Business Details
41 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Design Solutions in Kittery, ME
Founded in 1985 by Lucinda Schlaffer and Paul Bonacci, ARQ Architects is a Kittery, Maine-based architectural firm dedicated to sustainable design and community-focused projects. With decades of experience, we specialize in creating innovative spaces for museums, schools, animal shelters, and residential clients across the United States. Our team of LEED Accredited Professionals integrates ecological principles into every project, prioritizing resource efficiency and accessibility. Recognized for seven LEED-certified projects, including the first LEED-rated animal welfare facilities in the U.S., we combine design excellence with acoustic innovation.As members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we revitalize aging structures to sustain community vibrancy. Our work has been featured in leading design publications and recognized with awards such as the AIA Outstanding Design honor for the New Hampshire Children's Museum.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Design
Adaptive Reuse
Community Engagement
LEED Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of experience in sustainable architectural design
- First LEED-certified animal welfare facilities in the U.S.
- Award-winning expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings
- LEED Accredited Professionals on all projects
- Recognized for acoustic and design excellence in national publications
Associations and certifications
- US Green Building Council
- LEED AP
What people say
LEED-certified projects
Community engagement
Design innovation
Acoustic excellence
Sustainable solutions
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions for museums, schools, and commercial spaces. Our approach combines functional problem-solving with aesthetic excellence, prioritizing client needs and environmental sustainability. Projects include the LEED Silver-certified New Hampshire Children's Museum and the Tompkins County SPCA facility.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design integrates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. We specialize in passive design strategies, rain gardens, and renewable energy integration. As USGBC members since 2002, we've achieved seven LEED certifications, including the first LEED-rated animal welfare facilities in the U.S.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform aging structures into vibrant community spaces while preserving historical integrity. Our adaptive reuse projects maintain architectural heritage through modern functionality upgrades. Recent work includes revitalizing historic buildings for contemporary institutional and commercial uses across New England.
Community Engagement
We facilitate collaborative design processes involving stakeholders and community members. Our approach ensures projects meet local needs while aligning with organizational goals. This includes programming workshops and masterplan development for civic institutions and nonprofit clients.
LEED Consulting
Our LEED AP-certified team guides projects through sustainable certification processes. We implement energy-efficient systems and resource-conscious practices to achieve LEED Silver, Gold, and Platinum ratings. Recent successes include multiple LEED-certified animal care facilities and medical centers.
People
Lucinda Schlaffer
Partner
Co-founder Lucinda Schlaffer leads sustainable design initiatives with 40+ years of architectural experience. A LEED AP professional, she graduated from UC Berkeley and focuses on community-driven projects that balance innovation with environmental responsibility.
Paul Bonacci
Partner
Paul Bonacci, co-founder and LEED AP architect, specializes in adaptive reuse and historic preservation. With an RISD education, he brings technical expertise to complex institutional projects while maintaining ARQ Architects's commitment to ecological design principles.
Questions
What architectural services does ARQ offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, LEED consulting, adaptive reuse, and community engagement for institutional, commercial, and residential projects nationwide.
Are ARQ Architects LEED-certified?
Yes, all our architectural staff are LEED Accredited Professionals, and we've achieved seven LEED certifications for projects including animal shelters and medical centers.
What makes ARQ's approach unique?
We combine sustainable design principles with community-focused solutions, specializing in transforming historic structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Where does ARQ operate?
Based in Kittery, Maine, we work with clients across the United States, holding architectural licenses in eight states from California to Maine.
