Timber Frame Consultants, LLC

Deerfield Design

Paul G. Patterson, owner of Deerfield Design since 1988, got his start in timber framed home design as a part-time draftsman while studying for his Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. He chose to stay with residential design specializing in post & beam and timber frame construction and worked with several well known manufacturers before launching his own design company.

Since that time Deerfield Design has worked for many clients who wanted to design and specify before selecting a timber frame supplier or builder. Consulting to manufacturers to help with brochure design, renderings and to design for their clients has also been an important part of the business over the last 19 years.

Attractive design is only one part of the services offered. A spreadsheet has evolved over the years that allows clients to have an early "reality check" for the possible costs of their proposed project. By specifying all aspects of the project based on only preliminary plans and providing a cost estimate for each element of construction and finish it is much easier to plan a project that will be both attractive and affordable.

There have been many custom "hybrid" projects as the technology of insulation and energy efficiency have evolved. This project in northern Vermont was built with a traditional timber frame for the main section along with structural insulating panels for the roof while all the walls and the roofs over each wing were framed with conventional lumber and fiberglass insulation.

Structural insulating panels (sips) have been used for the entire structure of homes for many years but this project on the Connecticut shore used a timber frame center support structure to replace the usual hidden plywood beams resulting in a very efficient and beautiful interior. The owners hired Deerfield Design to provide drawings under the guidance of Al Rossetto whose experience building the "most energy efficient home ever built in Vermont" helped to make this a very green home indeed. You can learn more about the features Al incorporates into his homes in the Archive of Articles on this website and on his write up in the builder section of Timber Frame Consultants.

Timber Frame Consultants, LLC was started in 2005 by Patterson as a way to expand his reach to homeowners and builders interested in post & beam or timber frame construction for their new homes or additions. It is a complicated, many faceted subject and it helps to have an advocate in the early planning stages to provide information and guidance. There are now industry professionals in all aspects of design, construction and supply who offer to help homeowners and builders gain the knowledge they need through the Timber Frame Consultants website.