Quinsigamond Shores Receives Building Envelope Replacement

GRLA recently completed a comprehensive building envelope replacement at Quinsigamond Shores Condominiums located along Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The six-building, 48-unit condominium development constructed in the mid-1980s with wood siding and trim along with brick exterior and chimneys was experiencing persistent water intrusion as well as other water-related complications including ice dams, gutter/water drainage, and balcony deterioration.

To learn more details about the project please visit the project page.

GRLA Completes New Space for EyePoint Pharmaceuticals

GRLA designed a single-story, 40,000 SF Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) pharmaceutical manufacturing building in Northbridge, Massachusetts for EyePoint Pharmaceuticals (EyePoint). This new facility allows EyePoint to expand its manufacturing capacity as they continue developing innovative therapeutics for patients with serious retinal disease.

The single-story building includes cleanroom manufacturing, cutting-edge laboratory space, a high-bay warehouse area with support offices as well as conference rooms, open office area and private offices.

GRLA closely collaborated with RP Masiello, and EyePoint to meticulously design a state-of-the-art building that achieves ISO-7 cleanroom classification and support spaces with ISO-8 classification designed to comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) standards for production of therapeutics. A key feature is the walkable ceiling system installed above the pre-manufactured cleanroom system allowing ease of access to the overhead equipment with minimal disruption and downtime to the cleanroom space.

“GRLA did a great job serving as the architectural firm for EyePoint’s new Manufacturing Facility in Northbridge. They were focused on making sure the facility was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient,” commended Joe Musiak, Sr. Director of Facilities & Engineering at EyePoint Pharmaceuticals.

Revvity Enjoys New Headquarters

GRLA recently completed phase one of Revvity’s new corporate headquarters relocation at 77 CityPoint in Waltham, Massachusetts. The 30,000 SF renovation included design of a new executive office suite with a state-of-the-art boardroom and executive private offices, conference rooms, collaboration spaces, breakout and coffee areas. The remaining areas were renovated to accommodate all the required support offices with extensive glass wall systems and new collaborative and flexible furniture systems. Color schemes reflect Revvity’s new brand which adopts a neutral palette inspired by the organic shapes and movement of their visual identity. Use of natural light woods in combination with off-whites and lighter beiges present a good background for bright accent walls, vibrant artwork and graphics reflecting the dynamic nature of the brand.

Phase two of the project, which includes a 10,000 SF renovation is anticipated to start in January of 2025 and will include the main entrance lobby, more conferencing and large town hall meeting spaces, a gaming zone and areas that encourage social interaction.

Construction is by J Calnan Associates.

Collaboration Space

GRLA Celebrates Recent Employee Promotions

GRLA is proud to announce that the following employees have been promoted.

Rebecca Burlingame - Director of Interior Design. Rebecca has been creating and redesigning interior spaces for over 15 years for a wide variety of clients including institutional, corporate, and municipal. The experience, creativity, team problem-solving abilities and thoughtful approach that Rebecca brings to each project is invaluable. She has a remarkable ability to transform a space in a way that successfully meets the clients' vision.

Brandon Gaulin - Architectural Designer III. Brandon has a strong background in both architectural and building envelope design, which equips him with a unique skill set. He meticulously prepares detailed construction documents and provides comprehensive construction phase services for a diverse array of projects, including life science facilities, corporate offices, and institutional buildings. Additionally, he actively participates in building envelope services, such as thorough testing and extensive building studies.

Andrew Turgeon - BES Assistant Project Manager. Andrew’s responsibilities, include field observations, building envelope failure investigations, and water testing to assess potential vulnerabilities. In addition, he helps to develop specifications and construction documents, ensuring that project designs align with technical requirements and industry standards. Andrew holds a mechanical engineering degree and is currently pursuing an architecture degree. This combination of practical experience and continued education equips him with a multidisciplinary perspective, enhancing his ability to contribute to complex building envelope projects effectively.

“These are well deserved promotions. Rebecca, Brandon and Andrew each bring their set of skills to our team contributing to GRLA’s success.” said Scott Richardson.

Building Envelope Restoration at the Historic Upton Grange Hall

Upton Grange 

Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects worked closely with the Massachusetts and Upton Historical Commissions and the Upton Grange team to restore the building envelope of the historic Grange Hall located at 26 School Street in Upton. The Greek-Revival style building which was built in 1850 as a schoolhouse and subsequently became the meeting place for the Upton Grange required much-needed renovations. GRLA was responsible for providing the design to reroof the entire building, replace and repair all clapboard siding, repaint the building based on historic analysis of the original paint colors from the 1850’s and replace the handicap ramp and install a new code compliant railing system. Primary funding was from the Massachusetts Historic Commission.

GRLA Celebrates the WHEAT Community Connections Groundbreaking in Clinton

GRLA celebrated the groundbreaking of the future home of the United Way of Tri-County’s (UWOTC) Clinton site located at 224-230 High Street. In attendance were Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Senator John Cronin, State Rep Meg Kilcoyne, Jodi Breidel, RP Masiello, Inc. The Worcester Business Development Corporation, Town of Clinton, MA, and Scott Richardson.

GRLA designed the new community building that will offer an enhanced food security program for WHEAT Community Connections and WHEAT Community Cupboard & Cafe, provide a new location for Hidden Treasures Thrift Store, include eight transitional housing units, and feature expanded office and meeting spaces for the community.

Kevin LaCoe and Jorge Gomez Receive Promotions

GRLA is proud to announce that….

Kevin LaCoe

Kevin LaCoe has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. He has over 25 years of professional and technical experience in construction administration, design, and documentation. In addition to project management and design detailing, Kevin serves as the Director of Technology, and administers the firm’s IT infrastructure. “Kevin is an integral part of the GRLA team from project management for high-end corporate and fast-track projects to maintaining the firm’s information technology.” said Scott Richardson.

Jorge Gomez

Jorge Gomez has been promoted to Project Designer & Illustrator for GRLA’s Architecture Studio. He is a talented designer who takes great pride in his work and has an exceptional attention to detail. Jorge’s renderings provide clients with a graphical representation of the vision they have for their project. “Providing 3D digital renderings has proven to be extremely beneficial. Jorge has a natural ability to take an idea and create fantastic, detailed renderings for our clients.” comments Scott Richardson.

GRLA’s Ethan Miller Achieves PHIUS Certification, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainable Architecture

Ethan Miller, CPHC Building Envelope Sciences Technician

GRLA proudly announces that Ethan Miller, Building Envelope Sciences Technician, has achieved certification from the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS).  This prestigious certification reflects GRLA’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and energy efficient architectural practices.

The PHIUS certification is a testament to Ethan’s expertise in designing buildings that meet rigorous energy performance standards while providing superior comfort and indoor air quality. 

“As a PHIUS-certified professional, Ethan brings valuable knowledge and skills to GRLA’s projects, strengthening our ability to deliver high-performance buildings that reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact,” said Scott Richardson, GRLA’s President and Principal. “We look forward to leveraging his knowledge to better serve our clients and continue our legacy of excellence in sustainable design.”

Women In Construction Week

Women in Construction Week is led by the National Association of Women in Construction to celebrate women and their key role in the construction industry. This year's theme, 'Keys to the Future', honors the important role women have in affecting the future of the construction industry.

At GRLA, we are proud of our team of women and the contributions they are making to not only GRLA projects, but the future of the built environment.

What is your role at GRLA and what do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

Rebecca Burlingame

As an interior designer at GRLA, my role revolves around collaborating with both clients and team members. I find great joy in orchestrating the transformation of spaces, merging beauty with functionality. The thrill lies in the evolution of designs as I gather programming information, client goals, and ideas, molding them into a cohesive space that fulfills their needs.

Jyotika Girdhar

In my role as a Building Envelope Sciences Technician at GRLA, my focus is creating comprehensive construction document sets, conducting site visits, and preparing detailed field reports. I work closely with Project Managers on diverse roof projects, including restoration and replacement. Much of my time is spent drafting in CAD, which can be challenging, but I do find it enjoyable. Furthermore, researching products and compiling data are aspects of my work that I particularly find satisfying at GRLA.

Skye Jensen

I'm the Director of Finance at GRLA, managing diverse tasks like payroll, receivables, payables, and job cost accounting. What I love most is working with the team to ensure projects stay on budget and on track.

My experience as a member of NAWIC Greater Worcester Chapter #241 has exceeded expectations. Connecting with women across various industries, sharing stories, and collaborating on community services, like supporting Girl Scouts and fundraising for scholarships, has been incredibly rewarding.

Stephanie Konicki

As an interior designer at GRLA, I thrive on engaging in various project phases. Whether diving into construction set details or selecting fabrics for furniture, each day presents a different challenge, making the work consistently exciting. The presence of a supportive team enhances my experience, providing a continuous learning environment that adds to the overall enjoyment of my role.

Dina Soliman

As a Project Manager at GRLA, I oversee a variety of projects, with a major focus on designing spaces for life sciences clients.

I find the collaborative journey with the design team rewarding, from conceptualizing ideas to supporting each other through successful project completion. I thrive on seeing projects evolve from sketches to functional spaces, and I enjoy coordinating with diverse engineering trades. The construction administration phase serves as a rich learning experience for me, providing insights for future projects. Establishing enduring relationships with clients and witnessing their satisfaction upon project completion are the most fulfilling aspects of my role. Experiencing the completed space that we've designed and seeing it in use and being enjoyed is truly remarkable.

GRLA Welcomes Two New Hires

Aaron Kotilainen

GRLA is thrilled to welcome two new employees to the building envelope science team, Aaron Kotilainen as an Assistant Project Manager and Owalid Rahman as a BES Technician.

Aaron brings significant experience managing building envelope projects from existing conditions evaluations to design through construction administration. He has worked on a variety of project types including masonry restoration, large scale fenestration replacement, building recladding, concrete restoration, and low and steep slope roofing replacements.    

He is well versed in forensic evaluations on problematic legacy and new building systems including ASTM and AAMA water testing standards. He also specializes in performing parametric energy and hygrothermal/dewpoint modeling simulations on existing and proposed envelope systems.

Owalid Rahman

Owalid recently received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Fitchburg State University. As a Building Envelope Sciences Technician Owalid is responsible for conducting field inspections and fenestration testing, preparing construction drawings and detailed, processing submittals, performing construction site visits and other construction administration tasks. Owalid will also be assisting our Architecture Team in a similar capacity.

“I am excited for the exceptional skills and knowledge that both Aaron and Owalid bring to our team. They are both eager to take on this new chapter with GRLA and provide our clients with exceptional service,” says Chris Paszko, Director of Building Envelope Sciences.

Robert Gutmann is Promoted to Project Manager

GRLA is pleased to announce that Robert Gutmann has been promoted to Project Manager. Robert manages a variety of building envelope projects including roof restorations, property assessment studies, leak investigations, and testing for residential condominium developments, academic and civic buildings.

“Robert brings his attention to detail and thorough understanding of the building envelope to each of the projects he manages. He is an integral part of our BES team and welcomes new opportunities and challenges with enthusiasm. He has shown great dedication to the team and our clients, and we are excited for him to take on this new expanded role.” shares Chris Paszko, Director of Building Envelope Sciences.

Robert is an active member of the CSI Worcester Chapter where he serves as secretary on the board of directors.

GRLA Completes Renovations at the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University

Mission Control - Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center for Integrated Science Learning

GRLA recently completed the renovations at the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University. GRLA worked closely with the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, STV, Inc., Commodore Builders, and Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates to complete this project. The McAuliffe Center at FSU was originally built in 1994 and has been renovated to integrate the newest technologies and systems that represent the latest in Challenger Learning Centers nationwide.

The goal of the project was to convert the current center, used by students in grades K-12, into a suite of multifunctional, technology-enabled learning spaces, and to introduce modern visualizations and simulation capabilities. The lobby, Mission Control, Spacecraft, and Planetarium underwent a full redesign, along with support spaces like administration offices and restrooms. The lobby space was enhanced to accommodate large gatherings and create a seamless transition to the Challenger Command Center. The Command Center and the Spacecraft Experience were completely redesigned and equipped with new infrastructure. The planetarium was renovated to become a multifunctional space with moveable seats and equipped with state-of-the-art Projection Systems allowing presentations to be live and interactive.

Interior finishes, graphics and design elements were coordinated to promote excitement and interest in space study.  

Congratulations to Ty Spencer

GRLA is proud to share the achievement of our Building Envelope Project Manager, Ty Spencer. Ty recently completed the Building Enclosure Commissioning certification course offered by the office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) at the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon completion of an intensive week-long training program, Ty successfully demonstrated his knowledge of the material by passing the examinations to obtain both Building Enclosure Commissioning Process Provider (BECxP) and Accredited Commissioning Authority + Building Enclosure (CxA+BE) certifications.

Ty Spencer Talks Building Envelope Sciences to Fitchburg State Students

Ty Spencer, a Building Envelope Project Manager at GRLA, recently had the opportunity to share his expertise with a group of Engineering Technology students from Fitchburg State University. The event took place at the Pella showroom in West Boylston, where Ty presented an insightful overview of building envelope sciences. During the session, he delved into the many components of the building envelope, shedding light on their importance in improving energy efficiency and overall performance. The students eagerly absorbed the valuable knowledge shared by Ty, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in creating sustainable and high-performance building envelopes. This educational experience further solidified GRLA's commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the architectural community.

Three New Employees Join GRLA

GRLA is proud to welcome three new employees - Jyotika Girdhar, Stephanie Konicki and Andrew Turgeon.

Jyotika Girdhar has joined the Building Envelope Sciences group as a BES Technician responsible for producing drawing sets and details, processing submittals, and conducting field inspections. With a master’s degree in environmental architecture from the University of Pune in India, Jyotika is a dedicated environmental enthusiast with a strong foundation in architectural design and sustainability. She brings her passion for sustainable building design and maximizing energy efficiency to GRLA’s building envelope sciences team.

---

Stephanie Konicki is part of the Interior Design team. She is a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Stephanie thrives on working with clients to help them visualize their finished space and providing them with creative design concepts through various finish selections, fixtures, and furnishings. She has a variety of experience including educational, commercial, and mixed-use projects.

---

Andrew Turgeon is a BES Technician with GRLA’s Building Envelope Sciences team. He is an engineer with a breadth of experience ranging from industrial manufacturing to residential and civil construction. He has a passion for the built environment and designing with a purpose for long-term maintainability and efficiency. Andrew received a master’s degree in Material Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College.

GRLA Completes Two Projects at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Washburn Shops Laboratory

GRLA’s Principal, Scott Richardson and Project Manager, James Blattenberger are proud to announce the completion of two concurrent renovations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) Washburn Shops and Daniels Hall.

Working in partnership with WPI Facilities and Consigli Construction Company, GRLA designed modifications for two specialty research and testing labs located in the historic Washburn Shops, built in 1868 and known as the oldest building in the United States still used for engineering education. These spaces were located on the lower level and main level of the building and house Manufacturing Engineering and Material Science machinery and equipment.

Daniels Hall, a four-story residential building circa 1960s with original fixtures in operation needed updating. GRLA collaborated with WPI Residential Services, WPI Facilities and the Shawmut Design and Construction team for phase one of a restroom renovation and window replacement project. Existing restrooms and shower facilities were fully replaced with private showers, multiple fully accessible restroom and shower combinations, and all new finishes, fixtures, and lighting. Phase two and a complete window replacement is planned for the summer of 2024.

GRLA Welcomes Summer Interns

GRLA is pleased to welcome the following summer interns. At GRLA we believe that supporting young minds with on the job training is vital to both their success as well as the future of the AEC industry.

Abby Casady

Abby is a third-year architecture student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. As a summer intern at GRLA, Abby is excited to see how an architecture firm works and to learn about GRLA’s wide range of projects. When taking a break from studying or working, Abby enjoys sewing, hiking, and going to the beach!

Bradley Lyon

Bradley recently graduated from the Drafting and Design program at Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional HS. In September he will attend Northeastern University as an architecture major. As a summer intern, Bradley hopes to acquire insight into the architecture industry and architectural processes, as well as learn about future career options. In his free time Bradley enjoys playing soccer, biking, listening to music, going to the gym, and travelling.

CamERON Richardson

Cameron is working on a Bachelor of Business degree at Fisher College in Boston and will continue with a Master of Architecture. While interning at GRLA, Cameron would like to learn about building envelope sciences so that he knows what to expect in the future and also get a head start on his career. Outside of school and work, he likes to play basketball, go to the gym, and hang out with friends. 

Anna Sullivan

Anna is studying interior architecture at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Her goal as a summer intern is to immerse herself in the professional design industry and gain exposure to real world experiences and practices. In her downtime, Anna enjoys making art as well as being outdoors and going to the beach while spending time with my family and friends.

Ashland Mills Project in Planning and Approvals Phase

Ashland Mills - View from Myrtle Street

The revitalization of the Town of Ashland’s Main Street has been on the Town’s agenda for nearly two decades. GRLA is currently working with the owner of 10-50 Main Street, Ashland Properties of Holliston, Massachusetts, to develop the existing 8-acre site bringing a renewed mixed-use development to the downtown.

GRLA has master planned the renovations of two of the existing historic buildings and designed new buildings to the complex to provide 190 residential units and approximately 28,000 SF of commercial space. The design concept provides for Main Street focused retail and restaurant spaces, outdoor dining areas and a central courtyard to promote economic investment. Another unique site feature is a riverwalk amenity that provides a walkway along the south and east of the property adjacent to the Sudbury River and connects to the existing Mill Pond Park area.

Sustainable features include roof mounted solar panels, an electric shuttle to provide access to the MBTA stop located less than a mile away, fully electric utilities, all LED lighting, compliance with the new energy code and enhanced building envelope features.

The project is in the approvals phase with the Town of Ashland.

Ashland Mills - South Corner

Ty Spencer is Promoted to Project Manager

GRLA is pleased to announce that Ty Spencer has been promoted to Project Manager. Ty has been a member of the firm’s Building Envelope Sciences team for over 7 years.  His work includes Building Envelope Commissioning, Window Testing and Infrared Thermography as well as Building Envelope Assessments and Design of roofing, exterior cladding, windows, waterproofing and concrete repair projects.

Boxford’s New Community Center Prepares for a Grand Opening on April 15th

GRLA is proud to announce the completion of The Center at 10 Elm, the Town of Boxford’s new community center and the new home of the Boxford Council on Aging (COA). It is a multigenerational community center for people to gather, share in activities, and enjoy community events. 

GRLA closely collaborated with the Town of Boxford and many constituents to achieve their goals which included:

• Developing new program spaces and expanded services for seniors and all community groups

• Providing universal access throughout the center

• Completely electric building systems - reinforcing the town’s commitment to sustainability

• Restoring the historic Cummings House and incorporating it into the building’s program

• Designing welcoming and warm interior spaces

The Center at 10 Elm includes the renovation and refurbishment of the original Cummings House, a late 19th century, timber frame home and a new 5,000 sf addition. The addition is equipped with a commercial fully accessible kitchen, two large multi-purpose rooms for dining, fitness and enrichment classes, an outdoor patio, administrative offices, nurse’s office and support spaces, a wonderful conference space in the Cummings House and a spacious lobby entrance.

Additional features such as electric vehicle charging stations, energy monitoring systems and outdoor raised planting beds contribute to the Town’s goals for incorporating sustainability into their new public buildings. Construction was completed by Classic Construction and Development.

And a quote from Liz Murphy of the COA: “I want to thank GRLA for the countless hours you put in and the incredible skill you demonstrated in your design.  You were presented with a very challenging project, and you were able to create a building that was embraced by the entire community.  Your design made our job so much easier — somehow you managed to get everything we need for our programming — and it is a beautiful building!”