PREMIER ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES IN MAINE

Architecture as enduring as the coast.

Merriam Architecture, LLC is a full-service practice in Rockland, ME, dedicated to innovative, functional, and sustainable design. We blend contemporary vision with timeless coastal craftsmanship for residential and

Explore Our Work

Scroll to explore our portfolio and design

SELECTED WORK

Transforming visions into high-performance

The Penobscot

Coastal Residential

New Construction • CustomA refined family home overlooking the bay, designed to withstand the coastal elements while providing an open, light-filled environmentLocated in the heart of the North American / Coastal New England region, the Penobscot project was an exercise in environmental harmony. The client requested a home that felt both protective and transparent. We responded with a design featuring thick granite foundations and a sweeping copper roofline that mirrors the horizon. The interior layout centers on a• Campaign Design

Minimal monochrome visuals, bold typography, and soft gradients for a new audio brand. I designed the

Oasis Audio approached me at the pre-launch stage with a clear vision: to position themselves as the refined alternative in a crowded headphone market. The challenge was to create a brand system that felt premium without being pretentious, and minimal without being cold. I developed a complete visual language built around high contrast, precise typography, and gradient-based motion

Architectural sketch of a modern shingle-style home being drawn by hand with a fountain pen. The drawing is precise and elegant, showcasing craft in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Architectural sketch of a modern shingle-style home being drawn by hand with a fountain pen. The drawing is precise and elegant, showcasing craft in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Inside a light-filled living room of a coastal home, looking out through expansive glass windows toward the Atlantic Ocean. The interior features white oak floors and slate fireplace, North American / Coastal New England.
Inside a light-filled living room of a coastal home, looking out through expansive glass windows toward the Atlantic Ocean. The interior features white oak floors and slate fireplace, North American / Coastal New England.
Close-up detail of a shingle-style roof and copper guttering on a coastal home. The craftsmanship is precise and traditional, captured in a bright North American / Coastal New England morning light.
Close-up detail of a shingle-style roof and copper guttering on a coastal home. The craftsmanship is precise and traditional, captured in a bright North American / Coastal New England morning light.

Main St. Lofts

Historic Commercial

Adaptive Reuse • StructuralA transformative project in downtown Rockland that revitalized a neglected brick structureThe Main Street Lofts project required a deep understanding of Rockland's industrial heritage. We worked closely with the local planning board to ensure the new facade elements complemented the surrounding historic district while introducing modern energy standards. The renovation included a complete seismic retrofit and the installation of large, steel-framed windows that mimic the• Brand Guidelines

A tactile, almost analog-feeling product identity for a digital-first brand. Clean

Dune Devices wanted to bring back the joy of focused listening in an age of distraction. Their portable music player needed a brand identity that honored analog tactility while embracing digital precision. I built a system around geometric simplicity, restrained color (black, white, one accent), and ultra-clear iconography. The

Close-up of a weathered stone wall and traditional wooden gate on an estate in Maine. The textures are rich and detailed, reflecting North American / Coastal New England heritage.
Close-up of a weathered stone wall and traditional wooden gate on an estate in Maine. The textures are rich and detailed, reflecting North American / Coastal New England heritage.
Exterior evening photograph of a historic Rockland brick building that has been renovated with modern black steel window frames, North American / Coastal New England.
Exterior evening photograph of a historic Rockland brick building that has been renovated with modern black steel window frames, North American / Coastal New England.
A high-contrast photograph of a modern office building interior in Maine, featuring minimalist steel structures and large open spaces filled with natural light, North American / Coastal New England.
A high-contrast photograph of a modern office building interior in Maine, featuring minimalist steel structures and large open spaces filled with natural light, North American / Coastal New England.

Harbor Point

Master Site Planning

Zoning • InfrastructureA comprehensive master plan for a multi-use coastal development, prioritizing public access,The Harbor Point Master Plan was a complex undertaking involving five acres of waterfront land. Our goal was to create a cohesive community hub that felt like a natural part of the North American / Coastal New England shoreline. We designed a network of pedestrian-friendly paths, rain gardens for stormwater management, and building envelopes that maximize views without disrupting the local• Packaging Design

Subtle, light-driven photography and a quiet typographic system to position Opal as a calm,commerce visuals.

Opal came to me with a clear ask: their skincare line was gentle, effective, and ingredient-focused, but their visual identity felt generic and overlooked. I redesigned everything from the ground up, starting with a new logotype that felt softer and more considered. The photography direction emphasized natural light and minimal styling—no aggressive shadows or clinical backdrops. I

A stunning dusk shot of the Rockland harbor with the lighthouse in the distance, setting the atmospheric tone for Maine architectural context, North American / Coastal New England region.
A stunning dusk shot of the Rockland harbor with the lighthouse in the distance, setting the atmospheric tone for Maine architectural context, North American / Coastal New England region.
A detailed architectural site plan and master map for a coastal estate, spread across a wooden drafting table with architectural rulers and pencils, captured in the North American / Coastal New England region. The drawing shows meticulous landscape integration.
A detailed architectural site plan and master map for a coastal estate, spread across a wooden drafting table with architectural rulers and pencils, captured in the North American / Coastal New England region. The drawing shows meticulous landscape integration.
A low-angle shot of a custom-designed coastal home at night, with interior lights casting a warm glow on the surrounding pine trees and granite ledges in the North American / Coastal New England region.
A low-angle shot of a custom-designed coastal home at night, with interior lights casting a warm glow on the surrounding pine trees and granite ledges in the North American / Coastal New England region.

All projects managed end-to-end by Merriam Architecture, LLC — Rockland, ME.

ABOUT

Architectural Vision for the Maine

Led by Manager Darby C Urey, Merriam Architecture is a Rockland-based practice dedicated to timeless design. We believe that architecture should be as enduring as the Maine landscape itself, blending innovative modern thinking with a

Our work spans from private shoreline retreats to complex commercial redevelopments. We focus on a collaborative process, working closely with clients and local craftsmen to ensure every project is executed with meticulous

SKILLS

Architecture • Master Planning • Historic Restoration • 3D Visualization • Construction Admin • Revit •• Product Design • UI/UX • Packaging Design • Art Direction • Figma • Photoshop

Exterior shot of the Merriam Architecture office in Rockland, Maine, a charming historic building with a modern glass entrance, set in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Exterior shot of the Merriam Architecture office in Rockland, Maine, a charming historic building with a modern glass entrance, set in the North American / Coastal New England region.

EXPERIENCE

Firm

Merriam Architecture

Rockland, ME

New England Coastal

Residential & Commercial

Established

Rockland

2018-24

2010-17

The Design Team

Under the leadership of Darby C Urey, our firm brings together a talented group of architects and specialists dedicated to design excellence.

A professional architectural portrait of Darby C Urey standing in a sunlit Rockland studio, surrounded by architectural models and sketches. The atmosphere is grounded and sophisticated, North American / Coastal New England region.
A professional architectural portrait of Darby C Urey standing in a sunlit Rockland studio, surrounded by architectural models and sketches. The atmosphere is grounded and sophisticated, North American / Coastal New England region.
Portrait of a lead architect in a minimalist workspace, wearing professional attire and looking thoughtfully at a 3D architectural visualization. North American / Coastal New England setting.
Portrait of a lead architect in a minimalist workspace, wearing professional attire and looking thoughtfully at a 3D architectural visualization. North American / Coastal New England setting.
Portrait of a construction administrator in a hard hat reviewing blueprints on a bustling site in Rockland, Maine. The background shows a timber frame under construction, North American / Coastal New England.
Portrait of a construction administrator in a hard hat reviewing blueprints on a bustling site in Rockland, Maine. The background shows a timber frame under construction, North American / Coastal New England.
Darby C Urey

Manager / Architect

With over 15 years of experience in New England architecture, Darby leads the firm with a focus on enduring craft and modern sustainability.

Julian Thorne

Design Lead

Julian focuses on contemporary residential forms, bringing a modern edge to traditional Maine architecture with a focus on sustainable materials.

Marcus Chen

Structural Specialist

Marcus ensures our designs are as technically sound as they are beautiful, focusing on durability in Maine's demanding coastal climate.

A candid shot of a design meeting in a sun-drenched office. Architects are gesturing toward a model of a new commercial waterfront development in the North American / Coastal New England region.
A candid shot of a design meeting in a sun-drenched office. Architects are gesturing toward a model of a new commercial waterfront development in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Portrait of a female designer in a bright studio, holding a sample of local Maine granite and a piece of weathered wood, considering material palettes for a project in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Portrait of a female designer in a bright studio, holding a sample of local Maine granite and a piece of weathered wood, considering material palettes for a project in the North American / Coastal New England region.
Portrait of a female architect reviewing a 3D model on a large monitor in a professional design firm. The setting is clean and modern, in the North American / Coastal New England style.
Portrait of a female architect reviewing a 3D model on a large monitor in a professional design firm. The setting is clean and modern, in the North American / Coastal New England style.
Elena Rossi

Project Coordinator

Elena manages the logistics of each project, ensuring that communication between clients, contractors, and our design team is seamless and efficient.

Sam Bennett

3D Visualizer

Sam uses cutting-edge technology to create the renderings and walkthroughs that help our clients see their projects in stunning detail before ground is broken.

Lisa Greene

Office Manager

Lisa is the heart of our Masonic Street studio, handling all client inquiries and ensuring our practice runs as smoothly as our design process.

Close-up of a pair of architectural compasses resting on a set of blueprints. In the background, a window reveals a foggy morning in a Rockland, Maine harbor, North American / Coastal New England.
Close-up of a pair of architectural compasses resting on a set of blueprints. In the background, a window reveals a foggy morning in a Rockland, Maine harbor, North American / Coastal New England.

PROCESS

A transparent path to your finished space

We follow a structured, five-step architectural process that ensures clarity, quality, and total alignment from day one.

STEP 1

Initial Consultation

We meet to define your goals and functional needs, establishing a clear project brief and a shared vision for the architecture.

STEP 2

Planning &

We conduct thorough site studies and master planning to ensure the project is viable and perfectly oriented for

STEP 3

Architectural Design

We develop detailed plans, elevations, and 3D visualizations that bring your architectural vision to life with

STEP 4

3D Visualization

Using advanced 3D modeling, we create immersive visualizations that allow you to walk through your space before construction begins.

STEP 5

Construction Admin

We provide comprehensive oversight during the build, ensuring every detail of the design is executed with precision and

View Our Process
An architect's workspace featuring a laptop showing a complex 3D building model, a cup of coffee, and a view of Rockland's historic brick architecture through the window. North American / Coastal New England.
An architect's workspace featuring a laptop showing a complex 3D building model, a cup of coffee, and a view of Rockland's historic brick architecture through the window. North American / Coastal New England.

SERVICES

End-to-end Design Excellence

From the first feasibility study to the final construction inspection, we offer professional services tailored to your project's specific

Custom Design

Tailored residential and commercial architecture that blends contemporary vision with Maine's enduring coastal character and local materials.

Start a Project

Master Planning

Strategic site analysis and long-term planning for commercial developments and large estates, ensuring functional and beautiful land use.

Historic Renovation

Sensitive restoration of heritage buildings, updating systems and functionality while preserving the architectural soul of the

3D Visualization

Photorealistic renderings and virtual tours that help you visualize every detail of the design, assisting in the decision-making

Ready to start? Contact us today to schedule your initial design consultation in

PORTFOLIO

Notable projects in the New England

A sleek, modern bathroom design featuring a soaking tub positioned next to a window with a view of a snowy pine forest in Maine. The aesthetic is clean and refined, North American / Coastal New England.
A sleek, modern bathroom design featuring a soaking tub positioned next to a window with a view of a snowy pine forest in Maine. The aesthetic is clean and refined, North American / Coastal New England.
A kitchen interior featuring dark slate countertops, light oak cabinetry, and a large farmhouse sink. The design is a blend of rustic and modern, typical of high-end North American / Coastal New England homes.
A kitchen interior featuring dark slate countertops, light oak cabinetry, and a large farmhouse sink. The design is a blend of rustic and modern, typical of high-end North American / Coastal New England homes.
A boutique hotel lobby in Maine featuring local stone, reclaimed wood, and large windows overlooking a harbor. The interior is refined and sophisticated, reflecting a North American / Coastal New England aesthetic.
A boutique hotel lobby in Maine featuring local stone, reclaimed wood, and large windows overlooking a harbor. The interior is refined and sophisticated, reflecting a North American / Coastal New England aesthetic.
The Ledges

Coastal

Custom Home • GraniteA high-performance residence built directly into the rocky shoreline, utilizing geothermalDigital Design • Pitch Materials

Abstract geometric identity with bold typography for a developer tools company. Created

Portland Historic

Adaptive Reuse Project

Restoration • Urban Living • Brickwork

A careful restoration of a 19th-century maritime warehouse into luxury loft apartments, preserving the original North American / Coastal New England character.

Maine Maritime

Commercial Headquarter

Architecture • Interior • Branding

A state-of-the-art operational hub for a shipping firm, combining industrial durability with sophisticated office design in the North American / Coastal New England region.

Full

"Darby's vision for our coastal home was incredible. The design feels like it has been part of the Maine landscape for a hundred years."

Thomas Reed

Residential Client

"The attention to detail in our historic renovation was unparalleled. Meticulous craftsmanship and deep respect for our

Ellen P.

Heritage Foundation Director

"Merriam Architecture transformed our outdated office into a high-performance space that perfectly suits our team's operational needs."

Sarah Vance

CEO, Atlantic Logistics

CLIENT REVIEWS

Trust and partnership from the Maine

250+

Architectural projects

98%

Client satisfaction rate

15

Years of

A collection of high-end architectural materials: a piece of polished granite, a sample of dark slate, a swatch of navy wool, and a light oak wood block, arranged neatly on a gray background.
A collection of high-end architectural materials: a piece of polished granite, a sample of dark slate, a swatch of navy wool, and a light oak wood block, arranged neatly on a gray background.

ANSWERS

Architectural Design FAQs

What services do you offer?

We provide full architectural services, including feasibility, master planning, custom design, historic renovation, and construction administration.

How do we begin a project together?

We start with a design consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. Contact our Rockland office to schedule a meeting.

Where are you located?

Our studio is located at 10 Masonic Street in Rockland, Maine. We serve clients throughout the New England coast and inland areas.

Contact Our Office

START A CONVERSATION

Ready to build your coastal legacy?

Whether you are planning a custom home, a historic renovation, or a commercial development, we are here to guide you through every architectural step. Reach out to discuss your project in Rockland or beyond.