Friar Architecture Inc.

Friar Architecture Inc. is an award-winning mid-sized design firm that provides architecture, interior design, and master planning services. We want to meet with individuals who may fill the Architectural Designer, Project Leader, or Project Manager role. Our staff members enjoy a friendly, work-life balance environment that supports our company’s mission “to create memorable places and lasting relationships.”   Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/dtQhvCr

The Friar office is looking extra festive this holiday season! The team has really shown off their creativity and festive spirit with our annual workstation decorating competition. From twinkling colorful lights, to handmade holiday decorations, everyone’s holiday cheer is on full display making this season even more special!

This holiday season we are proud to participate in the 25th Annual IIDA NE/CT - Covenant to Care Gift Drive. The Friar team sponsored 13 children this year so that no matter the circumstance, all can experience the joy of the holidays. Thank you, IIDA New England, for organizing this wonderful opportunity to give back this holiday season!

On Tuesday morning, the Town of Manchester held a press conference to highlight the funding allocated to the construction of their new library on Main Street. Among the guest speakers were Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Reps. MD Rahman and Jason Doucette, Mayor Jay Moran, and Town Manager Steve Stephanou. Members of the Board of Directors, Public Works, and Library Building Committee were also in attendance. Demolition of the existing building on the site will begin in January, and construction is scheduled to be complete in Spring 2026.

This Friday, November 15th, members from our team will attend the CABE/CAPSS Convention at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton, CT, at booth #36! Come by to say hello and find out how we can help you create the ideal educational environment to support your learning initiatives.

This project is best defined as a “Renovate-To-New” project of the existing 240,000-square-foot Windham High School. The project also includes a new turf football field and synthetic track, the replacement of field lights with new high-performance lighting, a new ADA-compliant press box with new bleachers, new baseball and softball fields with natural grass, new tennis courts, and a renovated concession stand with bathrooms. Additionally, the project added three exterior greenhouses. All existing mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection systems were replaced, along with new fire alarm and security systems. A solar photovoltaic system was integrated into covered carports throughout the parking areas. All areas were renovated, including office spaces, classrooms, the kitchen/cafeteria, media center, auditorium, music and art rooms, two gymnasiums, and an “eco-lab” with woodworking equipment. An existing swimming pool was removed to make room for the new Board of Education office. #MEP #FP #Structural #EngineeringExcellence

Wishing everyone a happy Equinox!! https://lnkd.in/dD8yUEu

Friar Architecture is pleased to announce Elena Lang as our newest team member as an Architectural Designer. Elena is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts, having earned her Master of Architecture Degree. Please join us in welcoming her to the team! https://lnkd.in/eQdKdhkw

Over the last several months, the 12-member Library Building Committee has been working diligently with Town Officials, Town Staff, Friar Architects & HBM Architects, and construction contractors to design Manchester’s 21st Century Public Library in the heart of Downtown Main Street. The new library project is progressing with exciting advancements for both interior and exterior design elements. While the designs are subject to further refinement, the architectural vision showcases a spectacular structure, incorporating community feedback on the initial designs to create a welcoming space for reading, learning, connection, and conversation. “In November 2022, Manchester voters overwhelmingly approved the construction of a 21st-century, state-of-the-art library for our community,” said Mayor Moran. “The Board of Directors formed and tasked the Library Building Committee to carry out this mission, and I’m proud of the work they’ve done to see that Manchester will have the best public library in the entire state.” The building designs aim for a future potential goal of net-zero energy with geothermal heating/cooling systems. These systems along with other sustainable materials are outlined in a proposed Energy Usage Model examined by Eversource and its consultants which considers opportunities to effectively offset costs to implementation. While these plans are still underway, the project team is optimistic about the sustainable factors this new building would bring to the Manchester community. In late June 2024, the Town of Manchester purchased the property at 1041 Main Street formerly owned by Webster Bank, which will serve as the site of the new library. Webster Bank will be staying Downtown, as it purchased the adjacent property at 1007 Main Street for its new branch location and is currently in the process of moving. “Webster Bank has been a tremendous community partner throughout this entire process, “said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “We are thrilled that Webster will be remaining Downtown, continuing to be a key component of the small and local business ecosystem that makes the area so vibrant. Private investments, like the one Webster is making, along with the new library and other major public investments in the Main Street area, will help ensure Downtown Manchester is a regional destination for the next several decades and beyond.” It is expected that the demolition of the current structure and site preparation will commence in the 4th quarter of 2024. Weather permitting, new construction will commence by early 2025 with a 16–18-month timeline of completion of the building. Learn more about this project at yvmmct.com HBM Architects LLC #manchesterct #publiclibrary #publiclibraries #futurelibrary

Friar celebrates 50 Years! Thank you to all our employees, clients, consultants, industry partners, friends, and family who have been part of our journey! In honor of our 50th Anniversary, we return to our roots and give back. Last week, we had an incredible evening raising money to help the Gengras Center - a Special Education school on the University of Saint Joseph campus. The funds raised will help them secure a new, all-inclusive, fitness-focused playground. Please consider a donation to help make their dream a reality. #50Years#FriarArchitecture#GiveBack