Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Architects in Amherst, MA
Established in 1988 by John Kuhn and Chris Riddle, our firm has built a legacy rooted in community engagement, contextual design, and environmental stewardship. We specialize in architecture, planning, and interior design services for educational, commercial, and residential clients across the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Our team of architects, interior designers, LEED APs, and Passive House consultants prioritizes collaboration, ensuring stakeholders actively shape projects from concept to completion. Sustainability guides every decision, whether renovating historic structures or designing energy-efficient new builds. We serve diverse clients including colleges, municipalities, developers, and families, blending historic preservation with contemporary innovation.Our commitment to thoughtful design extends to community service, with staff actively participating in local boards and nonprofits. Recognized as one of Western Massachusetts' largest design firms, we translate client needs into functional, beautiful spaces that respect both environment and context. Our work integrates brand identity, durability, and technology, as seen in projects like the NuPro headquarters and Deerfield's 1888 Building rehabilitation. Awards and features in regional design circles validate our approach to creating meaningful, lasting environments.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of local architectural expertise since 1988
- Our team includes LEED-certified and Passive House professionals
- We maintain active roles in community planning and design boards
- We implement collaborative design processes with stakeholder ownership
- We specialize in historic preservation with modern sustainability integration
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- Passive House Consultant
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions for educational, commercial, and residential projects. Our approach balances aesthetic vision with functional requirements while respecting historical context. Services include site analysis, space planning, and construction documentation for new builds and renovations.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, brand-aligned environments. We specialize in commercial interiors, educational facilities, and residential spaces with attention to material selection, lighting, and technology integration for optimal user experience.
Historic Preservation
We preserve architectural heritage through careful restoration of historic buildings. Our expertise includes slate roof restoration, masonry repair, and adaptive reuse projects that maintain original character while meeting modern functionality requirements.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainability throughout the design process, offering LEED certification guidance and Passive House strategies. Services include energy modeling, material lifecycle analysis, and eco-friendly building system recommendations for reduced environmental impact.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from concept through construction. Our team coordinates stakeholders, manages timelines and budgets, and ensures quality control while maintaining design integrity throughout the building process.
People
Aelan Tierney
President
Licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 years of experience in sustainable design and community-focused projects across New England.
Jonathan Salvon
Principal
Award-winning architect specializing in educational facilities and historic preservation, bringing technical expertise and creative problem-solving to complex renovation projects.
Charles Roberts
Principal
Design leader with extensive experience in commercial and residential architecture, focusing on integrating modern functionality with traditional New England aesthetics.
Andrew Bagge
Senior Architect
Specializes in Passive House design and energy-efficient building systems, with a focus on achieving high-performance architectural solutions.
Karen Michalowski
Senior Interior Designer
Interior design expert with LEED certification, creating functional and aesthetically cohesive spaces that reflect client brand identity and operational needs.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We work across styles while emphasizing contextual design that respects existing environments. Our expertise includes modern interpretations of traditional New England architecture and sustainable contemporary designs.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both new builds and historic renovations, with particular expertise in adaptive reuse projects that preserve architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.
Are you experienced with sustainable building certifications?
Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and Certified Passive House Consultants with extensive experience in achieving green building certifications and implementing energy-efficient design strategies.
What project sizes do you typically handle?
We work on projects of all scales from single-family homes to large institutional buildings, with particular strength in mid-sized commercial and community-focused developments.
How do you approach community engagement in projects?
We prioritize stakeholder collaboration through public meetings, design workshops, and transparent communication to ensure projects meet community needs while achieving client goals.
Can you work with existing development plans?
Yes, we provide both full-service design and consultative services, adapting our involvement to match client needs while maintaining design quality and regulatory compliance.
