https://tighthouse.com/projects daily 0.75 2026-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1690851572666-8CDUDUOAMIFHAOUKFOXF/0500-cpp-9453.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1690852588360-ZK99QJR9RDN8Y9CX8NXB/image-asset.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1752860270222-WH2P1VWGN5VRG4ORPRCZ/PXL_20250613_143857075.jpg Projects - E. Pettersen Originally designed in 1972 by Eleanor Pettersen, one of New Jersey’s first licensed female architects and a trailblazer in modern residential design, this midcentury home carries both architectural pedigree and deep personal value for its current stewards. Before launching her own practice, Pettersen studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, beginning her career as a draftsman and later an apprentice at Taliesin in Arizona and Wisconsin. That early influence shaped her approach to modern residential design, leaving a lasting mark on this home. Now a multigenerational residence, the house remains a cherished gathering place. But like many homes of its era, its energy performance and layout no longer fully support how the family lives today or how they plan to live in the years ahead. Rather than opt for piecemeal upgrades or a full gut renovation, the homeowners approached this project with uncommon care. They brought clear goals: preserve what makes the house special, address persistent comfort and durability issues, and shape a future-ready home that supports a multigenerational household. Their vision includes reimagining key spaces like the kitchen, guest suites, and primary bedroom, upgrading thermal performance with new insulation and windows, and resolving deferred maintenance issues with thoughtfulness, not shortcuts. A centerpiece of the work involves returning the main kitchen to its former midcentury glory, honoring the home's original spirit while making it more functional for contemporary life. The family’s collaborative mindset and long-term commitment have set the tone for every phase of the work. This project honors the spirit of Eleanor Pettersen’s design while investing in the continued life of a home shaped not by trends, but by stewardship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1760035925766-VLB5929RV1VJJQ4Q39EB/image-asset.png Projects - Riverline Set on a gently sloping, five-acre site along Upstate New York’s Delaware River, this project began with a simple goal: to create a place of retreat that celebrates the landscape itself. The homeowners wanted a home that felt connected to its surroundings - a place where comfort comes from the quality of light, air, and materials rather than technology or scale. The design centers on five distinct outdoor zones, each framing a different experience of the land: from the open field and firepit overlooking the river valley to a quiet ridge shaded by tall grasses and wildflowers. The architecture reflects this same restraint. A compact, high-performance home built on a stilt foundation, it consolidates mechanical systems into a single efficient core. Materials were chosen to age gracefully in the region’s shifting seasons. Inside, spaces are flexible and deliberate. A simple strip kitchen anchors the main living area, while a small “rumpus room” offers a space for kids to play or watch movies when the days turn rainy. Every aspect of the project supports the homeowners’ goal: to build a resilient, low-impact home that invites people to slow down, explore the land, and feel connected to the rhythms of the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1763392895978-CPYBRGVWTWJD66P0L9AZ/PXL_20250926_145842449+%281%29.jpg Projects - High Bank Just north of New York City, there’s a belt of historic homes perched along the Hudson River, each one carrying a certain quiet grandeur. Brick facades, stucco and half-timbering, slate roofs weathered into deep blues and grays, and long views that stretch across the water. This home sits among them. More than a century old, it has great bones and a remarkable relationship to the landscape, but many of its past updates focused on utility rather than elevating the architecture or the way the family lives day to day. The new owners saw something different. They recognized the potential to restore the home’s character, honor its history, and shape its interior to match the beauty just beyond its windows. The first phase of work focuses on rethinking every bathroom in the house. The primary suite, with its generous footprint and dramatic natural light, offered the clearest opportunity. For years it was dominated by an oversized jacuzzi and a layout that didn’t reflect how the clients actually use the space. They came to Tight House with a vision that was both practical and personal: a room that supports their daily routines, feels calm and intentional, and matches the authenticity of the home. Although Tight House is often known for envelope-level transformations, this client sought us out specifically for our approach to intimate, ritual-driven spaces. They understood that the best bathrooms in historic homes are not simply about fixtures. They’re about proportion, movement, clarity, and materials that feel at home in a structure with a story. Future phases include a complete reimagining of the kitchen, building on the same ethos: align the home with its setting, its history, and the way this family wants to live for years to come. This project began with the clients’ vision. Tight House is here to bring it forward—thoughtfully, respectfully, and with a deep appreciation for the Hudson River landscape that shapes the home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1782416685102-NKUAIDRONE0JFXRK31BF/Exterior_Matterport.JPG Projects - Tuscan Hall Historic 1929 home overlooking a neighborhood park with deep roots in early American history. The original interior, while charming, hadn't evolved with how the family actually lived. The 1990s kitchen renovation left it disconnected from the dining room and sealed off from natural light. Storage was scattered and inefficient. The primary suite felt cramped for long-term comfort. The renovation opens the ground floor into a generous, light-filled kitchen that connects directly to the dining room for both everyday meals and entertaining. A new copper-screened addition extends the home's character outward, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living while respecting the home's architectural era. Thoughtful storage transforms the rear hallway into functional space for coats, bags, shoes, and the rhythms of family life. Closets, shelving, and an organized entry drop zone make the everyday transitions easier. Upstairs, the primary suite was reimagined with a new vestibule entry for privacy and generous closets positioned for acoustic buffer. A spacious bathroom was designed around accessibility and ease. The kind of space that serves you well whether you're 35 or 85. The result: a home that still honors its historic character but finally works the way a contemporary family needs it to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1784569526134-08H4VTCEDXM5V7T0AQL7/GIFFRAME2.gif Projects - KINSTEAD A family of four wanted to create a comfortable and dignified living space for an aging parent to join them as they grow older. Accessibility was a key concern, so we transformed the former dining room and already cramped kitchen into a ground-floor bedroom with a full ensuite bathroom—ensuring ease of access and daily comfort. This project was a renovation and addition to their 100-year-old home—an update that honors the character of the original structure while supporting modern life. The reconfiguration opened up new circulation, improving flow and framing beautiful views of a nearby state preserve. A previously winding basement stair was straightened, creating a clearer connection from the front door to the new heart of the home: the kitchen and dining areas. The family often envisioned hosting holidays and gatherings with loved ones. Now, they’ll have a space that welcomes both everyday life and special occasions—a home where extended family can stay comfortably and where casual summer evenings on the new deck will be framed by sunsets and connection. https://tighthouse.com/services-list daily 0.75 2024-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1724186299828-YD2A18CGO525PTI2D9A2/MatthiasHeiderich-082-2500x1875.jpg LANDING - 1. PRE-DESIGN Site analysis Programming Existing Conditions Budgeting Code Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1724186299828-YD2A18CGO525PTI2D9A2/MatthiasHeiderich-082-2500x1875.jpg LANDING - 1. PRE-DESIGN Site analysis Programming Existing Conditions Budgeting Code Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1724186299815-0YSZ1GI462X3XXIU8TZ5/unsplash-image-Mz0IgeTohME.jpg LANDING - PRE-DESIGN Site analysis Programming Existing Conditions Budgeting Code Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1724186196139-36D1AHG7E0HP0TGIQ9C6/MatthiasHeiderich-085.jpg LANDING - 2. SCHEMATIC DESIGN Concept Generation Massing Basic Design Code Compliance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1690852470577-XC8S9I0U8ZMBEKW5EV8Q/MatthiasHeiderich-081.jpg LANDING - 3. CONTRACTOR SELECTION Interview / Site Visit Bidding Contract Negotiation + Award Pricing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1690852353625-UWY7J7OB61L84LU8LU36/MatthiasHeiderich-084.jpg LANDING - 4. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Refinement of the design scheme More detail Basic Material Selections Budgeting Preliminary Permitting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/5c657308-9c32-4d10-9052-0dc8876cfb68/MatthiasHeiderich-083.jpg LANDING - 5. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS Detailed Drawings Schedules Specifications Permitting Budgeting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1724186883463-DCCG9TMRY2VF9ZG6CW3S/ShahDesign_DeertrotHouse_Rear-Night_Cropped.jpg LANDING - 6. CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION Observe Construction Administration of the Contract Shop drawing review Site visits + Quality Control https://tighthouse.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-07-21 https://tighthouse.com/blog/5-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-an-architect monthly 0.5 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1778522227039-CV2GH13UZSY23W5CCFL1/ChatGPT+Image+May+11%2C+2026%2C+01_56_57+PM.png Blog - 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-7-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-07-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1778346861113-L1ZOUX774OI36JY2FFY3/ChatGPT+Image+May+9%2C+2026%2C+01_14_12+PM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels (Part 7 of 7): Why Architects Love Remodels (And Why You Should Too) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-6-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/2dfdf0d8-1e8e-438a-9662-df8a683d7000/ChatGPT+Image+May+9%2C+2026%2C+01_11_04+PM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels: (Part 6 of 7): Common Remodel Priorities (What Actually Matters Most) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-5-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1776784014637-3WYN7Y5HS7RIW2SQDC7R/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+21%2C+2026%2C+11_06_27+AM.png Blog - Guide to Home Remodels (Part 5 of 7): Construction Phase Realities (Responsiveness and Adaptation) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-4-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1776783851291-WHVP1AN0V7W3JJYYY4A5/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+21%2C+2026%2C+11_03_46+AM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels (Part 4 of 7): The Remodel Design Process (Options, Efficiency, and Creative Constraints) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/13/guide-to-home-remodels-part-3-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1776635407019-IPH6QDU481HW52V33WU0/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+19%2C+2026%2C+05_49_51+PM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels (Part 3 of 7): How Architects Analyze Your Home (Before Design Begins) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-2-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/1776635315550-E81VBW1HOC60CXKKC8JE/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+19%2C+2026%2C+05_48_22+PM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels (Part 2 of 7): The Hidden Challenges of Remodeling (And Why It's Not Like New Construction) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/guide-to-home-remodels-part-1-of-7 monthly 0.5 2026-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/dd39ec48-c478-4fc4-aecc-6bff05e181e6/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+19%2C+2026%2C+05_45_22+PM.png Blog - Guide To Home Remodels (Part 1 of 7): Understanding Your Project Scope (Before You Hire Anyone) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/why-construction-administration-isnt-optional-and-why-you-shouldnt-skip-it monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/3961b6c7-47a2-4afb-8787-f2c833febb0f/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+19%2C+2026%2C+05_43_46+PM.png Blog - Why Construction Administration Isn't Optional (And Why You Shouldn't Skip It) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/what-an-architect-looks-for-when-walking-through-a-house monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/35982987-b0d0-4c68-8581-562969b500a5/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+19%2C+2026%2C+05_37_14+PM+%281%29.png Blog - What an Architect Looks for When Walking Through a House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/who-to-trust-and-who-to-ignore-when-buying-a-fixer-upper monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/6f02a4da-1e9d-4d0a-86f0-1bd3042723e5/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+13%2C+2026%2C+12_15_57+PM.png Blog - Who to Trust (And Who to Ignore) When Buying a Fixer-Upper - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/the-zoning-study-you-need-before-you-buy monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/d0d672c3-1152-41e5-89ef-630c75ec65c5/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+13%2C+2026%2C+12_13_15+PM.png Blog - The Zoning Study You Need Before You Buy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/why-construction-takes-longer-than-you-think monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/188cde62-7fa2-49cd-88d6-c6ca218695a7/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+13%2C+2026%2C+12_10_58+PM.png Blog - Why Construction Takes Longer Than You Think - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/what-construction-actually-costs-and-how-to-get-real-numbers monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/dae7a201-5250-43b2-8540-3da7459db0e0/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+13%2C+2026%2C+12_08_53+PM.png Blog - What Construction Actually Costs (And How to Get Real Numbers) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/2026/4/2/the-best-time-to-start-your-renovation-and-why-most-people-wait-too-long monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/3d21dd0b-b992-4a33-bf83-8bf6240d0790/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+13%2C+2026%2C+12_07_03+PM.png Blog - The Best Time to Start Your Renovation (And Why Most People Wait Too Long) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/renovating-how-long-you-plan-to-stay-changes-everything monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/b35cff5e-e554-4644-9b38-d641282a8f0e/ChatGPT+Image+Apr+2%2C+2026%2C+11_12_59+AM.png Blog - Renovating? How Long You Plan to Stay Changes Everything - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/what-does-an-architect-actually-do monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/b7c1b047-03cf-4d2d-a6fc-715d07fea06c/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+04_12_25+PM.png Blog - What Does an Architect Actually Do? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/things-to-know-before-starting-a-new-home-or-remodel-dont-align-construction-completion-with-major-life-events monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/37b96388-d52b-423b-b334-2e38ffcb106b/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+10_44_34+AM.png Blog - Things to Know Before Starting a New Home or Remodel (Part 5 of 5): Don't Align Construction Completion with Major Life Events - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/things-to-know-before-starting-a-new-home-or-remodel-ask-questions-along-the-way monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/0a353f4a-cc95-40e9-b1de-1b59b6b916d9/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+10_41_12+AM.png Blog - Things to Know Before Starting a New Home or Remodel (Part 4 of 5): Ask Questions Along the Way - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/things-to-know-before-starting-a-new-home-or-remodel-expect-the-unexpected monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/043c89f9-f8c0-4321-b869-e9658e5e9608/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+10_37_29+AM.png Blog - Things to Know Before Starting a New Home or Remodel (Part 3 of 5): Expect the Unexpected - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/things-to-know-before-starting-a-new-home-or-remodel-hiring-the-right-team monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/eef0bb46-3ba8-4a87-a830-50405b6e2116/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+10_33_54+AM.png Blog - Things to Know Before Starting a New Home or Remodel (Part 2 of 5): Hiring the Right Team - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/things-to-know-before-starting-a-new-home-or-remodel-understanding-the-process monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/319e0507-6d6e-40ca-ada4-3ae808c3d352/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+24%2C+2026%2C+10_28_02+AM.png Blog - Things to Know Before Starting a New Home or Remodel (Part 1 of 5): Understanding the Process - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/cost-saving-strategies-that-actually-matter monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/ca18bc8f-f654-423b-b68d-1bafc7945e70/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+19%2C+2026%2C+10_03_23+AM.png Blog - Cost-Saving Strategies That Actually Matter (And Have Nothing to Do With Cheaper Tiles) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/what-mistakes-do-homeowners-make-during-renovations monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/e3561e87-0313-40ed-8737-d6e252274695/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+11%2C+2026%2C+01_50_36+PM.png Blog - What Mistakes Do Homeowners Make During Renovations? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/what-is-the-first-step-in-a-home-renovation monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/bb864664-b792-41ff-bb0d-95f8eb3f4622/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+3%2C+2026%2C+12_51_31+PM.png Blog - What Is the First Step in a Home Renovation? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/how-much-should-you-budget-for-an-addition-in-nj monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/902c1246-4549-457b-b2b4-7d3d10e22973/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+3%2C+2026%2C+12_29_47+PM.png Blog - How Much Should You Budget for an Addition in NJ? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/blog/is-it-worth-renovating-a-house monthly 0.5 2026-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5adcddac266c0718ac9e077f/6ab8ab75-51d9-4621-9c1a-d006a5fb8f72/ChatGPT+Image+Jan+5%2C+2026%2C+10_32_45+AM.png Blog - Is It Worth Renovating a House? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tighthouse.com/new-cover-page-1 daily 0.75 2024-01-02 https://tighthouse.com/store daily 0.75 2024-04-23