Business Details
Sustainable Architectural Design in Saranac Lake
Black Mountain Architecture is a dedicated team of designers committed to creating harmonious connections between people and the natural landscape in and around Saranac Lake. Founded by Principal Architect Jesse Schwartzberg, a local expert, we combine over two decades of regional experience with advanced expertise in building science, LEED, and Passive House standards to deliver sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Our deep understanding of Adirondack code requirements and longstanding relationships with town officials, engineers, and contractors ensure seamless project execution.We prioritize environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and joyful, enduring design solutions for residential, commercial, and community projects. From initial concept to construction completion, our collaborative approach balances budget, schedule, and performance goals while navigating permitting and planning phases with exceptional service.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
Passive House Design
Community Projects
Building Science Consultation
Code Compliance Guidance
Project Permitting Assistance
Construction Phase Management
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of Adirondack architectural expertise
- Our staff includes LEED and Passive House certified professionals
- We maintain trusted relationships with local officials and contractors
- We provide tailored sustainability solutions for energy efficiency goals
- We balance budget, design intent, and regulatory compliance seamlessly
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Passive House
Services
Residential Design
Creating custom homes that blend with Adirondack landscapes while meeting modern energy standards. Our approach combines regional code knowledge with sustainable materials and passive design principles. Clients benefit from 20+ years of local experience and LEED-certified expertise in crafting functional, beautiful living spaces.
Commercial Architecture
Designing energy-efficient commercial buildings that support economic vitality in Saranac Lake. We specialize in integrating passive house principles with practical business requirements while ensuring compliance with regional regulations. Our team guides clients through zoning challenges and sustainable material selection for lasting impact.
Sustainable Design
Implementing proven strategies for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility across all project types. This includes LEED certification pathways, passive solar design, and locally sourced materials. Our deep understanding of Adirondack climate conditions ensures optimal performance while maintaining aesthetic harmony with natural surroundings.
Project Permitting Assistance
Navigating Adirondack Park Agency regulations and local zoning codes with expert guidance. We streamline approvals through established relationships with officials and a thorough understanding of regional requirements. This ensures timely progress while maintaining design integrity and sustainability goals for residential and commercial developments.
Construction Phase Management
Providing continuous support during construction to maintain quality, budget, and schedule. Our team coordinates with contractors, monitors material sourcing, and ensures adherence to energy efficiency specifications. This hands-on approach guarantees that final results match design intent while meeting all performance targets.
People
Jesse Schwartzberg
Founding Principal / Creative Director
A Saranac Lake native with over 20 years of regional architectural experience, Jesse leads design initiatives that harmonize built environments with Adirondack landscapes. His expertise in LEED standards and passive house design shapes the firm's sustainability focus while maintaining strong community ties.
Kimberly Schwartzberg
Communications Director
Managing the firm's outreach and client relations, Kimberly ensures clear communication between design teams and stakeholders. Her background in architectural communications enhances project transparency and client understanding of sustainability goals throughout the design process.
Kristen Starheim
Production Manager / Project Lead
Overseeing project execution from concept to completion, Kristen applies 15 years of technical expertise to maintain design integrity during construction. She specializes in code compliance and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver energy-efficient buildings that meet regional standards.
Michael Laramee
Technical Lead
Michael ensures structural soundness and technical precision across all projects. His deep knowledge of building science supports the implementation of passive house principles while maintaining compliance with Adirondack Park Agency regulations for both new constructions and renovations.
Therese Kowalczyk
Interiors Lead
Designing interior spaces that reflect each project's sustainability goals, Therese combines functional requirements with aesthetic appeal. Her work emphasizes local materials and energy-conscious layouts that enhance occupant comfort while minimizing environmental impact in residential and commercial settings.
Questions
What areas do you serve for architectural projects?
We specialize in projects throughout Saranac Lake and the broader Adirondack region, where our deep knowledge of local regulations and climate conditions ensures optimal results.
Can you help achieve LEED certification for new buildings?
Our team includes LEED-certified professionals who guide clients through the certification process while integrating sustainable practices that exceed standard energy efficiency requirements.
How do you handle complex zoning regulations?
With over 20 years of experience in the Adirondacks, we maintain strong relationships with town officials and have extensive knowledge of regional code requirements for streamlined approvals.
What project types do you handle beyond architecture?
While architecture is our core focus, we provide comprehensive support through related disciplines including sustainable design consultation, material selection, and construction phase coordination.
Can you work with smaller-scale renovation projects?
We apply our expertise to projects of all sizes, from single-family homes to large community developments, ensuring the same attention to sustainability and regional context.
Do you offer post-construction support services?
We provide full lifecycle support from initial concept through construction completion, including performance evaluations to ensure buildings meet energy efficiency targets over time.
