Team
Chris Kiper
Lead Designer
For Chris, the journey began in 2006 at Yestermorrow Design Build School in Warren, VT. There he obtained a foundation in design principles, and a passion for sharing this craft with the world. A primarily self-taught designer, builder and metal fabricator, Chris operated Anomal Design + Fabrication in Montpelier, VT with a business partner from 2012 to 2017. Since then he has been focused on offering efficient and cost effective design services for residential clients across NH, ME, and VT.
Chris presented a talk at TEDx York Beach in 2023 about the significance of considering both the positive and negative impacts that designs can yield. He lives in York, ME where he mountain bikes around MT Agamenticus, attempts to surf, and enjoys nature and laughter with his three children and beautiful life partner, while working on an infinitely long punch list to complete a small home he designed and built for his family.
Andrew Frost
Designer
Andrew's career began in preservation carpentry, he dedicated his twenties to studying, repairing, and replicating historic buildings. His passion for pragmatic design and meticulous attention to detail flourished during this period. While immersed in a culture of craftsmanship, Andrew questioned the divergence of modern construction from its historical roots, this formed a desire to create enduring homes using contemporary materials and technology. Seizing an opportunity to study yacht design at the Landing School in Arundel, Maine, Andrew drew parallels between crafting efficient living spaces on sailboats and designing perfect modern homes. Andrew continues to hone his skills in carpentry by restoring an 1840s home in downtown South Berwick with his partner. He balances his love of craft with outdoor pursuits - whether mountain biking, camping, or canoeing along the Salmon Falls River.
Will Schebaum
Will approaches the world of design from a multi faceted vantage point. After studying whole systems philosophy, music and comparative religion at the University of Vermont, Will immersed himself in the Vermont building scene. A growing awareness of the ecological reality and humanity’s place in the larger biosphere helped curate a new path in residential carpentry. Upon arriving in Montpelier in 2009 will created Steeplechase Design & Build which operated for a number of years designing and building in the greater Winooski River watershed. Will also spent 5 years volunteering on the Montpelier Develop Review Board in addition to his local design/build pursuits. Ten years later saw the creation of Threshold Building and Design which over the course of a few years evolved into the Threshold Design of today. When not in the office, Will spends his time with his wonderful family, a piano, bike or the silence in the woods.
Designer / Building Consultant
A licensed structural engineer may be required for some projects depending on the design, needs of the builder, and/or local code enforcement. Examples of this would be complicated multi-elevation foundations, beams required to support very large wall openings, extreme cantilevers and assessment of existing structural systems.
Generally we can identify this early on in the project, and if a licensed engineer is needed we’ll prepare drawings to convey the project parameters, introduce you to an engineer in our network, and work with them to seamlessly continue the process.
Alternatively, if you have a preferred engineering firm, we’re happy to collaborate with them as well.
Structural Engineering
True interior design is a specialty craft, and we recognize that some clients may desire to work with a professional that can envision and curate spaces, drawing from deep experience in the field. In may cases, the style and concept of the interior space unfolds during our design process and during construction, as materials, finishes, fixtures and appliances are picked out and specified with the builder. We’re very good at providing floor plan and layout options, but we aren’t trying to be interior designers. In the event your project requires a professional, we have a rich network of great designers we can recommend and collaborate with - or bring your person and we’ll work together to bring the project together.
Interior Design
It goes without saying that for myriad reasons, thoughtful consideration of energy consumption is a cornerstone of building design, now and into the future. Energy System Design relates to any of the following: renewable energy sources (solar), energy storage (batteries), energy-efficient appliances, insulation, home automation, HVAC systems, energy management systems, water heating, energy monitoring, and building orientation. Reflective Designworks employs best practices for all the above included in our process. For those seeking a super high-performance home, specialized systems like photovoltaic solar and energy recovery systems, we would recommend consulting with an industry professional who can advice on the details of these complicated yet worthwhile investments.
Energy System Design
Construction Administration, or Construction Observation, is the service of monitoring the phases of a construction project to ensure that what is built represents what was intended in the design. This role can also encompass Project Management and Owner’s Representative duties as defined and needed by the homeowner. The vast majority of our projects do not require this service, and rely on a successful handoff from us the designers, to the General Contractor.
In the event you are embarking on a large project, or aren’t available to oversee project details, or just want someone to keep track of the schedule, budget and scope, we can perform this in-house or recommend a qualified professional.
Construction Administration
Landscape Design and Architecture is another very specialized profession that can’t be faked. We are happy to give high-level suggestions on the general concept for the exterior improvements and landscaping, but an experienced designer should be consulted for any type of detailed plan that involves specie selection, soil science, blooming succession, tree health, hardscape design, rain gardens, pond construction, etc. More importantly, a qualified professional will unify all of this information and these decisions into a cohesive site plan that enhances the beauty of the property, while stacking mutually beneficial biological functions that promote resilient gardens and plant health. In the event a Landscape Architect is required, we have trusted recommendations.