Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable & Adaptive Architecture Solutions
Finegold Alexander Architects approaches architecture as a collaborative journey of discovery, transforming constraints into opportunities through innovative design. With over five decades of experience since our founding in 1967, we specialize in adaptive reuse, sustainable design, and historic preservation, serving public, private, and mission-driven organizations. Our team pioneers holistic solutions that integrate environmental responsibility with functional excellence, as evidenced by our AIA 2030 Commitment to carbon neutrality and our recognition with the Just label for social equity. We combine technical expertise with creative vision to deliver award-winning projects that honor existing contexts while shaping future possibilities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a culture where every team member contributes to solving complex architectural challenges.From K-12 schools to civic landmarks, we create spaces that enhance communities and stand the test of time. Our work on LEED-certified courthouses and energy-efficient renovations demonstrates our leadership in sustainable practices. By maintaining close partnerships with clients and prioritizing transparency, we ensure that every project reflects both practical needs and aspirational goals. This dedication to excellence has earned us hundreds of design awards and enduring trust from institutions like Harvard University and the National Park Service. As a women-owned business enterprise, we continue to push boundaries, proving that architecture can be both transformative and deeply rooted in its environment.
Services
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Energy Consulting
Architectural Design
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in adaptive reuse and historic preservation.
- Our holistic sustainable approach integrates energy efficiency with carbon reduction.
- We pioneered the adaptive reuse movement in architecture since the 1960s.
- Our diversity and inclusion policies are benchmarked against Equity by Design standards.
- We have received hundreds of awards for design excellence from AIA and BSA.
Associations and certifications
- AIA 2030 Commitment
- International Living Future Institute (Just label)
Services
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical integrity. Our approach minimizes environmental impact through material conservation and innovative design solutions. Clients benefit from cost-effective upgrades that maintain architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Sustainable Design
Creating energy-efficient buildings that reduce carbon footprints through advanced materials and systems integration. We implement holistic sustainability strategies aligned with AIA 2030 Commitment goals. Our solutions balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency for long-term client value.
Historic Preservation
Protecting architectural heritage through meticulous restoration and adaptive interventions. Our expertise maintains structural authenticity while incorporating modern functionality. We navigate regulatory requirements to preserve cultural significance for future generations.
Energy Consulting
Providing strategic guidance for building decarbonization and energy efficiency improvements. Our services include thermal analysis, envelope optimization, and system upgrades. We help clients achieve sustainability targets through data-driven retrofit solutions for existing structures.
Architectural Design
Delivering innovative architectural solutions tailored to client-specific needs across sectors. Our process emphasizes contextual integration and functional excellence. From concept to completion, we create spaces that enhance user experience while meeting technical and aesthetic requirements.
People
Rebecca L. Berry
Principal, President, Director of Sustainability
With over 25 years at Finegold Alexander, Rebecca leads sustainability initiatives and strategic design. Her expertise in adaptive reuse and carbon reduction aligns with the firm's AIA 2030 Commitment. She champions holistic solutions that balance environmental responsibility with architectural excellence.
Ellen K. Anselone
Principal, Vice President
Ellen has directed complex architectural projects for 30+ years, focusing on historic preservation and civic spaces. Her leadership ensures technical precision in transforming challenging sites into award-winning buildings. She maintains the firm's commitment to design excellence and client collaboration.
Jeffrey J. Garriga
Principal, Treasurer
Jeff specializes in educational and cultural architecture, with notable work at Harvard and MIT. He oversees financial stewardship while maintaining hands-on design involvement. His projects demonstrate how adaptive reuse can enhance institutional missions through spatial innovation.
Regan Shields Ives
Principal, Secretary
Regan leads civic and justice-related projects, including LEED-certified courthouses. Her work emphasizes transparency and community engagement in public architecture. She ensures design solutions meet rigorous functional requirements while achieving aesthetic distinction.
Tony Hsiao
Principal, Director of Design
As design director, Tony shapes the firm's creative vision across diverse project types. His award-winning work spans cultural institutions and academic buildings. He maintains the legacy of innovation established by the firm's founders while advancing contemporary design excellence.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in adaptive reuse, sustainable design, historic preservation, and energy consulting for civic, educational, and cultural institutions.
How do you approach sustainable architecture?
Our approach combines energy modeling, material analysis, and systems integration to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining design integrity.
Can you work with historic buildings?
Yes, we have decades of experience preserving architectural heritage through meticulous restoration and code-compliant adaptive interventions.
Are you involved in community projects?
We actively engage with communities through design solutions that address local needs while promoting social equity and environmental responsibility.
How do you handle complex renovation projects?
We employ detailed condition assessments, thermal imaging, and collaborative planning to transform challenging sites into functional, modern spaces.
What sustainability certifications do you have?
We hold the Just label for social equity and actively pursue LEED certifications while maintaining our AIA 2030 Commitment to carbon neutrality.
