SMMA

Congratulations are in order! SMMA is pleased to announce the promotions of Andy Oldeman, PE to the firm's Board of Directors and Nick Koulbanis, AIA, LEED AP to Vice President. “I am thrilled to welcome Andy to the SMMA Board of Directors,” said Ara Krafian, President and CEO. “He has long represented the best of our firm through his respectful nature, his advocacy for cross-discipline collaboration, and his leadership with projects and clients." “I also welcome the appointment of Nick to Vice President,” said Krafian. “In addition to his substantial responsibilities as our Director of Architecture, Nick has been instrumental as a market leader as we continue to successfully grow our business and focus on meeting our highest potential." 🔗 Follow the link below to read the full story: https://lnkd.in/grXXaC5N #SMMAPeople #Promotions #CambridgeMa

Situated in Boston’s South End, 321 Harrison Avenue is home to numerous leading-edge life science and biotech companies. The striking and symbolic building includes eight stories of lab, office, and retail space, with a vibrant lobby space connecting Harrison Ave and Washington St. If you look closely at the facade, you might notice a nod to the building’s address; light reflecting off the pleated curtainwall reveals the Roman numerals III, II, I.   Inside, lab and office workers enjoy dramatic views of Boston’s skyline and connected workplaces, achieved by utilizing an offset core that allows for uninterrupted floorplates throughout the building. 🔗 Click below to learn more:  https://lnkd.in/gkVDqHTU 🏗 GC: The Richmond Group #BostonArchitecture #BioTech #LifeScience

How can we use architecture to step beyond sustainable solutions into regenerative ones – analyzing our ever-evolving ecosystems to craft spaces that teach, encourage, and drive regenerative efforts in the built environment? 🌲 This was the challenge students considered in the 2024 Lyceum Fellowship competition; a traveling architectural fellowship that grants funds to students. Created in 1985 by SMMA founding partner, Jon McKee, the impact of this program carries on, with over $650,000 awarded to students since the fellowship began. In June, SMMA’s Director of Design and Lyceum Board member, Michael Pardek, AIA, joined other jury members at GOA Architecture's headquarters for deliberations. Learn more about the fellowship and this year’s winner here: https://lnkd.in/eG-UzVQV #TravelFellowship #ArchitecureFellowship

Congratulations to Erin Prestileo PE on graduating from ACECMA's Odyssey Leadership Program 👏 A civil engineer, Erin is SMMA’s Director of Site Design and has been with the firm for 16 years. An empowering figure at the firm, Erin exemplifies what it means to be a supportive and encouraging teammate.    “Erin, my mentor, is one of the women I am lucky to be able to engage with and learn from,” says Aimee Schefano, an Interior Designer at SMMA. “Her authenticity as a person and in her leadership style makes it easy to look up to her and be inspired.” The Odyssey program is designed to expand participants' communication and management skills, focusing on personal understanding, change leadership, and empowering/coaching others. Bravo, Erin! #Leadership #CivilEngineering

As summer break sets in, we are excited to officially congratulate three students who received SMMA Fund scholarships! Now in its fourteenth year, the SMMA Fund provides financial aid to high school seniors pursuing education in design fields that enhance the built environment. The 2024 recipients are: ✨ Georgie Beck Field of study: Architecture, Pratt Institute ✨ John Kuhn Field of study: Civil Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell ✨ Gavin Lee Field of study: Electrical Engineering, Northeastern University Well done, graduates! To learn more, click the link below. #SMMAFund #Scholarship

As June comes to a close, we got together to celebrate Pride Month with our annual Pride on the Patio event hosted by our EDI team. In support of our community, delicious food and beverages were featured from local LGBTQIA+ and minority business vendors. Our team continues to strive towards creating better spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and heard. #Pride #DesignForAll 🏳️🌈💗

We are pleased to congratulate Lance Keoki Kubiak and Zack Blais on being selected as part of Metropolis Magazine’s Boston Arch30 program, which celebrates rising leaders in architecture ✨ Originally from California, Lance has been a passionate member of SMMA for four years, primarily contributing to our Life Science market. His technical and design expertise, decisiveness, and enthusiasm makes him a respected mentor and teammate during all phases of a project. “Lance has been an incredible addition to our architectural team,” says Nick Koulbanis, Director of Architecture. “His ability to bring enthusiasm to whatever task he tackles is contagious. His good humor and his deep knowledge in the Life Science market have greatly benefited our projects. This recognition is well-deserved.” Zack’s journey with SMMA began with his internship in 2018. Now an architectural designer, Zack has shown remarkable talent for models and digital fabrication. His leadership in this area has greatly enhanced our internal design discussions, client presentations, and community workshops. “Zack is a trusted collaborator, communicator, and skilled designer who has taken great strides since joining the firm," says Michael Pardek, Director of Design. "He not only excels in shaping our design work, but also stands out as an engaged young leader in the studio, playing a key role in defining our culture. He is a fantastic representation for our team at SMMA.” Congratulations, Lance and Zack! 🎉

Construction is underway for eager students, staff, and faculty at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton, MA 🌲�� Nestled in the green landscape of the Pioneer Valley, Smith Vocational is a small sanctuary for students from over 50 communities in Massachusetts, as the country’s oldest agricultural high school, and one of only four currently in the state. After a devastating fire in 2022, the school needed a new facility to house their Horticulture and Forestry programs. SMMA is proud to serve as the architect of this new facility, designed within a tight budget and inspired by its local surroundings, using local wood to highlight native species. To enhance learning opportunities year-round, the new design includes a high turret that facilitates indoor climbing for forestry students, allowing them to continue their practice regardless of weather conditions. SMMA is thrilled for the Smith Vocational community and ready to help bring this facility to fruition in preparation for the ribbon-cutting in 2025. 📍Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School General Contractor: Schoolhouse Construction Services LLC OPM: Keiter #Groundbreaking #PioneerValley #SchoolDesign #Forestry #Horticulture

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we recognize the remarkable accomplishments and impacts of women in the engineering field! ✏️⚙️⚡💧 Women have been instrumental in expanding the frontiers of what's possible. Their viewpoints, approach, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are essential in developing inclusive and impactful solutions. SMMA is privileged to have a team of talented Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing/Fire Protection, Civil, and Structural Engineers who are integral to our projects and our culture. We extend our applause to all women engineers for their commitment and perseverance. May we continue to lift each other up and foster environments that push for equitable opportunities for all 👏 #INWED24 #InternationalWomenInEngineeringDay #Engineering #WomenInSTEM

Another amazing night for ACE Mentor Program Greater Boston! 🎉 Our team recently attended and volunteered at the annual Networking Fundraiser, which raises scholarship money for high school students interested in architecture, engineering, and construction. The event raised $565,000 towards scholarships for ACE graduating seniors. Through this mentorship program, SMMA and others in the industry work with local students, introducing them to various professional opportunities while providing hands-on learning experiences as they consider their future education and career paths. As seasoned volunteers, our team had a blast checking in and greeting attendees before enjoying a night filled with networking, music, and delicious food. #ACE #Mentorship #ACEBoston 📸 Solare Photos