Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design in Chester, CT
TLB Architecture approaches design as a dynamic process centered on place-making and client service, integrating programmatic needs, site context, and construction technologies to create exceptional spaces. Our emphasis on functionalism and engaging spatial experiences ensures that our sustainable designs enhance user well-being and seamlessly connect with their surroundings. Founded in 1989, we bring over three decades of experience in science and technology, athletics, recreation, aquatics, civic, higher education, and masterplanning projects. Our collaborative methodology actively involves stakeholders, from faculty and administrators to operations personnel, ensuring solutions align with evolving research protocols and institutional goals. Recognized for our expertise in laboratory design, we deliver high-performance, flexible spaces that foster discovery and support public health, security, and quality of life.Our commitment to sustainability is rooted in intentional design that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing site advantages. With a portfolio spanning over 500,000 square feet of laboratory space and hundreds of athletic and civic facilities, we combine technical rigor with creative vision to produce architecture that integrates with context and elevates human experience. Our team of licensed architects and LEED-accredited professionals applies specialized knowledge across sectors, ensuring every project meets functional, economic, and aspirational goals. We prioritize transparency, client collaboration, and community engagement, particularly in publicly funded projects where public outreach shapes consensus. Our work reflects a philosophy that architecture transcends mere buildingit creates environments that inspire, connect, and endure.
Services
Science & Technology
Athletics & Recreation
Civic Architecture
Higher Education
Masterplanning
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialized expertise in science and technology architecture.
- Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals committed to sustainable design.
- We implement a collaborative process involving all project stakeholders for tailored solutions.
- Our portfolio includes over 500,000 sq ft of laboratory and research facilities.
- We prioritize community engagement in civic projects to ensure public support and success.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD)
Services
Science & Technology
We specialize in designing high-performance laboratory spaces for academic, corporate, and government clients. Our approach prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, and collaboration to support evolving research needs. Projects include biology, chemistry, and biocontainment labs that integrate advanced technology with user-centric design.
Athletics & Recreation
Our expertise spans competitive venues, aquatic centers, and community parks tailored to diverse user groups. We create durable, energy-efficient spaces that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, supporting both elite athletes and public recreation through thoughtful layout and material selection.
Civic Architecture
We design municipal and cultural facilities that reflect community values while meeting strict budgetary constraints. Our process emphasizes public engagement to ensure projects like town halls, museums, and libraries gain broad support and enhance civic pride through context-sensitive design.
Higher Education
We create academic environments that foster learning and collaboration across universities and colleges. Our work includes classrooms, research labs, and student facilities designed to adapt to changing pedagogies while integrating with existing campus architecture and infrastructure.
Masterplanning
We develop strategic plans for campuses, towns, and parks that balance visionary goals with practical implementation. Our masterplans address traffic flow, sustainability, and growth opportunities while securing grants to support long-term community development and placemaking initiatives.
People
Timothy L. Brewer
Founding Principal
With over 35 years of experience, Timothy Brewer leads TLB Architecture in creating innovative solutions for complex architectural challenges. His focus on science, technology, and cultural facilities has established the firm's reputation for excellence in Connecticut and beyond.
Michael P. Fortuna
Principal
Michael Fortuna brings 30+ years of architectural expertise to TLB, managing diverse projects from municipal buildings to healthcare facilities. His strengths in budget management and program coordination ensure client goals are met with precision and creativity.
Jeffrey R. Burr
Principal
Jeffrey Burr specializes in academic science and preservation projects, combining technical documentation skills with design innovation. As a principal since 2024, he drives high-standard project delivery across arts, athletics, and civic sectors.
Christopher S. Strange
Associate
Christopher Strange, a LEED AP and Certified Passive House Designer, focuses on sustainable science facilities. His expertise in pharmaceutical and corporate science projects integrates energy efficiency with cutting-edge research requirements across university and recreational spaces.
Paula D. Tunney
Associate
With 25 years at TLB, Paula Tunney specializes in interior science renovations. Her stakeholder collaboration skills ensure technically complex laboratory projects meet functional needs while maintaining design integrity across academic and research environments.
Questions
What architectural sectors does TLB specialize in?
We focus on science & technology, athletics & recreation, civic infrastructure, higher education, and masterplanning projects.
How does TLB approach sustainable design?
Our sustainable approach integrates energy-efficient systems, passive house principles, and material selection that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing functionality.
Do you handle both public and private sector projects?
Yes, we work with federal, state, and municipal clients as well as private institutions across Connecticut and New York.
What makes TLB's lab design unique?
We combine 35+ years of lab experience with stakeholder collaboration to create flexible, high-performance spaces that adapt to evolving research protocols.
How does TLB engage communities in civic projects?
We conduct tailored public outreach programs to build consensus, addressing concerns about traffic, costs, and community impact through transparent design solutions.
Can TLB assist with grant-funded projects?
Yes, our masterplanning expertise includes securing federal and state grants for civic and campus development initiatives.
