Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Scarborough, ME
Founded in 1992, Cws Architects has built its reputation on fostering long-term relationships while delivering innovative design solutions. Our approach prioritizes client needs through active listening and collaboration, ensuring every project aligns with budgetary, functional, and aesthetic goals. Guided by core values of integrity, knowledge-sharing, and commitment, we maintain a hands-on leadership model with projects directly managed by our five principals. With over 30 years of regional expertise, we specialize in creating spaces that enhance communities across corporate, educational, healthcare, and residential sectors.Our dedication to sustainable practices and historic preservation reflects our broader mission to elevate the built environment. As a small studio, we maintain agility while partnering strategically to offer comprehensive services from initial planning through final documentation. Our team of 20 professionals consistently exceeds client expectations by transforming conceptual visions into tangible, impactful designs. This philosophy has earned us recognition as a leader in Northern New England's architectural landscape.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Affordable Housing
Federal Projects
Healthcare Facilities
Corporate Spaces
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of regional design experience
- Projects are directly led by experienced principals
- Specialize in sustainable and historic preservation design
- Maintain collaborative client relationships throughout projects
- Award-winning expertise in Northern New England architecture
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine creative vision with technical expertise to deliver functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We specialize in corporate, educational, and healthcare facilities, focusing on client-specific needs while maintaining budgetary constraints. Our hands-on approach ensures every project reflects both modern innovation and enduring quality.
Interior Design
We create interior environments that balance form and function across residential and commercial settings. Our designers prioritize spatial efficiency, material sustainability, and aesthetic harmony to enhance user experience. From concept development to final implementation, we maintain close client collaboration to ensure design integrity throughout the process.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in New England's architectural heritage, we preserve historic structures while integrating modern functionality. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary building science to maintain historical accuracy. This approach extends building lifespans while maintaining cultural significance through meticulous documentation and material conservation.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate environmentally responsible practices into every project phase, from material selection to energy-efficient systems. Our sustainable approach reduces environmental impact while optimizing long-term operational costs. This includes LEED certification guidance and innovative solutions for new constructions and adaptive reuse projects.
Affordable Housing
Our firm champions accessible housing solutions through innovative design that balances cost-effectiveness with quality living environments. We work closely with developers and municipalities to create multifamily units that meet regulatory requirements while fostering community development and social equity in Northern New England.
People
Benedict B. Walter
Founding Principal, Senior Architect
With over 30 years of experience, Benedict established CWS in 1992 and leads complex architectural projects while mentoring junior staff in design excellence and client relations.
Guy Labrecque, Jr.
Vice President
Specializing in healthcare facility design, Guy brings 25+ years of expertise in creating functional, healing environments that meet strict regulatory requirements while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Lynn Ann Pepin
Co-President, Director of Interior Design
Leading the interior design division, Lynn combines creative vision with technical knowledge to develop spaces that enhance user experience across residential and commercial sectors.
Rebecca Bagley
Vice President, Architect
With expertise in educational facilities, Rebecca manages school projects that balance modern learning requirements with community heritage through innovative spatial solutions.
Melissa Denis
Chief Financial Officer
Overseeing financial operations, Melissa ensures project budgets align with client expectations while maintaining the firm's fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
Questions
What architectural services does CWS offer?
We provide full-service architecture for corporate, educational, healthcare, and residential projects including design, planning, and construction documentation.
Do you specialize in historic building restoration?
Yes, we're recognized regional leaders in historic preservation with multiple awards for maintaining New England's architectural heritage.
How does CWS approach sustainable design?
We integrate green building practices in every project through material selection, energy-efficient systems, and LEED certification guidance.
Are you involved in affordable housing projects?
Yes, we've been active in Maine's affordable housing sector for over a decade, creating cost-effective yet quality living environments.
How are projects managed at CWS?
All projects are directly led by our five principals, ensuring consistent oversight from initial concept through final construction documentation.
