About Us
Personal. Connected. Experienced.
At SOMMA, we are dedicated to understanding your unique needs, and working collaboratively to turn your design dreams into reality. With over 20 years of experience in the seacoast area, a vast network of builders, and a portfolio of projects ranging from historic remodels, to innovative new builds, we have what it takes to complete your project on-time and on-budget. We aim to solve design challenges through creative thinking, and embrace the notion that crafting a new space doesn’t have to be an expensive, arduous process. We are passionate about working with you to find a solution that best fits your needs and your finances. That’s why we’re known as the firm with the personal touch. We pride ourselves on taking the extra time to really get to know our clients. Because in the end, we’re not just changing your space, we’re changing the way you live.
The Goods
From the start, we are designers. We enjoy the process, the embattled theorizing and the warm feeling that comes from finding an agreeable, sustainable solution. We are especially elated when that solution is so GOOD it’s simple, and so simple it’s doable.
We believe GOOD design can be achieved through easily attainable materials, quality craftsmanship and creative thinking. GOOD doesn’t mean expensive, hard to find, lengthy lead-times and arduous tasks. GOOD can be right under your nose; a simple solution turned on its side, back or top. We aim to solve design challenges to better your morning routine, your work productivity, evening multi-tasking through what calms you at the end of your day.
We believe architecture lies in the everyday. It’s not highbrow, snobbish or untouchable. It doesn’t reside only in ‘deep pockets’ or mass markets. Architecture is for everyone and should be available equally. Everyone gets the GOODs.
View Our Teams Bios
Jennifer RamseyJennifer Ramsey developed her interest in architecture early on. She pursued her passion while attending the Rhode Island School of Design; a pre-college study regimen, focused on architecture. From there she continued her studies at Roger Williams University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in architecture alongside a minor in sculpture with a strict focus on public art. Just prior to wrapping up her educational career, Ramsey lived in Rome, where she developed a thesis focused on adaptive reuse – a core set of architectural ideals that would garner her awards and accolades further into her career.
Ramsey established her award-winning design firm, SOMMA Studios, in 2006. The two operative goals of SOMMA are as follows:
- Work closely with local municipalities, city officials, and design boards to attain approvals on mixed-use commercial developments in the urban environment.
- Work closely with skilled craftsmen, artisans, builders and developers to create custom residential homes along the coastal towns of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
SOMMA prides the growth of its business on client referrals – a sentiment and focal point that has been the primary means of net-new projects since the company’s inception. Throughout its existence, SOMMA has played a definitive role in several major new construction projects in downtown Portsmouth, N.H., – along with all their residential work.
Though SOMMA is her daily motivation, Ramsey also spends time as a guest critic for architectural students at Boston Architectural Center and Wentworth Institute of Technology. She has also been a member of various cultural and civic boards whose focus is on creative housing strategies (Workforce Housing Coalition) and public art implementation (Art-Speak, and Portsmouth’s Art Acquisition Committee).
Her passion for architecture in the professional realm as well as in the civic space – donating time for the betterment of the industry – is “the sum of all parts” when taking a look at Ramsey’s career.
As the designer / drafter (he’s a hybrid) of SOMMA Studios, Maccarone comes in with the fine tooth comb where Designer Jennifer Ramsey leaves off.
“I really enjoy working on some of the finer details of the building more so than some of the other aspects that go into the design of a building,” Maccarone says of SOMMA’s architectural work.
Maccarone produces drawings for new construction projects — residential and commercial. His CADD drawings include details ranging from materials, dimensions and procedures. Let’s just say he knows his way around a calculator.
A graduate of the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston with a degree in architectural engineering, Maccarone has set his sights on Portsmouth, N.H., where he met Ramsey and joined her company shortly after it was formed.
The pair enjoy working together on everything from high rise buildings to residential renovations. “It keeps it fresh because we’re working on different things every day.”
The Boxford, Mass., native also enjoys giving back to the community outside of work — having attended job fairs to encourage the next generation of designers who like to work with tiny pencils in fine detail.
When he’s not helping SOMMA tackle architectural intricacies, Maccarone comes out from behind that desk of his and enjoys hiking, golfing and kayaking.