The January 9th issue was exciting, as it presented many of the commercial projects happening here in Maine. Very exciting! I’m very surprised, however, and disappointed at how none of the projects showcased mentioned or even listed the architect or architecture firm responsible for the projects. You mostly mentioned the contractor and construction managers. Important […]
The January 9th issue was exciting, as it presented many of the commercial projects happening here in Maine. Very exciting! I'm very surprised, however, and disappointed at how none of the projects showcased mentioned or even listed the architect or architecture firm responsible for the projects. You mostly mentioned the contractor and construction managers. Important entities in the process, but they build the buildings, architect and interior designers design them, and work very hard to do that.
Maine, like most states, requires that architects place their seal on the construction documents for a building and take on professional liability that the building meets all pertinent codes. We, as designers, are also responsible for shaping the built environment, through design thinking and careful consideration of each project.
Of particular note is how many Maine companies and educational institutions don't work with or consider in-state architects; they prefer to look to Boston or beyond for “quality.” That quality exists here in Maine. Until recently every licensed architect in the state had to leave the state to get a degree in architecture. University of Maine Augusta now has a five-year B.Arch degree, but every interior designer still must leave to get a degree. So, Maine's native architects and designers have gone “away” and come back to practice here. If publications such as Mainebiz don't credit architects, especially Maine architects, for their work, how can business leaders in Maine be made aware that quality design exists right here in Maine?
Paul Lewandowski AIA IIDA LEED AP NCARB
Design principal at Lavallee | Brensinger Architects, Portland
President of the New England International Interior Design Association
