Ty Spencer, a Building Envelope Project Manager at GRLA, recently had the opportunity to share his expertise with a group of Engineering Technology students from Fitchburg State University. The event took place at the Pella showroom in West Boylston, where Ty presented an insightful overview of building envelope sciences. During the session, he delved into the many components of the building envelope, shedding light on their importance in improving energy efficiency and overall performance. The students eagerly absorbed the valuable knowledge shared by Ty, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in creating sustainable and high-performance building envelopes. This educational experience further solidified GRLA's commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the architectural community.
Three New Employees Join GRLA
GRLA is proud to welcome three new employees - Jyotika Girdhar, Stephanie Konicki and Andrew Turgeon.
Jyotika Girdhar has joined the Building Envelope Sciences group as a BES Technician responsible for producing drawing sets and details, processing submittals, and conducting field inspections. With a master’s degree in environmental architecture from the University of Pune in India, Jyotika is a dedicated environmental enthusiast with a strong foundation in architectural design and sustainability. She brings her passion for sustainable building design and maximizing energy efficiency to GRLA’s building envelope sciences team.
Stephanie Konicki is part of the Interior Design team. She is a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Stephanie thrives on working with clients to help them visualize their finished space and providing them with creative design concepts through various finish selections, fixtures, and furnishings. She has a variety of experience including educational, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
Andrew Turgeon is a BES Technician with GRLA’s Building Envelope Sciences team. He is an engineer with a breadth of experience ranging from industrial manufacturing to residential and civil construction. He has a passion for the built environment and designing with a purpose for long-term maintainability and efficiency. Andrew received a master’s degree in Material Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College.
GRLA Completes Two Projects at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Washburn Shops Laboratory
GRLA’s Principal, Scott Richardson and Project Manager, James Blattenberger are proud to announce the completion of two concurrent renovations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) Washburn Shops and Daniels Hall.
Working in partnership with WPI Facilities and Consigli Construction Company, GRLA designed modifications for two specialty research and testing labs located in the historic Washburn Shops, built in 1868 and known as the oldest building in the United States still used for engineering education. These spaces were located on the lower level and main level of the building and house Manufacturing Engineering and Material Science machinery and equipment.
Daniels Hall, a four-story residential building circa 1960s with original fixtures in operation needed updating. GRLA collaborated with WPI Residential Services, WPI Facilities and the Shawmut Design and Construction team for phase one of a restroom renovation and window replacement project. Existing restrooms and shower facilities were fully replaced with private showers, multiple fully accessible restroom and shower combinations, and all new finishes, fixtures, and lighting. Phase two and a complete window replacement is planned for the summer of 2024.
GRLA Welcomes Summer Interns
GRLA is pleased to welcome the following summer interns. At GRLA we believe that supporting young minds with on the job training is vital to both their success as well as the future of the AEC industry.
Abby Casady
Abby is a third-year architecture student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. As a summer intern at GRLA, Abby is excited to see how an architecture firm works and to learn about GRLA’s wide range of projects. When taking a break from studying or working, Abby enjoys sewing, hiking, and going to the beach!
Bradley Lyon
Bradley recently graduated from the Drafting and Design program at Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional HS. In September he will attend Northeastern University as an architecture major. As a summer intern, Bradley hopes to acquire insight into the architecture industry and architectural processes, as well as learn about future career options. In his free time Bradley enjoys playing soccer, biking, listening to music, going to the gym, and travelling.
CamERON Richardson
Cameron is working on a Bachelor of Business degree at Fisher College in Boston and will continue with a Master of Architecture. While interning at GRLA, Cameron would like to learn about building envelope sciences so that he knows what to expect in the future and also get a head start on his career. Outside of school and work, he likes to play basketball, go to the gym, and hang out with friends.
Anna Sullivan
Anna is studying interior architecture at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Her goal as a summer intern is to immerse herself in the professional design industry and gain exposure to real world experiences and practices. In her downtime, Anna enjoys making art as well as being outdoors and going to the beach while spending time with my family and friends.
Ashland Mills Project in Planning and Approvals Phase
Ashland Mills - View from Myrtle Street
The revitalization of the Town of Ashland’s Main Street has been on the Town’s agenda for nearly two decades. GRLA is currently working with the owner of 10-50 Main Street, Ashland Properties of Holliston, Massachusetts, to develop the existing 8-acre site bringing a renewed mixed-use development to the downtown.
GRLA has master planned the renovations of two of the existing historic buildings and designed new buildings to the complex to provide 190 residential units and approximately 28,000 SF of commercial space. The design concept provides for Main Street focused retail and restaurant spaces, outdoor dining areas and a central courtyard to promote economic investment. Another unique site feature is a riverwalk amenity that provides a walkway along the south and east of the property adjacent to the Sudbury River and connects to the existing Mill Pond Park area.
Sustainable features include roof mounted solar panels, an electric shuttle to provide access to the MBTA stop located less than a mile away, fully electric utilities, all LED lighting, compliance with the new energy code and enhanced building envelope features.
The project is in the approvals phase with the Town of Ashland.
Ashland Mills - South Corner
Ty Spencer is Promoted to Project Manager
GRLA is pleased to announce that Ty Spencer has been promoted to Project Manager. Ty has been a member of the firm’s Building Envelope Sciences team for over 7 years. His work includes Building Envelope Commissioning, Window Testing and Infrared Thermography as well as Building Envelope Assessments and Design of roofing, exterior cladding, windows, waterproofing and concrete repair projects.
Boxford’s New Community Center Prepares for a Grand Opening on April 15th
GRLA is proud to announce the completion of The Center at 10 Elm, the Town of Boxford’s new community center and the new home of the Boxford Council on Aging (COA). It is a multigenerational community center for people to gather, share in activities, and enjoy community events.
GRLA closely collaborated with the Town of Boxford and many constituents to achieve their goals which included:
Developing new program spaces and expanded services for seniors and all community groups
Providing universal access throughout the center
Completely electric building systems - reinforcing the town’s commitment to sustainability
Restoring the historic Cummings House and incorporating it into the building’s program
Designing welcoming and warm interior spaces
The Center at 10 Elm includes the renovation and refurbishment of the original Cummings House, a late 19th century, timber frame home and a new 5,000 sf addition. The addition is equipped with a commercial fully accessible kitchen, two large multi-purpose rooms for dining, fitness and enrichment classes, an outdoor patio, administrative offices, nurse’s office and support spaces, a wonderful conference space in the Cummings House and a spacious lobby entrance.
Additional features such as electric vehicle charging stations, energy monitoring systems and outdoor raised planting beds contribute to the Town’s goals for incorporating sustainability into their new public buildings. Construction was completed by Classic Construction and Development.
And a quote from Liz Murphy of the COA: “I want to thank GRLA for the countless hours you put in and the incredible skill you demonstrated in your design. You were presented with a very challenging project, and you were able to create a building that was embraced by the entire community. Your design made our job so much easier — somehow you managed to get everything we need for our programming — and it is a beautiful building!”
GRLA and RP Masiello Partner on a New 40,000 SF Lab Building in Northbridge
Watertown based EyePoint Pharmaceuticals has engaged Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) to design a new 40,000 SF lab building located in Northbridge, Massachusetts. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals (EyePoint) develops solutions and technologies to help people facing serious eye disorders.
To assist EyePoint in their continued mission of delivering high-quality, safe medicines to patients, GRLA is working closely with construction manager RP Masiello and process engineers RemTech and Phoenix Engineering to create a state-of-the-art facility to expand their lab and manufacturing space. The new building will include clean manufacturing space, support and research labs, warehouse space and office areas.
Construction is slated to start mid-summer and be completed by mid-2024.
GRLA Leads the Design at the Christa McAuliffe Center
GRLA is the lead architect working closely with the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, STV as the Owner’s Project Manager and the construction manager, Commodore Builders, for the renovations at the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University (FSU). The McAuliffe Center was built in 1994 and is now being renovated to integrate the new technologies and systems that represent the latest in Challenger Learning Centers which are located nationwide.
The goal of the project is to convert the current center, located in O’Connor Hall on the FSU campus, into a suite of multifunctional, technology-enabled learning spaces, and to introduce modern visualizations and simulation capabilities. The project also includes upgrades to the planetarium projection equipment and furnishings which was added to the facility in 2012.
Construction is slated to be completed by September 2023 to coincide with the new school year.
GRLA Welcomes Heather Cobb
GRLA is pleased to announce that Heather Cobb has joined the firm as an Integrated Services Project Manager. In this role, Heather will support Architecture, Building Envelope Science, and Interiors projects and will coordinate with consultants, contractors, and vendors from the design phase through construction. She will provide field support through verification of site conditions and prepare field reports and related investigative documents and coordinate findings with our design teams and project managers.
Heather brings over 12 years of experience having worked for JM Coull, Inc. supporting and managing construction projects for the corporate, life science, higher education, and health care markets. Heather has worked on new construction, renovation and building expansion projects including complex lab projects of over 100,000 SF.
Scott Richardson, Principal of GRLA states, “We are very excited to have Heather join our team and bring her considerable construction expertise to enhance our project delivery services.”
ABC-MA Presents Highest Honor ‘Eagle Award’
GRLA is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC-MA) recently presented Connolly Brothers, Inc. with the Eagle Award at its annual Excellence in Construction Awards gala. Connolly Brothers received the Eagle Award, which is the highest honor in the General Contractor/Industrial category, for its work on Vicor Corporation’s 95,000 SF expansion at its manufacturing facility located in Andover, Massachusetts.
GRLA designed the new two-story specialized manufacturing addition that connects to the existing three-story facility as well as a new three-story south addition which includes the main entrance lobby, boardroom, conference room, roof patio and expanded cafeteria seating areas. This project helped Vicor achieve their goal of maximizing their equipment, process, and product flow, and expanding their overall manufacturing capacity.
Additional project members included Meridian Associates for civil, H+O Structural Engineers and WB Engineering for MEP. Connolly Brothers also received the ABC-MA Spirt Award for including 11 sub-contractors on the project that are all ABC members.
Camp Chickami Opens New Lodge
Loch’s Lodge, YMCA Camp Chickami Wayland, Massachusetts
Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects proudly attended the ribbon cutting for the opening of the new 6,000 SF post and beam multipurpose building designed for the West Suburban YMCA at Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts.
It is a slab on grade, one-story, wood framed lodge with a loft area that fits right into the tree-lined camp site with its stained bottle green wood exterior and sloping roof. The welcoming wood beamed interior and open concept plan provides the much needed, modern multipurpose indoor/outdoor spaces by way of two glass overhead doors and high ceilings. In addition, the building houses camp offices, restrooms, and a nurse’s office. A key feature of the building is the extensive covered deck that overlooks the playing fields and offers another protected gathering space for campers and staff.
Wood beamed interior
The YMCA has proudly named the new building Loch’s Lodge in honor of Jim “Loch” Lochiatto, whose passion, creativity, and dedication shaped Camp Chickami and changed children’s lives for more than 40 years. Since the mid-1950s Camp Chickami has been a destination for children ages 9-15 to explore nature and enjoy good, old-fashioned, crazy fun. The West Suburban YMCA staff, past and present, know the important role Camp Chickami plays in the lives of both the campers and the staff. They had a vision to build a new lodge for all to enjoy and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. This new space was a dream come true for the YMCA team.
Construction for the barn and related site work was completed by Commodore Builders.
Expansive covered front deck
Phase 2 planned for the spring of 2023 includes a tent structure next door to provide further protected play and activity spaces for campers. Phase 3 plans offer an expanded pool and new bathhouse to future campers for many years to come.
Expansion Completed at Summit Montessori in Framingham
GRLA is pleased to announce the completion of the next phase of expansion for the Summit Montessori School in Framingham. GRLA originally worked with Summit Montessori in 1996 to convert the historic Moses Ellis House (circa 1866) into a unique Montessori School environment.
As part of a phased master planned expansion, GRLA designed a gymnasium/multipurpose space, kitchen area, expanded art classes and offices and the relocated Beginners Program classrooms.
This phase of work completes the Beginners Program relocation and expansion. The two new classrooms provide an open environment with a common shared teacher resource and work area between them. Both classrooms have ample daylight and direct access to the outdoor play areas, which is critical in the Montessori learning approach.
Also included is additional office space, much needed storage space and a large multipurpose room that can accommodate up to 50 occupants for a variety of school activities, group meetings, rainy day space as well as parent attended events.
Construction was completed by Rubicon Builders.
GRLA Announces 2022 Promotions
GRLA is very proud to announce the promotions of the following team members.
James Blattenberger has been promoted to Project Manager. James has over 15 years of experience in the residential/small commercial sector. He works in all phases of design to produce detailed sets of construction documents and provide construction phase services for multiple projects.
Dina Soliman has been promoted to Project Manager. Dina’s passion for design is evident through her commitment to providing creative ideas throughout the design process. Dina has over 10 years of experience in the design and construction industry. She is well versed in construction documents preparation, construction administration, and project management of various types of projects.
Brandon Gaulin has been promoted to Designer II. Brandon’s experience is in both architectural and building envelope design. He takes a project from conceptual design through design development to the construction document phase. He also works with GRLA’s BES team on building envelope testing and studies.
Scott Richardson Joins the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Board of Directors
GRLA is pleased to announce that, Scott Richardson, the firm’s President has joined the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) Board of Directors. Scott has been involved with the HCA from its very inception, working diligently with the staff, board members and volunteers to bring the center to life. It has been a passion project of his for over twenty years.
“The HCA is thrilled to have Scott Richardson as a new member of our board. He has been such an instrumental part of the HCA's history and success that it is only fitting that he now serves in a leadership role helping the HCA chart its next course. His vision, commitment to the community and his talents as an artist are all a welcome addition to our dedicated team,” offered HCA Executive Director Kelly Grill.
The Board of Directors includes local arts and business representatives whose wide range of experience and leadership contribute to the success of the HCA. The Board members assist in the fiscal maintenance and stability of the organization as well participating in fundraising activities.
Expansion is Underway at Summit Montessori in Framingham
GRLA is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the next phase of expansion for the Summit Montessori School in Framingham. GRLA worked with Summit Montessori in 1996 to convert the historic Moses Ellis House (circa 1866) into a unique Montessori School environment. This current expansion remodels an existing ranch house on the property and focuses on providing two new classrooms for the Beginners program and is part of the master planned expansion.
This program offers unique holistic educational learning for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Additional spaces include a multi-purpose room of approximately 1,000 SF – a much needed space for school group activities, rainy day events and group meetings and support spaces of offices, restrooms, storage, and a custom designed teacher prep area.
Both classrooms will have ample daylight and direct access to the outdoor play areas, so critical in the Montessori learning approach.
Head of School Martha Torrence and staff are excited about this next phase of expansion for the school. Construction is by Rubicon Builders out of Mansfield and is scheduled to be completed for the Fall 2022 school year.
GRLA Completes Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Terry Farmhouse Updates
GRLA has completed the long-awaited renovations to the historic circa 1850’s Terry Farmhouse at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA). The exterior has been completely updated with new siding, trim, windows, painting and a new roof giving it a fresh new look. To bring the north elevation back to its original window configuration an exterior stairway was relocated to the rear of the building and additional windows were added to provide extensive natural light to both floors.
The farmhouse is home to art and music instruction with a ceramics studio that was desperately seeking updates to better accommodate its classes. The first-floor space was completely opened up to allow for a larger ceramics studio while the beautifully renovated second floor has additional music instruction rooms with improved soundproofing, access, and all new finishes and all new LED lighting. Substantial structural reinforcement was required once the building was opened up and revealed numerous renovations over the years.
HCA staff and dignitaries participate in ribbon cutting
The HCA team worked closely with the two contractors on the project - Mill City Construction and APC Development – to complete the project and address all the historic requirements from the Hopkinton Community Preservation Commission who provided substantial funding for the project and the Hopkinton Historic Commission.
“The new ceramics studio will provide us the opportunity to serve an additional 75 registrants. Prior to the renovation, our four studios were at 87% capacity. We now have 6 state of the art studios and the ability to serve an additional 100 students per week,” commented Kelly Grill, HCA Executive Director at the February 28th ribbon cutting ceremony.
Rebecca Burlingame Joins GRLA
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GRLA is pleased to announce that Rebecca Burlingame has joined the firm as an Interior Design Project Manager. She brings over 15 years of experience in design of institutional, commercial and affordable housing projects as well as healthcare.
Rebecca received a Master of Interior Design from the Boston Architectural College (BAC) and Bachelor of Fine Arts cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
She holds a National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certificate, the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession.
“We are excited to have Rebecca as part of our team. Her experience, creativity, thoughtful approach to projects and team problem-solving abilities make her an ideal candidate for our firm, our clients and our future!” says GRLA’s Director of Interior Design, Anita Sandberg.
GRLA Completes Major Expansion at Vicor Corporation
GRLA is pleased to announce that Vicor Corporation’s expansion at its manufacturing facility located in Andover, Massachusetts is complete. GRLA designed a new two-story specialized manufacturing addition totaling 90,000 SF that connects to the existing two-story facility. A new 5,800 SF three-story south entry lobby is also part of the project, incorporating a visitor lobby, boardroom, conference room, roof patio and renovated cafeteria seating areas. Total building size yields nearly 325,000 SF for Vicor’s ongoing operations and expanded production capacity.
GRLA designed a new crisp exterior system incorporating multi-colored metal panels, soaring curtainwall areas, strip windows and a glass canopy over the new entrance.
GRLA worked closely with construction manager, Connolly Brothers, and our consultants Meridian Associates for civil, H+O Structural Engineers and WB Engineering for MEP components to help Vicor achieve their goal of maximizing their equipment, process, and product flow, and expanding their overall manufacturing capacity.
Photo: Courtesy of Camille Maren Photography
New Life for 17 Main Street in Hopkinton
There will soon be major construction activity at 17 Main Street in Hopkinton. The historical building, circa 1850, known as “Dr. Joe’s house”, was the home and office of Dr. Joseph Ferdinand Annunziata, Sr. who was the only practicing physician in town for 35 years until his death in 1977. In September 2020 the building was severely damaged by a fire, therefore requiring substantial reconstruction. Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) is working with the owner to replicate “Dr. Joe’s house” and provide additional space at this prime downtown location.
The redesign includes a first-floor expansion with additional retail/commercial space to the rear of the building while updating the second floor to include a total of 3 apartments. The main floor of the house will still be used for office space.
Since this property is part of the downtown historic district, the redesign required approval from the Historic District Commission which was recently granted. Planning Board approval was also garnered for the expansion of the building.
The owner of the building, Tom Carey, is quite excited to get the project underway with the contractor, John Burns.