Landform Build: Portland-Based Design + Build for Infill Projects
Landform Build is a Portland, Maine-based design and build firm focused on infill development. The practice covers the full project lifecycle — from zoning analysis and architectural design through to general contracting. Their work centers on high-performance, well-designed residential projects, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-family homes, and multi-family housing.
Landform Build operates as a lean, solo practice led by Eric Din, who brings a background in engineering entrepreneurship alongside self-directed expertise in architectural design, zoning policy, and construction management. This combination allows the firm to treat design and construction as a connected system rather than separate disciplines.
ADU Design and Construction
One of Landform Build's active projects is the Oakdale ADU in Portland, a detached accessory dwelling unit currently in design, permitting, and general contracting phases. The project addresses a client's need for a full-time additional residence on their property for family use.
The design navigated specific zoning constraints, including a floor area limit of two-thirds the principal structure's 1,500 SF and an 18-foot building height restriction. To work within these parameters while maximizing usable space, several design strategies were employed:
- Sinking the first-floor slab 10 inches below grade to gain interior height
- Using a flat roof with insulation to the top of the sheathing
- Opting for a frost-protected shallow foundation to minimize excavation near the property line
- Using panelized prefab construction through Croft (Rockland, ME), allowing panelization to run in parallel with site and foundation work
The result is a three-bedroom ADU that occupies only 500 SF of yard space while meeting both land use and building code requirements. This project illustrates Landform Build's approach to detached ADU construction — finding practical design solutions within real regulatory constraints.
Consulting, Feasibility, and Owner's Representation
Beyond direct design and build services, Landform Build offers a range of consulting services aimed at helping property owners make informed decisions before committing significant resources.
Feasibility Studies combine zoning analysis with site constraints and financial modeling. These studies examine:
- Development pathways such as lot splits, additional dwelling units, multi-unit conversions, and backyard or sideyard infill
- Current zoning regulations and recent updates, including LD 2003, LD 1829, and Portland ReCode
- Site design factors including access, parking, utilities, stormwater management, and setbacks
- Financial feasibility and project scope matched to the client's budget and lending situation
As an Owner's Representative, Landform Build acts as a practical, code-fluent point of contact coordinating between architects, engineers, contractors, and permitting staff. This service includes scope and budget alignment, constructability review, value engineering, bid and change order review, and support in identifying scope creep before it affects the bottom line.
Permitting support is also available for clients navigating code enforcement and various approval pathways. This covers nonconforming structures, change of use and conversions, permit strategy, code interpretation, and planning approvals. When escalation is needed, Landform Build can collaborate with attorneys and other professionals to support the project.
Landform Build's approach to ADU contracting and infill development is grounded in the idea that regulatory constraints, design, financial feasibility, and construction should all inform one another — rather than being handled in isolation. For property owners in the Portland, Maine area exploring accessory dwelling unit development or other infill opportunities, Landform Build offers an integrated set of services from early feasibility through completed construction.