Advertorial
Ten years ago, Rick Jones established Jones Architecture on a simple premise: Unite design and service in celebration of people and places.
“Of course I had my doubts, but I knew it would work,” remembered Jones. “Starting a client-focused firm, during an economic downturn no less, was a risk. I was convinced that good architecture is not just about the building — that it’s the interplay between client and designer that ultimately dictates success.”
The firm has been delivering on that idea ever since, on college campuses, in the office, at home, and in many spaces in between. Now operating with a full-time staff of 22, Jones Architecture is announcing new promotions and leadership roles that will expand its ability to provide the highest level of design and service to its clients.
New associate principals include Greg Burchard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Marc Perras, AIA. Sam Clement, LEED GA; Sarah Tarbet, AIA; and Dan Ollila are now senior associates. Bill Jacob, AIA and Christian Strom have been made associates.
Open office spaces with exposed CLT deck and glulam beams
“The firm has much to be proud of. Chief among them for me is the team we have assembled and the workplace that we have created. The growth of each of these team members has allowed the practice to evolve, strengthen, and develop in ways that I could not have imagined 10 years ago,” said Jones.
That evolution and strengthening of the firm are evident in a number of high-profile projects that highlight Jones Architecture’s commitment to design, collaboration and sustainability. The 3-story office building located in Brockton for the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance is a prime example. The new $23 million cross-laminated timber and glulam building, the first in the Commonwealth to be built entirely with public funds, houses modern, flexible workspaces for the DUA’s contact center, hearings rooms and administrative staff on the top two floors. In a smart pairing of interests, a downtown outpost for Massasoit Community College, focused on workforce training, is located on the ground level. The project is targeted for LEED Gold and is slated for occupancy in December.
The Main Street exterior showing wood elements through glazed facade / Renderings courtesy of Jones Architecture
Drawing on the firm’s college campus work throughout New England, the design grounds the building in its historic context while establishing a hallmark of the future. “By continuing the rich history of masonry construction that runs up and down Main Street in a contemporary expression of both material and form, the building is both of its place and pushing it forward,” said Associate Principal Marc Perras.
As the firm takes on bigger and more visible projects, Jones is careful not to lose sight of what has brought the firm to this point. “Our studio handles projects of all shapes and sizes. Whether roof replacement, major transformation, or out-of-the-ground landmark, each and every project presents interesting problems to solve, which is what we live for. We are excited to see what the next ten years bring!”
