Happy New Year from all of us at David Matero Architecture! We enjoyed a great year thanks to our wonderful clients, consultants, and talented contractors. 2025 brought us some new clients as well as some who David worked with 20 years ago and are back for more. Allison joined the Wiscasset Planning Board, Alex joined the Bath Board of Assessment, Scott visited his daughter in Colorado, and Sophi visits her niece all over the country it seemed. David just sits around waiting for the Hearts of Pine season to start again. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2026!

The outline of the Maine Branch Yoga Barn is complete so we now have a real sense of the amazing size and space of the entertaining area; and you can see the large framed window openings in the photo. Although ledge was found during excavation, just enough room was left in the crawl space for mechanicals. Construction is ongoing by Chartier Building and Remodeling.

DMA is turning a two-story 450 sf work shed into a guest studio. The main house has just two bedrooms and we managed to add 6 sleeping berths and a bathroom to this shed. The second floor has a bunk bed and queen size bed with custom headboard that adds much-needed storage. Construction this year by Oceanside Builders.

We invited the UpBeet Ginger to our office party again this year. Jessica is renovating her Portland space for a teaching and prep kitchen for her catering business that we designed. This year's meal included tuna crudo, butternut squash soup, and braised short ribs. David mixed cocktails as he prepared to bartend for his friend's annual Christmas party the following evening. DMA highly recommends the UpBeet Ginger if you have need of a private chef for dinner.

A complicated foundation is complete at the Gnome Home. Due to restrictions and setbacks, the design meanders along the coast with house blocks at various angles to take advantage of views of the Kennebec River. The space between allows design features like living roofs, hot tub, and covered grilling area. Construction by Chartier Building and Remodeling.

David spent a day catching up on his remaining learning units needed each year for his architects license at the AIA Maine conference. This year it was held at beautiful Congregation Bet Ha'am in Portland, designed by Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe in 2008. A great opportunity to be inspired by the architecture and various speakers and presentations.