High-Profile: September 2025 by High-Profile

INDUSTRY EXPERT ARTICLES:

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The Builder Coalition Fellowship Launches with Kickoff Event

Patriquin Architects Awarded with AIA CT’s 2025 Sustainable Architecture Award of Excellence

Antinozzi Associates Celebrates Grand Opening for Washington Elementary School in West Haven

The Wilkinson Companies Completes Plumbing Installation at Children’s Day School

Kaplan Construction Completes 100,000sf Artist-Focused Development in Roxbury

AIA CT Announces 2025 Rising Black Architectural Student Scholarship Awardees Gray, Gray & Gray Sponsors ‘Women Fighting Hunger’ Event Food Drive for Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater

Emily Hunt

Abdullah Khaliqi

Kelly Cohane 18 Richard M. Jones

Daniel F. Fleming

Iskra

Robert McKenna

Manchester Held at PROCON Event

Construction is well underway on the Burlington High School and Technical Center in Burlington, Vt. At the heart of the school is a 2-story student commons (pictured), which serves as a cafeteria, community gathering place, and lobby for the auditorium and gymnasium. Rendering courtesy of Freeman French Freeman, Inc. / Read the full story on page 14.

Brian Leborgne 42

Tribute

Ralph A. Barnes 1927 – 2024

newspapers, radio and TV stations, government offices, and others in Maine and beyond.

(Left) 1965 State Police issued press credentials.

(Above) Ralph A Barnes in his United Press International office overlooking Monument Square in Portland Maine. He is punching out holes on ticker tape to send his news via teletype machine to newspapers, radio and TV stations, government offices and others in Maine and beyond.

(Left) 1965 State Police issued press credentials.

Manager, UPI State of Maine; Administrative Assistant, U.S. Congressman, Peter M. Kyros; Owner RAB Associates, PR Agency, Boston, Massachusetts; and founding consultant, High-Profile Monthly

Ralph A. Barnes, Newscaster WLOB Portland, ME; Senior Manager, UPI State of Maine; Administrative Assistant for U.S. Congressman; Owner, RAB Associates, PR Agency, Boston, Massachusetts; and founding editor and consultant, High-Profile Monthly.

Food Drive for Boys and Girls Clubs Held at PROCON Event

Proudly Helping Transform the Construction Industry

Ryan’s

Named among

Ryan Ahern , Director of

Publisher’s Message

Anastasia Barnes

Welcome, September. It’s back to school for most, and a focus on schools for us. I would be honored to enter the pristine halls and elegant learning centers of any of the developments that are pictured throughout our issue.

All eyes should be on the Burlington High School and Technical Center, our cover story. Vermont’s first new-build high school in decades, this project has been a long-time coming. Check out page 14 to learn more. To view photos of the construction progress, visit https://www. bsdvt.org/bhs-btc-project/. We’ll make sure to follow up when the project has been completed!

Congrats to Patriquin Architects, and the entire project team, for winning the 2025 Sustainable Architecture Award of Excellence from AIA Connecticut for the Slate Upper School project in North Haven, Conn. Designed for net-

zero readiness, Slate Upper School incorporates Passive House, WELL Building, and Living Building Challenge principles, and CHPS standards. It is designed to serve as a replicable model for sustainable school design for future educational institutions. Read about this exciting project on page 22.

On page 12, Emily Hunt describes how the team at Copley Wolff Design Group created the new inclusive play

space at McGlynn Elementary School in Medford, Mass. The firm engaged students, teachers, parents, and neighbors to shape a playground that truly served all.

Inclusivity is also the driver of the industry’s Construction Inclusion Week, which we will be highlighting for the first time in our October issue of HighProfile. We’re sharing how companies are advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry—from workforce initiatives and partnerships to events and lessons learned. Share your story and take part in our spotlight. The October issue also has a focus on Corporate and Interiors. If you do work with corporate clients or if your team is designing or building interior spaces, we want to feature your work! Share your latest projects, insights, and perspectives in this issue! The deadline is Sept. 22.

I recently attended The Associated General Contractors of Vermont’s (AGC

VT) 90th anniversary party. It was great to connect with Vermont Governor Phil Scott and AGC VT’s executive vice president and director of safety training and member services, Richard Wobby. It was a perfect end-of-summer day and a joyous time. Congrats to everyone at AGC VT on 90 years! Speaking of anniversaries, I’ll be attending the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts’ (ASM) Biennial Gala celebrating its 75th anniversary on October 23. Ping me if you’re going!

Finally, we would like to draw attention to page 3 of this issue, which is a tribute to Ralph Barnes, the patriarch of the Barnes family, the founding editor of High-Profile Monthly, and my grandfather. He passed away one year ago this month and we miss him greatly. Without his guidance, HighProfile would not be the publication it is today.

Enjoy the read!

early childhood

independent schools

Slate Upper School Photo courtesy of Ian Christmann

Universal playground at McGlynn Elementary School in Medford, Mass. Photo by Anthony Crisafulli

Up-Front

Ground Broken on Newton School

Newton, MA – On June 4, the groundbreaking for the Horace Mann Elementary School Addition and Renovation project took place in Newton.

M. O’Connor Contracting, Inc. (MOCC) has been awarded the project that is designed to increase and enhance the educational spaces for the students of the Newtonville area. The existing building was originally constructed in 1934.

MOCC’s team is led by Superintendent Ed O’Connor. Mick Murphy has been added as project manager to work alongside General Manager Michael O’Connor, Jr. and VP of Operations Krystal Burrows. The project team

that MOCC is working with includes Raymond Design Associates, Inc.; NV5; Newton Public Buildings Department; and the City of Newton.

Founder of Existing Conditions Retires

Boston – Existing Conditions, a GPRS Company, announced that its founder and chief executive officer, Kurt Yeghian, retired on Aug. 1.

Yeghian founded Existing Conditions in 1997 to address a gap in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry: a lack of accurate, professional as-built documentation. While Yeghian worked at a Boston architectural firm and pursued his degree, he noticed that measuring existing buildings was often delegated to junior staff without the necessary experience, equipment, and expertise. This frequently led to costly change orders and project delays.

“When we started the company over two decades ago, this service wasn’t provided by anyone in the industry,” said Yeghian. “It seemed strange that such an important part of the project was really being neglected, so it made sense to start a company that provides this service.”

Existing Conditions was among the first to adopt terrestrial 3D laser scanning to provide accurate as-built documentation in the field. The company’s team includes professionals trained by architects and

commercial real estate investors, which enables them to “speak the language” of buildings and deliver the data their clients need.

Existing Conditions was acquired by GPRS in 2024.

Horace Mann Elementary School groundbreaking

Horace Mann Elementary School / Rendering courtesy of Raymond Design Associates, Inc.

Kurt Yeghian

Amenta Emma Celebrates 40 Years

Hartford, CT

– Amenta Emma Architects is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a firm-wide celebration and a renewed strategic focus on regional growth. The Hartford-based architecture and design firm, which began with a specialization in workplace interiors for the insurance industry, now operates studios in academic, community, and workplace design and has expanded its presence across New England, including a growing office in Boston.

“When I look back at the firm’s 40year history, I’m struck by how much has changed and by how much has stayed the same,” said Michael Tyre, president at Amenta Emma. “A pursuit of excellence and a commitment to client success have always been this firm’s north star. But the ways we live those values today would have been hard to imagine at the beginning.”

Amenta Emma was founded in 1985 by Anthony Amenta and Robert Emma. Representatives of the firm say it established its early reputation through great design with an standard of quality in construction documentation, reducing change orders, improving project timelines, and building long-term client trust. They say that ethos of excellence has remained central even as the firm has broadened its definition of impact: from

precision in drawings to innovation in design, inclusive team culture, and client advocacy.

“When Bob and I founded the firm, we believed that great design, excellent service, and an unwavering attention to quality would set us apart,” said Amenta. “It’s been incredibly exciting to see a new generation build on that foundation by expanding our reach, raising the design profile, and staying true to who we are.”

The team has contributed to a carbon-neutral future as a signatory to the Architecture 2030 Challenge. The firm has also achieved the WELL Equity Rating. For the past three years, AIA Connecticut has recognized Amenta Emma’s efforts with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Awards, including the 2024 JEDI Award of Excellence.

“Excellence is something we deliver with every project, but it is also a mindset,” said Tyre. “It shows up in the quality of our design approach, the way we support each other, and how we push ourselves to get better, year after year.”

To mark the anniversary, Amenta Emma will release a series of staff spotlights, blog posts, and reflections connecting past, present, and future.

AET Donates to ACEC Research Institute

Washington – The ACEC Research Institute announced a major donation from American Engineering Testing (AET), a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that focuses on the transportation, energy, commercial, industrial and government market segments.

AET’s Founder Circle donation supports the ACEC Research Institute’s research to provide insights and thought leadership for the engineering industry.

The institute is an independent, nonprofit organization.

“At AET, our mission is ‘working together to build a more certain world.’

That’s why we support the ACEC Research Institute and its mission to advance research, technology, and sustainability across our industry,” said Dan Larson P.E., chief executive officer of AET. “This contribution demonstrates our strong support for initiatives that

shape the future and drive progress for our entire industry.”

“This donation from AET demonstrates its commitment to furthering the engineering industry by investing in the intersection of innovation and insight,” said Steve Lefton, chair of the ACEC Research Institute. “It’s this proactive mindset coupled with our longterm perspective that will help set our industry up for success.”

In addition to conducting original research, the institute has awarded $678,000 in student scholarships over the last year to help future engineers join the industry. The ACEC Research Institute’s data is often cited by the media and is available on the Bloomberg Terminal, a tool for financial professionals that provides real-time data, news, and analytics. Through the support of its donors, the institute will continue to expand its research activities.

David Prouty High School Spencer, MA

Crocker Elementary School Fitchburg, MA

William R. Peck Middle School Holyoke, MA

Tyngsborough Middle School

Tyngsborough, MA

The Builder Coalition Fellowship Launches with Kickoff Event

Boston – On July 18, The Builder Coalition (TBC) launched its 2025 Affordable Housing Developer Fellowship. The members-only event brought together state leaders, developers, alumni, and fellows for a kickoff lunch, fellowship celebration, and guided bus tour of active affordable housing projects across Greater Boston.

Held at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury, the event showcased the next generation of diverse developers working to expand access to inclusive housing across the Commonwealth. Attendees heard remarks from public officials, including Senator Liz Miranda, State Representative Russell Holmes, Sheila Dillon of the City of Boston, and Sabrina Correia of JPMorgan Chase, who

emphasized the role that programs like this play in reshaping the region’s housing landscape.

Throughout the afternoon, media and guests had the opportunity to meet with current and past TBC fellows, tour live development sites, and learn firsthand about the challenges, strategies, and innovations shaping Boston’s affordable housing future. The guided bus tour offered an on-the-ground look at some of the region’s affordable housing developments. Attendees heard directly from the developers and project partners about each site’s community impact, design, and financing.

The event also marked the official start of the six-month Affordable Housing Developer Fellowship, an intensive

program that pairs emerging talent with industry experts and mentors to support the creation of original development proposals. It is sponsored by MassHousing and JPMorgan Chase.

“Friday’s event was more than a launch, it was a celebration of the people and

partnerships moving Boston forward,” said Dave Madan, executive director of The Builder Coalition. “This fellowship represents a bold step toward a more inclusive future in real estate, and we’re proud to support the next generation of developers leading that charge.”

In Progress

Milestone Construction Celebrates 15th Anniversary

New Haven, CT – Milestone Construction Services LLC announced it is marking 15 years in business. The firm was founded in 2010.

Representatives of the company say Milestone has earned a reputation for its hands-on service, responsive team, and deep commitment to community partnership, and that, from public safety facilities and university labs to K-12 schools and municipal buildings, the company has grown steadily by approaching each project with an “owner’s mindset” and building trusted relationships that stand the test of time.

“What started as a small firm grounded in trust and experience has grown into a company that’s helping shape the future of Connecticut’s built environment. We’ve had the honor of working with remarkable partners and clients, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.” – Frank Ferraiolo, president of Milestone Construction

“We’re incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve built to deliver successful projects,” said Frank Ferraiolo, president of Milestone Construction.

The firm continues to expand its

Design, Engineering & Environmental Services

• master planning

• landscape architecture

• climate resiliency services

• site/civil engineering

• environmental consulting

•

capabilities—including a new strategic partnership with Nucor Building Systems, a manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings. This collaboration strengthens Milestone’s capacity to deliver large and complex projects while maintaining personalized service and reliability.

“At its core, our work is about people,

not just projects,” Ferraiolo added.

“Whether we’re renovating a university campus, constructing a firehouse, or supporting the expansion of a growing manufacturing company, we bring care, coordination, and craft to all aspects of the process.”

Milestone served as construction manager for high-tech manufacturer Rowland Technologies in Wallingford, Conn. for the renovation/improvements to 50,000sf of existing building area which was then followed with a 37,000sf expansion that included a new warehouse and offices.

Focus: Schools and Institutions

McGlynn

Universal

Playground: A Model for Inclusive Design

By Emily Hunt

Home to the first universal playground in Medford, Mass., the McGlynn Elementary School recently marked its first anniversary of its inclusive play space. Beginning in May 2022, the Boston-based landscape architecture firm Copley Wolff initiated the design process to align with Medford’s strategic goals to improve equity and inclusion. From the outset, accessibility was the top priority. The design team aimed to create a space that was not only inclusive and engaging for all children but also a replicable model for future playgrounds across the district.

Copley Wolff led the McGlynn Universal Playground project from concept to completion, guiding stakeholders through a collaborative process that ensured the results reflected the needs and aspirations of the school

Photos by Anthony Crisafulli and community. Working closely with the McGlynn School Playground Design Committee and city staff, Copley Wolff developed a robust outreach strategy. Through public workshops, charrettes, tabling events like the “Harvest Your Energy” festival, and online surveys, the firm engaged students, teachers, parents, and neighbors to shape a playground that truly served all.

One of the most impactful outcomes of this engagement was the inclusion of the “We-Go-Swing” by Landscape Structures. This fully inclusive swing allows children using mobility devices to play alongside their peers. It was identified early on by the community as a “must-have,” and Copley Wolff ensured it was integrated seamlessly into the design.

The firm also facilitated discussions around age-specific needs, resulting in two distinct play zones: one for preschoolers (ages 2–5) and another for elementary students (ages 5–12). Teachers noted concerns about safety for students with visual impairments, and Copley Wolff responded with innovative solutions, including low landscape berms with high contrast surfacing to provide visual and tactile cues. Sensory pathways help students challenge themselves in safe environments, navigating material changes and various steep slopes that also serve as fun play elements. These design elements were developed in consultation with the Perkins School for the Blind and

became a guiding principle throughout the space.

The elementary zone features topographical changes, a double slide for racing per the students’ request, and monkey bars at varying heights to accommodate different age groups and abilities. This provides students with a choice of the appropriate level of challenge and safe risk. A multi-use turf field and raised amphitheater support flexible play and events. In the preschool area, the “Garden Seesaw” by Koman was modified to support assisted play, while a fully accessible wooden playhouse exceeded ADA standards, allowing for interior wheelchair turning space.

During construction, the city’s DEI office, represented by a former McGlynn student and mobility device user, provided valuable feedback on safety enhancements and communication board placement, further reinforcing the community-driven nature of the project. Since opening in October 2024, the McGlynn Universal Playground has given the students and community members an inclusive and welcoming space that will engage generations to come. Not only will it serve as a model for future playgrounds in Medford and the metro Boston area, but it will also inspire kids to learn and grow as they develop confidence and independence on the playground.

Emily Hunt is senior associate at Copley Wolff Design Group.

Photo by Chris Rucinski

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Construction Underway on New High School and Technical Center in Burlington

Burlington, VT – Construction is currently underway on a new 4-story, 250,000sf high school and technical center in Burlington.

Vermont’s first new-build high school in decades, the campus will be located on Institute Road and is designed to be a flexible, accessible, and sustainable school. The building will sit on the same site as the original building, which was demolished in 2023. A beam-raising ceremony was held recently, where hundreds of students, alumni, and community members came together to sign the beam and celebrate the completion of the superstructure.

“ From the start, we set out to design a school that would feel welcoming, connected to nature, and built for collaboration. We worked closely with students, educators, and community members to develop a program of closely knit spacesfilled with natural light. The final design is efficient, airy, and carefully tuned for acoustics.”

– Alex Halpern, president at Freeman French Freeman

Alex Halpern, president at Freeman French Freeman, said, “From the start, we set out to design a school that would feel welcoming, connected to nature, and built for collaboration. We worked closely

with students, educators, and community members to develop a program of closely knit spaces filled with natural light. The final design is efficient, airy, and carefully tuned for acoustics.”

The school includes a 2-story student commons, which serves as a cafeteria, community gathering place, and lobby for both the 750-seat auditorium and oversized gymnasium. Smaller public

For almost 90 years Freeman French Freeman has designed Vermont’s largest and most complex projects, including the new Burlington High School & Technical Education Center.

We designed the new high school in collaboration with DRA Architects—one of many Boston-area firms we have partnered with in recent years.

Firms like DRA, Jones Architecture, Ellenzweig, Cannon Design and Goody Clancy choose to work with FFF because of our proven ability to deliver excellent results across multiple project types.

FREEMAN FRENCH FREEMAN VERMONT’S ARCHITECT SINCE 1937 WWW.FFFINC.COM

South entrance / Renderings courtesy of Freeman French Freeman, Inc.

continued to page 16

Rendering of student commons

Rendering of north entrance

Rendering of auditorium

The new school will be fully electric, using ground source heat pumps for heating and cooling. It is powered entirely by renewable energy, using rooftop solar panels

electricity from Burlington Electric Department (BED). Halpern said, “To find the best design, our MEP partner, LN Consulting, tested eight

Construction Underway on New High School and Technical Center in Burlington continued

from page 15

different mechanical systems and six different building envelope options. The result is that the new high school will use about 75% less energy than the old one, even though it’s about the same size and now includes air conditioning throughout. We are lucky to live in a community with strong partners like BED, who provided both technical and financial support for the project.”

The design also has a focus on accessibility. Russ Elek, communication specialist at the Burlington School District, said, “After our initial design, we met with a group representative of individuals with mobility impairments. We learned quickly that our initial atrium design heavily focused on a large staircase, a central focal point of the space which was also to serve as a gathering space for students. After listening to their concerns, we scaled back the staircase, created more accessible gathering spaces, and added another elevator to the area.”

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is overseeing construction on the project. Additional design team members include DRA Architects, Colin Lindberg & Associates, Hardy Structural Engineering, LN Consulting, VHB, and NV5. The school is expected to be completed and open to students and staff in 2026.

THE BALDWIN SENIOR LIVING LONDONDERRY, NH

COMMERCIAL FRAMING, DRYWALL & ACOUSTICAL

Photos by Robert Benson Photography

Construction in progress

Burlington High School-Burlington Technical Center / Photos courtesy of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Reimagining Core Classrooms at Dartmouth’s Wilder Hall

By Richard M. Jones

At Dartmouth College’s Wilder Hall, the challenge was clear: How do you transform a historic academic building into a set of classrooms that can support the diverse ways students learn today? For Jones Architecture, the answer lay in combining lessons from a decade of classroom design with a deep understanding of Dartmouth’s evolving pedagogy.

Since 2013, our team has worked across Dartmouth’s campus on projects ranging from the Media Center and DartmouthX Teaching Studio to the Rollins Chapel Renovation and the campus-wide energy transition. Along the way, we have developed a specialty in classroom renewal—an expertise informed by a decade’s worth of parallel projects at Harvard, MIT, Boston College, and Norwich University. Each institution approaches teaching differently, yet the underlying questions are consistent: How should furniture move? Where should

writing surfaces be placed? What balance of technology, lighting, and acoustics best supports engaged learning?

The answers are always distinct. Some faculty still swear by chalkboards, while others demand the latest digital displays. Students expect Wi-Fi access, power distribution, and adaptable seating, yet many campuses continue to rely on legacy projectors and older AV systems. Navigating this complexity means designing classrooms that are both flexible and resilient, able to meet current standards while anticipating future needs.

In Wilder Hall, that approach took shape in two classroom typologies.

One, a 30-seat room with tablet-arm chairs and chalkboards on two walls, fosters both face-forward lectures and small-group discussions. The other, a 60-seat classroom with movable tables and chairs, supports collaborative work as well as traditional instruction. Both environments are designed to embrace multiple teaching and learning styles and to encourage active participation.

Collaboration has been central to this success. RFS Engineering, our partner on all building systems integration, helped ensure that lighting, controls, and mechanical systems align seamlessly with the architectural intent. The result is classrooms that marry infrastructure and design to support both current practices and future innovation.

Richard M. Jones, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is principal at Jones Architecture.

For Jones, Wilder Hall represents more than classroom upgrades. It embodies our belief that academic spaces are platforms for curiosity, collaboration, and change. As we look ahead, we remain committed to shaping environments that honor tradition while enabling the next generation of teaching and learning.

Classroom at Dartmouth College’s Wilder Hall

From Legacy to Learning: South Coast Improvement Company Restores Historic East Wareham School

By Kelly Cohane

For decades, the historic East Wareham School stood silent—a once-vibrant community landmark, weathered by time and left vacant after generations of local children had passed through its doors. Today, that silence has been replaced by the laughter and energy of young learners, thanks to the vision of the South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) and the craftsmanship of South Coast Improvement Company (SCIC).

The school has been fully renovated and reimagined as the South Shore Early Education Head Start Wareham program, a state-of-the-art center that provides childcare, preschool, and family support services to residents. This ambitious project has not only preserved the character of a beloved community building but also created a new home where future generations can thrive.

Breathing New Life into a Historic Landmark

The transformation of the East Wareham School was no small task. The building, dormant for decades, required full renovation to meet modern needs while preserving its historic charm. SCIC oversaw every aspect of the work, from major infrastructure upgrades to fine details that honored the school’s heritage. Inside, classrooms that once sat dark and deteriorated now shine with natural light and child-friendly design. A new

station ensures children’s health needs are met, while a fully equipped commercial kitchen prepares nutritious meals daily. For staff, a welcoming break room provides a comfortable retreat, and new administrative offices keep the program running smoothly.

These improvements not only reduce the building’s environmental footprint but also lower operating costs, helping SSCAC dedicate more resources directly to families.

And then there’s the cupola. Adorned with clock faces on all four sides, this architectural treasure, while not restored to its former glory, still stands as a symbol of resilience, bridging over a century of history while representing a future filled with promise.

More Than a Renovation— A Community Investment

Accessibility was a top priority. Entrances, hallways, and restrooms were redesigned to meet ADA standards, ensuring inclusivity for children, families, and staff of all abilities. At the same time, historic elements like oversized windows, decorative staircases, built-in bookshelves, and even vintage chalkboards were carefully preserved, tying the past to the present.

Building a Sustainable Future

One of the defining features of this renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project eliminated fossil fuel use by fully converting the building to electric utilities. The roof and siding were upgraded with high-efficiency insulation, and all windows were replaced with modern, energy-efficient models.

For SSCAC, securing East Wareham School meant more than acquiring a building; it meant honoring its mission to support low-income families across Southeastern Massachusetts. The new Head Start facility offers far more than early education. Families benefit from before- and after-school care, daily meals, health screenings, transportation, and comprehensive family support services designed to foster long-term selfsufficiency.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

What makes this renovation particularly special is the balance between preservation and progress. By blending modern upgrades with historic details, SCIC ensured the building remains recognizable to generations who once studied there, while offering a new environment tailored to today’s children.

The restored East Wareham School is more than a building—it’s a living reminder of the community’s shared history and an investment in its future. With children once again filling its classrooms, the school continues its legacy as a place of learning, growth, and connection.

A Shared Vision

A landmark once abandoned has been reborn as a center of opportunity—linking Wareham’s past to its future, and proving that with vision and commitment, history can inspire hope.

Kelly Cohane is marketing manager at South Coast Improvement Company.

nurses’

Front elevation with new wood shingles and iconic clock tower

Historic stairwell featuring original woodwork and window details, refreshed with new finishes

Classroom entry with restored built-in shelving and original chalkboard wall preserved

Hallway showcasing preserved wainscoting and original wood flooring

Ready to go electric?

Antinozzi Associates Celebrates Grand Opening for West Haven School

West Haven, CT – On Aug. 19, the Washington Elementary School community in West Haven came together with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Commissioner Michelle Halloran Gilman of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services to celebrate the school’s grand opening.

The oldest continuously running public elementary school in Connecticut, Washington Elementary students and staff have operated out of West Haven’s former Malloy School for the past two years. On Aug. 27, they started the school

year in a brand-new building at the corner of Washington Avenue and Brown Street, home to Washington Elementary since 1909. As teachers made final preparations to their classrooms, families had a chance to check out the two new playgrounds, sample the offerings of local food trucks, and tour the new building. Washington Elementary is located in West Haven’s Village District. The new 61,770sf school is situated on the same site as the original building. The former building’s historic terra cotta “Washington School” marquee was

Rock solid, every step of the way.

salvaged, restored, and laid into the masonry of a main corridor in the new building. The new school is clad in brick masonry, like most of West Haven’s civic buildings. Sloped standing-seam metal roof accents are inspired by the surrounding neighborhood.

The new building provides classrooms, specialty academic spaces, and administrative spaces, in addition to a media center, cafetorium, and gymnasium. The structure encircles an exterior courtyard at the center, and all of the school’s primary gathering spaces face this courtyard, which features a secure playground for the youngest students. A glass wall between the courtyard and the north side of the gymnasium blurs the distinction between inside and outside, designed to provide a lively space for physical activity and excellent sight lines for supervision.

While the exterior of the building speaks to its surroundings, the interior

uses a planetary theme to encourage students to “reach for the stars,” inspiring creativity and fun. Vibrant colors woven throughout the interior also provide a means of wayfinding for the students. Contemporary furniture, from student desks and chairs, to moveable soft seating, are designed to encourage the students to learn, grow, and reach for success.

Washington Elementary School was led through construction by Antinozzi Associates, architecture and interior design; Gilbane Building Company, construction manager; and the West Haven Building Committee, chaired by Washington Elementary alumnus Ken Carney. Key design team consultants include Consulting Engineering Services, MEP/FP; D’Agostino & Associates, technology; Jaffe Holden, acoustics; Langan, geotechnical; Michael Horton Associates, structural; Pennoni, environmental; Raymond & Raymond Associates, food service; and Stantec, civil/landscape.

Grand opening for Washington Elementary School Washington Elementary School

Solar Carport Unveiled at Ridgefield High School

Ridgefield, CT – The Town of Ridgefield, in partnership with Davis Hill Development and the Connecticut Green Bank, announced the completion and commissioning of a 1,038 kW solar carport at Ridgefield High School.

Generating approximately 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, the system is designed to reduce the school’s energy costs and carbon footprint while delivering an estimated $1.5 million in savings over the next 25 years. It is designed to power the equivalent of nearly 100 homes per year.

“This project is a great example of what’s possible when forward-thinking communities and strong partners come together,” said Micah Brill, vice president of asset management at Davis Hill Development. “Ridgefield had a clear vision, and with the support of the Green Bank and Patriot Renewable Energy Capital, we were able to bring that vision to life–delivering real savings, clean energy, and long-term value to the town.”

Financing for the project included support from the Connecticut Green Bank and a tax equity investment from Patriot Renewable Energy Capital. AEC Solar served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, completing the carport on an accelerated summer schedule to avoid disruptions to

the school year. The project also received federal Investment Tax Credits enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act.

“At the Green Bank, we’re always looking to foster partnerships that make the benefits of clean energy projects a reality, including creating significant energy savings and supporting jobs in our communities,” said Mariana Cardenas Trief, director of investments at Connecticut Green Bank. “This is the

latest of multiple solar projects that we have worked with DHD Renewables and the town to complete, and we are proud to continue this support as they reduce their energy costs and move Connecticut closer to its clean energy goals.”

The solar system is integrated into four separate town- and school-owned electric meters, allowing for optimal use of onsite solar production and full participation in programs like Connecticut’s Non-

Build Your Marketing and Advertising Campaign with

Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES), Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECs), and Class I RECs.

This solar carport builds on Ridgefield’s broader sustainability initiative, which began nearly a decade ago and includes rooftop solar installations at eight other schools and municipal buildings.

Ridgefield High School carport

Patriquin Architects Awarded with AIA CT’s 2025 Sustainable Architecture Award

Slate Upper School / Photos courtesy of Ian Christmann

North Haven, CT – Patriquin Architects announced that the Slate Upper School project in North Haven has received a 2025 Sustainable Architecture Award of Excellence from AIA Connecticut.

The combined Upper and Lower School buildings at Slate School encompass approximately 25,000sf on a contiguous 40-acre campus. Situated adjacent to Slate Lower School, the new 18,687sf Upper School campus is designed to immerse students in a rich ecological setting and foster deep connections to nature. The architecture supports interdisciplinary, project-based learning through adaptable, student-centered spaces. The two primary buildings are linked by a light-filled central spine, and the central gathering space expands or contracts as needed to accommodate different learning modalities.

Designed for net-zero readiness, Slate Upper School incorporates Passive House, WELL Building, and Living Building Challenge principles, and CHPS standards. It is designed to serve as a replicable model for sustainable school design for future educational institutions. Key sustainability and wellness features include:

• High-Performance Building Envelope: The school features R-70+ roofs, R-40 walls, and R-30 floor slabs to minimize thermal loads and maximize energy efficiency. Rain screen siding and an active vapor-open weather-resistant barrier (WRB) are designed to enhance moisture and vapor management. Triple glazed windows and air sealing reduce drafts and chronic thermal stressors on students and faculty.

• All-Electric Mechanical Systems: The school operates without on-site fossil fuel combustion, using a high-efficiency, smart energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system that continuously monitors and adjusts indoor air quality.

• Material Health and Safety: Rigorous material selection was designed to eliminate harmful substances and create a chemically safe environment that supports cognitive and physical well-being.

• Ecological Site Strategies: The project includes extensive wetland restoration, native planting initiatives, and sustainable stormwater management to enhance local biodiversity and improve water quality.

Developing a school on a site bisected

by wetlands posed significant challenges regarding site planning, permitting, and environmental conservation. The design team worked closely with environmental consultants and regulatory agencies to ensure the construction minimized ecological disruption. The strategic placement of the pedestrian bridge and buildings allowed for preserving wetland areas while maintaining connectivity across the site.

A joint initiative of AIA Connecticut and Connecticut Passive House, the Sustainable Architecture Awards program recognizes projects that address environmental challenges through thoughtful design. It celebrates work that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers energy demand, conserves water, and contributes to healthier, more durable

built environments. The 2025 jury commented that the Slate Upper School is “a beautifully executed project with thoughtful site strategy, strong material choices, and an impressive EUI of 22. The design celebrates mass timber and skillfully balances light and dark interior spaces. Clear attention to the Framework for Design Excellence supports a holistic sustainability approach, emphasizing natural and bio-based materials while substantially reducing energy use.”

PROJECT TEAM

Architect: Patriquin Architects

Site/Civil/LA/Geo/Traffic: SLR Consulting

Structural Engineer: Girard & Company

MEP/FP Engineer + IT/Security: CES

Construction Management: Gilbane

Lighting Design: Gorecki Design Associates

The Ideas Lab is a place where hands-on learning, iterative making, and exploration can occur, both inside and outside.

The bridge crossing over the wetlands valley connects the student drop off area to the school.

The upper level of the Alma serves as both an observation mezzanine and the school’s library.

The Alma is an adaptive multipurpose gathering place with a wrap-around balcony equipped with flexible lighting, sound and audio visual equipment to transform the space.

Bowdoin Completes Centers for BrightPath

Woburn, MA – Bowdoin Construction announced it completed two new BrightPath early childhood education centers in Woburn and Westford.

The Westford facility totals 14,400sf and includes four infant classrooms, six preschool classrooms, 10 toddler classrooms, and a conference room. New staff support spaces include a kitchen, break room, bathrooms, laundry, and storage. The project scope included site work, foundations, structural steel, wood trusses, an asphalt shingle roof, cement fiber siding, and cultured stone facade. The property also features a new playground wrapping two sides and the rear of the building, as well as a new parking lot across the front.

Construction of the new BrightPath location in Woburn involved the conversion of a former 12,000sf restaurant into a new childcare facility. The scope included the selective demolition of existing building elements before undertaking the extensive building renovation. Work entailed an entirely new facade, entrances, windows, and all interior fitout, as well as new playgrounds and parking.

BrightPath’s mission is to deliver high quality childcare and exciting opportunities for learning that give every child a head start as they prepare for school. It’s their vision to give every child the best start in life.

CM Selected for SNHU Renovation

Manchester, NH – Chapman Construction announced it has been selected to oversee renovations to the Robert A. Freese Student Center at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The occupied renovation is designed to modernize this central artery of the Manchester campus and incorporate sustainable improvements. Chapman will complete the project in partnership with architect Analogue Studio.

The building’s features include an Einstein’s Bagels location, a student bookstore, post office, interfaith room, campus pub, commuter lounge, club offices, and wellness center. The multiphased project incorporates aesthetic improvements along with overhauling utility infrastructure for future installations of energy-efficient equipment. Chapman will complete the renovation in phases to keep the student center operational throughout construction.

“When renovating the student center, it was important for us to create an inclusive, vibrant space that fosters connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging—responding to the changing needs of our students and empowering them to thrive in every aspect of their college experience,” said Heather Lorenz, VP of student affairs and campus based initiatives at SNHU.

In addition to new finishes and a modernized building envelope featuring high- efficiency glazing and ACM siding, Chapman will also integrate extensive improvements to address aging energy infrastructure. This includes removing existing cabling, shutting down gas service, and constructing a new utility room. This phase of work will enable the team to electrify the building, including the installation of 18 electric rooftop units that replace the existing gas-fired equipment.

“We are excited to partner with a firm like Chapman Construction that so clearly understands the need to modernize campuses in new ways, including meeting evolving energy standards,” said Alex Regnery, capital projects manager, SNHU. “The improvements to the Robert A. Freese Student Center will enable our institution to raise the bar for on-campus amenities and vital resources within an energy-efficient and electrified facility.”

BrightPath in Westford, Mass.

Rendering courtesy of Analogue Studio

KBE Building Corporation Delivers First-of-its-Kind Passive House Residence Halls at Bard College

Bard College has taken a bold step toward the future of sustainable campus living with the completion of its new Residence Halls designed to Passive House Standards among the first of their kind at a U.S. university. Serving as Construction Manager, KBE Building Corporation played a pivotal role in bringing this groundbreaking project to life, guiding an ambitious team of designers, engineers, and consultants through the challenges of delivering ultra-efficient, high-performance student housing.

Completed in August 2025 for student move-in at the start of the fall semester, this five-building residence hall complex provides 450 beds and a student commons “Head House”. Set on a 6.03 acre site, the overall complex encompasses 130,000 sf. Each four-story residential building is wood-framed with flat roofs and clad in brick veneer, while the 10,000 sf, two-story, steel-framed Head House offers flexible spaces for student collaboration, gatherings, and dining. All four residence halls were constructed to meet Passive House standards.

According to Vincenzo Tiberia, Bard’s Assistant Director of Buildings & Grounds, “With the rising cost and limited supply of off-campus housing, Bard College addressed these concerns that our students were facing by investing in the construction of “North Campus Dorm Complex”. These buildings stay true to Bard’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, it was important that we designed and constructed highly efficient buildings that are properly insulated with airtight building envelopes, include high performance windows and doors, balanced and efficient geothermal heating and ventilation systems, as well as proper site lighting upgrades to LED.”

P ASSIVE HO USE ST ANDARDS

Bard College sought to build high-performance, energy efficient buildings on their Annandale-on-Hudson, NY campus. This groundbreaking complex is one of only a handful of residence halls in the United States designed to meet passive house standards and reflects an industry shift—from building “to code”, to building for performance—and puts Bard and KBE at the forefront of next-generation, high-performance campus living.

For a building to be considered a “Passive House” structure, focus is on achieving high energy efficiency which minimizes heating and cooling demands. These standards promote indoor comfort and acoustic insulation. The Passive House standard relies on these five building principles:

• Design that Reduces Thermal Bridging

• High Quality Continuous Insulation

• High Performance Doors and Windows

• Airtight Construction

LEADING THE TEAM THROUGH COMPLEXITY

• Balanced Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery

A project of this complexity required the combined knowledge and skillsets of many designers and specialists. DBI Projects, LLC served as the Owner’s Representative; KPF as the Project Architect; OLA Consulting Engineers provided MEP/FP Engineering services; Silman led the Structural Engineering design; and Langan Engineering provided Civil Engineering services. When asked about the project team, James von Klemperer, FAIA RIBA, President and Design Principal at KPF said “The Bard College Residence Halls mark a milestone for KPF as our first Passive House project, and we’re proud to have achieved this working with KBE Building Corporation as Construction Manager. Their expertise and commitment to high-performance construction were instrumental in realizing our design vision. Together, we’ve created a student living environment that meets the highest standards of sustainability and comfort, while supporting Bard’s ambitious goals for campus decarbonization. This collaboration exemplifies how thoughtful design and skilled execution can come together to set a new benchmark for residential architecture.”

In addition to this core team, Socotec was brought on as a specialty Envelope Consultant, and Longman Lindsey was incorporated to serve as the Project’s Acoustical Consultant.

Collaboration is essential on any project, but one striving to meet Passive House standards demanded a leader with extensive Design-Build experience— someone who could align designers and specialists, push coordination issues to the forefront, and enable

efficient was uniquely traditional high-level documented KBE

achieved the start through like

The

Department certification, Building management the airtight attempt.

Key

insulation with highly student

BUILDING

The success KBE’s and engineers strategies energy

This leadership complex, they

Installation of Geothermal Wells on Bard’s Campus

efficient construction in the field. With its proven track record managing complex Design-Build projects, KBE was uniquely qualified to step in and facilitate this process. From the outset, KBE’s role extended far beyond traditional construction oversight, serving as the central hub of coordination and collaboration. This required high-level communication and proactive problem-solving to ensure that Passive House standards were not only documented but successfully implemented in the field.

KBE Building Corporation’s COO and EVP, Jim Culkin, reflected: “This project truly showcased what can be achieved when every member of the team is committed and collaborative. Despite facing adverse weather at the start of the yea r, the team pushed forward with determination to meet an aggressive schedule. From design through construction, every individual pulled their weight, and the seamless coordination made this project feel like working with a well-oiled machine.”

TRAN SLATING DESIGN INT O REALIT Y

The Passive House approach requires meticulous attention to detail, an area where KBE’s Quality Control Department sets the tone. With KBE’s Director of Quality Control holding a professional Passive House certification, the entire field and QC team played a pivotal role in the project’s success. They began with a Building Envelope Preparatory Meeting to establish protocols, followed by full-time, on-site quality control management to ensure compliance at every step. Thanks to this disciplined process, critical systems—including the airtight envelope and mechanical infrastructure—the project passed rigorous performance tests on the first attempt.

Key project features highlight both innovation and precision: 16-inch-thick exterior walls with 9.5 inches of insulation provide robust thermal performance, while triple-glazed, recessed windows balance energy efficiency with architectural character. Below ground, a geothermal well field of 74 wells drilled 450 feet deep supports highly efficient heating and cooling. Every detail was executed with an eye toward performance, durability, and student comfort.

BUILDING THE FUTURE O F STUDENT HO USING

The success of Bard’s Passive House residence halls is as much about field execution as it is about design. KBE’s construction crews implemented every layer of the envelope, coordinated with the envelope consultant and engineers to resolve details, and maintained tight sequencing to protect the airtightness and insulation strategies critical to meeting passive house standards The result is a residence hall that dramatically reduces energy demand while providing healthier, quieter, and more comfortable living spaces for students.

This project marks a milestone for both Bard College and KBE Building Corporation. For Bard, it signals leadership in sustainability and innovation in higher education. For KBE, it underscores the firm’s ability to deliver complex, future-focused projects—where rigorous standards meet practical construction exper tise. Together, they have set a new benchmark for the future of campus housing.

The

best use of the “passive” influences in a building –like sunshine, shading and ventilation – rather than active heating and cooling systems such as air conditioning and central heating.

influences in a building –like sunshine, shading and ventilation – rather than active heating and cooling systems such as air conditioning and central heating.

is a national construction services firm serving clients through its offices in Farmington and Norwalk, CT; Laurel, MD; and Scottsdale, AZ. www.kbebuilding.com

KBE is a national construction services firm serving clients through its offices in Farmington and Norwalk, CT; Laurel, MD; and Scottsdale, AZ. www.kbebuilding.com The design is focused on

Fitzemeyer & Tocci Completes Project at Wentworth Institute of Technology

Filling the role of owner’s engineer, Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc. (F&T) played a crucial role in the project to upgrade ventilation and bring cooling to labs, classrooms, corridors, and offices in Rubenstein Hall on the Wentworth Institute of Technology campus in Boston. Upgrading the HVAC system, meeting energy efficiency goals, and leveraging existing infrastructure were all considerations as the project moved forward. F&T’s role involves a blend of technical expertise, a deep understanding of energy efficiency programs, and close collaboration with the owner to upgrades that met defined standards and aligned with long-term goals.

Designing an Upgraded HVAC System

With a clear understanding of the existing conditions, gained from field investigations, F&T collaborated with Wentworth to design an upgraded HVAC system that would leverage the existing steam distribution on campus, improve venti-

lation and bring cooling to areas that are sometimes uncomfortable for space users.

Challenges of Current Use

One of the most significant challenges F&T faced was the variable load that was caused by the jet engine laboratory within Rubenstein. A classroom session has a very different heat load than a lab session that includes firing a jet engine within space for a period of time. F&T had to size equipment serving the room so that it could comfortably cool when the jet engine was being tested but could still dial down to support a regular class session without over cooling the space.

Equipment Challenges

Other challenges to design included the equipment and programming of

BUILT FOR

equipment. Multiple Fan Coil Units (FCUs) were received from the factory with burnt out motors and FCUs with working motors seemed to be operating more than anticipated. A commissioning effort was undertaken to quantify motor issues and delve into equipment operation. It was determined that FCUs with working motors were programmed with a 1-degree deadband (the range of temperature where the system remains unchanged). Wentworth Institute of Technology has a campus standard of a 4-degree deadband. Upon making that programming correction and replacing motors determined to be faulty, the system functioned as expected from the design.

Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc. plays a key role in helping navigate

spaces with unique uses and developing approaches that ensure user comfort across a variety of activities. The established relationship that Wentworth maintains with F&T as the owner’s engineer demonstrates the power of partnerships in advancing sustainability and infrastructure development.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, evolving codes, and new reporting requirements, these efforts highlight the important role of engineering firms in driving positive change and shaping sustainable spaces.

Abdullah Khaliqi, PE, MCCPO, CPQ is principal, academic market leader at Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc.

Abdullah Khaliqi

Rubenstein Hall

Lab

Watch Now to Learn More

Wellesley Completes Health Center $135M Bond Issued for University Project

Wellesley, MA – Bowdoin Construction served as construction manager for the new Vivian A. Kao ’04 Health and Counseling Center at Wellesley College, which opened to students in June.

Development of the new 12,000sf facility involved careful demolition and removal of the existing building, followed by the strategic installation of a new 2-story state-of-the-art prefabricated panelized timber structure that was placed on the original foundation.

Advanced planning and design by

architects Shepley Bulfinch, engineering firm Buro Happold, and providers of high-performance panelized building systems, Bensonwood, resulted in this all-electric, highly energy-efficient, highperformance campus resource built to LEED Gold standards.

The new health and counseling center, brightly lit with floor-to-ceiling windows, features numerous counseling and exam rooms, two reception areas, offices, conference rooms, staff support spaces, a laboratory, and utility closets.

Waltham, MA – MassDevelopment has issued a $134,570,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Brandeis University, which will use bond proceeds to build and equip a new 5-story, 631-bed student residence hall and fund other miscellaneous capital projects on its campus in Waltham.

Brandeis University is a private research university, founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community and named for Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Construction of the new residence hall began in June, with design led by William Rawn Associates and Dimeo Construction serving as construction project manager. The bond was sold through a public offering underwritten by Barclays Capital Inc.

“I am pleased that Brandeis University and MassDevelopment have made a commitment to build 631 units of housing,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. Mc-

Carthy. “The on-campus housing will be beneficial to the neighborhoods.”

“Brandeis University has a proud legacy of academic excellence here in Massachusetts,” said MassDevelopment president and CEO, Navjeet Bal. “MassDevelopment is pleased to deliver tax-exempt financing to help this institution build a new, state-of-the-art residence hall on its campus in Waltham where it can welcome and serve students for years to come.”

“This is more than just a building project — it’s a statement about our priorities,” said Arthur Levine, interim president of Brandeis University. “We are investing in our students and in the future of Brandeis. This residence hall will support community, well-being and the dynamic student experience that defines our university.”

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

Vivian A. Kao ’04 Health and Counseling Center

Brandeis University’s new residence hall / Rendering courtesy of William Rawn Associates

CATHLEEN BRODERICK PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

High-Profile Focus: Schools and Institutions

Setting a Solid Foundation: Surveying and Construction Layout Expertise for Schools

By Daniel F. Fleming

Every successful school project begins with a clear understanding of the site. A thorough Existing Conditions Survey provides the essential base for design and construction. By capturing a site’s complexities and constraints early and accurately, projects can proceed more smoothly through design, permitting, and construction, avoiding costly surprises and setting the stage for team success. Surveys provide comprehensive documentation that design teams can rely on with confidence. Using robotic total stations and RTK GPS equipment, surveyors establish precise control networks across the site. From the basics such as topography, elevations, and utilities to FEMA base flood elevations, wetlands, encroachments, and easements, every feature must be carefully documented. Researching deeds, locating survey monuments, and reviewing recorded subdivision

plans and street layouts all help confirm property boundaries. Deliverables in AutoCAD Civil 3D integrate seamlessly into CAD and Revit, supporting accurate and coordinated design. This diligence goes beyond technical rigor—it creates a trusted base plan tailored to each project’s unique characteristics and phases.

The new Pickering Middle School in Lynn, Mass. underscores the importance of this work. The campus, shared with the Edward A. Sisson Elementary School, presented several challenges including unclear property records, an undefined flood zone, utility easements, and land preserved for recreation under Article 97. To address these complexities, a full package of surveying services was required to establish boundaries, confirm land ownership, and document site conditions. When the City of Lynn could not confirm the limits of a public right-

Promoting the Mechanical Contracting Industry for over

Organizations and Events

Organizations and Events PWC CT Welcomes New Board

of-way, a roadway plan was prepared that enabled the City Council to formally recognize and record the right-of-way. This proactive solution not only addressed immediate permitting needs but also provided long-term clarity for the city.

PWC CT Welcomes New Board

Hartford, CT – The Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) recently welcomed its new board of directors for the 2021-2022 program year.

Another important step was helping the city manage parcels of land tied to Article 97, preparing plans that allowed parcels to be transferred to designated recreation areas while still allowing school construction to move forward. In addition, detailed surveys were conducted around nearby Flax and Sluice Ponds to support a flood study.

Patricia Bilotto returns as chapter president. She is the manager of marketing and business development for van Zelm Engineers. She has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business development in the AEC industry, and presently serves on the program, membership, and awards committees.

In addition to “base” surveying, construction layout services play a critical role in bringing design plans to life. Once the Existing Conditions Survey is complete, the team is already familiar with the site and its control network, making it efficient to provide accurate on-the-ground guidance for construction. Services often include staking out buildings, foundations, utilities, grades, and curbing, as well as preparing as-built documentation and performing settlement monitoring. This approach eliminates redundant work, reduces errors, and streamlines coordination between design and construction teams.

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School School in Taunton, a 74-acre campus, layout services guided column grids and foundation walls, giving the contractor the accuracy needed for such a large site. At Phillips Academy in Andover, layout support included staking foundations and utilities, preparing a foundation as-built for approval, and performing anchor bolt surveys to ensure precise steel erection.

Laurann Asklof, principal of Shipman & Goodwin, LLP, will serve on the board as vice president. She has approximately 30 years of experience in the area of construction law and litigation. She will continue to participate in the chapter’s programs, mentorship, and scholarship committees.

Recent projects highlight this value. At Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical

Carolyn Kurth, CPA, CFE, of CohnReznick, will return as treasurer. She serves on the scholarship committee. Dawn Meeker, director at Marcum, LLP, is returning for a second year as chapter secretary. She now serves as the membership chair and will continue as a volunteer on the awards committee.

Integrating surveying and layout services helps project teams save time, understand constraints, control costs, and keep design, permitting, and construction moving smoothly. Starting with accurate site information and carrying that precision through to construction provides a strong foundation for creating educational facilities where students, teachers, and communities can thrive.

Kim Colapietro, partner of EDI Landscape, LLC, returns for her third year on the board. She serves as the awards committee chair.

Daniel F. Fleming, PLS is director of land surveying at Samiotes Consultants, Inc.

Kyma Ganzer, project manager at LaRosa her recipient Rising mentorship Robinson board on Companies, year. committee

The 2021-2022 PWC CT board (l-r): Choity Khan, Kyma Ganzer, and Jennifer

Phillips Academy

Data-Driven Renewal: A New Model for Campus Capital Planning

Across the country, college and university leaders face the pressure of aging infrastructure and limited budgets. Emergency repairs are more frequent and costly, creating a cycle of reactive fixes that strain both finances and operations.

However, there is a way forward. With strategic condition assessments, energy-efficient retrofits, and phased capital renewal planning, institutions can move from crisis response to proactive investment.

A Challenge Too Big to Ignore

Higher education institutions across the U.S. are managing more than $112 billion in urgent deferred renewal. Many buildings were constructed during the 1950s to 1970s education boom and are now well beyond their expected service life. The backlog exceeds $140 per gross square foot and continues rising. Meanwhile, colleges are being asked

to reduce operating expenses, decarbonize aging systems, and make progress on climate goals, all while delivering a safe, competitive environment for students and faculty. This convergence has transformed deferred capital renewal from a facilities headache into a strategic imperative. Institutions that act now with data-backed plans can protect physical assets, unlock long-term savings, and reinforce their mission.

The Strategic Ownership Advantage

The turning point comes when facilities are treated as assets to manage strategically rather than problems to solve. This fundamental shift enables data-informed decisions, reduces long-term risk, and maximizes capital impact.

Strategic ownership begins with understanding each facility’s condition, performance, and lifecycle costs. From this foundation, colleges can move beyond emergency repairs to plan phased capital renewal that aligns with both operational needs and academic goals. This approach simply requires smarter spending. When institutions prioritize upgrades that improve energy performance and extend system life, they create savings that fund future projects.

Finding

the Starting Point

College leaders often recognize the need to act but struggle with where to begin. With aging systems spanning multiple buildings and limited funds to deploy, prioritizing feels

impossible when everything appears urgent.

The solution starts with gaining clarity rather than making major capital investments. A facility condition assessment provides an objective view of campus assets, identifying which systems pose the greatest risk and where interventions will have the most impact. When paired with energy audits and commissioning studies, these assessments reveal opportunities for quick, high-return upgrades that lower utility costs and reduce operational strain.

Once this groundwork is complete, a phased renewal strategy naturally emerges. Some institutions bundle similar projects across buildings, while others time upgrades with academic calendars or align them with broader sustainability goals. The common thread is making evidence-based decisions that extend facility life, prevent unexpected failures, and create breathing room for long-term planning.

Breaking Through Common Barriers

Even motivated leaders encounter predictable obstacles. Facilities teams often rely on the deep institutional knowledge of key personnel—knowledge that disappears when those experts retire. System failures typically remain invisible until they disrupt operations, leading to costly reactive repairs. Many administrators face analysis paralysis, overwhelmed by competing priorities and conflicting data from

multiple reports.

The tendency toward short-term fixes compounds these challenges. When budgets are tight, the cheapest immediate solution often wins, even when it creates bigger problems down the road. Without a strategic framework, capital renewal gets treated as a necessary evil rather than an investment in the institution’s future.

Success demands a different approach. Institutions need structured processes that capture expert knowledge before it leaves. They need assessment tools that identify risks before systems fail. Most importantly, they need to reframe infrastructure investments as long-term asset management—stewarding systems worth hundreds of millions of dollars over multiple decades rather than simply fixing what breaks.

The path forward isn’t easy, but it’s clear: Colleges that embrace strategic asset management today will emerge stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to fulfill their educational mission. The question is whether institutions will get ahead of it first.

Tom Iskra, PE, LEED AP serves as a principal at Salas O’Brien. He can be contacted at tom.iskra@salasobrien.com. Robert McKenna, MBA serves as director of energy planning at Salas O’Brien. He can be contacted at robert.mckenna@ salasobrien.com.

by Tom Iskra and Robert McKenna

Erland Tops Off 106,000sf Athletic Field House for Middlesex School

Concord, MA – Erland Construction announced it recently celebrated the topping off of Middlesex School’s new 106,000sf athletic field house in Concord. Students, alumni, faculty, and project partners gathered to witness the milestone.

“This final beam represents more than the culmination of structural work; it’s a testament to the collaboration, craftsmanship, and commitment that have gone into bringing this vision to life,” said Scott Reed, senior project manager at Erland Construction. “We’re proud to be building on Middlesex’s winning tradition by delivering a facility

team representatives from Erland

that will serve generations of students and athletes.”

Designed by CBT Architects and managed in collaboration with Rimkus, the 2-story, LEED Silver-certified field house will feature a fitness center, indoor turf practice space, two basketball/volleyball courts, and an elevated indoor track. Additional amenities include lower-level parking for 72 cars, dedicated support spaces, and seamless integration with the school’s existing athletic complex.

“We are thrilled to work with Erland Construction to bring this important project to our campus. The new athletic field house will be a game-changer for our

students, giving them access to a top-tier facility that enhances both their athletic and educational experiences,” said Bessie Spears, head of school at Middlesex.

The project team, including LeMessurier, Nitsch Engineering, and American Steel & Precast Erectors, worked together to safely and efficiently reach this milestone on Middlesex’s active, historic campus. Erland’s approach balanced speed to market with minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations.

With the structure now in place, interior work is underway. The project is on track for completion in spring 2026.

Project

Construction, Middlesex School, CBT Architects, Rimkus, and Nitsch Engineering

Project team signing the ceremonial beam

Ceremonial topping off beam

Bird’s eye view of the field house

Interstate delivers exceptional value on every project for every customer using advanced technology, in-house engineering and design-build, lean methodologies, smart material placement, and UL listed state-of-the-art prefabrication encompassing our values of commitment, safety, integrity, and innovation.

Back to School: The Evolution of Academic Laboratory Design

By Edwin Hargrave

Academic laboratory design is in a constant state of evolution; good planning practices, however, stand the test of time. TRIA is currently designing renovations to Dartmouth College’s Burke Chemistry building, a science facility I designed approximately 30 years ago (in prior practice). Returning to the campus has provided an opportunity to reflect on design innovations of the time and compare them to current trends.

Lab Safety Innovations

Lab safety was a significant driver in Burke’s original design. Separating writeup areas from laboratories on the research floors was a deliberate break from the conventional approach, which placed the desks adjacent to the benches. Grouping writeup areas in separate spaces off the lab corridor – with large windows and interconnecting doors to facilitate observation and access – is far safer as it limits non-essential time in the lab and has

Celebrating our at for 2026 by Best La

become a standard planning approach.

An entry vestibule at the access point of each lab features a complete wall of safety measures, including an emergency shower/eyewash, extinguisher, emergency shutoff switches for electrical and flammable lab gases, Chemical MSDS Sheets, and lab coats/eyewear. An innovation at the time, these Lab Safety Panels were the basis for the contemporary PPE Station.

Labs on the teaching floors were equipped with first-generation all-glass fume hoods, which provide visibility across the entire lab and let the instructor monitor student activities, key to preventing accidents in introductory courses. These hoods have become standard, widely available items.

Designing for Collaboration

Providing opportunities for meaningful faculty/student interaction near the labs was also critical. In Burke, the faculty offices are clustered at both ends of the lab corridor, just a few steps away from the writeup areas. This arrangement facilitates learning moments with easy access to the labs and research data. Today’s planning approach follows this arrangement with a robust mixture of

teaching lab floors, using a cast-in-place concrete structure to keep the lower-level teaching labs column-free. Modular planning is even more critical in today’s corporate life sciences, where long-term flexibility is mandatory for commercially leased facilities and owned assets. Small PI research labs have given way to larger shared open labs these days, letting research teams tackle more complex problems and better preparing students for their future workplaces.

The concrete structure pays additional dividends through exceedingly stiff

A. Kenney

Ones to Watch

equipment benefits from the stiff slabs; the additional plenum space is useful from day one into the future (The TRIA team is also benefiting from these as we plan a state-of-the-art laser lab in place of a former research lab.).

Closing Thoughts

We’re pleased to find that Burke is holding up well and supporting new research programs and more sophisticated equipment. The building’s design innovations have stood the test of time and become the basis for further

Dartmouth College’s Burke Chemistry building

We know that educational learning spaces are more than just buildings—they’re the heartbeat of growth and discovery. Our team designs and builds environments that spark collaboration, inspire creativity, and empower every learner to thrive.

BUILDING SPACES WHERE LEARNING THRIVES

The Wilkinson Companies Completes Project

Wellesley, MA – The Wilkinson Companies recently completed a comprehensive plumbing installation at a children’s day school in Wellesley. The project spanned two key buildings on campus—Appledore and the Design Center—supporting both existing infrastructure and brand-new construction.

In the Appledore building, the team at The Wilkinson Companies was tasked with supporting the relocation of the existing structure. The plumbing scope included the installation of water closets, lavatories, a mop sink, and an electric water heater. The work required thoughtful coordination to ensure a seamless transition of plumbing systems

within the relocated building footprint.

The newly constructed Design Center was designed to foster innovation and hands-on learning. To meet the demands of this dynamic educational environment, Wilkinson installed a wide range of fixtures and systems, including water closets and lavatories, classroom sinks and mop sinks, a bottle filler station, elevator sump pump, electric water heater, water meter, basin sinks for art rooms, and an emergency eye wash station. These systems were carefully planned and installed to support both the academic and creative needs of the school’s students and faculty.

Quinnipiac Completes Residence Hall

Hamden, CT – Network Framing Solutions and Network Interiors, womanowned sister companies, announced they recently completed the fabrication and construction of Quinnipiac University’s 418-bed residence hall, The Grove. The project is set to win a CT ABC Excellence in Construction award in October.

The project team also included Amenta Emma Architects and FIP Construction. Prefabricated cold-formed steel enabled the rapid construction of the residence hall, meeting an accelerated deadline. Navigating a challenging site bordered by wetlands and two adjacent active construction sites, along with restricted delivery access to three trucks at a time, the Network team along with FIP Construction planned the precise sequencing of each delivery to align with

FIP’s construction phasing.

Network Framing’s prefabrication program, utilizing advanced technology and stringent quality control measures to produce accurate and clearly labeled panels ready for immediate erection upon delivery, minimized site impact and enhanced safety. Network Interiors innovative technologies such as the Hilti Total Station were employed to ensure precise on-site layout.

The Grove

Welch Elementary School Completes Renovation

Peabody, MA – The William A. Welch Elementary School recently celebrated the completion of an extensive renovation and addition to the 59,000sf building.

The team at DiNisco Design focused on sustainable reuse of the existing structure while modernizing the envelope and interiors to extend the building’s functional lifespan. Given the absence of off-site swing space, the solution was a multi-phase, occupied renovation over the course of two years. Although the classrooms met current size standards, the building lacked support spaces found in contemporary schools. Additionally, it did not meet current accessibility codes, which posed challenges to the school’s commitment to inclusivity for its 390 students in grades Pre-K–5.

The renovations update the 1960s architecture, incorporating materials and forms that echo mid-century design, along with a color palette and signage that is designed to reflect the community’s vibrancy, honor the building’s history, and create an engaging and welcoming environment for students and families. The reimagined facade enhances its connection to its surroundings with abundant outdoor views. Newly-designed windows, clerestories, and interior glazing flood the building with natural light.

The school’s entry was extended to relocate the main office to improve security and oversight as well as to create a welcoming entrance. Photos by Peter Vanderwarker

A new graphic wall inside the cafeteria is designed to emphasize the school’s core values and liven up the servery area.

The new media center is the literal center of the school, visually connected through its abundant glazing on two walls.

Mixed-Use

Kaplan Construction Completes 100,000sf Artist-Focused Development in Roxbury

Boston – Kaplan Construction announced it has completed the construction of 2147 Washington Street, a 99,831sf, 6-story mixed-use building in Roxbury, on behalf of co-developers New Atlantic Development and DREAM Collaborative. With a focus on artists and the creative sector, 2147 Washington is a part of the ongoing revitalization of Roxbury’s Nubian Square. Built on the site of a former surface parking lot, the development includes 62 incomerestricted rental apartments and 12 forsale condominiums. Half of the rental

units and eight of the for-sale units are designated for artists and individuals engaged in the creative economy.

In addition to housing, the first floor features approximately 8,600sf of community-facing space, including a gallery-style lobby, dance studio, bakery/ cafe, classrooms, and flexible studio space for local artists. A second-floor community room offers additional gathering space for residents, while a below-grade parking garage provides 31 spaces and includes infrastructure for future EV charging stations. The building

Attention to Detail from Start to Finish

At Abbot, our management team pays strict attention to every detail of your masonry restoration project.

Whether it is coordination with architects, engineers, and sub-contractors, supervising our skilled masons, or dealing with challenging situations that may arise, you can feel confident that your project will be handled seamlessly from conception to completion.

was designed by DREAM Collaborative.

“Kaplan Construction was a true partner throughout this complex project,” said Brian Goldson, co-owner of New Atlantic Development. “They managed a technically demanding build and met our goals for sustainability, diversity, and design with professionalism and care. Their coordination with the entire team was key to bringing this communityfocused development to life, and we’re incredibly pleased with the outcome.”

The development was constructed to meet PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) standards under the City of Boston’s Zero Net Energy ordinance, requiring additional insulation in the building’s exterior envelope, roof systems, garage, unit to unit walls, and common areas; extensive air sealing to compartmentalize units; duct sealing to minimize loss of conditioned air; high-quality HVAC ventilation systems; and energy efficient appliances. Lighting controls for common spaces were installed for active conservation and optimum energy performance. Residential windows were optimized to meet window comfort criterion. Kaplan also implemented infrastructure for a future solar panel array, electric vehicle charging, and for a future transition to an all-electric boiler system. The building is also expected to

achieve LEED Silver certification.

During construction, several unforeseen soil conditions complicated the project. The site, formerly home to a hotel that was destroyed by fire and subsequently demolished, contained contaminated soil that required remediation before building could begin. In addition, abandoned MBTA footings encroaching into the site called for a more precise and less invasive earth retention system. Kaplan opted for vacuum excavation and drilled piles instead of traditional driven piles to minimize impact.

“This project brings together housing, the arts, and the community in a way that is truly unique,” said Nathan Peck, president of Kaplan Construction. “2147 Washington simultaneously provides critically needed affordable housing and a platform for resident artists and entrepreneurs to live and work in Boston. We are proud to contribute a development like this to the Roxbury neighborhood.”

The project team members for 2147 Washington Street also included RSE Associates, structural engineer; Norian Siani Engineering, MEP/FP engineer; Meridian Associates, Inc., civil engineer; and Deborah Myers Landscape Architects, landscape architect.

Lobby / Photo courtesy of Kaplan Construction

Residential unit

Photo courtesy of Bruce T. Martin Photography

2147 Washington Street

Photo courtesy of Kaplan Construction

Boston’s Planning Dept. Advances Affordable Housing in Brighton and Dorchester

Boston – Boston’s Planning Department recently recommended approval of three new development projects to the BPDA board. All were approved.

The first of three phases for the 35-75 Morrissey Boulevard project will create 754 new homes in Dorchester, including 151 income-restricted, within two new buildings. The ground floors will also include retail, community, and civic spaces. The project will also include a new community park on site. To support this new development, Phase 1 of the project will include new on- and off-site roadway improvements and infrastructure to support vehicular, bike, and pedestrian accessibility. Building one includes 391 homes and Building two includes 363 homes, both of which will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. As part of the community benefits and mitigation for this project, it will include an entirely new off-site roadway

which will include space for city utilities.

The project at 1444-1446 Dorchester Ave, in alignment with the city’s Squares + Streets initiative, will revitalize the underutilized site of an existing commercial building in Dorchester to create a new mixed-use development with commercial, storage, and residential space. The project will create 47 new homes, including nine income-restricted units. The project will also renovate the existing Clap-Field house into two living units. The existing post office and ground floor commercial facilities will

MBTA bus routes. Other community benefits include sidewalk and streetscape improvements to Washington Street and Academy Hill Road, and new trees on site.

remain. The project will create a variety of open space and improve the public realm with landscaping and streetscape improvements.

Located in Brighton, the 344-350 Washington Street project will create a new mixed-use building including 19 residential units, three of which will be income-restricted. There will also be ground floor retail space. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to the Boston Landing commuter rail station, the Chiswick Road Greenline Station, and multiple

Additionally, Planning Department staff provided an informational briefing on a Request For Proposal released in July by the City of Boston for a guidebook to support the creation of more multi-family housing. As the Planning Department continues to advance citywide zoning reform that enables multifamily housing, the goal of this guidebook is to provide design options that fit the character of Boston’s neighborhoods. The design options would be consistent with the recently completed Design Vision which seeks to create spaces that make Boston communities feel like home.

1444-1446 Dorchester Avenue

344-350 Washington Street

35-75 Morrissey Blvd

Senior Living South Coast Improvement Completes Renovation at The Overlook Life Care Community

Charlton, MA — South Coast Improvement Company (SCIC) announces the completion of a major renovation project at The Overlook Life Care Community in Charlton. The Overlook, encompassing 450 acres of New England countryside, is a community rebranding itself for existing residents and future generations. The multi-phase expansion and

renovation marks a significant milestone in The Overlook’s Master Planning Project, designed to update its skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation offerings. In collaboration with SCIC, the project reconfigured existing skilled nursing space, resulting in refreshed common areas, state-of-the-art culinary spaces, and enhanced therapy that reflects

PRACTICAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

Overlook’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care, comfort, and wellness to the surrounding community.

The project includes the closure of 21 long-term care beds and the addition of 13 short-term rehabilitation private rooms. With the project now complete, The Overlook features a total of 78 private rooms for long-term care and 40 private rooms for short-term rehabilitation, all housed within a revitalized, patientcentered environment.

located on the second floor of the skilled nursing building and is designed to improve clinical care, operational efficiency, and provide a more comfortable, welcoming setting for residents, patients, staff, and families.

“We’re honored to have partnered with The Overlook on this transformative initiative,” said Henry Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “Our team brought specialized expertise in working within occupied senior living communities, and we’re proud to have delivered a seamless renovation that aligns with The Overlook’s exceptional care and standards.”

The short-term rehabilitation unit is

“This project underscores our longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality care in a contemporary, compassionate environment,” said Tameryn Campbell, president and CEO of Masonic Health System of MA, Inc. “South Coast Improvement’s professionalism, sensitivity, and customercentric focus, and construction expertise made them an ideal partner throughout this journey.”

To ensure safety during construction throughout the renovation project, a designated staging area was created behind the Skilled Nursing building, fully fenced and restricted to contractor access only. The Overlook team and SCIC worked closely to maintain daily operations and resident services.

“We deeply appreciate the patience and support of our residents, families, and staff throughout this important project,” added Campbell. “These upgrades will elevate the experience for everyone who walks through our doors, and we’re proud to see our vision come to life.”

The renovated outdoor terrace, complete with durable pavers and sleek railings

The new dining service area combines durable finishes, modern lighting, and updated equipment to create a space that’s both beautiful and highly functional for daily use.

This new hallway features soft wall textures, wood-look flooring, and subtle lighting for a calming, resident-friendlyenvironment.

The reception area was transformed with a modern design, clean lines, and warm finishes.

Corporate

New Member Joins Plumbers Local 12

Boston – A fireplace installation and service company, Plymouth Fireplace, has unionized as the company owner and its five employees joined Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12 in an agreement that makes the workers the first in their industry to join the Boston plumbing union.

“They are the first company of their kind to join Local 12 and we could not be more excited,” Local 12 business manager, James Vaughan, said. “As members of Local 12, you will have the best health insurance in the industry, top wages and unmatched benefits. Second to none.”

Plymouth Fireplace vice-president, Ryan Ward, and five home heating technicians were all sworn in to Local 12 during a recent ceremony at the union’s hall on Dorchester Avenue in Boston.

“If the plumbing industry has shown anything over the past century, it’s that the right structure, training, and benefits elevate everyone — the companies, the technicians, and the customers. It only seemed right that the hearth industry

should take the same step,” Ward said.

The unit is the first in the hearth industry to join Local 12. The company is also believed to be the first chimney company to join a plumbing union in the country.

RI Firm Awarded Contractor of the Year

Pawtucket, RI — Arden Engineering

Constructors has been honored as PM Magazine’s 2025 Mechanical Contractor of the Year, recognizing the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.

Arden was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Pawtucket. With over 75,000sf of fabrication space and cuttingedge tools like robotic spool welders and CNC pipe cutting systems, the company offers turnkey design-build services, advanced fabrication capabilities, and comprehensive facilities maintenance.

“At Arden, our success is measured not just in the projects we complete, but in the trust we build,” said Robert M. Bolton, CEO of Arden Building Companies.

“Remaining family-owned allows us to prioritize people—our employees, our clients, and our communities—while staying true to our core values of safety, innovation, and excellence.”

The firm’s representatives say a key driver of Arden’s success is its “Care First” safety culture, which goes beyond compliance to shape a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to perform at their best, and that, by fostering trust and accountability across its team of over 230 union tradespeople and 65 office professionals, this culture strengthens collaboration and directly contributes to Arden’s reputation for operational excellence on complex, high-spec projects.

Griffin Electric Celebrates Employees at Summer Outing Events

Holliston, MA – Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. recently held a series of summer outings for its employees across each of its regional office locations.

Outings for all four of its Southeast regions in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina took place in June, while Griffin Electric held its outing for New England employees in July. Each event featured a catered luncheon, a variety of games and other fun activities geared toward all ages, and concluded with a drawing of raffle prizes for Griffin Electric team members. Prizes consisted of a number of different gift cards, a merit cash bonus, and an additional week of paid vacation time, as well as a travel package, a Weber grill, and more. The company also provided several small gifts for each employee, as well as for all children who were present at each outing.

Each gathering was attended by both field and office employees, alongside family and other loved ones. Company President Wayne Griffin made remarks at each event, highlighting the impact that each team member has made to help the company be so successful, and thanking them for all that they do.

Trends and Hot Topics

The Workforce We Actually Need: How Trade Education Solves More Than Just a Labor Shortage

By Joshua Reap

We’re facing a workforce crisis: thousands of open jobs in the trades, and not enough people trained to fill them.

On one side, we have thousands of job openings across the skilled trades— positions in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and more—offering strong wages, long-term security, and a clear path for advancement. On the other side, we have young adults uncertain about their future, displaced workers needing to retool, and an aging generation of tradespeople preparing to retire.

The Vermont Construction Academy (VCA) was built to bridge that gap. With multiple pathways into the workforce— whether it’s our boot camps, registered apprenticeships, or custom, off-site technical trainings—VCA is helping to redefine what career success looks like. And we’re doing it at a critical time, when traditional education systems, especially public Career and Technical Education

(CTE) centers, are simply unable to serve the number of people who want to build a better future with their hands and minds.

We believe the trades deserve a seat at the table—not just because we need buildings built or roads paved, but because we need problem solvers, creative thinkers, and lifelong learners who understand how to lead, collaborate, and show up with purpose. VCA doesn’t just teach technical skills—we develop the social skills, teamwork, and integrity needed to thrive in today’s economy.

And the truth is, our economy is changing faster than anyone can keep up. As artificial intelligence begins to disrupt a variety of industries—from legal and financial services to media and customer support—the trades are emerging as a future-proof career path. You can’t replace a plumber with an algorithm. You can’t patch drywall with a chatbot. The construction industry is—and will remain—one of the most knowledgedriven, human-powered sectors of the workforce. And in Vermont, we’re doubling down on that.

The latest workforce report from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National ranked New Hampshire among the top four states in the country for lowest construction unemployment in June. Much like our neighbors to the

east, this report shows Vermont not far behind—and with the work we’re doing through the Vermont Construction Academy, we’re on track to close that gap even further.

We’re not just talking about it—we’re building real momentum. Under the leadership of Ross Lavoie, the academy has expanded real-world, hands-on training opportunities. Lavoie regularly brings in industry experts to work directly with students, giving them the chance to learn by doing—welding, roofing, framing, and more—all under the guidance of professionals actively working in the field. These immersive experiences are what set VCA apart. Our boot camps are upskilling students, veterans, and career changers alike. We’re building partnerships with contractors who are eager to hire. And we’re reaching individuals who have long been underserved or overlooked by traditional systems—because that’s what the workforce actually needs. And we don’t do it alone. Everything we do at VCA is grounded in our core values:

• Professional: We uphold the highest of standards in everything we do—from our teaching to our safety protocols.

• Initiative: We teach our students to take ownership of their success.

• Teamwork: We believe in building trust,

shared responsibility, and strong site culture.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves accountable to quality, safety, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.

• Innovation: We embrace progress—new tools, new training models, and new ways to meet workforce demand.

• Work Ethic: We demonstrate determination, grit, and ambition every single day. We’re not waiting for someone else to solve the labor shortage. We’re solving it here in Vermont, one student at a time. But beyond solving a workforce challenge, we’re changing hearts and minds about what it means to “make it” in this world. Because not every student needs a fouryear degree to find purpose. Not every graduate needs to move to a city to find opportunity. And not every family needs to carry the burden of debt to feel pride in their future. At Vermont Construction Academy, we offer something different. Something real. Something lasting. It’s time to rethink what success looks like— and start investing in the workforce we actually need.

Joshua Reap is the board president of the Vermont Construction Academy and president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont (ABC NH/VT).

Trends and Hot Topics

Ask the Electrician: How Do Electricians Use Thermal Imaging?

By Brian Leborgne

Thermal imaging cameras are a valuable tool for modern electricians. Using infrared thermography, these cameras can safely and accurately diagnose electrical problems by detecting excessive heat, a common cause of damage to electrical components.

Licensed electricians and thermographers use thermal imaging as part of a structured maintenance program. For example, they can scan a circuit breaker to check for loose connections, identify issues with breaker contacts that generate hotspots, or assess if the load on the breaker is properly balanced. After resolving any diagnosed problems, they use thermal imaging again to verify the effectiveness of the repair.

Thermal imaging also offers several advantages over traditional physical contact measurement techniques, which often require power to be shut off for safety reasons. With thermal imaging,

power interruptions can be minimized, leading to less disruption for clients. Additionally, thermal images provide visual documentation of problems and solutions for customers. Furthermore, the real-time capabilities of thermal imaging allow electricians to monitor equipment as it heats or cools, aiding in diagnostics.

Recent advancements in thermal

imaging technology, including higher resolution screens, smartphone integration, and laser-assisted focus for precise image positioning, have further enhanced its capabilities. By visualizing heat, electricians can identify and resolve issues faster, improving project efficiency.

Having licensed thermographers on your team can provide valuable

into a project very

use of thermal imaging helps to reduce diagnostic time and optimize projects. By routinely performing these diagnostic services, facilities can extend the life of their critical power systems.

Brian Leborgne is regional manager – service at Interstate Electrical Services Corporation.

The Talent Gap: Why the Next Generation of AEC Professionals Matters More Than Ever

By Michael Shea

Across the AEC industry, many of us saw the storm brewing before COVID-19. Enrollment numbers in accredited engineering and construction management programs were already shrinking, while demand for AEC professionals held steady. By early 2021, that steady demand became a surge. Federal and state infrastructure investments, combined with the boom in life sciences and research facilities, pushed hiring needs to levels we hadn’t seen in decades.

The result? One of the most aggressive and competitive talent markets in 20 years. Private equity/large AEC firms consolidated teams, salaries escalated, and hiring turned into a rapid-fire, high-

stakes competition. With fewer graduates entering the workforce, firms were forced to get creative—hiring for culture and soft skills, building robust training programs, and offering benefits that reflect today’s workforce expectations. Our clients who have succeeded best are those that moved beyond “check-the-box” recruiting to build resilient teams capable of growing with their companies.

The numbers back this up. According to the American Society for Engineering Education, undergraduate engineering enrollment has remained largely flat since 2018, even as demand for civil and construction folks has grown by double digits nationwide. Here in New England, infrastructure investment and commercial development only compound the challenge. Simply put, there are not enough graduates to fill the roles being created. That reality has been building for years, and it’s critical that we do a better job showing students what a career in this industry can look like.

Yet it’s not all doom and gloom. While four-year professional programs face enrollment challenges, the trades

are showing renewed purpose. Between 2017 and 2023, construction faced a welldocumented labor shortage. But over the past three years, vocational schools and trade programs have reported growth.

The National Student Clearinghouse notes that enrollment in vocational and technical programs increased by more than 16% between 2021 and 2023, driven largely by 17- to 21-year-olds seeking stable, hands-on careers. In New England, apprenticeship programs echo that trend: Organizations like ABC Massachusetts

and the Rhode Island Builders Association report applicant growth.

This renewed focus on the trades matters. Technology will continue to reshape how we design, schedule, and plan projects, but it won’t replace the craftsmanship, problem-solving, and relationships that bring projects to life. Successful projects still require carpenters, electricians, surveyors, operators, and safety officers just as much as they require engineers, project managers, and MEP coordinators.

For those of us in the industry, this is more than a market trend—it’s a wakeup call for action. We need to keep promoting AEC careers as meaningful, stable, and rewarding. That starts with mentorship, partnerships with schools, and sharing our own stories about the impact this industry can have.

Let’s remind the next wave of talent— whether they pursue engineering degrees or welding certifications—that this industry doesn’t just offer jobs, but jobs that help our communities grow.

Michael Shea is regional manager at Resource Options, Inc.

This thermal image highlights the value of advanced diagnostics in electrical work. Bright “hot spots” reveal heat from loose connections under load, while temperature analysis distinguishes normal heat from potential risks to ensure safety. insight

quickly. The

Training and Recruitment

AIA CT Announces 2025 Rising Black Architectural Student Scholarship Awardees

New Haven, CT – The Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Connecticut), in collaboration with the Connecticut chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA Connecticut), has announced the recipients of the 2025 Rising Black Architectural Student Scholarships.

The scholarship offers not only financial assistance but also recognition and encouragement to Black students pursuing architectural degrees. This year, four individuals have been selected as recipients of the 2025-26 awards.

Eden Edghill is a graduate student at the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Over the past three years, Edghill

New Team Members

Canton, MA – Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP announced that two of its team members, Rebecca Palma and Tiago Gomes, have been elected to the Bentley University Emerging Leaders Advisory Board. The professionals were nominated by Jim DeLeo, leading partner at Gray, Gray & Gray, and participated in a joint board meeting in June with the accounting alumni advisory board.

The advisory board serves as a bridge between academia and industry, connecting Bentley’s accounting faculty with practicing professionals to ensure the curriculum remains relevant to the skills students need in today’s marketplace. The board also provides students with insights into the diverse career paths available within the accounting profession.

“Rebecca and Tiago exemplify the caliber of professionals we develop at g3,” said DeLeo. “Their expertise, combined with their passion for mentoring the next generation, made them ideal candidates for this advisory role. They bring a

has worked at a small architectural firm in Cambridge, Mass. alongside undergraduate studies. More recently, Edghill joined an interior architecture and design firm in Providence, R.I. For the master’s thesis, Edghill plans to continue focusing on residential design while exploring the potential of non-traditional manufacturing techniques, such as CNC milling, to enhance both design and construction efficiency.

Jephte Labonte is a third-year architecture student at University of Hartford. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant household, Jephte is driven by a strong desire to honor their family’s sacrifices through both academic

and personal achievement. Jephte is continuing the journey toward a Master of Architecture, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed architect, and has also been involved in organizations such as the Honor Society and the NAACP.

Johnathan Lyn has hands-on experience in both the architecture and construction industries. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture and Technology (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Hartford, where he is currently enrolled in an accelerated Master of Architecture program. Originally from Jamaica, Lyn graduated from St. George’s College in Kingston, where he was awarded the physics prize. Professionally, he has held

roles that span architectural design and construction management and he holds an OSHA 10 Certification.

Isaiah Solis is a fifth-year student at Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture. Solis attended Henry Abbott Technical High School, where he studied mechanical design and engineering technology. At Pratt Institute, he has explored fields such as digital fabrication, industrial design, interior design, experiential design, film, graphic design, and technology. His diverse skill set and collaborative mindset have enabled him to work across disciplines, supporting peers and professionals in realizing a wide range of design projects.

Elected to Bentley University Advisory Board

unique perspective about the advantages of working at an independent firm, where professionals can truly grow their careers while maintaining work-life balance and being valued as individuals.”

During the inaugural board meeting, both Palma and Gomes advocated for providing students with a broader view of

career opportunities in accounting.

“This advisory board presents an incredible opportunity to help shape how future accounting professionals view their career options,” said Palma. “Too often, students fail to understand the amazing opportunities that exist at independent firms like g3 as well as opportunities that

exist in the private sector. I’m excited to help students understand that there are multiple pathways to a successful and fulfilling accounting career.”

Gomes emphasized the importance of providing students with real-world perspectives on what the profession offers. “It means a great deal to me to be on this board and involved with the accounting department post-graduation. It gives me the opportunity to help my alma mater stay current with the evolving accounting industry, so they can continue to prepare students for the real world, just as they did with me. It has also allowed me to be an advocate for independent accounting firms, like g3, which can be a better option for many people. Being on the Alumni Engagement subcommittee has also allowed me to help strengthen the Bentley Accounting alumni community. I look forward to seeing what the board can accomplish over the next few years.”

Eden Edghill

Jephte Labonte

Johnathan Lyn Isaiah Solis

Rebecca Palma Tiago Gomes

Philanthropy

Gray, Gray & Gray Sponsors ‘Women Fighting Hunger’ Event

Canton, MA – Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP, an independent accounting and business consulting firm, announced it will help sponsor the 2025 Women Fighting Hunger Annual Breakfast to benefit The Greater Boston Food Bank. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. The Women Fighting Hunger

Breakfast was founded in 2010 to support vulnerable women and children. Each year, more than 300 community leaders and advocates gather to raise awareness and create lasting change. The 2024 breakfast raised enough money to help provide over 2 million meals to neighbors in need.

“As a business based in Greater

Boston, we are committed to supporting those in need in our community,” said Jim DeLeo, MBA, CPA/MST, leading partner at Gray, Gray & Gray. “We are honored to support the Greater Boston Food Bank’s fundraising breakfast because strengthening our local community through meaningful partnerships is a cornerstone of our business philosophy.”

Food Drive for Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester Held at PROCON

Hooksett, NH – On July 31, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ann Ayotte; Amanda Grappone Osmer, CEO of Grappone Automotive; Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester; John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON; Bob Coates, president at Eversource NH; Jason Yergeau director at Eversource; Hooksett Police Chief Justin Sargent; and Ford national leadership and other business leaders attended the Ford National Kick Off of the Ford Building Together initiative, dedicated to giving back to communities across America.

Grappone Ford is offering free oil changes in exchange for donated items throughout all of August, September and October. For the kick-off event, Grappone Automotive partnered with PROCON, Eversource Energy, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester to complete services on July 31 at PROCON’s Hooksett headquarters.

The food drive is part of a larger, nationwide community initiative, Ford Building Together, that brings together Ford Motor Company and Ford dealers to focus philanthropic efforts on community development, education, food security,

and disaster relief. To collect as many donations as possible, Grappone Ford’s Mobile Service team dispatched to PROCON, one of their Bring Back the Trades partners, to collect food and goods for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester while conducting oil changes.

“Our leadership team empowers all of us to give back to the community through volunteerism and other means,” said David Bosquet, mobile service technician, Grappone Ford. “I’m hoping that today’s event not only supports the Boys and Girls Club but also helps to get the word out about the types of fulfilling jobs that are available in skilled trades. Also, I benefited from the Boys and Girls Club as a kid, and I’m glad to be able to give back.”

The food and supply drive is an example of the continued partnership between Grappone Automotive, PROCON, and Eversource. In 2024, the three joined forces as hosts and sponsored the NH Bring Back the Trades event that supported Bring Back The Trades.

Grappone mobile service drive participants

New Hampshire community leaders

People

Milestone Welcomes One, Promotes One

New Haven, CT — Milestone Construction Services announced it welcomed Carl Gambardella as superintendent and promoted Anthony Fiondella to project executive.

Gambardella brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned construction supervisor, with strengths in process scheduling, finish carpentry, renovation, contract management, and blueprint reading.

“Carl’s expertise and collaborative approach make him an excellent addition to the Milestone team. His ability to anticipate challenges in the field and keep projects moving forward is exactly what our clients value most,” said Frank Ferraiolo, president of Milestone Construction Services.

Formerly a senior project manager, Fiondella has played a pivotal role in delivering some of Milestone’s most complex and challenging projects. With more than a decade of project management experience, he is deeply familiar with all aspects of construction management, from schedule development and procurement to budget oversight and client communication.

In his new role, Fiondella will oversee

Gambardella Fiondella

project strategy, mentor Milestone’s project teams, and ensure every project reflects the company’s commitment to safety, quality, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.

“Anthony has consistently demonstrated the leadership, expertise, and dedication that define Milestone’s values. His promotion to project executive is wellearned, and I look forward to seeing him guide our teams to even greater success,” said Ferraiolo.

“At Milestone, our people are the foundation of our success. By welcoming Carl and elevating Anthony, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients while investing in the long-term growth of our team,” added Ferraiolo.

AI in Action: Practical Uses for AEC Professionals

Suffolk Welcomes Johnson as EVP

Boston — Suffolk announced it hired PJ Johnson as executive vice president, division manager, Northeast.

In this role, Johnson will oversee operational performance across Suffolk’s Northeast region, working to strengthen project execution, drive performance across operational teams, and ensure alignment with company-wide priorities. His leadership will be key as Suffolk continues to expand its presence and take on increasingly complex work across sectors, while deepening its use of AI, data and advanced technologies to drive smarter, more efficient

project delivery.

Johnson joins Suffolk after 30 years at Turner Construction, where he most recently served in a senior leadership role overseeing operations of the Boston Business Unit. His portfolio includes the redevelopment of the historic Commonwealth Pier, MIT’s flagship Lisa T. Su Building for nanotechnology research (MIT. nano), Harvard University’s LISE building (Laboratory of Integrated Science and Engineering), and preconstruction for the Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University’s first fully mass timber high-rise.

TFMoran Promotes Devine to Manger

Bedford, NH – TFMoran announced the promotion of Jonathan Devine, EIT from project engineer to civil project manager.

Devine joined the firm in 2021. He began his career at TFMoran as a field surveyor, and soon after transitioned to a civil project engineer. Over the last four years, he has played an integral role in the design and coordination of a variety of civil engineering projects throughout New Hampshire.

Devine will be expanding upon his

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:00 - 8:00pm TPC River Highlands, Cromwell

Discover how AI can immediately improve your design and construction practices! This conference delivers practical, hands-on strategies for integrating cutting-edge AI tools into your practice. Explore how AI can revolutionize your project planning, design collaboration, and construction management while enhancing processes like contract drafting and risk assessment. Harness AI’s power now to boost productivity, slash costs, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across your projects. After the program, enjoy meeting the speakers and networking with your colleagues.

current responsibilities of preparing civil/site plans, technical documents, permit applications, and managing assignments to overseeing overall project planning, team management, and budget management while ensuring compliance and quality standards are met for both public and private development projects. Devine is a certified Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and has recently been accepted into the Leadership of Greater Manchester, Class of 2026.

Jamie Barr Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

Danielle O’Connell Skanska USA Building

Michael Kyes SMMA

Stephen Piper IBM Consulting

Devine

Johnson

Next Issue

October Corporate and Interiors

JUNE

Do you work with corporate clients? Is your team designing or building interior spaces, or staying busy with fit-ups and renovations? We want to feature your work! Share your latest projects, insights, and perspectives in this month’s issue!

Construction Inclusion Week takes place October 13–17, 2025.

We’re highlighting how companies are advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry—from workforce initiatives and partnerships to events and lessons learned. Share your story and take part in our spotlight.

DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 22

Editorial submissions are shared on HP’s daily newsfeed, weekly e-newsletter FastFacts Friday, as well as the High-Profile Monthly print and digital edition. Selected submissions are also posted to HP’s Facebook page, Twitter, and LinkedIn. To submit content, email editor@high-profile.com. For advertising queries, email ads@high-profile.com.

AGC MA

September 10 at 5:30 PM

Golf Clinic at Granite Links

This is AGC MA’s eighth annual golf clinic. Attendees will be led by a golf professional who will provide instruction and feedback on swing, short game, putting, and overall golf strategy. The entire event will be 30 minutes. Refreshments will be served after the clinic.

Construction Institute

September 11 at 12:00 PM

2025 Golf Classic

Members and non-members are invited to mingle with colleagues and enjoy an afternoon of golf, corn hole, and camaraderie. Plan to spend the afternoon networking while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

CT ABC

September 11 at 4:30 PM

Brews with Builders

This monthly event is free to CT ABC members only. This is a chance for members to mingle with one another over a cocktail and some food. This month’s event has a Havana Night Theme. Attendees should expect cubanos, mojitos and cigars. This month’s event will be held at Hartford Truck Equipment in South Windsor, Conn.

CBC

September 16 at 5:00 PM

2025 Networking Social

Join CBC as they kick off the 20252026 program year at the New England Brewing Co. (NEBCO) in Branford, Conn. AEC professionals are invited to “refresh their network and raise a glass with fellow industry professionals.” This is also a chance to meet CBC’s new board members.

PWC Boston

September 18 at 4:00 PM

David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance Hard Hat Tour

Join Harvard University Planning and Design and the design team for a presentation and hard hat tour of the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance—an 86,000sf facility currently under construction. The presentation and tour will focus on the architectural design, mass timber structure, and the center’s context within Boston’s Allston neighborhood. Post-tour networking will happen at Sloane’s in Boston. PPE is required. Photography is not permitted during the event.

IIDA New England

September 25 at 6:00 PM

18th Annual Design Awards

Join industry peers in celebrating and honoring outstanding design. The IIDA NE Design Awards is an annual event celebrating outstanding interior design across New England. Attendees can expect a reception, an awards program and an after-party.

SMPS CT

October 1 at 3:30 PM

Branding in Motion: Leading Identity Shifts in AEC firms

In this 45-minute, case-driven session, Jon Schlesinger and Matt Solomon of Formation Communications will guide attendees through a strategic, phased approach to rebranding tailored specifically to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Drawing from real client examples, they’ll explore what triggers a rebrand, who to involve, how to navigate the process, and how to translate brand strategy into compelling messaging, visuals, and marketing tools that attract clients, top talent, and the right projects. This program will be complemented with a tour of the NXTHVN art exhibit, as well as networking with SMPS CT members and guests.

The Charley, a new apartment building developed by Berkeley Investments in Allston, Massachusetts, features inviting amenity spaces like the community lounge, shown here. Read the full story in our October issue./ Photo by Joseph Heroun