Business Details
15 Years
experience
Architectural Design for Learning Environments
Jones Architecture believes architecture should be a seamless integration of design and service. Our approach begins with listening to client needs, followed by research-driven solutions that evolve through collaboration. With expertise in higher education, academic libraries, and institutional projects, we prioritize contextual sophistication over fleeting trends. Our team combines technical precision with creative problem-solving to deliver spaces that enhance human experiences. Founded in 2011 by Richard M. Jones, our practice emphasizes durability in both physical materials and conceptual frameworks.We specialize in projects requiring stakeholder engagement, from campus master planning to adaptive reuse. Our commitment to collaboration extends across disciplines, seeking innovative methods at every scale. Recognized for our work on campuses like Harvard and MIT, we focus on creating 'bright moments' that improve daily life. Our process avoids rigid binaries between beauty and functionality, instead fostering symbiotic relationships in design. With offices in Salem, MA, and Miami, FL, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining a personalized approach to each project.
Services
Architectural Design
Campus Planning
Academic Libraries
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Architecture
Mass Timber Construction
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We specialize in higher education architecture with over 25 years of institutional project experience
- Our collaborative process integrates stakeholder input at every design phase
- We prioritize contextual sophistication and sustainable building practices
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects and specialists in mass timber construction
- We maintain long-term relationships with clients like MIT, Harvard, and Norwich University
What people say
Strongest of recommendations
Exceptionally well received
Best architectural firm
Deep understanding of client needs
Innovative solutions
Services
Architectural Design
Jones Architecture provides comprehensive design services for educational and institutional projects. Our approach combines aesthetic excellence with functional requirements, creating spaces that enhance learning and community engagement. With expertise in both new construction and renovations, we deliver solutions that address specific client needs while maintaining contextual relevance.
Campus Planning
We specialize in strategic campus master planning that balances growth with heritage preservation. Our services include space programming, circulation analysis, and sustainability integration. By understanding institutional goals, we create cohesive environments that support evolving educational models and community needs across multiple campuses.
Academic Libraries
Our library design focuses on creating adaptable learning environments that combine traditional resources with modern technology. We optimize spatial layouts for collaboration, research, and quiet study while incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Our solutions enhance functionality while preserving architectural character in both new and renovated spaces.
Adaptive Reuse
Jones Architecture transforms existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical elements. Our adaptive reuse expertise includes code compliance upgrades, systems modernization, and spatial reconfiguration. We balance preservation with innovation to extend building lifecycles while meeting contemporary educational and institutional requirements.
Mass Timber Construction
We lead in mass timber applications for educational and institutional projects, offering environmentally responsible construction solutions. Our expertise includes CLT (cross-laminated timber) systems that reduce carbon footprint while maintaining structural integrity. This approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering for durable, aesthetically pleasing buildings.
People
Richard M. Jones
Director/Founder
With over 25 years in educational architecture, Rick founded Jones Architecture in 2011 after 15 years at Boston firms. He specializes in learning environments and academic libraries, frequently speaking at AIA and SCUP conferences. His research focuses on applying higher education precedents to current projects.
Gregory Burchard
Associate Principal
A licensed architect with 30+ years of higher education experience, Greg oversees project technical quality and construction documentation. He specializes in building science and detailing, serving as senior technical advisor while managing complex institutional projects across New England.
Marc Perras
Associate Principal
With 20+ years in academic architecture, Marc focuses on campus context integration and historic preservation. He managed Norwich University's $45M academic building renovations and leads the Brockton CLT government project. His expertise includes balancing old-new architectural juxtapositions.
Sam Clement
Senior Associate
Jones' longest-tenured employee since 2011, Sam specializes in technology-integrated educational spaces. He has completed 20+ MIT projects and leads Harvard's classroom prototype program. His collaborative approach ensures smooth execution of complex academic renovations despite construction challenges.
Dan Ollila
Senior Associate
Managing over 40 Northeastern University projects, Dan focuses on classroom and laboratory renovations. He combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving, recently completing athletics facilities at UMass Amherst and TD Garden renovations. His work emphasizes functional modernization within existing structures.
Questions
What architectural styles does Jones Architecture specialize in?
We focus on contextual sophistication rather than specific styles, prioritizing durability and conceptual endurance. Our work integrates modern functionality with site-specific appropriateness across educational, institutional, and commercial projects.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we manage all project types from ground-up buildings to historic renovations. Our expertise includes adaptive reuse, campus master planning, and technology-integrated space modernization for educational institutions.
What makes your educational facility design approach unique?
We combine stakeholder engagement with research-driven solutions, focusing on 'bright moments' that enhance daily experiences. Our process emphasizes listening to client needs while introducing innovative design concepts informed by higher education precedents.
Can you work with tight budgets while maintaining design quality?
Our Mack Hall project at Norwich University demonstrates creative budget solutions. We collapsed multiple required spaces into shared functions while maintaining design integrity, proving that financial constraints can inspire innovative architecture.
Do you have experience with sustainable construction methods?
We lead in mass timber applications including CLT and glulam systems. Our projects like the Brockton Unemployment Assistance Building demonstrate commitment to sustainable materials while meeting rigorous structural and code requirements.
How do you handle complex campus environments?
Our approach addresses both physical and programmatic challenges through comprehensive site analysis. For Mack Hall, we transformed a steep Vermont site into an accessibility solution, creating four-level connectivity that improved overall campus circulation patterns.
