As we wrap up a successful year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on several highlights from 2024. Throughout the year we have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that allow our team to grow, push creative boundaries, and strengthen our collaboration. Hear from our staff below on some of their most memorable projects and moments from the year!
Stand By Me Dog Daycare
Stand By Me Doggy Daycare
Stand By Me Doggy Daycare
“Work at the Stand By Me Dog Daycare was a fun project to be involved in this year, and it posed some unique challenges in terms of schedule, building program, and code requirements. One standout feature is the indoor doggie therapy pool, which was a unique and exciting element of the design process. We received the project from a separate designer while the building was already partially through the metal building fabrication process, and it posed a major challenge as the layout of the building had to be completely reworked without altering the building envelope or steel framing. The clients were fantastic to work with—they were very collaborative, and were happy that we were able to quickly rescue a project in turmoil without a major impact to the construction schedule.”
—Michael Nee, Senior Project Manager
“My favorite project of 2024 was the Stand By Me Dog Daycare. It was my first job where I was involved from creating the initial drawings through construction administration all the way to completion. It was great to take the Matterport scan of the finished space and see it in use—and I also enjoyed seeing the dogs enjoying the wading pool!”
—Amanda Ferrante, Designer/Draftsperson
American Legion Restoration/Gloucester’s First City Hall
American Legion Restoration/Gloucester’s First City Hall
“This project posed a great opportunity to take an iconic historic building, originally Gloucester’s first City Hall, and restore it to its former glory, as a testament to the passionate original craftsmen who toiled to create it. I’m happy to see the American Legion building looking its best again.”
—Leno Filippi, Senior Project Manager
Melrose High School
Melrose High School
“One of my favorite projects of the year is our work on the Melrose High School bathrooms. The project has not yet been built, but we have completed the majority of the Construction Documents. The Owner engaged us to redo all the building’s toilet rooms. We took the existing restrooms throughout the building and determined the best way to allocate them for students, staff, etc. based on the building’s needs. It was a fun exercise in problem-solving to figure out the best way to meet the project’s challenges, like trying to solve a puzzle. This project also had the biggest specification that I have ever written, and it was interesting and challenging to figure out how to coordinate everything between the specification and the drawing set. This project was a great learning opportunity, and I very much hope that it ends up being built.”
—Samantha Sochacki, Project Architect
Gienapp Office Renovation
Gienapp Office Renovation
“My favorite project I’ve worked on is our own office renovation we did on the ground floor. This renovation included demolishing existing partitions in the former tenant space, replacing the carpet in that side of the building, as well as some minor renovations to our kitchenette area. We also added new partitions to create both private offices and an open office space where we now have three new workstations, a reception area, and a beautifully custom crafted gathering/collaboration table at the entryway.
This is the first project I participated in at GA from Design Development all the way through to completion. I learned a lot throughout this time as I had the opportunity to make design decisions including choosing finishes and furniture to be added to the space and work directly with the general contractor throughout the construction process.”
—Evamarie Alessandroni, Designer/Draftsperson
As we look back on the year, we’re filled with gratitude for the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our team, as well as our clients for trusting us in bringing their visions to life. Each project has contributed to our success, and we are excited for what lies ahead in 2025.