Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in New Haven, CT
Founded in 1990 by Paul B. Bailey, AIA, our firm has established itself as a leader in architectural design across Connecticut and New England. With a team of five registered architects and project managers, we specialize in creating context-sensitive solutions for municipal, religious, non-profit, and residential clients. Our expertise spans historic preservation, multi-family housing, and modernization projects, earning recognition through 44 awards and national acclaim.We prioritize client needs while respecting historic contexts, delivering designs that harmonize with their surroundings. With over 30 years of experience, we combine deep technical knowledge with a commitment to sustainable practices and community-focused design.
Services
Architectural Design
Historic Restoration
Residential Projects
Municipal Buildings
Adaptive Reuse
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of architectural expertise in Connecticut
- 44 nationally recognized design awards
- Specialized historic preservation certification
- Sustainable housing focus with Passive House consultants
- Client-centric approach with 90% repeat client rate
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- Connecticut Historical Commission
Services
Historic Restoration
Specialized restoration of historic structures listed on CT State and National Historic Registers. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern safety standards, preserving architectural integrity while implementing accessibility upgrades and energy-efficient systems. Projects include the Thomaston Opera House and Waltersville School adaptive reuse.
Residential Design
Custom residential solutions ranging from single-family homes to multi-family housing developments. We create functional spaces that respect neighborhood character, with expertise in modern additions to historic properties and sustainable housing solutions meeting Passive House standards.
Municipal Projects
Comprehensive design services for municipal buildings including town halls, community centers, and public housing. Our approach balances budget constraints with long-term functionality, demonstrated through projects like the Bayonet Street Apartments Phase II and West Hartford Fellowship Housing developments.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming historic and underutilized buildings into modern functional spaces. Our process maintains structural heritage while integrating contemporary requirements, as seen in the conversion of the Historic Waltersville School into mixed-income housing and the Thomaston Opera House restoration.
Sustainable Design
Energy-efficient design solutions incorporating Passive House principles and sustainable materials. Our certified consultants optimize building performance through strategic orientation, insulation, and renewable energy integration while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
People
Paul B. Bailey
Principal
With nearly 50 years of experience, Paul founded the firm in 1990 after graduating from Yale School of Architecture. He has led over $200 million in housing projects and received 40+ national awards, specializing in historic preservation and NCARB-certified architectural standards.
Susan Bridgewater Odell
Senior Associate
28-year veteran in residential and commercial architecture, Susan specializes in sustainable design as a certified Passive House consultant. She oversees client relations and ensures adherence to the firm's high service standards across all project phases.
Richard Rakoczy
Senior Project Manager
With 24 years in construction and 21 years in architecture, Rich bridges design and execution. His technical expertise ensures seamless transition from design development to construction documentation, maintaining quality throughout the building process.
Cheryl Sacco
Operations Manager
40-year business management expert Cheryl handles client relations, contract negotiations, and firm operations. As a Notary Public since 1989, she ensures legal compliance and smooth project administration for all client engagements.
Elizabeth Roberge
Office Manager
Elizabeth combines architectural expertise with genealogical studies to manage firm scheduling and client communications. As a Notary Public and RISD graduate, she oversees proposals, presentations, and digital asset management since joining in 2022.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation and context-sensitive design, working with Colonial, Victorian, and modernist structures while maintaining neighborhood character.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we work on single-family homes, multi-family housing developments, municipal buildings, and commercial properties with equal expertise and attention to detail.
How do you approach historic building restoration?
Our process combines archival research with material analysis to preserve original features while implementing modern safety standards and accessibility requirements in compliance with historic commission guidelines.
Can you manage large-scale housing developments?
Yes, we've successfully completed over $200 million in housing projects including the Bayonet Street Apartments and West Hartford Fellowship Housing for seniors.
Do you offer sustainable design options?
Absolutely. Our certified Passive House consultants integrate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials into every project while maintaining architectural integrity.
