QA+M Architecture

It was such an honor accepting the CBC Project Team "Large-Civic - Award of Merit" at the Annual Scholarship Awards Benefit for the newly renovated Bristol City Hall! THANK YOU City of Bristol Bristol All Heart for putting your trust in our Team and collaborating with us to provide the City with a new sustainable, state-of-the art building. The results speak for themselves - CONGRATS TEAM!!

QA+M Architecture / Studio Q Architecture / D'Amato Construction / Downes Construction / Long Consulting / PES Structural Engineers / FHI Studios / TO Design Benesch / Eagle Environmental / Whitestone Associates Sustainable Engineering Solutions / D'Agostino & Associates / M. Frank Higgins & Company

World Interiors Day has been established as a global holiday by the International Federation of Architects / Designers! This year, the theme is "Design Matters", emphasizing the importance of positive change, the ability to promote innovation and creativity, and how people's quality of lives are impacted. Our dedicated interiors team of four super-talented designers provide us with a distinct advantage and direct benefit to our clients. Red Thread and OneDigital Northeast are two projects we are very proud of that clearly encompass the World Interiors Day theme this year.

To acknowledge National Small Business Day, let's dive into QA+M's history to see how we got where we are today! In 1996, Architect, David Quisenberry launched his own business called Paragon, providing both architecture and construction management services. Then in 2002, Architect, Tom Arcari joins the firm as a partner, expanding the business and changing the name to Quisenberry Arcari Architects. 8 years later, Architect, Rusty Malik joined the firm rounding out the partnership and changing the name to what it is now, Quisenberry, Arcari, Malik (AKA QA+M Architecture). Currently at 33 employees, QA+M is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm, specializing in the planning, programming, and design of community-based, distinguished, and enduring spaces.

In honor of Memorial Day, QA+M Architecture will be closed on Monday, May 27. Enjoy the day with your loved ones, and don’t forget to think about those who served and sacrificed.

QA+M Architecture was recognized as one of the underwriters of the Spring Gala and Fundraiser to benefit The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon at a cocktail reception. Our restoration of and addition to the library was completed at the beginning of the year and received high praise from many who attended!

It was perfect weather for the groundbreaking of our “Berkowitz II” project, 28 new units of affordable housing in New Britain Buzz designed for the Chrysalis Center, Inc. Attending the ceremony were Office of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, CT Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, and Sharon Castelli, CEO of Chrysalis Development Corp. Montagno Construction was the general contractor running this fabulous project which is scheduled to be completed in early 2025.

Meet the newest addition to our firm, a nearly life-size lion statue! Located in the front lobby of our office, this bold, new presence adds some character to our cool space. Representing strength, courage and widsom, it's a visual reminder of just a few of the many unique traits our employees possess. We'd also attest to the fact that we have the "heart of a lion" here at QA+M. If anyone has any name suggestions, comment below!

"Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world." Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune -- THANK YOU to ALL the EDUCATORS out there making a difference in our world today & every day ~ WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

Last week we participated in the 2024 CREW CT Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony, located at the exquisite Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT. Competing in several categories, our Puerto Vallarta Restaurants renovation project in Stamford, CT was presented with the "Award of Excellence - Artistic Design". We were also part of the winning team for our Residences at Quarry Walk II project located in Oxford, CT taking home the "Best in Class: Multifamily / Residential" award. Overall, it was a terrific opportunity to network, connect & reconnect with professionals in the field, while snacking on scrumptious appetizers and enjoying a fabulous sit-down dinner. Thank you CREW CT - The Real Estate Exchange for hosting such an immaculate event, your organization is a class-act, we've come to expect nothing less!

At QA+M Architecture, our dedicated and talented marketing team implements successful tactics to achieve company goals. This week, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight four fun facts about Caroline!

I love to stay active! I currently play co-ed soccer and do yoga.

I've been exploring various types of travel in my free time.

Last year I joined the WWOOF program (Worldwide Organization of Organic Farming) to participate in a work exchange in Naalehu, Hawaii. This was an amazing experience and I hope to continue traveling through this organization.

I am an animal lover and especially adore cats.

THANK YOU Red Thread for throwing such a fantastic Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary Celebration! Several of our staff members indulged in the party's southern charm and atmosphere, where they had opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, ranging from hat making, photo ops, derby games and southern food & drinks. Encouraging everyone to wear their best Kentucky Derby attire, Red Thread pulled off a great event!

We are proud to announce that our firm has won a CBC Project Team Award of Merit for the Bristol City Hall major renovation project in Bristol All Heart! Shout-out to all of our skilled & hardworking architectural and interior design team partnered with Studio Q Architecture and many others who made this possible - KUDOS TEAM!

It's Earth Day! I'm sure we can all agree that time spent in nature is well spent. As we celebrate this beautiful planet, we would like to highlight one of our past projects that has encouraged the public to spend more time outdoors. Environmental remediation and adaptive re-use of an old vehicle maintenance yard and filling station resulted in this brand new five-acre park offering amenities and entertainment for all ages. Additionally, the Willow Street Park project in New Britain (New Britain Buzz) includes features such as a pavilion, recreation play field, playscape, interactive splash pad, basketball courts, bocce/shuffleboard courts, garden chess set, and gaming areas. In every project we create, we continue to strive to make a difference in the world!

Let's take a look at the interior design vision for the Barbour + Westland Street Development project located in Hartford, CT. This mixed-used development includes 60 market rate and low-income housing with commercial space on the ground floor. Our in-house interior designer, Damaris Martinez, shares that the proposed design includes open concept layouts, minimal sight lines and natural light, a warm palette and durable finishes. Our talented interior design department is such an integral part of QA+M's success, we're so proud & lucky to have them!

Who else is excited to watch some great college ball this weekend? As the Final Four games begin, we cheer on the UConn Women's Basketball and UConn Men's Basketball teams. Thanks to Jack for his artistic abilities and for monitoring the progress of the March Madness Tournament advancements. What a weekend! Go Huskies! 🏀

We're looking forward to seeing our event pavilion design come to life at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain! Thinking about hitting some golf balls? Look no further, Stanley Golf Course is open for the season. It features 27-holes and a driving range powered by TopTracer Technology. Check out their website for more details: stanleygolfcourse.com

Just Roll With It! Our 3 teams had some fun striking it BIG-TIME at for the 2024 AIA CT Annual Sock Hop Bowl Invitational. QA+M represented with custom t-shirts thanks to , we tied with .associates for Best T-Shirt Design! Again, this year we won several awards including Team #1 coming in HOT with the highest overall score, highest women score going to and lowest score went to one of the sweetest architects around, . Thanks AIA Connecticut, for another fabulous event, you guys "ROCK-n-Roll!!

We're all about finding ways to stay productive and focused here at QA+M Architecture. Brand new to our office is a freestanding HushHybrid phone booth pod, on loan to us by to show off to our clients and visitors. A few benefits this unique pod offers include noise cancellation, privacy, a reduction of distractions, and it even has a soundless fan for air circulation. In our large, open office environment, this sleek workspace gives our employees the perfect opportunity to work in quiet solitude. Stop by and give it a try! A special thanks and shoutout to: Courtney Seymour , Connor Vickerman , and Ashley Furbish at People, Places & Spaces for making this possible.

At QA+M Architecture, our dedicated and talented team of design professionals often bring ideas to life by way of their own unique skills and personalities. This week, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight four fun facts about Andrew!

I collect Milwaukee tools.

I build decks in my spare time.

My family has many pets (dogs, cats, birds, fish, iguanas).

NYC is my favorite place to visit.

Several members of our team had the pleasure of attending AIA Connecticut’s 2023 Awards Gala Ceremony in December which showcased the skills and talents of Connecticut Architects. QA+M Architecture accepted the AIA Elizabeth Mills Brown - Historic Restoration Award for the Bristol Arts & Innovation Magnet School and the AIA CT Drawing - Merit Award in the UNBUILT category for Architect, Rocco Petitto AIA’s cool, futuristic drawing of Goodwin University Technical High School. Thank you, AIA Connecticut, for these exciting honors and CONGRATS to all of the 2023 AIA Connecticut Award winners!

Led by Richard Turlington Architects Inc, our team was excited to participate in the 5th Annual Gingerbread House Competition that helped raise over $10,000 to grant a child’s wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Thank you, Make-A-Wish Connecticut, for inviting us for a fun tour of your building, for doing what you do to make a difference in the lives of children and their families, and for recognizing QA+M Architecture as the Wish Kid’s Choice Award Winner!

Throwback Thursday from QA+M's Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art project, a historic restoration of the first public Art Museum in the United States. Smith Edwards McCoy Architects, who merged with QA+M Architecture back in 2017, kept the historic details alive while integrating modern elements. This three-time award winning project included a new lighting plan to properly illuminate the collections, a redesign of the conservator’s studio and textile storage areas, and extensive repairs and restorations to various envelope components of the five-building campus.

In addition, we developed a comprehensive plan to make the complex fully HC accessible, with several new elevators and a series of ramps seamlessly integrated into the historic architecture. We also provided assistance with the decoration and installation of several period rooms, coordinated the architectural changes for a new central air-conditioning system, managed the re-roofing of the entire complex. Finally, QA+M coordinated and managed the complete and complicated rebuild of the enormous historic skylight based on QA+M’s details.

Our team has been busy developing a design for the upcoming Acton Public Library renovation in Old Saybrook, CT. As seen in the renderings, the new design includes furniture and finishes upgrades to the interior of the building as well as replacing the front exterior of the building with new glass-and-aluminum. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Thrilled to come in 4th place in this year's AIA Connecticut Gingerbread House Competition to benefit Make-A-Wish Connecticut!

Friday Favorite featuring Red Thread - a workplace innovation hub designed to support different types of work environments from quiet, heads down concentration to collaborative teamwork…..proudly designed by QA+M Architecture!

CONGRATULATIONS to Erika Roberts, Carolina Hernandez, and Jason Levy for taking home the “Best in Show” award in the inaugural IIDA New England Festival of Trees gathering at Interscape Commercial Environments! Inspired by Pantone’s 2023 color of the year “Viva Magenta” and the pets of QA+M, the team was able to show off all of our furry companions while collecting donations for local shelters. Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

At QA+M Architecture, our dedicated and talented team of design professionals often bring ideas to life by way of their own unique skills and personalities. This week, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight four fun facts about Daniel!

I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and came to the United States at the age of 5. I returned to Colombia eight years later to finish high school and graduated there with an architecture degree from the Universidad de los Andes in 2021.

I am a proud owner of two German Shepherds in Colombia named Connie and Gramzy, and two cats in the U.S. named Nami and Zoro.

I'm an aspiring powerlifter with a goal to bench press 315 lbs, currently lifting at 265 lbs.

I enjoy spending my free time walking or cycling through urban areas or parks.

This past month, Project Manager Carson Collier attended the Autodesk University – Design & Make Conference in Las Vegas where over 12,000 attendees joined together to connect, learn, and inspire future innovation within the AEC, Manufacturing, and Digital Media industries. Highlights of the conference involved keynotes from Autodesk and Industry leaders showcasing integration into their software platforms, as well as tools to optimize documentation workflows to produce high quality & sustainable designs for our clients. When asked to summarize his experience in a couple of words, he said; “Attending was invigorating, and I left excited for what the future of the AEC industry has in store for it. The integration of within our documentation, collaboration, and visualization software we utilize daily holds tremendous possibilities within our profession to enhance the overall product we provide our clients.”

Happy Thanksgiving from the QA+M team! May it be cozy, safe and warm.