Shepley Bulfinch was one of three firms honored for achievements in diversity by the American Institute of Architects in a presentation earlier today at the annual AIA national conference in New Orleans. 2011 jury chair Clarence Kwan, AIA, announced the honorees, lauding Shepley was honored for its work in transforming the culture of the firm into one that is diverse and collaborative.

Accepting the award on behalf of Shepley Bulfinch, human resources manager Maggy Godfroy emphasized the firm’s commitment to inclusion and advocacy. “Receiving this is an honor and recognition of an important ...[more]

Shepley Bulfinch has been selected for honors in the Diversity Recognition Program of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its work in fostering a diverse culture in its practice.

The firm, one of three to be so recognized, will be honored formally at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans next month for its effort, titled “Forging a Diverse Culture.”

“This is such a tremendous honor for everyone at Shepley,” said President Carole Wedge, FAIA, LEED AP. “It acknowledges the fulfillment of a vision and a commitment first made 25 years ...[more]

Has 3D modeling superseded the physical sketch model as a design tool? No, and here’s why.

At an internal “Design Open Studio” a few weeks ago, the conversation focused on the continued relevance of physical sketch models as an exploratory tool in the design process. While the proliferation of 3D modeling programs may suggest that the days of building sketch models are over, the fact is that hands-on model making is still a vital tool for us to iteratively explore design ideas in three dimensions. Unlike even the most flexible modeling software, which is ...[more]

Shepley Bulfinch is proud to be a sponsor of the 11th Annual Greater Boston Affordable Housing Develop-ment Competition.

The competition is designed to focus a new generation of thinkers on the availability and affordability of housing in Massachusetts and the role of housing density in addressing issues of sprawl and community vitality.

This year’s competition matches graduate students from two or more schools with faculty advisors, development professionals, and mentors in architecture and finance. Over a two-month period, each team will produce an affordable housing development plan tailored to a specific site.

Several ...[more]

What does it mean to have worked on one of the first Pebble Project hospitals – before there was a Pebble Project?  It’s a funny dynamic of simultaneously looking forward and back. How can we use innovative design to enhance the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery today, in an era of lean operations and healthcare reform? How can research conducted on those innovative projects more than a decade ago inform design today?

When Shepley worked with Bronson Methodist Hospital on its replacement hospital in the mid-1990s, there really wasn’t ...[more]

Shepley Bulfinch’s Worcester Trial Court (2007) is one of 95 courthouse projects nationwide selected for inclusion in Retrospective of Courthouse Design 2001-2010, published by the National Center for State Courts. The book was officially launched at Designing For Justice. the international conference on justice design, hosted in Boston by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice.

Worcester Trial Court is the first fully consolidated courthouse in the state, and was one of the first to employ court modernization technology and sustainable features.

The Worcester Trial Court is one ...[more]

It may sound counterintuitive, but the most important thing about designing science and research facilities doesn’t actually involve design. The only way to plan for a future facility is to give a long hard look at the way you work today.

It’s a little like looking at your eating habits and stepping on the scale when you want to get in shape. It’s not easy. Start by:

- Establishing a vision and a set of quantifiable goals that will support it
- Understanding where you are today, evaluating existing facilities and current processes ...[more]