QA+M Architecture

Happy 4th of July from all of us at QA+M Architecture!

Today, we’re reflecting on a meaningful past project— The Greater Middletown Military Museum, Inc.

The museum tells the story of local service members throughout U.S. military history and features an authentic Vietnam-era Huey helicopter.

Adjacent to the museum, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial Park offers a peaceful, moving tribute to Connecticut’s fallen heroes—including those lost in Iraq, Afghanistan, 9/11, and even WWI. We’re honored to have helped bring this important community space to life.

Join us in recognizing the sacrifices made by so many this Independence Day.

What’s better than good food and fresh ideas?

Our latest Lunch and Learn brought both, thanks to a great visit from Arriscraft

Arriscraft introduced us to their versatile line of stone products used in modern architecture. These sessions are one of our favorite ways to stay informed and connected as a team. A big thank you to Arriscraft for the insights—and the great lunch!

“The parts I love most about working in architecture are helping to create better spaces for people to live and work in, and watching the transformation from drawings on paper into functional, occupiable spaces.”

Meet Erin Benken, AIA — one of our incredible architects at QA+M!

Erin’s passion for architecture and community-focused design shines through in everything she does. We’re so lucky to have her on our team, helping bring meaningful spaces to life.

💬 What’s your favorite space—at home, work, or in the community? Tell us in the comments!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support those facing mental health and addiction challenges.

At QA+M Architecture, we believe that thoughtful design can play a powerful role in healing. That’s why we’re proud to be working with Newport Institute in Seymour, CT—a former wedding venue transformed into a residential care facility for adolescents.

The campus will feature therapeutic living "pods" tailored by age, gender, and diagnosis, as well as spaces for learning, art, fitness, therapy, and community connection. Every square foot was designed with recovery and well-being in mind.

We’re honored to be part of a project that helps change the conversation around mental health—one space at a time.

💚 Take a look at our latest renderings and learn more about the mission behind the design.

We had a great time at the Town of North Branford High School Science Fair today! 🧪💡

Our team got to talk with students about how sustainable design helps schools use less energy and protect the environment—using their very own school as the perfect example!

Hillary Kossou, Design Professional at QA+M Architecture noted
"It's always a pleasure to interact with the students who are experiencing the new school and to highlight the many environmental features that makes their facility even more special."

From daylight harvesting to green roofs, low-flow fixtures, and even a roof designed for future solar panels, North Branford High is built for a greener future. 🌱🏫Thanks to NBHS for inviting us—we loved sharing how architecture and sustainability go hand in hand!

A brand-new middle school is rising on the site of the existing Northeast Middle School in Bristol All Heart CT, with occupancy anticipated in 2026. As part of the City’s redistricting plan, the new facility will serve up to 748 students in grades 6–8.

The school’s design includes a three-story academic wing to support eight instructional teams and a two-story specialty wing dedicated to Art, Music, and Technology labs. These wings are connected by a dramatic double-height entry and central “main street” that leads to shared spaces such as the Gymnasium, Media Center, and Cafetorium.

Construction recently reached a major milestone with a beam signing ceremony held yesterday, celebrating the progress of the steel er****on phase.

Well, THIS “DEMO Party” sure was a BLAST! We’re beyond excited to be partnering with Charles IT on the design of their one-of-a-kind new headquarters in Middletown, CT. Now that the walls are down, the real transformation begins! Take a peek at these EXCITING preliminary designs...

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QA+M is proud to support educators by enhancing the spaces where they inspire young minds every day. With over 23 years of experience in both public and private school design, we’re honored to be part of the continued growth of Fishers Island School — a unique PreK–12 public school serving island residents and tuition students who arrive daily by ferry to Fishers Island, NY.

Our scope of work includes upgrading classroom acoustics and educational features, modernizing the media center, and improving the parking area and outdoor activity spaces. New additions will include a health suite and a secure entrance canopy, supporting the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff.

Wishing Jim Bell a very HAPPY RETIREMENT as we close out this week! Jim has contributed immensely to QA+M's success as well as his former firm, MPN, where his career began back in his 20's. Jim was always well-versed in the intricacies of complex projects of all sizes in both new construction and renovation. His knowledge, design sense, humor, professionalism, and confidence built trust and decades-long relationships with his clients who returned to him again and again for multiple projects.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is to do your best today.” - JB

Thank you for all of your time and dedication, Jim. We wish you all the best as you enter this exciting new phase of your life!!

Site constraints and the best location for the new North Branford High School posed a significant challenge to minimizing disruption to education while maintaining safety and security at the Intermediate and High School during construction. Bounded by the existing High School to the West and North, wetlands to the East and restricted by the auditorium building to the South, the design required an optimized building footprint. The solution was a three-story academic structure, which minimized encroaching into the wetlands and provided adequate space to construct phase one while maintaining access to all educational programs. To address environmental concerns, a significant wetlands rehabilitation effort was implemented to remove invasive species and promote regional biodiversity on site. Multiple outdoor classroom spaces, a green roof off the environmental science lab overlooking the wetlands took advantage of these natural enhancements and offer active & passive teaching and learning opportunities for educators and students.

Louis Kahn (1901-1974) was one of the greatest 20th century architects in the US. He specialized in modernism and some of his most notable projects include; The Salk Institute, Kimbell Art Museum, National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, Four Freedoms Park, and Phillips Exeter Academy Library and Dining Hall. In the Academy Award Nominated documentary "My Architect", Kahn's contemporary, Philip Johnson noted that "He was his own artist. He was free, compared to me."