SILVERIO ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN - Maine Architect Information

SILVERIO – ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN is a small architectural and residential design practice in Lincolnville, Maine. It was established in 1979 as a private practice of John Silverio – Architect. John’s work is highly creative and designed to the specific needs of client and site. Matthew and John incorporated the business in 2005 and most recently changed the name from John Silverio – Architect to SILVERIO – ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN.

The Silverio's shingled style cottages explore the themes of the coastal tradition and regional designs along the waters of Maine. Cues are drawn from turn of the century cottages, as well as lodges, Grange Halls, and work buildings. Designs explore the multifaceted aspects of complex progressions of dormers and hip roofs. There is typically a focus on the centers of the designs, such as hearths, light wells, cupolas, and chimneys which establishes a hierarchy of form and space that radiate outward and upward. The base of the designs is often expanded into the surrounding landscape through decks, terraces, and broad steps. Although most of the work is residential, there is also a specific interest and involvement in the design of Waldorf School Buildings.

Be it an old farmhouse, a grand shingle style home, or something in between, John and Matthew work together to bring a sense of inviting comfort to the project. Even when one is the point person, the other is close at hand and there is almost a constant exchange between the two in the open space of their one room studio/office.

Upon arriving at the office in Lincolnville, clients often find themselves taking a deep breath and relaxing a few notches. The small shingled studio is part of a family compound at the end of a quiet road. The sound of children can often be heard playing outside as John’s wife, Susan, runs Spindlewood Kindergarten, a Waldorf School, nearby. John and Matthew’s family homes and outbuildings dot the forested landscape. The two work hard to maintain a calming sense of place for their work and lives. That sense seems to rub off on their projects and can be found in their sensitivity for a client’s own location.

John Silverio grew up in Connecticut and studied architecture at Rhode Island School of Design (1962-1967). He was a recipient of a European Honors Program and studied in Rome, Italy. He also studied with Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania (1968) and taught drawing at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a studio critic at the Boston Architectural Center and served as an adjunct faculty member at the College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine.

His work has appeared in numerous books and magazine. His work has also been featured in exhibitions of architectural work and paintings at the University of Maine, The Farnsworth Table by Architect John Silverio and Designer Matthew Silverio

Table by Architect John Silverio and Designer Matthew Silverio

Art Museum, The Pine Tree Gallery, The Maine Festival and Open Space Gallery. Most recently John and Matthew designed a table that was part of a group show at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and the Portland Museum of Art.

Residential Designer Matthew Silverio began his building career as a carpenters helper at the age of 15 and worked his way through school as a carpenter. After graduating from Alfred University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts focusing in ceramics and woodworking, he continued to build custom homes on the Maine coast. He worked as a foreman for a small high end contractor until 1999 when he took time to build his own home on the family property in Lincolnville. During this time, he started working with his father as a draftsman. He quickly started designing and taking on a larger role in the family business. Matthew likes to say he is used to being on both sides of the drawings. “When I do a set of construction drawings I know what the guys on the job site have to go through to make it a reality.”

Matthew’s artistic background and years of intimate experience with custom home building bring a special eye to the design process. His sensitivity to existing structures makes his additions and renovations fit seamlessly between the old and new.

Both John and Matthew express their creativity through other outlets as well. John can often be found playing his mandolin in a local band or painting watercolor landscapes. Matthew enjoys working in his clay studio on pottery or tile projects for friends and family or teaching the occasional Adult Pottery Class. Both have a soft spot for small wooden boats and John would be happy to sign you up for an adventure with the local chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association.

We welcome the opportunity to design small homes and cottages, as well as additions, renovations and furniture. A limited number of plans are available for resale.

We are artistically involved in the creative process through traditional hand drawn plans, perspective drawings, and cardboard models. We are interested in energy efficient and green design principles in our work and have worked with alternative energy systems such as solar, wind, and wood heat. We have a particular interest in using masonry heaters at the core of a design.

Call or email us to discuss your project today and thank you for visiting our site.