Vermont Business Magazine The restoration of a historic synagogue in Burlington’s Old North End has led to the launch of a new Vermont-based design and manufacturing business focused on rethinking one of the most overlooked elements in commercial interiors: exit signage.
Entrepreneur and designer Kitter Spater completed the renovation of the 19th-century synagogue in November 2025, transforming the long-vacant building into a mixed-use property with a vintage clothing market on the upper floors and residential apartments below. The project emphasized preserving architectural character while adapting the space for modern use.
During the renovation, Spater identified an unexpected gap in the market.
“There was no option for exit signage that aligned with the historic character of the building,” said Spater. “Everything available was standardized, plastic, and visually disconnected from the space.”
That insight led to the founding of Flamsted, a Burlington-based company that designs architecturally driven, code-compliant exit signs for commercial and hospitality environments. The company’s products draw from design movements such as Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, offering alternatives to conventional signage while meeting safety standards.
Flamsted operates at the intersection of design and advanced manufacturing, utilizing large-format 3D printing alongside traditional fabrication methods to produce its products.
The company is targeting growth through partnerships with architects, interior designers, and developers, with applications across hotels, restaurants, offices, and retail environments.
Spater noted that the business reflects a broader trend toward more design-conscious commercial spaces. “As expectations for interior environments continue to rise, even functional elements like exit signage are being reconsidered,” he said. “There’s an opportunity to bring intention and craftsmanship to something that has historically been overlooked.”
Flamsted of Vermont
The project also underscores the economic and creative potential of adaptive reuse in Burlington, demonstrating how historic preservation efforts can generate new business opportunities and contribute to the local design economy. Flamsted is currently expanding its product line and trade partnerships, with a focus on scaling production while maintaining design integrity.
Flamsted. BURLINGTON, VT — 3.25.26
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Vermont Business Magazine