Founded in 1984, Christopher P. Williams Architects, PLLC is an award winning firm located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Our philosophy is to provide comprehensive professional services in an efficient and environmentally appropriate manner. Our goals include crafting high quality designs that are a direct response to building-user needs, that reflect budgetary prudence, and that are conceived to minimize environmental impact, all of which ultimately provide for long-term client satisfaction. The firm's focus on all projects is to build consensus: balancing client goals, budget, and practicality in seeking solutions as a group.
Since 1984, Chris Williams has been active in a variety of organizations dedicated to historic preservation and community charitable work. As a member of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Board he was instrumental in restructuring the organization to partner with the National Trust and he helped bring the Main Street Program to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. He is also an active member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the New Hampshire Historical Society, the Vernacular Architecture Forum, and the International Solar Energy Society. In 1994, Chris formed the Latchkey Charities in Meredith, NH. This organization of local business owners and municipal officers has worked to build a new park, a community center, a senior housing project and a major hotel/conference center which have all helped to transform the town.
In addition to his affiliation with the American Institute of Architects, Chris is also a member of the Architect Registration Examination Committee, which is part of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The committee is responsible for the design, content and administration of national exams for architectural registration. Mr. Williams has been elected to represent the State of New Hampshire.
All of the people at CPWA are involved in sustainable (or "green") building techniques. These include the integration of radiant floor heat, installation of active and passive solar energy systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the use of local materials (especially wood and stone). Many of our staff have successfully completed LEED© training (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Buiding Council. LEED is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability.
About the Firm
Biographies
• Christopher P. Williams, AIA, NCARB, founded CPWA in 1984 after 11 years as an architect with other firms in New Hampshire. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, Chris is licensed to practice architecture in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Chris has been intensely involved in numerous professional and community-based organizations, such as AIANH, New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, and several Governor's Committees for the State of New Hampshire. Chris has also participated in many community design charrettes and architectural award juries. Chris has lectured throughout the state on topics such as historic preservation, environmentally appropriate architecture, and the role of craftsmanship in architecture. The firm's work has been featured in several books and magazines, including Adirondack Home by Ralph Kylloe, Cabin Fever by Rachel Carley, and Rustic Revisited by Ann Stillman O'Leary. They are among many projects that have received awards from such organizations as the American Institute of Architects, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, Plan NH, and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire. Chris is an avid photographer and kayaker when time permits.
• Norman E. Larson, AIA, LEED AP, joined CPWA in 1996 after six years as an architect with firms in Pittsburgh and Denver. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, Norman has a particular interest in historic preservation projects. Norman has participated in several design charrettes, and has a long history of involvement in community-based organizations, including the Lakes Region (NH) affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Norman is LEED© certified and is a volunteer fireman for the town of Moultonborough. His downtime revolves around his wife and two young sons.
• Peter R. Bolton, AIA, had 25 years of experience with The Mead Group of West Hartford, Connecticut prior to joining CPWA in 2001. As their Director of Design, Peter was responsible for managing the 12-person firm. Peter's work has received awards from the United States Postal Service and the United States Department of Energy. He has also been involved in numerous community charrettes. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, Peter has also studied at the Architectural Association of London, England. Peter is a consultant for several community charity organizations in the town of Plymouth. He and his wife are avid kayakers.
• Liz Venus joined CPWA in 2003, after spending six years in Colorado as an architect and designer. She specializes in heavy timber and custom home design. Liz has had a variety of construction experience including timber framing and masonry. Her work has been published in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine and has garnered several awards, including the Mame Award and Parade of Homes and Home Builder's Association awards. Liz has a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Rhode Island School of Design. Liz is an active member of the Timber Framer's Guild of America and she and her husband have no spare time since they have two young boys at home.
• Ken Tatro joined CPWA in 2004 with nine years of project experience, for an award winning Rhode Island firm specializing in the Hospitality Industry. His background includes the development of concept restaurants, country clubs, casinos, educational facilities and residential projects. A graduate of the Hall Institute in Architectural and Interior Design Technology, he is thrilled to be back in New Hampshire where he can further hone his fishing skills, and spend time with his wife and two daughters.
• Penelope Marvel joined CPWA in 2007 when she and her husband moved to New Hampshire from Philadelphia. Penny is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University's School of Architecture where she was an AIA/AAF scholarship recipient. She and her husband enjoy hiking, camping and spending time with their son and daughter.
• Jane Heinstrom has been an Office Manager wrangling wild architects into the admin corral for 14 years, most of them in the Boston area. Jane is Ohio-bred and educated (Hiram College) and has been working her way north and east for years, but in New Hampshire she has found her final stop. She joined CPWA in 2003. Jane and her husband spend their free time working on their new home in Sanbornton.
• Donna Ulbricht is the marketing maven at CPWA. Having spent many years working with start-up and turn-around high-tech firms in Massachusetts, she and her husband finally escaped to The Lakes Region of New Hampshire. She is an experienced user of many software applications and creator of our website. Donna is the Secretary of the Meredith Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. She is an active member of the US Power Squadron, involved in teaching boating safety in the Lakes Region.