GRLA Welcomes Heather Cobb

GRLA is pleased to announce that Heather Cobb has joined the firm as an Integrated Services Project Manager. In this role, Heather will support Architecture, Building Envelope Science, and Interiors projects and will coordinate with consultants, contractors, and vendors from the design phase through construction.  She will provide field support through verification of site conditions and prepare field reports and related investigative documents and coordinate findings with our design teams and project managers.

Heather brings over 12 years of experience having worked for JM Coull, Inc. supporting and managing construction projects for the corporate, life science, higher education, and health care markets. Heather has worked on new construction, renovation and building expansion projects including complex lab projects of over 100,000 SF.

Scott Richardson, Principal of GRLA states, “We are very excited to have Heather join our team and bring her considerable construction expertise to enhance our project delivery services.”

ABC-MA Presents Highest Honor ‘Eagle Award’

GRLA is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC-MA) recently presented Connolly Brothers, Inc. with the Eagle Award at its annual Excellence in Construction Awards gala. Connolly Brothers received the Eagle Award, which is the highest honor in the General Contractor/Industrial category, for its work on Vicor Corporation’s 95,000 SF expansion at its manufacturing facility located in Andover, Massachusetts.

GRLA designed the new two-story specialized manufacturing addition that connects to the existing three-story facility as well as a new three-story south addition which includes the main entrance lobby, boardroom, conference room, roof patio and expanded cafeteria seating areas. This project helped Vicor achieve their goal of maximizing their equipment, process, and product flow, and expanding their overall manufacturing capacity.

Additional project members included Meridian Associates for civil, H+O Structural Engineers and WB Engineering for MEP. Connolly Brothers also received the ABC-MA Spirt Award for including 11 sub-contractors on the project that are all ABC members. 

Camp Chickami Opens New Lodge

Loch’s Lodge, YMCA Camp Chickami Wayland, Massachusetts

Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects proudly attended the ribbon cutting for the opening of the new 6,000 SF post and beam multipurpose building designed for the West Suburban YMCA at Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts.

It is a slab on grade, one-story, wood framed lodge with a loft area that fits right into the tree-lined camp site with its stained bottle green wood exterior and sloping roof. The welcoming wood beamed interior and open concept plan provides the much needed, modern multipurpose indoor/outdoor spaces by way of two glass overhead doors and high ceilings. In addition, the building houses camp offices, restrooms, and a nurse’s office. A key feature of the building is the extensive covered deck that overlooks the playing fields and offers another protected gathering space for campers and staff.

Wood beamed interior

The YMCA has proudly named the new building Loch’s Lodge in honor of Jim “Loch” Lochiatto, whose passion, creativity, and dedication shaped Camp Chickami and changed children’s lives for more than 40 years. Since the mid-1950s Camp Chickami has been a destination for children ages 9-15 to explore nature and enjoy good, old-fashioned, crazy fun. The West Suburban YMCA staff, past and present, know the important role Camp Chickami plays in the lives of both the campers and the staff. They had a vision to build a new lodge for all to enjoy and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. This new space was a dream come true for the YMCA team.

Construction for the barn and related site work was completed by Commodore Builders.

Expansive covered front deck

Phase 2 planned for the spring of 2023 includes a tent structure next door to provide further protected play and activity spaces for campers. Phase 3 plans offer an expanded pool and new bathhouse to future campers for many years to come.

Expansion Completed at Summit Montessori in Framingham

GRLA is pleased to announce the completion of the next phase of expansion for the Summit Montessori School in Framingham. GRLA originally worked with Summit Montessori in 1996 to convert the historic Moses Ellis House (circa 1866) into a unique Montessori School environment.

As part of a phased master planned expansion, GRLA designed a gymnasium/multipurpose space, kitchen area, expanded art classes and offices and the relocated Beginners Program classrooms.

This phase of work completes the Beginners Program relocation and expansion. The two new classrooms provide an open environment with a common shared teacher resource and work area between them. Both classrooms have ample daylight and direct access to the outdoor play areas, which is critical in the Montessori learning approach.

Also included is additional office space, much needed storage space and a large multipurpose room that can accommodate up to 50 occupants for a variety of school activities, group meetings, rainy day space as well as parent attended events.

Construction was completed by Rubicon Builders.

More project photos

GRLA Announces 2022 Promotions

GRLA is very proud to announce the promotions of the following team members.

James Blattenberger has been promoted to Project Manager. James has over 15 years of experience in the residential/small commercial sector.  He works in all phases of design to produce detailed sets of construction documents and provide construction phase services for multiple projects.

Dina Soliman has been promoted to Project Manager. Dina’s passion for design is evident through her commitment to providing creative ideas throughout the design process. Dina has over 10 years of experience in the design and construction industry. She is well versed in construction documents preparation, construction administration, and project management of various types of projects.

Brandon Gaulin has been promoted to Designer II. Brandon’s experience is in both architectural and building envelope design. He takes a project from conceptual design through design development to the construction document phase. He also works with GRLA’s BES team on building envelope testing and studies.

Scott Richardson Joins the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Board of Directors

GRLA is pleased to announce that, Scott Richardson, the firm’s President has joined the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) Board of Directors. Scott has been involved with the HCA from its very inception, working diligently with the staff, board members and volunteers to bring the center to life. It has been a passion project of his for over twenty years.

“The HCA is thrilled to have Scott Richardson as a new member of our board.  He has been such an instrumental part of the HCA's history and success that it is only fitting that he now serves in a leadership role helping the HCA chart its next course.  His vision, commitment to the community and his talents as an artist are all a welcome addition to our dedicated team,” offered HCA Executive Director Kelly Grill.

The Board of Directors includes local arts and business representatives whose wide range of experience and leadership contribute to the success of the HCA. The Board members assist in the fiscal maintenance and stability of the organization as well participating in fundraising activities.   

Expansion is Underway at Summit Montessori in Framingham

GRLA is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the next phase of expansion for the Summit Montessori School in Framingham. GRLA worked with Summit Montessori in 1996 to convert the historic Moses Ellis House (circa 1866) into a unique Montessori School environment. This current expansion remodels an existing ranch house on the property and focuses on providing two new classrooms for the Beginners program and is part of the master planned expansion.

This program offers unique holistic educational learning for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Additional spaces include a multi-purpose room of approximately 1,000 SF – a much needed space for school group activities, rainy day events and group meetings and support spaces of offices, restrooms, storage, and a custom designed teacher prep area.

Both classrooms will have ample daylight and direct access to the outdoor play areas, so critical in the Montessori learning approach.

Head of School Martha Torrence and staff are excited about this next phase of expansion for the school. Construction is by Rubicon Builders out of Mansfield and is scheduled to be completed for the Fall 2022 school year.

GRLA Completes Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Terry Farmhouse Updates

GRLA has completed the long-awaited renovations to the historic circa 1850’s Terry Farmhouse at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA). The exterior has been completely updated with new siding, trim, windows, painting and a new roof giving it a fresh new look. To bring the north elevation back to its original window configuration an exterior stairway was relocated to the rear of the building and additional windows were added to provide extensive natural light to both floors.  

The farmhouse is home to art and music instruction with a ceramics studio that was desperately seeking updates to better accommodate its classes. The first-floor space was completely opened up to allow for a larger ceramics studio while the beautifully renovated second floor has additional music instruction rooms with improved soundproofing, access, and all new finishes and all new LED lighting. Substantial structural reinforcement was required once the building was opened up and revealed numerous renovations over the years.

HCA staff and dignitaries participate in ribbon cutting

The HCA team worked closely with the two contractors on the project - Mill City Construction and APC Development – to complete the project and address all the historic requirements from the Hopkinton Community Preservation Commission who provided substantial funding for the project and the Hopkinton Historic Commission.

“The new ceramics studio will provide us the opportunity to serve an additional 75 registrants. Prior to the renovation, our four studios were at 87% capacity. We now have 6 state of the art studios and the ability to serve an additional 100 students per week,” commented Kelly Grill, HCA Executive Director at the February 28th ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rebecca Burlingame Joins GRLA

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GRLA is pleased to announce that Rebecca Burlingame has joined the firm as an Interior Design Project Manager. She brings over 15 years of experience in design of institutional, commercial and affordable housing projects as well as healthcare.

Rebecca received a Master of Interior Design from the Boston Architectural College (BAC) and Bachelor of Fine Arts cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.

She holds a National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certificate, the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession.

“We are excited to have Rebecca as part of our team. Her experience, creativity, thoughtful approach to projects and team problem-solving abilities make her an ideal candidate for our firm, our clients and our future!” says GRLA’s Director of Interior Design, Anita Sandberg.

GRLA Completes Major Expansion at Vicor Corporation

GRLA is pleased to announce that Vicor Corporation’s expansion at its manufacturing facility located in Andover, Massachusetts is complete. GRLA designed a new two-story specialized manufacturing addition totaling 90,000 SF that connects to the existing two-story facility. A new 5,800 SF three-story south entry lobby is also part of the project, incorporating a visitor lobby, boardroom, conference room, roof patio and renovated cafeteria seating areas. Total building size yields nearly 325,000 SF for Vicor’s ongoing operations and expanded production capacity.

GRLA designed a new crisp exterior system incorporating multi-colored metal panels, soaring curtainwall areas, strip windows and a glass canopy over the new entrance.

GRLA worked closely with construction manager, Connolly Brothers, and our consultants Meridian Associates for civil, H+O Structural Engineers and WB Engineering for MEP components to help Vicor achieve their goal of maximizing their equipment, process, and product flow, and expanding their overall manufacturing capacity.

Photo: Courtesy of Camille Maren Photography

New Life for 17 Main Street in Hopkinton

There will soon be major construction activity at 17 Main Street in Hopkinton.  The historical building, circa 1850, known as “Dr. Joe’s house”, was the home and office of Dr. Joseph Ferdinand Annunziata, Sr. who was the only practicing physician in town for 35 years until his death in 1977. In September 2020 the building was severely damaged by a fire, therefore requiring substantial reconstruction. Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) is working with the owner to replicate “Dr. Joe’s house” and provide additional space at this prime downtown location.

The redesign includes a first-floor expansion with additional retail/commercial space to the rear of the building while updating the second floor to include a total of 3 apartments. The main floor of the house will still be used for office space.

Since this property is part of the downtown historic district, the redesign required approval from the Historic District Commission which was recently granted. Planning Board approval was also garnered for the expansion of the building.

The owner of the building, Tom Carey, is quite excited to get the project underway with the contractor, John Burns.

A Fresh New Look for 25 Main Street Hopkinton

GRLA is working with the new owners of 25 Main Street in Hopkinton to redesign and refine the interior to accommodate offices for Oasis Financial as well as additional office tenants. This historic, circa 1900 Greek Revival style building has lots of charm and character that GRLA will meld with new modern features to create a fresh contemporary interior look and feel.

The project includes redesigned floor plans to accommodate Oasis offices including code compliant access and stairs and space planning for a new entryway, private offices, conference rooms, break rooms and restrooms. New lighting and finishes will be incorporated throughout the building.  

The client is very excited about the new location and anticipates occupancy sometime in early 2022. Construction is by Chris Lavoie of HMHI Construction of Hopkinton.

Scott Richardson Lauded by Hopkinton Center for Arts

Scott Richardson and Kelly Grill, HCA Executive Director

GRLA’s President Scott Richardson received the inaugural Founder’s Philanthropy Award from the Hopkinton Center for the Arts at the HCA Founder’s Celebration held on September 25, 2021. Scott has been involved with the HCA from its very inception, working diligently with the staff, board members and volunteers to bring the center to life. It has been a passion project of his for over twenty years. Scott has donated countless hours above and beyond his scope of work to this project. His patience, guidance and creative spirit are a cornerstone of the HCA and will forever be felt inside its walls.

The celebration also featured a look back at the 10 years of HCA history, a moving tribute to the late long-time volunteer Dora Garabedian, and the presentation of the Dora Garabedian Vision Award to former HCA Co-Executive Director Kris Waldman.

Hopkinton Center for the Arts Renovates the Historic Terry Farmhouse

GRLA is proud to continue our 25-year relationship with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts with the long-awaited renovations to the historic Terry Farmhouse.

The circa 1850 farmhouse, which has been well-used over the years for art and music instruction and includes a longstanding ceramics studio, is being updated to expand the open area on the first floor to better accommodate the ceramics classes. The second floor is being renovated to provide more music instruction rooms with improved soundproofing, access, and all new finishes and lighting.

The exterior, which is showing its age, will be completely rehabilitated with new windows, doors, siding and trim, as well as a new roof and added insulation. The exterior stairs will be relocated to the rear of the building to provide an opportunity to bring the north elevation back to its original window configuration. The ramp will be rebuilt to provide compliance with ADA regulations and to be accessible directly from dedicated HC parking spaces. 

The Hopkinton Community Preservation Commission is funding the exterior renovations while a grant from the Mass Cultural Council is funding renovations to the interior. Completion of both projects is slated for late summer 2021.

GRLA Designs Country Music Venue

GRLA is pleased to be part of the team working on the latest music venue in Worcester. Working with owner Cliff Rucker and Consigli Construction, GRLA has designed a 4,200 SF Country and Western Music Hall, dubbed “Off the Rails”, that will accommodate over 400 people. The space is a large open room with a raised stage and wood dance floor and an open bar anchors the far end of the space. The glass enclosed vestibule entry from MLK Jr. Boulevard will provide the main entrance to the space.

The exterior incorporates materials that complement the North Main area and include brick, composite wood siding and generous glazing. Three large glass overhead doors provide direct access from the dance floor to the outdoor patio. 

The Music Hall will also be accessible from the existing bar and restaurant at 90 Commercial Street – creating a complete music, food, and bar venue.

The Planning Board gave unanimous approval for the project on June 16 and construction is slated to commence quickly and a grand opening is being planned towards the end of 2021.

ATOZ Laboratories Enjoys New Office and Laboratory Space

Photo by: Bill Horsman

ATOZ Laboratories, Inc. (ATOZ), founded in 2020, is a cannabis testing laboratory located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. ATOZ hired GRLA to renovate an existing 42,000 SF one-story brick office building to be used as the ATOZ cannabis testing facility. The total area for this fitout is approximately 6,000 SF of existing office space that was refreshed with new paint, ceiling and LED lighting. The remaining 3,000 SF was fully converted to laboratory space.

GRLA worked closely with Fitzmeyer & Tocci Associates and ATOZ to design the most optimal use of the space. The team focused on the testing equipment layout, including new millwork, to ensure the new layout was code compliant. The goal was to provide a bright, clean, and functional workspace. General contractor, The Stukel Group, LLC, was responsible for completing the fitout.

Scott Richardson Discusses Climate Reality in Celebration of Earth Day

Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) presents Climate Reality Conversation with Scott Richardson. This event will be held April 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm as a free in-person presentation to a small group as well as live streamed from HCA’s Delbridge Performance Space.

Scott is an active member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He is focused on putting his passion about sustainability into practice and delivers an informative and impactful presentation with specific strategies that can be employed immediately to help our planet. For more information visit the HCA website https://www.hopartscenter.org/art-conversation

Scott will also be speaking virtually to MassBay Community College April 22 at 12:00 pm. https://www.massbay.edu

GRLA Continues Work with Quanterix

Photo by: John Horner Photography

Quanterix Corporation, a scientific research company located at 900 Middlesex Turnpike in Billerica, MA, selected GRLA who has teamed with J.M. Coull, Inc. to provide design and construction documentation for the latest renovations of key laboratory and support spaces. This fast-track project will provide the required labs, manufacturing, and warehousing space for the production and distribution of COVID-19 Test Kits as well as expanded laboratory space for ongoing Quanterix work.

As this project moves through construction, planning for additional lab renovations will begin this spring.

Quanterix research focuses on digitizing biomarker analysis with the goal of advancing the science of precision health. Their needs consist of a variety of specialized lab spaces to host their digital health instruments and provide a comfortable highly functional research environment for their staff.

Sarah Krawiec, BES Assistant Project Manager - Celebrating Women In Construction

What do you enjoy most about your career in the construction industry?

What I enjoy most about construction is applying my skills and collaborating with others to make it happen while contributing to the improvement of buildings in my community. Whether it’s a new building, or renovating a condominium, university or commercial building, pointing at a building and saying, “I helped build that” is very rewarding. Additionally, every project is something new with interesting challenges and obstacles to overcome. I enjoy observing, learning and problem solving along the way.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?

Don’t hesitate to ask questions at the risk of looking like you are unsure of something. The consequences for not asking can be costly, it's imperative never to let your insecurities get in the way. Trust your knowledge, and if you’re not sure, there is no shame in asking questions to find the answer. Asking questions shows that you want to learn, you are investing in your career and care about the safety of yourself and those around you. Being humble and curious will get you far! 

What lessons have you learned over the last year?

Seek the skills you wish to acquire. I try to put myself in situations where I can fill holes in my experience and expertise whether it be attending seminars or asking to take on certain projects and responsibilities. Keep an eye on how you would like to be involved and go after it!

Dina Soliman, Assistant Project Manager - Celebrating Women in Construction

What do you enjoy most about your career in the construction industry?

I enjoy designing projects and seeing them go from sketches and drawings on paper to actual reality. I enjoy the complicated process of coordinating architecture with all trades of engineering and learning from engineers. I enjoy the construction administration process, site visits and on-site problem solving. I enjoy most the relationship I develop with the client and construction team. Upon successful completion of a project, I find it very fulfilling to see how the space users are enjoying their new building.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?

I would say do some research to know what you’re getting yourself into. If you like what you find out about it, then dive right in. As it is true in any industry, you will meet some people who will want to put you down but you will also meet a lot of people who will offer help and support. Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Don’t be shy to ask questions or to make mistakes. This is how people learn.

What lessons have you learned over the last year?

Over the last year I worked on several types of projects that are different from what I am used to working on. I learned that it is stressful and challenging to go out of my comfort zone, but it also expands my knowledge and it keeps me interested in what I do.