ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture, Design |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Nationwide (United States) |
Key people | Philip L. Laird, FAIA, LEED AP; Robert H. Quigley, AIA; Robert A. Zverina, AIA; Peter W. Reiss, AIA, LEED AP; Jan Taylor, AIA, LEED AP |
| Products | Architectural design services for Science/R&D, biotechnology, education, athletics, and corporate environments |
| Website | www |
Established in 1969, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc. operates as a nationwide architectural design firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a focus on facilities related to Science/R&D, biotechnology, education, athletics, and corporate environments. Known for its commitment to cutting-edge and environmentally responsible design, ARC has been honored with more than 70 awards from a variety of professional institutions.
Current Leadership Team:
- Philip L. Laird, FAIA, LEED AP
- Robert H. Quigley, AIA
- Robert A. Zverina, AIA
- Peter W. Reiss, AIA, LEED AP
- Jan Taylor, AIA, LEED AP
Former leaders include Arthur Cohen, FAIA, LEED AP; Jeffreys M. Johnson, AIA, LEED AP; Thomas N. Loring, AIA; Henry S. Reeder, FAIA; and Been Zen Wang, AIA.
Education
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine: ARC completed a 95,000-square-foot vertical expansion consisting of five stories in 2009. This project received four accolades including the Boston Society of Architects Honor Award for Healthcare Facilities and achieved LEED Silver status. The addition was built atop the existing ten-story structure located in Boston.
- Rochester Institute of Technology: In collaboration with SWA Group in 2010, ARC delivered Global Village—a 189,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring three stories of student housing combined with retail and academic service spaces designed to support international students and those enrolled in global cooperative education programs.
- University of Colorado at Boulder Leeds School of Business: ARC acted as Design Architect for the Koelbel Building project which attained LEED Gold Certification and complements the campus’s Tuscan Vernacular architectural style. The design incorporates sustainable elements intended to enhance educational experiences while honoring existing campus aesthetics.
- Harvard Medical School: ARC played a role in the $261 million New Research Building (NRB), a 739,288-square-foot expansion finalized in 2003—marking the largest addition since the institution’s inception. This facility includes flexible laboratory spaces and collaborative areas aimed at accelerating research translation and was recognized with an AIA New England Merit Award in 2009.
- John F. Kennedy School of Government: Since developing the Master Plan for the campus in 1976, ARC has completed three significant buildings totaling over 250,000 square feet along with numerous renovations:
| Name | Completion Year | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Littauer Center for Public Administration | 1978 | 105,000 sq ft (9,800 m2) |
| Belfer Center for Public Management | 1984 | 45,000 sq ft (4,200 m2) |
| One Eliot Street | 1986 | 29,000 sq ft (2,700 m2) |
| John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum Renovation | 2003 | 16,000 sq ft (1,500 m2) |
The renovation of the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum enhanced seating across three levels to facilitate debates and broadcasts linking the school with practical political engagement, reflecting JFK Jr.’s enduring influence.
Science/R&D
- Genzyme Corporation: ARC designed a 127,000 gross square foot expansion at Genzyme’s Landmark Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility in Boston, completed in 2010 and awarded LEED Gold Certification. This extension includes warehouse areas, dining facilities, office spaces, conference rooms, employee amenities, and mailroom services. ARC’s partnership with Genzyme dates back to 1991 when it designed the original biopharmaceutical plant on this site.
- Genzyme Corporation Science Center: Located at Genzyme’s Framingham campus, this 180,000-square-foot laboratory was among the first in the United States to receive LEED Gold Certification. ARC’s design integrates advanced HVAC systems, energy-efficient fume hoods, water-saving fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and extensive glazing that maximizes daylight combined with artificial lighting controls—supporting sustainable research environments.
- Genzyme Corporation: The Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in Allston spans 200,000 square feet and was completed in 1994 at a cost of $98 million. It is distinguished by its detailed "Harvard Brick" façade and architectural refinement. While lauded for craftsmanship quality, some critiques note its large scale and stylistic nod to historic aesthetics as less favorable.
- Albert Sherman Center and Parking Garage: Scheduled for completion in 2012 with LEED Silver registration anticipated, this Worcester-based facility encompasses 515,000 square feet including wet laboratories, clean rooms, administrative offices, educational areas such as a 350-seat auditorium, conference rooms, dining facilities, and support spaces. Its Advanced Therapeutics Cluster concentrates on RNA interference (RNAi), stem cell research, and gene therapy initiatives while a Computational Cluster supports programs in Quantitative Health Sciences and Bioinformatics.
Corporate
- VMware: ARC was commissioned by VMware to complete the interior fit-out spanning three levels at their Kendall Square headquarters in Cambridge. The layout comprises office spaces, meeting rooms, and a dedicated data center. A sizable multi-functional area accommodates corporate gatherings, catered functions, and employee lounge activities. Notable design elements include exposed waffle slab ceilings within corner conference rooms and transparent glass partitions between hallways and perimeter offices to enhance natural light penetration.
Sports
- Episcopal School of Dallas: In collaboration with The Beck Group, ARC designed the Stephen B. Swann Athletic and Wellness Center to support the school’s Wellness for Life initiative. Finished in 2010 with LEED Gold certification, the building achieves a 17.8% reduction in energy consumption while encouraging social engagement through its sustainable architecture, thereby promoting student health and wellness.
- Boston College Alumni Stadium: ARC directed a $30 million refurbishment of this Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts stadium, upgrading it into a 44,500-seat Division I-A venue for the BC Eagles. Enhancements incorporated new seating arrangements, an instant replay scoreboard, upgraded lighting and public address systems, improved concession areas and restrooms, along with a contemporary brick-and-glass façade.
- Boston College Yawkey Athletics Center: Completed in 2005 with a budget of $17.2 million, this four-story facility supports Boston College Football and student-athlete services. It includes sports medicine amenities, a fitness center, classrooms, coaches’ offices, and a specialized learning resources section featuring computer labs and tutorial rooms. Additionally, a 200-seat event space serves the broader Boston College community.
Library
- Carver Public Library: Situated in Carver, Massachusetts, this library was finalized in 1998 with a construction cost of $2.7 million as part of the Town Green revitalization effort. Its architectural style pays homage to New England’s saltbox houses and cranberry barn traditions. The library contains 73,000 volumes alongside staff work areas, meeting rooms, a Local History Room, and children’s activity spaces, supporting seating for 140 visitors plus additional meeting accommodations.
Historic
- The Arsenal on the Charles: Formerly known as the Watertown Arsenal (founded in 1816), this site in Watertown, Massachusetts operated as a U.S. Army facility until 1995. Building 311, erected in 1917, ranked among the largest steel-framed structures during World War I, manufacturing weapons used in both World Wars by Allied forces. ARC redeveloped the dormant arsenal into a contemporary office complex through a $28 million renovation completed in 2000. The project retained historic features such as a 50-ton gantry crane and expansive multi-level lobbies; the site is recognized as an important civil engineering landmark.
Planning
- Kennedy School of Government Master Plan
- The Wharton School Master Plan
- GSE/SSW/SAS Space Needs Study
- LRDP Study
- Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Acorn Park Master Plan
- Bayer Diagnostics, Walpole, Massachusetts
- Master Plan
- R&D Campus Master Plan
- Master Plan
- Master Plan
References