A Vision for Home Renovation in Vermont - Volansky Studio transforms outdated homes into beautiful, functional spaces
05/15/2025 12:07PM ● By EMILY PARKER
In Vermont’s dynamic housing landscape, renovation is emerging as an essential solution for homeowners seeking to adapt and thrive. Volansky Studio , based in Stowe, has built its reputation around transforming outdated, inefficient, or underperforming homes into beautiful, functional, and highly personalized spaces. Led by principal architect Andrew Volansky, the studio specializes in architectural design that balances creativity, structure, and sustainability.
In collaboration with their client, the firm recently
reimagined a former blacksmith shop in Stowe Village .Rebuilt and renovated with contemporary
gestures, the mixed-use building contains residential
and retail spaces.As the demand for thoughtful renovation continues to grow, Volansky Studio stands out for its collaborative approach, client- focused design process, and commitment to reviving homes in a way that enhances both aesthetics and long-term livability.
former blacksmith shop in Stowe VillageA RENOVATION DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN POSSIBILITY
Every renovation project begins with a question: What’s possible? For Andrew and his team, that question opens the door to dramatic reinvention, even within the constraints of existing walls, foundations, and structural challenges.
A well-loved vacation home in need of structural
upgrades was transformed into the tree house–
inspired wonder, with views and modernization of
materials, inviting the owners to relax. Take, for example, a ski chalet the studio recently reimagined. The original home was not only outdated, but structurally compromised, with a roof system that failed to meet Vermont’s snow load standards and a damaged insulated perimeter that made the home drafty and inefficient to heat. Rather than simply repair what was broken, the Volansky team saw an opportunity to reinvent the home. The result was a treehouse-inspired third floor, and a completely transformed exterior, giving the home new energy, new purpose, and a distinctive modern identity.
SOLVING RENOVATION PROBLEMS WITH SMART DESIGN
While every project is different, many of the challenges Volansky Studio encounters are universal. “Space is one of the biggest hurdles in renovation work,” Andrew explains. “In new construction, you can adjust the layout freely. In renovation, you’re often solving design problems within a fixed framework.”
One kitchen project showcases that ingenuity. Limited by the existing floor plan, the team reworked the layout to include multiple work zones, making the space more accommodating for a household with multiple cooks. Strategic features, such as placing a beverage fridge just outside the kitchen, helped improve flow and functionality without moving a single wall.
Volansky Studio renovated a 70s ski condo,
creating spaces that work more with the needs
of today's lifestyle, visually and functionally, while
staying within the confines of the structure.RESPECTING A PROPERTY'S HISTORIC PAST WHILE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Renovating historic properties presents a unique challenge, one that Volansky Studio . When working on a former blacksmith shop located in a historic district, the team took extra care to preserve the building’s heritage while introducing modern amenities.
“We always start with a thorough analysis,” Andrew says. “That often includes working closely with structural engineers and consulting with local historical preservation groups. Our goal is to honor the original character while making the space livable by today’s standards.”
This philosophy has helped the studio gain
trust among clients who want to preserve
a sense of place while modernizing their
homes. Whether it’s updating aging
structures or designing additions that
blend seamlessly with the original structure,
each project benefits from the team’s
technical skill and artistic sensitivity.
WHAT HOMEOWNERS WANT TODAY
Homeowners today are increasingly seeking spaces that reflect their personalities, habits, and values. Andrew sees a growing desire to personalize homes, especially in ways that integrate elements of past homes or cherished memories.
“Sometimes a client will come to us with a beautifully built home that just doesn’t feel like theirs,” he says. “They want to make it their own without tearing it down. That’s where we find opportunities to make simple yet meaningful design changes, adjusting roof lines, rethinking windows, or adding materials that shift the tone of a space.”
These subtle changes can have a major emotional impact. Andrew described the moment when a client sees the first design rendering and begins to feel a sense of ownership. “That’s what we’re aiming for, giving them a home that has their fingerprints on it.”
BRINGING DESIGNS TO LIFE THROUGH 3D MODELING
A key part of Volansky Studio’s process is helping clients truly see what their homes will become. That’s why the team relies heavily on 3D modeling throughout the design phase. Clients are able to visualize both exterior and interior spaces, explore different design options, and better understand how each element contributes to the whole.
“We live with these designs every day,” Andrew says. “But our clients are coming in fresh. We take time to let them absorb what they’re seeing, ask questions, and feel confident in the direction we’re heading.” This collaborative visual approach has helped the firm streamline decision-making and improve the overall design experience for clients.
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN RENOVATION
As interest in sustainability grows, Volansky Studio incorporates energy efficiency into nearly every renovation. From upgrading insulation systems and addressing thermal performance to selecting environmentally conscious materials, each project is analyzed in regard to how well it will stand up in the long term.
“The homes we design should be beautiful and functional, but they should also be responsible,” Andrew says. “We want to create spaces that are comfortable and efficient for years to come.”
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE: A GROWING NEED FOR RENOVATION
With new construction becoming more costly and complex, renovations are poised to become even more central to the future of residential design. Andrew believes this trend is just beginning. “Renovation will be a big part of the conversation moving forward,” he says. “It’s a way to preserve what works, fix what doesn’t, and help people stay rooted in the places they love.”
For homeowners considering a renovation, Andrew offers this advice:
“Be open to the process, be honest about your needs, and choose a team that’s willing to listen and collaborate. A good renovation can completely transform how you live in your home.”With an approach that blends creative vision, technical expertise, and a deep respect for the homes and communities they work in, Volansky Studio is helping shape the future of Vermont’s residential landscape—one renovation at a time.
PHOTOS & RENDERINGS COURTESY OF VOLANKSY STUDIO
