Business Details
33 Years
experience
Sustainable & Humanistic Architectural Design Solutions
NPS Architects is a full-service architectural firm founded in 1993, dedicated to delivering innovative, sustainable, and humanistic design solutions. Our team combines decades of experience in architectural design, construction management, and project delivery with a commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. Specializing in Passive House, LEED, and Living Building Challenge certifications, we serve academic, institutional, municipal, housing, and residential sectors.Our collaborative approach integrates interdisciplinary expertise to create energy-efficient, regenerative buildings that align with client goals and community needs. With a focus on technical excellence and creative problem-solving, we prioritize client relationships and long-term project success.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
Project Management
Residential Renovation
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1993 with expertise in sustainable design and construction management.
- LEED-certified professionals and Living Building Challenge advocates.
- Integrated design approach combining architecture, climate engineering, and sustainability.
- Award-winning projects like Genzyme Center demonstrate energy-efficient innovation.
- Collaborative team prioritizes client needs and community impact.
Associations and certifications
- Just 2.0
- LEED
Services
Architectural Design
NPS Architects offers comprehensive architectural design services for institutional, commercial, and residential projects. Our approach integrates sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic innovation to create spaces that meet client needs while minimizing environmental impact. With expertise in LEED and Passive House standards, we deliver energy-efficient solutions tailored to each project's unique context.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services focus on regenerative building practices, including Living Building Challenge compliance, net-zero energy systems, and material lifecycle analysis. We prioritize renewable resources, energy efficiency, and ecological harmony to create buildings that contribute positively to their environments while reducing long-term operational costs for clients.
Project Management
From concept to completion, our project management services ensure seamless coordination between clients, contractors, and consultants. We provide technical expertise, budget oversight, and quality control throughout the construction process, leveraging decades of experience to deliver complex projects on time and within scope.
LEED Certification
We guide clients through LEED certification processes for commercial and institutional buildings, combining technical knowledge with strategic planning to achieve sustainability goals. Our team ensures compliance with rigorous environmental standards while optimizing building performance and occupant well-being.
Residential Renovation
Specializing in residential renovations, we transform existing spaces into energy-efficient, modern living environments. Our services include historic preservation, accessibility upgrades, and adaptive reuse projects that balance contemporary needs with architectural integrity while maintaining strict adherence to budget and timeline requirements.
People
Rick Ames
Founder and Principal
Licensed architect with 30+ years of experience in sustainable design. LEED AP certified and active in green building initiatives. Holds degrees from MIT and University of Vermont. Focuses on environmental justice and humanistic design principles.
Keith Campbell
Senior Associate Architect/Designer
Senior associate with 15+ years at NPS Architects. Manages marketing and project proposals. Former educator with expertise in community development projects and sustainable design competitions. Holds MIT architecture degree.
Nora Shull
Architect / Project Manager
Registered architect and Certified Passive House Consultant. Specializes in integrating sustainability with user experience. Holds Harvard GSD degree. Experienced in diverse building types and committed to responsive design solutions.
Florence Ma
Designer
Architect with focus on environmental resilience and equity. Holds MIT Master of Architecture degree. Former AmeriCorps public health worker. Combines health, sustainability, and social justice in design practices.
Lisa Sun
Designer
LEED Green Associate with dual master's in architecture and urban planning. Uses data-informed design for sustainability and equity. Former software developer with technical expertise in building performance analysis.
Questions
What architectural services does Next Phase Studios offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, sustainable design consulting, LEED certification guidance, project management, and residential/commercial renovation services.
Are you certified in green building standards?
Yes, we hold LEED certifications and specialize in Living Building Challenge and Passive House standards for sustainable construction.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily Massachusetts, with projects across the Northeast US, Germany, Canada, and the UK.
How long has your firm been in business?
Next Phase Studios has operated since 1993, with our founding principal having practiced architecture for over 30 years.
What project types do you specialize in?
We work with institutional, municipal, academic, residential, and commercial clients, focusing on sustainable, energy-efficient design solutions.
Can you handle complex renovation projects?
Yes, our team specializes in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and complex residential/commercial renovations with sustainability integration.
