The quaint area of Rhinebeck, New York, has become a sanctuary of sorts in recent years for those seeking to escape the noise and congestion of New York City. Welcoming these new residents has been an architecture firm dedicated to offering a modern take on Upstate living. Upstate Modernist is quietly reshaping what it means to have a “little place Upstate” with modern homes that feel both luxurious and deeply rooted in the area’s lush landscape.
Warm, modern, and inviting in the Hudson Valley
Many New Yorkers seek a refined escape when they retreat to the Hudson Valley, one that not only allows them to relax but also honors the character of the land they admire, unencumbered by steel and concrete.
Upstate Modernist works in partnership with the architectural firm S3 Architecture to design and build one-of-a-kind homes and developments that introduce distinctive modernist forms such as clean lines, dramatic angles, and natural materials to the pastoral Hudson Valley landscape. S3, which bills itself as a “Studio for Sustainable Shelter,” bridges urban sophistication with rustic charm in a way that greatly appeals to those looking to set down roots in Rhinebeck and the surrounding countryside.
The modern homes Upstate Modernist builds begin with a comprehensive look at the land itself. The firm is focused on preserving the natural spaces and views that bring people to the area in the first place. This bespoke approach to design and building results in homes that feel integrated into the woods, the farmland, and the ridgelines rather than just placed on top of them.
Modern lifestyle reimagined
The context-sensitive approach of Upstate Modernist’s design and build aesthetic focuses on warm textures, sustainably sourced materials, and luxury finishes that have proven irresistible to lovers of modern design who still want to enjoy the natural beauty of Upstate New York.
“Inspiration comes from the Hudson Valley itself,” says Doug Maxwell, managing partner and co-founder of Upstate Modernist. “Barns, outbuildings, farms, and natural features of the area all contribute to designs and are reimagined with clean lines and a modernist eye.”
Upstate Modernist seamlessly blends stylish fixtures with artisanal details such as hand-glazed tilework, custom millwork, and thoughtfully placed lighting. Large windows let in swathes of natural light while cathedral ceilings and open concepts give the homes an airy, expansive vibe. The result is a collection of homes that are soft yet strong, inviting, dramatic, and timeless.
Sustainability: A core principle
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Upstate Modernist; it is a core principle that underscores everything they do, from design through build. Each home is designed to be energy efficient, uses sustainable materials, and is built on conservation-minded sites. Homes are also fitted with high-performance utility systems and smart technology to reduce waste, save energy, and minimize environmental impact.
This focus on sustainability speaks to the respect that Upstate Modernist has for the Hudson Valley as a whole. The goal is not to disrupt the environment, but to become one with the surroundings and embrace everything great about the Upstate area.
Rural modernism in a place to set down roots
Rhinebeck and surrounding communities have been a draw for people (even famous people) who are seeking more space, more sky, and more community connection without the ever-present drone of the city. What also makes Upstate New York appealing is that these people do not necessarily have to give up the good food, the close-knit culture, or the design-forward living they have come to expect in the city.
The Rhinebeck area offers cultural depth in a vibrant restaurant scene, nearby farms, arts venues, and quick access to the wider Hudson Valley and New York City. For many people, Rhinebeck is not a second-home market but a place where people can access a lifestyle shift, trading mass transit for trailheads and the sounds of the city for silent stargazing.
The modern homes offered through Upstate Modernist’s designs appeal to buyers seeking the benefits of country living — the quiet, the slow living, and the community closeness — without sacrificing modern comfort, clean lines, and thoughtful amenities. Each home design feels current and sophisticated, but not out of place among the farms and quaint older homes of the Rhinebeck area.
Realizing Upstate dreams
Many city people dream of the balance and peace that come with a move Upstate. Upstate Modernist melds nature and warm, modernist design with sustainable practices and smart technology to create retreats that are both energy-efficient and beautiful.
These homes are more than just weekend escapes; they are year-round sanctuaries that are realized dreams for the people who live in them. Upstate Modernist allows people moving to the Rhinebeck area to revel in the calm and connection offered by the Hudson Valley, surrounded by a distinctly modern aesthetic.
