Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design & Restoration Services in New Haven, CT
Founded in 1990 by Paul B. Bailey, AIA, our firm has established itself as a leader in architectural design and restoration across New England. With a team of five registered architects and project managers, we specialize in creating context-sensitive solutions for municipal, religious, and non-profit organizations, as well as residential projects. Our expertise spans historic preservation, multi-family housing, and modernization of existing structures, supported by over 30 years of experience and 44 national awards.We prioritize client needs while maintaining respect for historic contexts, ensuring designs harmonize with their surroundings. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by $200 million in HUD/CHFA/DECD-funded projects and a track record of repeat clients. Sustainability remains central to our practice, with certified Passive House consultants on staff. As stewards of Connecticut's architectural heritage, we balance innovation with preservation to deliver timeless, functional spaces.
Services
Architectural Design
Historic Restoration
Residential Projects
Municipal Planning
Sustainable Modernization
Multi-Family Housing
Interior Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Construction Documentation
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Specialize in historic preservation with Connecticut Historical Commission certification
- 44 national awards for architectural excellence since 1990
- Certified Passive House consultants for sustainable design
- Team with combined 200+ years of architectural experience
- Proven expertise in $200M+ of HUD/CHFA-funded housing projects
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Services
Historic Restoration
Specialized restoration of historic structures listed on CT State and National Historic Registers. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve architectural integrity while meeting contemporary safety standards. Projects include adaptive reuse of 19th-century buildings and preservation of locally quarried materials.
Residential Design
Custom residential solutions ranging from single-family homes to multi-family housing developments. We create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that respect neighborhood character while incorporating modern amenities. Our portfolio includes luxury renovations and affordable housing projects across Connecticut.
Municipal Planning
Comprehensive planning and design services for municipal buildings including town halls, schools, and community centers. We specialize in transforming historic public spaces into modern, accessible facilities while maintaining their cultural significance through careful material selection and design integration.
Sustainable Modernization
Energy-efficient building upgrades incorporating Passive House principles and modern sustainability standards. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with cost-effectiveness, delivering reduced operational costs and improved occupant comfort through strategic material selection and innovative design solutions.
Construction Documentation
Detailed technical documentation covering all project phases from design development to construction administration. Our team produces precise architectural drawings and specifications that ensure accurate implementation of design intent while meeting all regulatory requirements and building codes.
People
Paul B. Bailey
Principal
With nearly 50 years of experience, Paul founded the firm in 1990 after graduating from Yale School of Architecture. He has led over $200M in housing projects and received 40+ national awards, specializing in historic preservation and HUD-funded developments.
Susan Bridgewater Odell
Senior Associate
28-year architecture veteran specializing in sustainable design. As a certified Passive House consultant, she ensures energy-efficient solutions across residential and commercial projects while managing client relationships and overseeing project execution.
Richard Rakoczy
Senior Project Manager
Combines 24 years of construction experience with 21 years in architecture. He oversees project development from design through construction documents, leveraging hands-on knowledge to ensure technical accuracy and buildability.
Cheryl Sacco
Operations Manager
40-year business management expert handling client relations, contract negotiations, and firm operations. She serves as client liaison while managing financial and administrative functions, maintaining Notary Public certification since 1989.
Elizabeth Roberge
Office Manager
Art and historic preservation specialist with a RISD fine arts background. Manages scheduling, proposals, and website content while handling financial operations. Earned Masters in Genealogical Studies in 2025 and serves as Notary Public.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation and modernization of 19th/20th-century buildings while creating context-sensitive contemporary designs that respect neighborhood character.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes residential developments (single/multi-family), municipal buildings, religious institutions, and commercial spaces across Connecticut.
How do you approach historic building restoration?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve architectural integrity while meeting current safety standards and accessibility requirements.
Can you manage large-scale housing developments?
Yes, we've completed $200M+ in HUD/CHFA-funded housing projects including 8,500+ residential units across Connecticut.
Do you offer sustainable design options?
Yes, we incorporate Passive House principles and energy-efficient solutions in all projects through our certified consultants.
