
Carol A. Morrissette, Principal
Maine Licensed Architect
Email – carol@resdesstudio.com
Studio – 207.699.4184
Mobile – 207.671.7965
WHO WE ARE
Today, Carol remains sole owner of the Studio and is supported by a wonderfully talented staff. RDS still partners with their colleagues who are âon their ownâ and with large firms, so that we can meet any challenge set forth, with the best possible professional fit for our clients.  Carol is the lead designer of the Studio and remains involved with her clients throughout the entire design and construction processâeven when another member of RDS manages the project, Carolâs is the face you will see at every design meeting.
Our projects have been featured on Houzz
Designs for how you live, not just where you live.
SOME OF OUR WORK
Few things are more exciting than all of the possibilities available when you acquire a vacant piece of land. RDS helps you organize all of those possibilities into a manageable set of priorities. And those priorities become what will inform every design decision throughout the design and construction process.
One of the most oft heard comments after the completion of a renovation project is, âWhy didnât we do this years ago?!â RDS helps their clients determine what works in their existing home or building, based on the way they currently live in and use the space. We help them determine what should be changed to provide a more accurate expression of their priorities. Sometimes the extra square footage of an addition is not the right solution, but a renovation may be.
Although weâre called Residential Design Studio, yes, we do commercial work, too! Our name stems from the experience of the design process we have with all of our clients. We design spaces and experiences in which our clients live, work, and use that reaches beyond simply being functional and nice looking; our designs articulate our clientsâ priorities. We bring the intimate understanding of our clients needs and priorities into our commercial designs, just as we do our residential work.
RDS offers a variety of zoning and feasibility study service packages, two of which are detailed, below.  The labyrinth of Shoreland, Local, and State Codes and Ordinances required to navigate for jurisdictional approvals may seem daunting, but RDS has the experience to deftly guide their clients through the process. With Carolâs 20+ years of experience preparing and presenting to Approval Boards, along with her service on the City of Portlandâs Planning Board, she knows the questions to ask and of whom to ask, minimizing surprises during the approvals process. This detailed knowledge for your project allows for a thoroughly prepared team when it comes time for public hearings.
on how you should allocate your budget in the wisest way possible to reach your goals. Â
To respect everyoneâs privacy, photographs of some projects are only shown during face to face meetings. Â
OUR DESIGN PROCESS
The Meeting
The initial meeting with RDS typically involves Carol meeting with you on your site.  She will ask a lot of questions about your project, about you, and about how involved in the process you want to be. You will discuss a wide range of topics as it is a very fluid meeting! As a result, Carol starts to establish an elementary understanding of your priorities, which, in turn, assists her in assembling the best possible team to achieve your goals.  At the conclusion of our initial meeting, a second meeting is scheduled to review the proposal for design services that we will generate.
The Ideas
The ideas we present as design solutions for your project are a direct interpretation of our understanding of the way you want to live and use your spaceâwhat is important to you. We provide more insight and depth than simple space planning by helping you understand what drives every design decision we make together. We believe in working as a team as we strive, together, to embody your ideals in the built environment.
The Product
Yes, RDS provides âdesign servicesâ but we believe âdesignâ is an experience. Anyone who has lived through a construction project knows how many decisions must be made and how stressful it can be. We aim to make the entire experience enjoyable, from start (tracing paper) to finish (open house party).  The only way to do that is through honest, hard work on our part, a solid understanding of your goals, and communicating those goals through a detailed approach to a holistic process. Combined with our experience, knowledge, and thoughtfulness, we are confident that we can deliver a project youâll love.
Speak with Carol about your project today. The options are limitless!
Design Worth Experiencing
Contact Residential Design Studio
Residential Design Studio, LLC
21 Chestnut Street, Unit 506
Portland, Maine 04101
