Author: Nicole Owens

Marketing + Communications Manager at Amenta Emma Architects

Amenta Emma Announces New Workplace Studio Leader

Amenta Emma Architects is pleased to announce that Debra Seay, AIA, WELL AP, has been appointed as the firm’s new Workplace Studio Leader. Debra succeeds Tom Quarticelli, AIA, who has retired after 38 years of distinguished service to the firm. “Debra’s promotion to lead our Workplace studio is a natural and well-deserved evolution of her […]

Work Design Magazine Showcases Bessemer Venture Partners’ New Office

A recent feature in Work Design Magazine highlights the innovative new New York office of Bessemer Venture Partners, designed by Amenta Emma to support collaboration, flexibility, and the evolving needs of the storied venture capital firm. Bessemer Venture Partners sought an office that balances the firm’s deep history with a forward-thinking approach to workplace culture. […]

Celebrating Tom Quarticelli: A Legacy of Excellence in Architecture

Amenta Emma Architects announces the retirement of Thomas Quarticelli, AIA, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 38-year journey with our firm. Since joining in 1986, Tom has been instrumental in shaping not only our practice but the architectural landscape of Connecticut and beyond. A Career Defined by Innovation and Client Success As Principal-in-Charge, Tom has […]

Andrea Olson Achieves Living Future Accreditation

We are pleased to announce that Andrea Olson, AIA, IIDA, WELL AP has earned her Living Future Accreditation (LFA) through the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). This distinguished credential recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced expertise in regenerative design and the world’s most ambitious sustainable building standards. The LFA certification reflects Andrea’s deep understanding of integrated […]

Myles Brown Discusses Growing Trend in Office Conversions

In a recent Hartford Business Journal article, Amenta Emma Architects Principal Myles Brown highlighted the firm’s increasing involvement in office-to-residential conversion projects, noting they now conduct “more than a half-dozen” conversion studies annually. Brown explained that while vacant office buildings have always existed, there has been a notable increase in conversion opportunities since the pandemic. […]

Amenta Emma Achieves WELL Equity Rating

We are proud to announce that both our Hartford and Boston offices have achieved the WELL Equity Rating, a significant milestone that demonstrates our commitment to creating inclusive, equitable spaces that prioritize health and well-being. As architects and designers at the forefront of workplace innovation, we understand that the built environment plays a crucial role […]

Zachary Hachey Earns Architectural License

Congratulations to Amenta Emma team member, Zachary Hachey, who has passed the Architectural Registration Examination and will be a licensed architect in Massachusetts! Since joining Amenta Emma in 2022, Zach has impressed us with his technical design expertise and commitment to sustainability. A Wentworth Institute of Technology M.Arch graduate, he mentors junior team members and […]

Amenta Emma Architects Named to Real Leaders® 2025 Top Impact Companies List

Real Leaders has included Amenta Emma Architects on its Top Impact Companies list for 2025, ranking the firm 48th overall and 7th within the Construction, Energy, and Facilities category. With this recognition, Real Leaders has highlighted the firm’s commitment to “best practices in sustainability and equity to ensure that each project makes the world a […]

2025 Promotions

Amenta Emma is pleased to announce the promotions of 3 team members in 2025. These team members are an integral part of Amenta Emma’s architectural and design practice and have contributed to its work through design excellence and creating valuable client relationships. Adam Palmer, AIA, CPHC, has been promoted to Senior Associate. Since joining the […]

Amenta Emma Honored with Three Awards at the 2024 AIA Connecticut Design Awards

Amenta Emma is proud to announce our recognition at the 2024 AIA Connecticut Design Awards, where we received three significant honors celebrating design excellence and our commitment to inclusion and collaboration. The event was made even more special by the presence of several team members, project collaborators, and two of our wonderful clients. We are […]

Casey Westerman Earns WELL AP Credential

Amenta Emma is pleased to announce that Casey Westerman, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, has earned her WELL AP credential! The WELL Accredited Professional credential denotes expertise in the WELL Building Standard and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities.  Read more about WELL here.

Amenta Emma Welcomes Leen Hariri to the Hartford Office

Please join us in welcoming Leen Hariri, CPHC, LEED Green Associate, as Job Captain at Amenta Emma. Leen brings a wealth of experience working on a wide range of projects, including affordable housing, early childhood education centers, and innovative passive houses. Her passion for sustainable architecture is backed by her certification as a Passive House […]

Amenta Emma Recognized As 2024 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm

At Amenta Emma, we are dedicated to the personal growth and development of our young professionals, so we are honored to share that our firm has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as an Emerging Professional Friendly Firm by the New England AIA Components. Read more about the program here.

Brett Lambert Contributes Expertise at Decarb Boston

Brett Lambert, AIA, CPHC, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Amenta Emma, will be a panelist at the Decarb Summit Boston on December 12. Brett will dive into the pivotal topic of Pioneering Net-Zero Redevelopment for Boston alongside industry leaders and innovators. Learn more about the summit and Brett’s session here.

Transforming Windsor Locks: 255 Main Street Moves Forward

The Windsor Locks Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved the redevelopment of 255 Main Street, marking a major milestone for the town’s revitalization efforts. Designed by Amenta Emma Architects and led by Trinity Financial, this $92 million transit-oriented development (TOD) will bring 120 mixed-income housing units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space to the […]

Adam Palmer Completes Phius Certification

Congratulations to Amenta Emma team member, Adam Palmer, AIA, on completing his Phius Certified Consultant certification. Phius Certified Consultants (CPHCs) learn to design to the Phius climate-specific building standard, the leading passive building certification in North America.

Amenta Emma Welcomes Theodora Dimov to Boston Office

We are pleased to welcome Theodora Dimov, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP, as Associate Principal in our Boston office. With over 25 years of expertise in leading design efforts, managing project teams, and strategizing innovative solutions, Theodora brings unmatched insights into planning, space utilization, and sustainable practices. Her passion for Higher Education design has led her […]

UConn School of Nursing Groundbreaking

Amenta Emma, in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross, proudly marks the groundbreaking of the University of Connecticut’s new School of Nursing building. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to foster academic excellence and support UConn Nursing’s research-driven mission, will provide a dynamic environment for students, faculty, and researchers. The new building will include advanced simulation and clinical […]

Jefferson House Hitchcock Wing Renovation Wins AIA Connecticut Design Award

AIA Connecticut has announced the winners of the 2024 Design Awards. We are pleased to announce that the renovation of the Jefferson House Hitchcock Wing has received a Merit award in the Interior Architecture category. The award will be officially presented at the AIA Connecticut Design Awards Gala in December. We look forward to celebrating the […]

Brett Lambert Joins Amenta Emma Boston Office

Amenta Emma Architects announces the addition of Brett Lambert as Associate Principal in its Boston office. He will also serve as the firm’s Director of Sustainability. Lambert brings more than 20 years of experience leading multi-family residential, commercial, mixed-use, and higher education projects. He will be instrumental in evaluating and advancing the firm’s sustainability initiatives, […]

Michael Tyre Writes About Designing for Neurodiverse Students in Inside Higher Ed

Inside Higher Ed recently published an article by Michael Tyre, in which the Amenta Emma President-Elect discusses his approach to designing a classroom for neurodiverse students at Smith College. From the article: When my architecture firm was asked to submit a proposal for a suite of projects at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, including a […]

Anthony Kershaw Completes Phius Certification

Congratulations to Amenta Emma team member, Anthony Kershaw, on completing his Phius Certified Consultant certification. Phius Certified Consultants (CPHCs) learn to design to the Phius climate-specific building standard, the leading passive building certification in North America.

Summer Intern Group Research Project on Housing for the Missing Middle

This summer marked a first for interns at Amenta Emma – a group research project based in one of our studios. We chose our Community studio and focused on the missing middle housing typologies. The group spent several weeks researching the “American Dream”, diving deep into its history, economics, and current and future housing trends […]

James Regnier Earns Architectural License

Congratulations to Amenta Emma team member, James Regnier, who has passed the Architectural Registration Examination and is now a Massachusetts licensed architect! James joined our firm in March, bringing with him a strong passion for digital design and 3D modeling. He is currently serving as Job Captain for the New School of Nursing building at […]

Senior-Living Convent Conversation Featured in Hartford Courant

The Hartford Courant recently quoted architect Adam Palmer about his designs for the renovation and expansion of the Saint Felix building on the Felician Sisters campus in Enfield. The project, which was recently approved following some revisions, will add 45 units of low-income housing for seniors. From the article, written by Don Stacom: After extensive […]

Michael Tyre Discusses Neuro-inclusive Design on The Second Studio Podcast

Amenta Emma President-Elect and Director of Design, Michael Tyre, was recently invited onto The Second Studio podcast to discuss the impact that architecture and design can have on neuro-diverse populations. During the in-depth conversation with hosts David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, Michael drew on his experience designing the Young Classroom at Smith College to explain […]

Amenta Emma Featured in ‘Next Avenue’ Article About Human-Centered Design

Next Avenue recently interviewed Myles Brown about the Burnham Family Memory Care Residence at Avery Heights for an article about human-centered design for long-term care facilities. From the article, written by John F. Wasik: Some human-centered design considerations can be relatively straightforward. The Burnham Family Memory Care Residence at Avery Heights in Hartford, Connecticut, for […]

BVP Project Wins AIA CT Business Architecture Award of Excellence

AIA Connecticut has announced the winners of the 2024 Business Architecture Awards. This prestigious award honors architects and their clients whose projects help achieve the client’s business goals and create an outsized impact through the design of the built environment. Amenta Emma’s project for Bessemer Venture Partners, located in New York, NY, has been selected […]

AE Design Tour: Quinnipiac University

For our second design field trip of 2024, we toured the campus of Quinnipiac University. We started with a walk-thru of our project, in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross, The Grove – a new 417-bed residence that will open in the fall. The Grove is part of the University’s new South Quad which includes the SITE […]

Michael Tyre Presents at SCUP 2024 Annual Conference

Michael Tyre, AIA, along with Scott Montemerlo of Officeworks Inc., and Allison Page, Campus Planner at Smith College, will be presenting their session, “How to Design Neuro-inclusive Learning Environments” on Monday, July 22 at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) 2024 Annual Conference in Philadelphia. An estimated fifteen-to-twenty percent of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. […]

Thomas Barker Completes Phius Certification

Congratulations to Amenta Emma team member, Thomas Barker, AIA, on completing his Phius Certified Consultant certification. Phius Certified Consultants (CPHCs) learn to design to the Phius climate-specific building standard, the leading passive building certification in North America.

AE Design Tour: Cambridge

Typically held 4-5 times a year and open to everyone in the firm, our design tours offer staff a chance to go beyond our screens and physically engage with notable projects while encouraging critical conversation around our collective experience. We aim to get at the heart of how and why projects are considered a success. […]

Casey Westerman Joins Amenta Emma

We are pleased to welcome Casey Westerman, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C to our Hartford office. Casey holds a Master of Arts in Interior Architecture from Endicott College and is an inductee of Interior Design Magazine’s 30 Under 30: Boston Interior Designers Class of 2023. At her previous firm, Casey manipulated complex programming requirements into […]

2030 Commitment | 4-Year Badge

We are excited to announce that we have received our 4-year commitment badge after successfully completing our 2023 reporting. At Amenta Emma, we take sustainability seriously and have committed to reducing operational energy in our projects by signing on to the 2030 Challenge. Our goal is to make buildings carbon-neutral by 2030, and we believe […]

Craig Battisto / Specifiers Roundtable

Craig Battisto, AIA, LEED AP, CSI, will be participating as a panelist in the Hartford and Housatonic Chapters CSI 6th Annual Specifiers Roundtable. Specifiers will discuss what they see as the future of specification writing and share with us how their past practices have shaped the way they specify today. Audience participation in the discussion […]

Hartford Business Journal Q&A With Michael Tyre

The Hartford Business Journal interviewed Michael Tyre in a Q&A about the firm’s plans for growth and new leadership. From the article written by Greg Bordonaro: Hartford-based Amenta Emma Architects last year kicked off an ambitious 10-year strategic plan, with goals that include doubling its staff size and becoming a regional design leader in New […]

James Regnier Joins Hartford Office

We are pleased to welcome James Regnier to our Hartford office. James holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture and Design from UMass Amherst, and a Master of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has a passion for digital design, 3D modeling, and fabrication, having once spent a summer in Italy carving marble as […]

Orange Pop! Bridging Generations

Accommodating multiple generations under one roof is challenging for companies today. It is a task made even more daunting by the upheavals in work/life expectations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our client, venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP), approached the problem as it might when deciding whether to add a company to its portfolio: […]

Emily Barna Presents at Women Who Build Summit

Interior Designer, Emily Barna, IIDA, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC, along with Valerie Fletcher of the Institute for Human Centered Design and Ian Law, RLA of Fuss & O’Neill, will present at the Construction Institute 2024 Women Who Build Summit on March 27. The session, Inclusive Design, Rationale + Practice, will provide an overview of the global movement and illustrate Inclusive […]

Michael Tyre Presents at SCUP North Atlantic Regional Conference

Michael Tyre, AIA, and Allison Page, Campus Planner at Smith College, will be presenting their session, “How to Design Neuro-inclusive Learning Environments” on Monday, March 25 at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) North Atlantic Regional Conference in Boston. An estimated fifteen-to-twenty percent of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. Awareness of the sensory and environmental issues […]

Michael Tyre to Lead Second Generation at Amenta Emma Architects

(From left to right: Amenta Emma Architects Associate Principal Craig Battisto, President-Elect Michael Tyre, Vice President Myles Brown, Principal Jenna McClure, Managing Principal Robert Swain) The principals of Amenta Emma are excited to announce a number of forward-looking changes in leadership at the award-winning design firm, including naming Michael Tyre as president. Tyre will serve […]

Orange Pop! Outside the Box

Smith College repurposed 6,000 square feet in the campus’s former Young Library to create a learning space to help neurodiverse learners flourish. Recognizing the need to provide an environment to address the unique needs of students who learn differently and often struggle with sensory distractions, the college collaborated with the design team to develop a […]

Jenna McClure Named PWC CT Woman of Achievement Honoree

Congratulations to Jenna McClure, AIA, LEED AP, this year’s Professional Women in Construction CT chapter Woman of Achievement honoree! The award will be presented to her at the AEC Industry Women’s Panel and Awards breakfast on March 5th. The Woman of Achievement award is given annually to a candidate who has at least 15 years […]

Brittney Wilson Joins Boston Team

We are excited to welcome Brittney Wilson to our Boston office. Brittney holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Ohio University and a Master of Architecture from The Ohio State University. At her previous firm, she specialized in multi-family projects and community centers, where she honed her skills in the schematic and […]

Design Development with Rens Hayes IV

Founding Partner, Tony Amenta, was a recent guest on the Design Development with Rens Hayes IV podcast. In this episode, Rens and Tony explore the entrepreneurial journey of establishing and growing a successful architecture firm in changing markets. Listen or watch on YouTube, Spotify, LinkedIn, Apple or Google Podcasts.

Jenna McClure, AIA, LEED AP Promoted to Principal

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Jenna McClure to Principal. Jenna joined Amenta Emma Architects in 2008 and has moved up the ranks becoming an Associate in 2011, Senior Associate in 2016, Associate Principal in 2021, and now, Principal in 2024. She possesses a collection of talents that has led to progressively greater […]

2024 Promotions

We are pleased to announce the promotions of 12 team members in 2024. Promoted to Principal Jenna McClure, AIA, LEED APJenna joined Amenta Emma Architects in 2008 and has moved up the ranks becoming an Associate in 2011, Senior Associate in 2016, Associate Principal in 2021, and now, Principal in 2024. She possesses a collection […]

2023 Year In Review

As we anticipate the possibilities of the new year, we take a moment to share a snapshot of events and accomplishments from 2023. Read here.

Orange Pop! The Homecoming

Canaan Parish, a new multi-family, mixed-income apartment community in the affluent community of New Canaan, CT, is a model of what affordable housing can be. Too often, affordable housing is a tough sell. But a project done well proves good design can be successful even within tight budgets and brings added benefits of diversity, economic […]

Canaan Parish Receives Three HOBI CT Awards

We are honored to announce that our affordable housing project, in partnership with developer Heritage Housing Inc., Canaan Parish in New Canaan, CT received two Home Building Industry (HOBI) Awards from HBRA of Connecticut. Best Affordable Community, and Best Public Private Partnership Development. Awards were presented at the HBRA CT HOBI Awards banquet on November 15. The firm also […]

Joy Ortiz-Colón Earns Architectural License

Amenta Emma congratulates team member, Joy Ortiz-Colón, who completed the Architectural Registration Examination and will be a licensed architect in the State of Connecticut. Joy joined the firm in March 2023 bringing with her over 7 years of technical design and documentation experience and a special focus on K-12, Higher Education, and Civic projects. Joy […]

540 New Park Receives AIA Connecticut Design Award

Amenta Emma is thrilled to announce that our 540 New Park project has received a Merit award from AIA Connecticut in the 2023 Design Awards program. Our 52-unit mixed-use, multi-family, multi-generational building, designed for LEED Silver equivalency, is a testament to our commitment to innovative and sustainable design. We partnered with Trout Brook Realty Advisors, a non-profit developer for the West […]

Tim Reagen Joins Amenta Emma Boston Team

Amenta Emma Architects welcomes Tim Reagen, AIA, as Senior Project Architect in the Boston office. With an extensive background in housing affordability and urban development, he brings over twelve years of experience to our team. Tim’s passion for housing affordability in urban projects has resulted in the creation of over 2,300 new homes across Boston […]

Michael Tyre Presents at CACX’23

Amenta Emma Principal, Michael Tyre, AIA, and Tarkett Account Executive Scott Montemerlo, WELL AP, Faculty AP, will present their AIA Connecticut CACX’23 session on October 25, “Design for Neurodiversity.” The program will explain the prevalence of neurodiversity in the population, how sensory and spatial experiences vary for the neurodiverse, and design strategies to address neurodiversity in the workplace and […]

Orange Pop! From Bleak to Sleek

A new housing development in West Hartford replaces a blighted, abandoned, and now-demolished auto parts store and contributes to solving the community’s affordable housing shortage. The project is fully occupied, attesting to the pent-up demand for such housing. Read our latest edition of Orange Pop! featuring 540 New Park.

Fall ’23 Teaching Firm in Residence at RWU

We are honored to join a distinguished list of Teaching Firms in Residence at RWU Cummings School of Architecture. Amenta Emma team members Eric Weyant, Jeremy Jamilkowski, and Thomas Barker will be teaching the graduate-level design studio focused on multi-family housing this fall semester, with project sites in Martha’s Vineyard and Boston. Established in 2007, the Architecture Teaching Firm […]