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Sponsored by: LPA|Architects
March 16, 2023 Business Profiles 2023

LPA|Architects: Creativity, Collaboration and Commitment to Community Lead to Longevity

LPA|A team

A Worcester-based architectural firm with more than 50 years of experience, LPA|A aims to design spaces that improve the lives of people across Central Massachusetts. Whether working on a new public school, renovating an underused space on a college campus, or designing a local business or nonprofit’s new facility, LPA|A works closely with clients to create spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.

“There are no cookie-cutter designs from this team,” said former Shrewsbury Public Library Director Ellen Dolan. “LPA|A designs buildings that fit the needs of owners and users, whether they be public libraries, schools, performance centers, and more.”

When LPA|A takes on a project, the work begins with gaining a deep understanding of the needs and desires for the building, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the site and/or existing facility.

“The LPA|A team of professionals provided expert architectural guidance from inception to completion of the recently opened Auburn Middle School,” said former Auburn Superintendent Maryellen Brunelle. “Communication was open and ongoing, resulting in a state-of-the-art educational facility in which the entire Auburn community takes great pride.”

LPA|A designed Worcester’s new Doherty Memorial High School, now under construction. The 420,000 square foot building will open in 2024 as the most sustainable municipal building in the city, with net zero readiness and a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use.

The firm has taken on a range of projects recently, including WPI’s new Center for Well-Being and Clark University’s Michelson Theater. LPA|A is also working with the Town of Westborough on a plan to renovate their public library and the Town of Clinton on a potential new or substantially renovated middle school.

The nature of the firm’s work and regional focus involves the local community at many levels, but LPA|A strives to have an impact well beyond its contractual architectural services. As an example, LPA|A has developed a Doherty “Living Lab” program that is providing site tours, programming, and internships to engage students who might not otherwise have exposure to the array of careers across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

“The fact that we have so many professionals from LPA|A donating their time to guide the students through this project is incredibly philanthropic and adds tremendous value to the students’ experiences,” said Drew Weymouth of the Worcester Public Schools. “The impact is immeasurable and we are indebted to LPA|A and their generosity.” 

Additionally, LPA|A staff contribute time and expertise to numerous organizations, including Girls Inc., Preservation Worcester, The Women’s Leadership Conference, local planning boards, and industry groups like the Central Massachusetts AIA and Worcester County CSI.

A creative and collaborative work environment contributes to staff staying with LPA|A for the long term, allowing individuals to develop their expertise across many projects and play to the strengths of their colleagues through the development of long-term relationships. More than half the current staff have 20 years or more with the company.

“LPA|A’s long legacy in the region and reputation for quality are valued by all of us at the firm, said LPA|A President Kathryn Crockett. “Our intention is to continue to build on that legacy and strive to have a positive impact across our communities.”