• The Firm
  • Team
  • Services
  • Clients
  • Awards
About Lavallee Brensinger Architect

During the past 30 years, Lavallee Brensinger Architects has been hard at work, earning its place among New England's premier architectural, planning, and interior design firms. Our team is conveniently located in the geographic center of the region, with offices in Manchester, NH and Charlestown, MA.

We are dedicated to applying our design talent and management expertise to create "places" that enhance quality of life for our clients. It is our commitment to building vibrant communities that has inspired our concentration on those building types most essential to thriving community: Healthcare, Education, and Corporate/Civic.

Our success is founded upon our steadfast commitment to client service. In a world where quality and service are commonly promoted, we actually deliver them - consistently.

Our work is focused on our clients, not ourselves. We embrace each client's unique needs and aspirations. We work collaboratively, creating "places" that reflect our client's values and enrich their daily lives. Lavallee Brensinger Architects measures success by our longstanding client relationships and our integral role as a member of each client's team. It is our goal to not only serve as their Architect, but also as their trusted advocate and friend.

Perhaps our approach to our clients and their projects is best summarized by our Mission Statement:

Your Mission inspires us.

Our creativity and knowledge empower you.

Together we achieve excellence.

Lavallee Brensinger Architects' enduring reputation for design excellence and commitment to client service is a result of the collective strengths, passion, and experience of our team. The integrity of our work and character is exhibited in every client engagement, always striving to help our clients do what they do better.


Barry  Brensinger Barry Brensinger, CEO, joined the firm in 1978. He provides overall practice leadership, while actively serving healthcare and corporate clients. Barry has been repeatedly honored as a community leader through his dedicated work with various not-for-profit organizations. Under his guidance, the firm’s Healthcare Design Group has become the most experienced healthcare planning and design team in the Northeast.
Fred  Urtz Fred Urtz, President, came to the practice in 1982, sharing his enthusiasm for educational planning and design and a commitment to civic leadership. Fred reaches out, not only through architectural design, but through community engagement, to consistently deliver the message that education is a powerful tool for achievement. His designs integrate sustainability and technology into spaces that empower learning.

Chris Drobat Chris Drobat, Vice President, joined Lavallee Brensinger Architects in 1999. Chris is passionate about sustainable and high performance design, and has led several LEED® and CHPS projects. As an experienced Project Manager, his in-depth technical knowledge is complemented by his strong communication and team management skills.
Richard Pizzi Richard Pizzi, Vice President, brings eighteen years of experience, remarkable enthusiasm, and passion for healthcare design. He has successfully managed projects of all sizes, with a focus on innovative design solutions, clear communications, and effective project controls. Rich's thoroughness and attention to detail are invaluable on project teams.

Steve Clayman Steve Clayman, Vice President, joined the firm in 1983. He is board certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects and is an important member of Lavallee Brensinger’s Healthcare Design Group. In addition, Steve also leads the development of the firm’s innovative technology solutions.
Joe Britton Joe Britton, Vice President, offers more than 26 years experience in healthcare planning and design. He is a senior member of the firm's Healthcare Design Group. Joe's commitment and passion for patient-centered care brings insight and knowledge to each project.

Leslie Batchelder Leslie Batchelder, Director of Finance and Administration, Leslie joined Lavallee Brensinger Architects in 2006. As a former paralegal with a passion for finance and business administration, Leslie brings a diverse background to the firm. She is the primary contact for all business and HR related communications.
W. Keith Davis W. Keith Davis, Design Principal, offers twenty years of experience in healthcare planning and design, delivering creative solutions that are sensitive to hospital, patient, and provider needs. His collaborative style encourages an open, honest, and inclusive approach to sharing ideas.

Alahe Aldo Alahe Aldo, Design Principal, is a key member of the firm's Higher Education Design Group, with over 28 years of experience including national and international projects. Alahe's passion for design excellence is complemented by her strong technical and management skills.
Jeff Galvin Jeff Galvin, Associate, specializes in healthcare planning and design, and offers a focus on sustainable design. Jeff's enthusiasm and dedication to client service are outstanding. He has led several complex healthcare projects to successful completion.

Joan Eagleson Joan Eagleson, Associate, is a seasoned Project Designer with more than 25 years of experience and specialized expertise in healthcare design. With a focus on helping clients provide an excellent level of care for patients and family, Joan offers a wonderful creative spirit and enjoyable approach.
John Harper John Harper, Associate, has designed and managed a variety of projects over his 23 years with the firm. He is highly regarded by clients for his thorough attention to detail, effective project management style, and sense of humor.

Lance Whitehead Lance Whitehead, Associate, is exceptionally skilled at crafting educational designs that are creative and inspirational, and that reflect the vision defined by the institution and community. Lance is a key member of the firm's Education Design Group.
Ron Lamarre Ron Lamarre, Project Manager, Ron is a highly skilled designer and project manager with a focus on education and civic projects. He is MCPPO certified and offers 14 years experience leading successful Massachusetts public school projects.

Danielle Santos Danielle Santos, Project Manager, brings 13 years experience in the successful planning and delivery of healthcare and elder care projects. Danielle's passion for helping build strong, healthy communities is reflected in her designs, coupled with her attention to detail and responsible project management.

Lavallee Brensinger Architects is comprised of a substantial group of professionals whose contributions to each project and client relationship are critical to our success. They offer expertise and specialization in project management, technical knowledge, interior design, graphics, and administration. Our team members include:


John Adams
Michael Albert
Lilliana Alvarado
Staci Bisset
Tim Brochu
Bonnie Brown
Melissa Bruneau
Joshua Burdick
Jeff Burtt
Robin Camirand
Barbara Chalmers
Dale Doller
Will Gatchell
John Georgacopoulos
Casey Gerken
Rami Haydar
Joe Britton, III
Keith Lacasse
Sean Landry
Steve Laput
Christina Mellor
Steve Miller
Luis Riobueno
Katherine Robinson
Cris Salomon
Danielle Santos
Julie Spence
Scott Timmons
Chris Urner
Danielle Whiting

Programming:
Expertise in operational nuances and programming of our chosen areas of specialization: Healthcare, Education, and Corporate/Civic.

Land Planning:
Site analysis and planning, campus master planning, landscape design, and site permitting.

Building Design:
Respectful of site and context, gracefully accommodating program, and reflective of individual client character and values.

Interior Design:
Space planning, room finishes, furniture, artwork, signage, and equipment.

Sustainable Design:
Sensible use of materials and energy to conserve valuable resources and promote a healthy environment.

Advanced Technologies:
Leadership in Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D design and unique building operations simulations.

CON/DON Acquisition:
Strategic guidance and technical assistance to acquire specialized permits and approvals.

Project Management:
Team coordination and responsible, reliable management of schedule and budget from project start to post-occupancy evaluation.

Clients Include:

HEALTHCARE
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital
Androscoggin Valley Hospital
Berkshire Health System
Blue Hill Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Retreat
Cheshire Medical Center
Community Hospice House
Concord Hospital
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Elliot Hospital
Exeter Hospital
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Frisbie Memorial Hospital
Goodall Hospital
Hanover Hill
Havenwood Heritage Heights
Hillcrest Terrace Retirement Community
Inland Hospital
Kendal at Hanover
Lawrence General Hospital
Littleton Regional Hospital
Lowell General Hospital
Merrimack Valley Hospice
Monadnock Community Hospital
New London Hospital
North Country Hospital
Pentucket Medical Associates
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Saints Medical Center
Seacoast Hospice House
Sebasticook Valley Hospital
Southern NH Medical Center
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Speare Memorial Hospital
Springfield Hospital
St. Andrews Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital
Southern NH Medical Center
Valley Regional Hospital
York Hospital

HIGHER EDUCATION
Community College System of New Hampshire
Daniel Webster College
Dartmouth College
Franklin Pierce Law School
Keene State College
Manchester Community College
Plymouth State University
River Valley Community College
Rivier College
St. Anselm College
University of New Hampshire - Durham
University of New Hampshire - Manchester
University of Southern Maine
University of Vermont

K-12 EDUCATION
Amherst School District, SAU 39
Barrington School District
Bedford School District, SAU 25
Bow School District, SAU 67
Concord School District
Dover School District, SAU 11
Eagle Hill School
Farmington School District, SAU 61
Holderness School
Hollis/Brookline School District, SAU 41
John Stark Regional High School, SAU 24
Kearsarge Regional School District, SAU 65
Manchester School District, SAU 37
Merrimack Valley School District
Nashua School District
Phillips Exeter Academy
Proctor Academy
Rochester School District
Salem School District, SAU 57
Sanborn Regional School District, SAU 17
St. Mary's High School
The Derryfield School
Timberlane School District, SAU 55
White Mountain Regional School District, SAU 36
Windham School District, SAU 28

CORPORATE/CIVIC
City of Manchester
FIRST - Science Museum
Florida Power and Light
IDEXX Laboratories
Kimball Library, Atkinson, NH
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Mount Washington Valley Economic Council
New Hampshire Veterans Home
Nichols Memorial Library, Kingston, NH
Primex3
PSNH
St. Mary's Bank
State of NH - Bureau of Court Facilities
State of NH - Bureau of Public Works
Town of Lebanon, NH
Unitil Corporation
Verizon Wireless Arena

The innovation and quality of our designs have been recognized through more than 50 regional and national design awards. In addition, of great meaning to us are the acknowledgements received for service to community.

2010
Windham High School
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Keene State College, Pondside III Residence Hall
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

2009
Concord Hospital, Pediatric Unit
IIDA New England, Healthcare Design Honorable Mention;
Association of Builders & Contractors of NH, Excellence Award

NH Business Review, Best of Business Award, NH's Best Architectural Firm

Havenwood Heritage Heights
Association of Builders & Contractors of NH, Merit Award

2008
Keene State College, Pondside III Residence Hall
Association of Builders & Contractors of NH, Merit Award

NH Business Review, Best of Business Award, NH's Best Architectural Firm

Mo Gagnon, Intern Architect
AIA NH Chapter, Intern/Young Architect Competition

2007
Dartmouth College, Alumni Gymnasium
American School & University Education Interiors, Outstanding Design

2006
Nashua High School North and Nashua High School South
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering Office
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture, People's Choice Award

Barry Brensinger
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year

Business NH Magazine, Business of the Year

Jeff Galvin, Intern Architect
AIA NH Chapter, Intern/Young Architect Competition

2005
Joe Britton
Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year

Citizens Bank/NH Business Review, Not Your Typical Business

2004
University of New Hampshire, Murkland Hall
Plan NH, Excellence in Planning, Design & Development;
NH Preservation Alliance, Historic Preservation Award

2003
Verizon Wireless Arena
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture, People's Choice Award

PSNH Energy Park
Plan NH, Excellence in Planning, Design & Development;
Home Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of NH, Gold Award and Best in Show for Renovation

Franklin Pierce Law Center
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

2002
PSNH Energy Park
NH Preservation Alliance, Preservation Achievement Award;
Manchester Historic Association, Historic Preservation Award

Verizon Wireless Arena
Plan NH, Excellence in Planning, Design & Development
University of New Hampshire - Manchester
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Littleton Regional Hospital
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Community Hospice House
Plan NH, Excellence in Planning, Design & Development

2001
Keene State College, Rhodes Hall
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Community Hospice House
Healthcare Design Magazine, Citation of Merit Award
New Hampshire Institute of Art
Manchester Historic Association, Preservation Award

University of New Hampshire – Manchester
Manchester Historic Association, Preservation Award

2000
FIRST Place: Science Museum
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Lavallee Brensinger Architects Office
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Labatt USA: Beer Academy
Manchester Historic Association, Preservation Award

Plan NH Merit Award

1999
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Business Leader of the Year

Manchester City Hall
Manchester Historic Association, Preservation Award


1998
Holderness School Library
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award, Sustainable Design
Myrna Shoe Mill: 155 Dow Street Manchester Historic Association, Preservation Award, Private Development
1997
Business NH Magazine, Top Companies to Work For in NH

The NH Business Committee for the Arts, Business in the Arts Award

1996
Manchester District Courthouse
Manchester Historic Association, Historic Preservation Award

Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science
AIA Advanced Technologies Facilities Design Review, Recognition

1995
Primex3
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Manchester Airport, New Terminal Building
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

Daniel Webster College, Aviation Center
AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award

1994
Hillcrest Terrace Retirement Community
AIA Health Facilities Review, Recognition

Concord District Court
AIA Justice Facilities Review, Outstanding Courthouse Design

Business NH/Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Business of the Year

Souhegan High School
Association of School Business Officials International, Merit Award of Excellence in Architecture

Beacon Building
Manchester Historic Association, Historic Preservation Award