ARQ

With profound sadness, we share the passing of our colleague Jay Orr. We are forever grateful for Jay’s keen insights, design innovation and commitment to ARQ’s project goals, ambitions and clients. We will miss him dearly.

ARQ architects, founded by partners Lucinda Schlaffer and Paul Bonacci in 1985, engages in projects throughout the United States. Based in Kittery, Maine since 1989, ARQ is committed to advancing sustainable design and serving the needs of diverse, primarily not-for-profit groups. Dynamic relationships, forged over decades of collaboration with national consultants, clients, and builders have enabled ARQ to consider progressive design solutions that enrich the lives, rather than simply sustain the lives of those who inhabit our built work. Whether the design is a museum, a school, an office or an animal shelter, each deserves and receives ARQ’s full attention to the project goals.

Our work ranges from commercial, civic and institutional clients to residential clients.  We offer extensive programming, masterplan and community engagement services as well as full architectural services.  

At ARQ, design is a tool for problem-solving and for creating vital, enriching places.   Sustainable design strategies are a critical component of that process and are integrated into all aspects of our work. Ecological and resource-efficient design principles that produce more sustainable buildings also help to create healthier, more dynamic and satisfying places for all building users and visitors.

ARQ architects is a member of the US Green Building Council since 2002 and all our architectural staff are LEED™ AP (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professionals). The New Hampshire Children’s Museum in Dover, NH obtained a LEED Silver award and additionally was awarded an AIA award for outstanding design.  ARQ notably received the first LEED ratings (Silver and Gold) for community based animal welfare organizations promoting the welfare of companion animals  in the United States; Tompkins County SPCA in 2004 and the Potter League for Animals In 2009. Subsequently, ARQ has achieved 7 additional LEED awards for various building types in including interior spaces and medical centers. Many ARQ projects are adaptive re-use of historic structures. As members of the National Trust, we strive to bring new use and life to aging structures to maintain vibrancy and anchor communities.   Accessibility is paramount to our approach with these projects. 

Paul Bonacci graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and Lucinda Schlaffer from University of California at Berkeley in 1979. They are active members in local community groups and in professional interest groups with emphasis on sustainability. The partners hold licenses in California, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maryland, Connecticut and Maine. ARQ work has been featured for design and acoustic excellence in Pro-Sound magazine, Maine Home and Design, Architectural Record, Green Building & Design, and Interiors Magazine. 

ARQ's work has been featured for design and acoustic excellence in Pro-Sound magazine, Architectural Record, and Interiors Magazine, Maine Home & Design and GreenBuilding and Design.  Partners and Associates have lectured at national conferences on sustainability and design trends for non-profit organizations.