Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architecture & Design Partner in Amherst, MA
Established in 1988 by John Kuhn and Chris Riddle, our firm has grown into one of the largest design studios in Western Massachusetts. We specialize in architecture, planning, and interior design services for educational, commercial, and residential clients. Our team includes architects, interior designers, LEED Accredited Professionals, and Passive House consultants who share a passion for thoughtful design. We prioritize contextual sensitivity, sustainability, and community engagement in every project, believing that successful design emerges from collaboration and active listening.Our second-generation leadership continues this legacy while expanding our expertise in historic preservation and modern innovation. With decades of combined experience, we deliver intelligent, environmentally conscious solutions that balance aesthetic beauty with functional practicality. Our commitment extends beyond individual projects to active participation in local governance and nonprofit initiatives, ensuring our work positively impacts the communities we serve.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Community Planning
Residential Projects
Commercial Projects
Educational Facilities
Passive House Consulting
Municipal Projects
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We integrate LEED-certified expertise into sustainable design solutions
- Our team includes Passive House consultants for energy-efficient building practices
- We maintain 35+ years of contextual design experience in New England architecture
- Our collaborative process prioritizes client input throughout project development
- We actively contribute to local design review boards and community initiatives
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
What people say
Fresh look
New life
Bright modern interior
Historic preservation
Timeless character
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in educational facilities, commercial buildings, and residential projects that respect contextual history while incorporating modern innovations. Our LEED-certified team ensures sustainable practices throughout the design process.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance beauty with practicality across commercial, residential, and institutional settings. Our approach focuses on optimizing spatial flow, selecting sustainable materials, and creating atmospheres that reflect client identity while meeting functional requirements through collaborative design development.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability expertise includes LEED certification guidance, passive house consulting, and energy-efficient system integration. We implement environmentally conscious solutions from initial concept through construction, reducing buildings' carbon footprints while maintaining design integrity and occupant comfort standards.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving historic structures while adapting them for modern use. Our team carefully restores architectural details, implements structural reinforcements, and integrates contemporary systems without compromising historical authenticity or community character.
Community Planning
Our community planning services focus on creating functional public spaces that enhance civic life. We collaborate with municipalities on campus master plans, mixed-use developments, and public facility upgrades that balance growth with environmental stewardship and community needs.
People
John Kuhn
Founder
Co-founder with 35+ years of architectural experience, specializing in contextual design and sustainable practices that shape Western Massachusetts' built environment.
Chris Riddle
Founder
Established the firm's community-focused approach, blending historic preservation expertise with innovative design solutions for educational and civic institutions.
Jonathan Salvon
Principal
Second-generation leader advancing sustainable design initiatives and expanding the firm's expertise in energy-efficient building systems and passive house standards.
Charles Roberts
Principal
Manages complex commercial projects with emphasis on integrating modern functionality into historic structures while maintaining architectural integrity.
Aelan B. Tierney
Principal
Focuses on educational facility design, creating innovative learning environments that balance institutional needs with community accessibility requirements.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We offer full-service architecture, interior design, and planning for educational, commercial, residential, and municipal projects with expertise in historic preservation and sustainable design.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
Our LEED-certified team integrates energy-efficient systems, passive house principles, and environmentally conscious materials selection throughout the design and construction process.
Do you work outside Western Massachusetts?
While based in Amherst, we serve clients throughout Massachusetts and have completed projects in various New England locations.
What is your design approach?
We combine contextual sensitivity with modern innovation, creating spaces that respect historic fabric while meeting contemporary functional needs through collaborative client engagement.
Can you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, our team specializes in historic preservation with experience restoring landmark buildings while incorporating modern updates and accessibility features.
