Veng Design and Remodel MV

Design Build Constructions Services

Specializing in the Victorian Era Houses of Oak Bluffs, MA.

Serving Greater Martha’s Vineyard for over 25 years.

Michael Lieberman - Owner/Operator

P.O. Box # 3102

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

(508)338-7501

MA CSL#102056

  • Custom Renovation Planning

  • Historical Restoration

  • Contemporary Architectural Design

  • Traditional Woodworking

  • Environmental Property Upgrading

  • Contract Writing

  • Full Design and Permitting Services

We share an interest in our clients experiences, their family history and its relationship to their homes as part of the Design/Build process. Our commitment is to provide a personal service that reflects the wishes and core values of each project on the basis of open communication and the free flow of ideas. Putting emphasis on the legacy of MV home building and its contributions to the seasonal and year-round community. Please reach out to us to discuss your Project.

Historical Review

✳︎

Architectural Design

✳︎

Renovations

✳︎

Remodeling

✳︎

New Construction

✳︎

Refinishing

✳︎

Home Services

✳︎

Historical Review ✳︎ Architectural Design ✳︎ Renovations ✳︎ Remodeling ✳︎ New Construction ✳︎ Refinishing ✳︎ Home Services ✳︎

Meet the Team

A man with glasses, a beard, and curly hair taking a selfie indoors in front of a window and white walls.

Builder

Close-up of a man with blue eyes, dark curly hair, and a beard, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, indoors with a blurred background.

Designer

Michael Lieberman- Owner

  • Over 25 Years in Construction

  • Undergraduate studies in Design, after many summers employed on MV through college, began living year round on MV in the winter of ‘99/’00 working for Chet Wisniewski NCARB/AIA.

  • Became an independent contractor as a roofer ‘04 and CSL in ‘08 renovating cottages in and around the Copeland District in Oak Bluffs.

  • Has earned a Certificate in Green Building from Colorado State online School of the Built Environment in Fort Collins with GA credentials from the US Green Building Council; And Graduated with an MA (hons.) in 2013 from Oxford Brookes University, School of Architecture (CENDEP)

  • Has spent the last 12 years growing a design/build practice including working part-time for several island architects.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We include Everything!

    • Preliminary Designs- working with Surveyors to provide accurate site Plans.

    • Conceptual Planning- Working with Homeowners to make sure their Ideas are understood.

    • Schematic Design- Working with Subcontractors to Guarantee effective planning.

    • Historical Documentation- Working with relevant committees to review the project ahead of time.

    • Contract Writing- Detailed agreements that correctly identify the work and keeps costs and payments organized.

    • Permitting and inspections- working with town and state authorities to guarantee the project is above board.

  • While some people may be more hands-on. Everyone has thoughts and ideas about their Home. The best way to develop and plan an architectural renovation is to discuss needs and preferences in an open way. Sometimes different ideas come together in unexpected ways.

  • We try to incorporate effective design decisions with the needs of the homeowner. Moving from design to construction without complications. Especially with historic houses, we find it’s important to have an integrated approach to the Design/Build that is flexible and aware.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one to two business days.

  • We offer fixed price and commission based architectural fees depending on the extent of the project. We also provide permitting and construction services on an ongoing basis. Usually the design agreement will include an option to keep us on, or connect with a builder of your choosing. Building projects are provided within a Cost-Plus Framework since we already have most of the ordering and design work in house.

  • Friendly, but I wear too many hats occasionally.

Local Building Requirements

and How they affect your project

Zoning Board of Appeals

1

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) manages property bylaws on behalf of the town. If your property is in the historical areas or was built with a ‘non-conformity’ most likely you will need the help of a Civil Engineer and/or Surveyor to produce a new Site Plan. This along with a set of drawings or ‘Design Set’ indicating the new footprint and elevations of your project will be reviewed by the ZBA. Depending on your projects goals the application to the ZBA can include request for easements or petitions to maintain the Pre-Existing Non-Conformity into the proposed work.

Copeland Plan

2

The Copeland District in Oak Bluffs encompasses the majority of houses, parks and roadways in Downtown Oak Bluffs. If you project includes changes to the height or elevations of your property the Copeland Review Committee provides a formal review that your project doesn’t significantly effect scenic views or impact the historical character of the town.

Cottage City Historical District

3

The CCHDC is the architectural review committee for Oak Bluffs. If your house is located in the CCHDC area you are required to submit an application to them for approval for any significant work on your house. That can be done simply for window replacement, roofing and siding or repair work to the porches. If you are planning an addition or major changes to the existing house then they require a complete set of drawings indicating any changes to be made and a description of the types of materials being used.

Conservation Committee

4

Because so much of the MV properties are within a close proximity to the coast, many projects are subject to review by the conservation commission. In Oak bluffs the administrative and enforcement role is shared by the Board of Health. If your project falls within a certain distance of the water or within the 50/100 year flood maps the conservation commission may have certain requirements for your project to prevent harm.

The MVC is the over ruling authority for all things MV. While they are in the news quite often, most home building projects will not be reviewed by the MVC. They have provided new guidance for houses over 100 Years old that can be applied by the towns. Unless your project involves a historically significant issue or has an effect on traffic or other public concerns they will not require a review.

Martha’s Vineyard Commission

5

Get In Touch

If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.