifically tailored to our client’s needs and objectives.
We value the process of discovery in our design and the result is work formed by our belief that architecture can provide creative and elegant solutions to practical problems.
We are inspired by clients who are excited by design, who value the creative process, and who seek to discover those qualities in their project that will make it truly exceptional.
Fundamental to each project we undertake is the superior level of care and quality required to create functional, beautiful spaces that will enrich our clients’ lives.
Who We Are
The firm’s principal, Jonathan Chace, balanced his early career with work in firms at the forefront of design and with his personal research into the means and methods of construction. His education began at Washington University in St. Louis School of Architecture, at a time when the school was heavily influenced by the modern art and science of building. It was at this time that Chace started working in the field of construction and furniture production, apprenticing under craftsmen in the Rocky Mountains and New England. Chace later continued his education in New York City, attending the Columbia School of Architecture and Planning, which was pioneering highly conceptual digital architecture. While at Columbia, Chace was selected by the faculty to represent the school in the Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Traveling Fellowship, a nationwide competition that Chace went on to compete as a finalist.
Prior to founding Chace Architecture, Chace worked with the distinguished architecture firms of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Bernard Tschumi Architects and The Office of Peter Rose, and accumulated years of experience in the construction trades. His professional experience ranges in scale from large institutional buildings to smaller residential projects. Chace worked closely with Bernard Tschumi on the submission to several competitions, including the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh and the New Acropolis Museum, Athens. Also with Tschumi, he worked on the designs of the un-realized Museum for African Art in New York City, and the completed Vacheron-Constantin watch factory in Geneva, Switzerland. At The Office of Peter Rose, Chace served as the project architect and manager for the proposed design of the Milton Academy Science Building in Milton, Massachusetts and East House, a recently completed private residence on Martha’s Vineyard.
When I'm Not Working
I am first and foremost a loving and devoted father..
I am a dedicated friend and family man.
I am an outdoorsman, a waterman, a guide, a teacher, and an explorer.
I am an artist, a craftsman, an aesthete, a ruralist, an urbanist.
I enjoy trying new things, exploring new places, and I am passionate about sharing these experiences and activities with my family and friends. I am an epicurean and like to cook.
I am an avid gardener, mainly fruits and flowers. I love experiencing nature, in all its forms, the seasons, embracing the outdoors.
I am an expert skier, I have climbed the highest peak in North America, I have trekked in Nepal, surfed the South Pacific. I have traveled to see the great architecture of the world in Europe and Asia.
I am not one to sit idle.
How We Work
Our design process involves an open-ended dialog with our clients as we tailor the design to their unique set of needs, and the natural opportunities presented by their site.
This is a collaborative process, and each project is a reflection of our clients’ input. Your ideas are an opportunity for us to discover the qualities that will elevate your project from commonplace to extraordinary and personal.
We know that building a new dream house or renovating your existing home can be very exciting, and at times intimidating for you. We care deeply about bringing your design into reality, and work with contractors and tradespeople who are as committed as we are to the creation of beautiful and well-crafted spaces. We are professionals who specialize in guiding you through the myriad decisions you will encounter throughout the entire process until the moment you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the place of your dreams.
Testimonials
I live in a 1928 English Tutor and was looking to add a first floor master and second floor master suite that looked like they had always been there – both inside and outside. Working with Jon, he spent a lot of time up front getting to know me, my own sense of design, my priorities, and my taste and it really made a difference throughout the process. During the design phase, I really felt like I was a part of the process. John would let me know what he was thinking, and ask me for my input. He also encouraged me to share my own ideas or photos with him with regard to various design elements (built ins, windows, doors, etc).
Once the actual build began, Jon stayed involved to ensure the timely delivery and quality of the final product. He worked extremely well with the builder and I felt very comfortable that the two of them understood me and that they both put my interests first. People will now ask me if the end result is what I expected, and I say without hesitation – NO ….. It is so much more than I expected
I believe very strongly in creating a home that reflects who you are and allows you to relax and be yourself – after the completion of my addition, there is no one I trust more than John, to help me achieve just that.
Dawna, Client, Newton, MA
We used Jonathan as the architect for a redesign of our kitchen in Arlington. His work was very professional. He gave us multiple design options and had a nice toolset to be able to render them visually for us. He was very involved in helping us access vendors and make design choices. And he supported us during the actual build – very hands on. Things got done when they were supposed to be done, and we understood costs for all the activity. I’d recommend him for project work wholeheartedly.
Grant, Client, Arlington, MA
After many years of living with our dated kitchen we decided to update and couldn’t be happier with the results. Working with Jon was an absolute pleasure. He was professional and courteous and extremely accommodating. He had great ideas and we were very impressed with the original design and layout of our new kitchen. We are now hoping to start a second project in our home and have again decided to work with Jon.
Nicole, Client, Newton, MA
We built our house 12 years ago using very detailed and customized architecture filled with minor details that rendered small spaces intimate and memorable. It was a huge success and almost everyone who walks in the door comments on the uniqueness of the design. This year we wanted an architect who could help us put an addition on the house that had its own character but also flowed well from the original structure. Jonathan Chace delivered a beautiful, meticulously designed plan with copious minor details for the builder to follow explicitly. We wanted aggressive attention to detail and aesthetics plus lots of hand holding and active permit & site management. We are very pleased with Mr. Chace work and would very gladly recommend his firm to potential clients. Areas he addressed well: Sight lines, lighting dynamics in different wall structure scenarios, window positioning, the role of the exterior landscape in the interior space experience.
Paul, Client, Newton, MA
I can not recommend Jon Chace at Chace Architecture highly enough. From the concept stage through the design and bid process Jon has been an outstanding partner and true professional. Flexible, adaptable, creative and easy-to-work with Jon went above and beyond with a tricky project that included complications with the Conservation Commission. His design ideas are first-rate and his experience allows him to anticipate challenges before they occur. We couldn’t have done it without Jon!
Tobin, Client, Needham, MA
Amazing to work with. Extremely knowledge and helpful not just in design but also everything from engaging contractors, engineering work, and surveying amongst many other things. Very transparent in his contracts and is always willing to work with you to get to the design and scope you want. We have had our share of hiccups personally in the process and he has been great adjusting his timing and scope as needed. Additionally, he has always been willing to work with us as we are first timers in the home renovation realm. Overall I would highly recommend Jon and you are guaranteed to get a design you will be head over heels about.
Adam, Client, Dover, MA
Jon was a great partner during our 7 month renovation of an old, run down beach cottage north of Boston. The project had a lot of unknowns and Jon was a creative problem solver at every turn as we looked to manage the large project to a strict budget. The end result couldn’t have been better and wouldn’t have come about had it not been for Jon’s keen design eye and ability/ willingness to pivot multiple times along the way to ensure we got what we wanted.
Bryan, Client, Gloucester, MA