Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design & Planning Services in New Haven
Founded in 1990 by Paul B. Bailey, AIA, our firm has established itself as a leader in architectural design across Connecticut and New England. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in creating contextually sensitive solutions for municipal, religious, non-profit, and residential clients while maintaining a commitment to historic preservation and modernization. Our team of five registered architects and seasoned professionals has earned national recognition through 44 awards, reflecting our dedication to quality, sustainability, and client-centric design. We combine deep expertise in historic architecture with innovative approaches to multi-family housing, commercial projects, and adaptive reuse, ensuring every structure we design harmonizes with its environment.Our principals bring decades of specialized experience, including NCARB certification, Passive House consulting, and historical architect designation, while our operations team ensures seamless project execution from concept to completion. This combination of technical mastery, regulatory knowledge, and creative problem-solving has made us a trusted partner for complex architectural challenges across diverse project types.
Services
Residential Design
Historic Preservation
Commercial Architecture
Municipal Projects
Multi-Family Housing
Adaptive Reuse
Interior Design
Master Planning
Construction Documentation
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience with 44 national architectural awards
- Our team includes NCARB-certified and Passive House consultants
- Specialists in historic preservation with state-recognized expertise
- Proven track record with $200M+ in HUD-funded housing projects
- Client-focused approach balancing modern needs with historical context
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- State of Connecticut Historical Commission
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized restoration of historic structures maintains architectural integrity while meeting modern standards. Our team handles National Register properties, municipal buildings, and religious institutions. We combine traditional techniques with contemporary materials for durable, code-compliant solutions.
Residential Design
Custom residential projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-unit developments. We create functional spaces that respect neighborhood character while incorporating modern amenities. Services include kitchen renovations, additions, and complete home designs.
Multi-Family Housing
Affordable and market-rate housing developments with focus on sustainable design. Our experience includes HUD-funded projects, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and creating inclusive communities with accessibility features integrated from concept stage.
Commercial Architecture
Design solutions for commercial spaces balancing aesthetics with functionality. Services cover retail environments, office buildings, and mixed-use developments. We ensure compliance with zoning regulations while optimizing space efficiency for business needs.
Construction Documentation
Comprehensive construction documents meeting all regulatory requirements. Our detailed blueprints include structural, electrical, and mechanical specifications. We provide accurate documentation for permitting, bidding, and construction phases with ongoing support through project completion.
People
Paul B. Bailey
Principal
With nearly 50 years of experience, Paul has led over $200M in housing projects and earned 40+ national awards. A Yale-trained architect, he specializes in historic preservation and affordable housing solutions.
Susan Bridgewater Odell
Senior Associate
28-year veteran in sustainable design and Smart Growth planning. Certified Passive House consultant focused on energy-efficient solutions for residential and commercial projects while ensuring exceptional client service delivery.
Richard Rakoczy
Senior Project Manager
45-year construction and architecture professional with technical expertise in construction details. Manages projects from design development through construction documents, ensuring buildability and code compliance.
Cheryl Sacco
Operations Manager
40-year business management expert handling client relations, contract negotiations, and firm operations. Oversees financial management and project coordination while maintaining professional liability compliance.
Elizabeth Roberge
Office Manager
Fine arts and genealogy professional managing scheduling, proposals, and website operations. Combines artistic background with organizational skills to support architectural project teams and client communications.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, residential design, multi-family housing, commercial architecture, and construction documentation. Our expertise includes adaptive reuse and sustainable design solutions.
How long has your firm been in business?
Paul B. Bailey Architect has been operating since 1990, with our founding architect having nearly 50 years of professional experience in the field.
Can you handle both historic and modern projects?
Yes, we balance historic preservation with modern needs. Our portfolio includes National Register properties and contemporary residential/commercial developments with code-compliant updates.
Do you work on affordable housing projects?
We have extensive experience with affordable housing, including $200M+ in HUD-funded projects. Current developments feature inclusive design with units for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
What makes your firm different from others?
Our unique combination of historic preservation expertise, sustainable design focus, and deep local knowledge sets us apart. We maintain NCARB-certified professionals and award-winning design capabilities.
