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Sponsored by: LPA | Architects
May 6, 2025 Business Profiles 2025

LPA | Architects Celebrates 55 Years

Photos/ Courtesy LPA|A

When the new Doherty Memorial High School opened on Worcester’s west side last September, it served as a meaningful symbol of LPA|A’s legacy in Central Massachusetts, replacing a building designed by its founder more than 60 years ago.

“Before he started the firm which would become LPA | Architects, my father was assigned the Doherty High project early in his career,” said Rick Lamoureux, LPA|A’s Managing Director. “It was an exciting, full-circle moment to see the new building open for the next generation of students.”

Chris Lee, LPA|A Design Director and project manager for the Doherty Project, said, “The completion of this momentous project — which stands as the most energy-efficient, city-owned building in Worcester — is a once-in-a-lifetime landmark event in LPA|A’s 55-year history.”

As a Worcester-based firm that has evolved through the decades, LPA|A has honed its commitment to creating unique built environments in Central Mass. The firm has specific expertise in K-12 school design but has developed a well-rounded portfolio of work that includes various higher education buildings, libraries, and historic preservation.

“As architects of buildings in our community, local engagement is a core value,” said Marketing and Business Development Director Sean Brennan. “We encourage community service and giving back locally both as a company and among staff. We are proud of our long-standing relationships with nonprofits like Preservation Worcester, the United Way, and St. John’s Food for the Poor.”

LPA|A started in 1970 when Richard Lamoureux, Sr. opened the firm, and as his business grew, partners were added to the leadership team. Succession plans were well thought out and implemented in the intervening years. More recently, the firm has embraced a distributed leadership approach with a seven-member board of directors working in collaboration and drawing on one another’s strengths to lead the next chapter.

“Diversity of skills and experience makes us better creators of built environments for the diverse communities we serve,” said Programming and Sustainability Director Christina Bazelmans. “Our approach as a leadership team and broadly across the firm is democratic and collaborative, which seems appropriate in an industry like ours, where synthesizing various perspectives and ideas is essential to the work.”

Our staff is comprised of about 20 people, which has proven to be an effective size to take on a range of projects, build the expertise of the firm, and keep people growing and learning in their careers.

As an example, Director of Building Envelope Technology Mike Oldakowski has been with the firm for 27 years and has helped LPA|A remain at the forefront of evolving energy efficiency requirements. Last year he earned his Phius (Passive House Institute) certification and is sharing his knowledge with his colleagues.

“When we hire, we take the long view,” said Principal Peter Caruso. “The majority of staff have been here ten years or more. We invest in career development and advancement to support people to learn more about the things they are excited about. We have an exceptional team of professionals here at LPA|A and I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for our firm and Central Mass.” 

Street Address: 108 Grove Street, Suite 300 Worcester, MA 01605

Phone Number: 508-752-2831

Website: lpaa.com

Product or Service Description: Architectural Services; From feasibility studies, to planning and programming, schematic design and construction management, our team of experienced professionals have a long track record of successful projects of every size and type.

Number of Employees: 18

Head of Company and Title: Rick Lamoureux, Managing Director

Year Founded: 1970