Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Saranac Lake, NY
Black Mountain Architecture is a creative architectural firm based in Saranac Lake, dedicated to designing human habitats that harmonize with the natural Adirondack landscape. Our team, led by Principal Architect Jesse Schwartzberg, combines high-caliber design with technical expertise in building science, LEED, and Passive House standards to deliver sustainable residential, commercial, and community projects. We prioritize environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and joyful user experiences, leveraging deep local knowledge of Adirondack code requirements and zoning regulations.Our five-phase design process ensures meticulous attention to detail, from initial visioning through construction administration, while fostering collaborative relationships with trusted local contractors and consultants. With decades of combined experience, we guide clients through every stage of their projects, balancing budget, schedule, and performance goals to create functional, beautiful spaces that endure for generations.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Design Process
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of Adirondack-specific architectural expertise
- Our team holds advanced certifications in LEED and Passive House design
- We maintain trusted relationships with local contractors and officials
- Our integrated design process reduces construction-phase errors by 40%
- We provide continuous client guidance from concept through completion
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that blend with the natural environment while meeting modern living standards. Our designs prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable materials. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of Adirondack architectural vernacular and local building codes.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that enhance business operations while respecting environmental contexts. We incorporate energy-efficient systems and durable materials tailored to commercial needs.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in LEED and Passive House certified designs that minimize environmental impact. Our approach combines advanced building science with practical solutions for energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Construction Administration
We provide continuous construction phase support, ensuring designs are implemented correctly. Our services include site visits, contractor coordination, and quality control to maintain design integrity throughout construction.
Design Process
Our five-phase methodology ensures thorough project development from concept to completion. We guide clients through visioning, design refinement, technical documentation, and implementation with regular progress checkpoints.
People
Jesse Schwartzberg
Founding Principal / Creative Director
Jesse Schwartzberg, a Saranac Lake native, leads with 25+ years of Adirondack architectural experience. He specializes in sustainable design and has completed over 150 regional projects, blending local traditions with modern innovation.
Kimberly Schwartzberg
Communications Director
Kimberly Schwartzberg manages client communications and project coordination. With a background in environmental design, she ensures clear information flow between clients, designers, and contractors throughout project lifecycles.
Betsy Davison
Office & Operations Manager
Betsy Davison oversees daily operations and client relations. Her 15 years in architectural administration ensure smooth project management and efficient office operations that support client service excellence.
Kristen Starheim
Production Manager
Kristen Starheim leads project execution with technical expertise in construction documentation. She ensures design accuracy in drawing sets and coordinates with engineers to maintain technical precision throughout the design process.
Katie Culp
Project Lead
Katie Culp manages client projects from concept to completion. Her background in sustainable materials and energy-efficient design helps clients achieve their environmental goals while maintaining budgetary constraints.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential, commercial, and community design with expertise in sustainable building practices and Adirondack region requirements.
How does your design process work?
Our five-phase process includes Predesign, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration for comprehensive project oversight.
Do you handle green building certifications?
Yes, we have extensive experience with LEED and Passive House standards to meet rigorous sustainability goals.
Can you work with local contractors?
We maintain relationships with trusted local contractors and professionals to ensure smooth project execution.
How do you handle permitting requirements?
We navigate Adirondack Park Agency, DEC, and local zoning regulations to streamline your project's permitting process.
Reviews (2)
Srinivas Shilagani
Oct 29, 2019
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Extremely paranoid about retainers agreement. Wanted 100% of money upfront. Feels unprofessional and naive. Inspite of agreeing to his terms on the phone and committing he will do the project sends an email that he cannot do it. Did not feel like he knew the village codes well as he was asking me the codes. Did not provide any insight. Asked for 10hrs @140/hr upfront commitment just to answer if a house can be built with no site plans or any official documents. Inspite of telling money is not an issue Jessie bailed out. Feels like he is fairly new and takes easy projects only.
Andrew Schuster
Oct 07, 2019
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Jesse is awesome! He's a deep thinking and creative architect who understands energy issues better than almost any other designer I've met. His previous background as a carpenter shows through his ability to look at the details.
