Over the past twenty-four years, TMS Architects has been successfully guiding clients through the design and construction process, translating dreams into built reality. Your dreams become our sketches and ultimately those sketches develop into a built form which meets your functional needs, is sensitive to the environment and possesses long-lasting aesthetic beauty.
TMS Architects has built its reputation by providing architectural services in three primary areas; custom residential, finance and corporate/commercial work. Historic preservation has been an important part of our work, as evidenced by the restoration of The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel, The Music Hall in Portsmouth and the relocation of the American Independence Museum in Exeter.
TMS Architects is committed to designing buildings that meet or exceed the functional, aesthetic and budgetary needs of our clients and that are
William Soupcoff, AIA, co-founded TMS Architects in 1984 and under his design supervision, TMS has been recognized for twenty-five years for their many award-winning and innovative projects throughout the New England area. Bill remains actively involved in all phases of his projects from inception through construction administration.
One of his greatest talents as a designer is to capture the clients’ desires and translate them into built reality. In recent years, he has worked closely with the banking industry, designing unique branch banks for banking clients and continuing his residential work with striking lakefront and oceanfront homes.
He received his Master's Degree in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a registered architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration) certified.
John Merkle, AIA, co-founded TMS Architects in 1984. During the past twenty-five years, his design projects have ranged from unique residential projects to large-scale renovations such as the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel in New Castle, New Hampshire. One of his primary design motivations is to find the appropriate design solution for a particular problem, whether it be renovating a small cottage with a 600 square foot footprint or solving design and life safety issues in the historic Wentworth Hotel.
During his career, John has developed a passion for historical preservation and has worked tirelessly to save and renovate historical structures in New England. Among many other projects, he is involved in a major renovation of The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and The Bridges House, the New Hampshire Governor’s residence. He is also president of The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, past president of American Institute of Architects New England and the New Hampshire AIA chapter.
A graduate of New York Institute of Technology, John is a registered architect in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, New York and Vermont as well as NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certified.
Shannon Alther, AIA, arrived at his present position as a principal in TMS Architects through a career that included construction work combined with years of academic pursuits. His early years as a crew supervisor for building projects, a painter and a hardwood grader taught him the crucial “nuts and bolts” of the building trades, while his academic work provided him with the necessary technical knowledge and historical perspective required for a successful architect.
He was the project manager for the restoration of The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH. This project involved the complex synthesis of a delicate historic renovation with the introduction of modern materials. He is currently involved with the restoration of the Atlantic House and Kearsarge Hotel in York Beach, Maine. The formerly-derelict Atlantic House has been reborn as a combination of residential units, retail spaces and home to Chef Lydia Shire’s Blue Sky on York Beach Restaurant.
Sustainable architecture and the use of “green” building materials is a high priority with Shannon and he recently was awarded for his efforts with a prestigious AIA New Hampshire Award of Excellence for a self-sustaining private residence in the White Mountains.
TMS Architects welcomed Rob Carty, AIA, as a project architect in 2005 and he became a principal of the firm in 2007. A native New Yorker, Rob attended SUNY Buffalo for his BA in Architecture and the University of Colorado for his Master's degree in Architecture degree. His move to Colorado was the result of two strong motivating factors; his love for the mountains and outdoors and the desire to pursue an advanced degree in architecture.
In addition to his work as an architect, Rob is a licensed pilot. He grew up around planes as both his parents were flight instructors and he received his commercial pilot license in 2004. He currently continues to fly for pleasure and as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
Rob is instrumental in TMS’s mission to incorporate more sustainable architecture and materials into the firm’s designs and is currently working to complete his LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
August 24, 2011
The home presented somewhat a challenge for TMS architect Shannon Alther as it was sited on a wind-swept hill in Southern New Hampshire and needed to be designed to take advantage of the amazing vistas that stretched all the way to Boston. He describes the home as “New England style” and was careful to orient it to allow maximum sunshine inside. The homeowners wanted to make sure that the home was energy efficient and installed solar panels, energy efficient windows and a unique hot-water heating system. They can control the heating and cooling system and check electric and water usage all while sitting at their computer. The home was designed for comfort and modern living with an open floor plan, multiple windows, high ceilings and comfortable seating. Michael Cebula of Cebula Design, a frequent TMS collaborator, was given the mandate that nothing should be off limits to the grandchildren. The owners wanted “everything to be comfortable and roomy enough to accommodate everyone.” Working with Teleran Construction of Stratham, NH and landscape architect Doug Greiner of g2+1 in Salisbury, MA, the team was able to create a home that is perfect for family gatherings and easy entertaining. As the article says, “Beauty combined with energy conservation is a perfect formula for modern living.”
August 24, 2011
JAson competed in the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, known as The Toughest Hillclimb in the World, and out of a field of 600 riders, Jason finished 49th with a time of 1:13:46! This race is the biggest fundraiser for the Tin Mountain Conservation Center and elite professional and amateur cyclists are "allowed" to pedal up an unrelenting grade with winds often exceeding 40 mph. Mt. Washington is known for having some of the worst weather in the world; hurricane force winds are present 100 days a year on average and this reputation for terrible weather is one of the reasons Mt. Washington is the toughest bicycle climb in the world. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is 7.6 miles in length with an average 12% grade with extended sections of 18% and then, just as you think you are near the top, the last 50 yards has an amazing 22% grade! So, our congratulations to Jason for training for this event, riding successfully up the mountain and finishing with a smile!
May 16, 2011
The home needed to be large enough to accommodate an extended family but the client also wanted the home to feel cozy. William H. Soupcoff, principal with TMS Architects, understood her concerns and explained in the article that “the two primary motivations for the design were that the scale of the house not be overwhelming and that the plans take full advantage of the magnificent panoramic view…from the back of the house”. He was able to achieve the comfortable scale that the owner wanted with a design that kept the profile of the house low by tucking the upper level under the roof line; gables and dormers gave upstairs room the height that they need. In order to capture the lake views, he positioned all the main living spaces along the back of the house with windows and French doors creating opportunities for dramatic views and light-filled areas.
February 16, 2011
“A Perennially Adaptable Home”, appearing in the January/February issue, featured a New Castle home that started life as a gardener’s cottage when it was built in the early 20th century. Bill Soupcoff of TMS Architects worked with the owners to develop a master plan that they have been implementing over the past twenty years. The simple cottage has seen two kitchen renovations, extensive landscaping, new additions and new windows. When asked if they had a favorite room, one of the homeowners replied that...”we love them all. I work out of my home so when I go into the kitchen or bedroom, I really feel like I am in a different place.” The second article, “Small and Beautiful” in New Hampshire Magazine’s March/April issue showcased an extensive seaside renovation designed by Bill Soupcoff and Rob Carty of TMS Architects. As Rob explained, “zoning laws prevented the house from being completely demolished or expanded…and a lot of work had to be done to make it a solid structure.” The original home, built in 1915, needed a new foundation and the interior was extensively redesigned to open up the spaces to the incredible ocean views. In the end, the architects felt that the interior reflected” simple elegance” and that “nothing is overdone.”
November 17, 2010
The Exeter, NH branch of The Provident Bank had been located in temporary quarters on the lower level of the Exeter Town Hall while their new bank was under construction. The bank features “People’s Hours” as it is open seven days a week for the convenience of its customers. TMS Architects has been working with The Provident Bank since 2002 when the firm transformed an old Friendly’s Restaurant in Newburyport into a branch bank that evoked the area’s rich historic architectural heritage. The Provident Bank has always prided itself on its commitment to customer satisfaction; therefore it was important that the design solution be non-institutional in character with a residential feel. In order to achieve this personal ambience, generous use of exterior and interior windows fill the interior spaces with abundant light and a consistent palette of white wood trim , bright colors and comfortable furnishings reinforce the residential character. The exterior is clearly influenced by New England architecture with details such as arbors, brackets, lattice, columns and shutters used as the basis for the architectural palette. The bank was also able to take advantage of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features such as recycled and renewable building materials, Energy Star-rated windows and highly efficient mechanical systems. In addition to TMS Architects, the design and construction team included Britton Construction of Newbury, MA., Scadd, Inc., Rye, NH and Jones & Beach Engineers of Stratham, NH. For more information, visit www. TheProvidentBank.com
September 21, 2010
Clever storage solutions are so popular that an entire magazine, Storage, a Better Homes & Gardens Special Publication, is devoted to the topic. The Fall/Winter issue just hit the newsstands and features a TMS-designed addition that has the storage problems really figured out! The homeowner is a certified professional organizer and the mother of four young children, so as the home was being planned, she put a tremendous amount of effort in planning functional and attractive storage solutions that will grow with her family. Each new room has its own particular solution; the kitchen has three parallel work spaces, double ovens and small appliance garages. Cooking is done on a center island that is equipped with a six-burner stove, multiple warming drawers and storage drawers precisely configured for specific cookware. More st0rage is available in a walk-in pantry that has its own sink, refrigerator drawers and plenty of space for making school lunches. The playroom would be the envy of any family with small children as it has been designed to keep toys in designated spaces. Colorful and fun , the shelves are adjustable as the children grow and desks that are now used for projects can be used later for computers and homework. Even the spacious mudroom is a marvel of organization and careful planning. Each family member has a built-in cubby with multiple hooks,baskets and drawers as well as room to sit on the benches. The end of the room has several charging stations so cameras, cell phones, ipods, etc., are ready to go when needed. Read the full article for more organizational tips in the Fall/Winter Storage magazine from Better Homes & Gardens and look for additional photographs @ www.tmsarchitects.com in the residential portfolio under “Family Friendly Renovation.”
August 18, 2010
Organized in an effort to help prevent global warming, individual donors can pledge one penny per mile for every mile that they need to drive and feel better about the driving that they do! OPPM will use these donated funds to construct green energy production systems and then give those systems away based on need and potential for public education and community benefit. One of the first projects was done for The Walker School of Needham, MA and consisted of a solar-powered garden shed; a 160 watt, 12 volt off-the-grid demonstration system with battery-powered storage. Solar panels were installed on the shed and students from The Walker School will participate in re-orienting the panels as the sun changes seasonally and learn about solar energy in the process. Viewing windows haven been installed as well which allow the students to see the internal equipment without having to open the shed. OPPM is currently accepting Early Adopter donations…for every pledge of more than $15, you will receive a numbered window placard for your card. Just fill out the general donation form on the OPPM website and return it by mail or simply send an email with your name and address to One PennyPerMile@gmail.com. People generally drive less than 10,000 miles per year. If you drive your car 8,750 miles, all it takes is $87.50 or less than $8.00 per months to feel better about the driving you do. Contact www.onepennypermile.org for further information or visit their booth August 19-21 at the Boston Green Fest being held at Boston City Hall Plaza.
June 23, 2010
TMS Architects will continue their long-time association with The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH, by providing architectural services required for The Music Hall’s latest venture, The Music Hall Loft. The Loft, located at 131 Congress Street in Portsmouth, will offer the community a variety of flexible interactive spaces, including studio and classroom space and an 100+ seat multipurpose café theatre. Large windows fronting Congress Street will allow passersby the opportunity to see the action inside, increasing the excitement and interest in The Music Hall’s programming. Patricia Lynch, The Music Hall’s Executive Director, promised that the space will offer “a unique experience – a world-class modern, downtown space that is simultaneously an intimate theatre (with food/drink availability) and a high-traffic space for educational programming.” John Merkle, AIA, principal at TMS and Nicole Martineau, AIA, TMS project architect, have been involved with The Music Hall’s renewal from the start, working on the restoration of the proscenium arch, the theatre’s dome and the creation of dramatic new first floor lobby space.
June 17, 2010
TMS Architects is honored to be selected by the membership of the Salem Country Club, established in 1895, to renovate and expand their existing Clubhouse. The project will include renovating and expanding the historic Donald Ross Dining and Grill Rooms. The new design will improve the current floor plan and add an additional 1500 square feet to the members’ dining area. The new layout will enhance the membership’s dining experience and provide seating flexibility, including a new bar, casual lounge and several small dining spaces for smaller group functions. The Salem Country Club was founded more than 100 years ago and in the earliest years the members played a primitive 9-hole game at Gardner Farm in Peabody. For the last 8 decades, the Club has been located on the former Sanders Farm in West Peabody and the present course was designed by Donald Ross in 1925. Because of its renowned design and immaculate condition, the Club has hosted four national championships, including the USGA Women’s Open, and the 2001 Men’s Senior Open. Salem CC has consistently been selected as one of Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Golf Courses”.
June 15, 2010
In these days of unrelenting bad news and dismal forecasts, it is wonderful to be able to pass along a hopeful and happy announcement! Our resident “wizard”, Tim Giguere and his wife Jessica, welcomed their first child, Logan Brock Giguere on June13th, weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz and measuring (very important for architects) 19 3/4″ long. Logan is the second TMS baby to be born this year. Ellie Noonan, the daughter of TMS project manager Samia Touma and her husband, Greg Noonan, entered the world on April 18th. We wish them all the very best!
May 26, 2010
On May 16th, TMS Architect Project Manager Jason Bailey, rode in his first international cycling sportive event, the Etape Caledonia. Jason rode the 82-mile Scottish bike race with close to 4000 cyclists through picturesque Perthshire villages to bring awareness and aid to Macmillan Cancer Support, an organization committed to supporting cancer patients, survivors and their families in difficult times. Jason raised over $500 for Macmillan and the charity as a whole raised over $600,000! TMS Architects is honored to support Jason and his cycling club, Team Eco Cycle, as they participate in charity organized sportive events throughout the year. Jason notes his training for this particular ride has been tough. Much of his winter riding took place at home on the stationary trainer and on the local roads whenever the snow was cleared. “I took the bike everywhere this winter and spring,” says Jason, “If the weather was above 30 and not raining, or raining too hard, I would ride just to get some extra miles in.” When the weather warmed, Jason’s need to ride outside increased as training for a May endurance event is particularly difficult because of the limited after work daylight. This meant adjusting work hours to steal an hour here and an hour there to fit in training sessions. “I acknowledge the flexibility TMS has given me these past few months. They provide me a platform of support throughout my personal training and TMS knows what I do on the bike means only good things for the causes I ride for and my own health. Staying healthy and having fulfilling goals both at and away from work makes for happy workers!” In the end, all of Jason’s extra training paid off. Out of the 3600 timed riders Jason finished 903rd and finished 300th on the “King of the Mountain” climb. He also finished 48th out of 150 in his age group. “Not bad for not actually ‘racing’,” Jason mentions. “I mostly cruised from group to group talking with several riders and enjoying the scenery. The legs and lungs felt good the entire ride despite running out of water 25-miles from the finish. Riding in Scotland will be a memory I will never forget and I look forward to my next international cycling event. Riding a bike is fun, but riding a bike in the name of a worthy cause is even better!” The next local cycling event is the 100-mile Dempsey Challenge in early October in Lewiston/Auburn, Maine. To find out how you can support Jason, Team Eco Cycle, TMS Architects and the Dempsey Challenge please contact Jason Bailey at jasonb@tms-architects.com or teamecocycle@gmail.com.
May 11, 2010
TMS Architects was proud to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebration involving the unveiling of a dramatic bronze sculpture commemorating Bobby Orr’s famous 1970 Stanley Cup winning goal against the St. Louis Blues. Dedicated almost to the hour that the famous goal was scored forty years ago, May 10, 1970, former teammates, Bobby Orr’s family, Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston Garden owner Jeremy Jacobs and Red Sox players David Ortiz and Tim Wakefield were all on hand to celebrate this remarkable moment in sports history. This legendary overtime goal, captured in bronze by sculptor Harry Winden, will forever immortalize the famous player flying through the air. TMS Architects collaborated on the newly designed exterior space surrounding the statue and the freestanding “TD Garden” sign. The sculpture, sign and plaza is now known as “Bobby Orr Place”.
May 5, 2010
Coastal Home magazine, a new quarterly home, garden and lifestyle publication that recently made its debut chose a TMS project to feature as their first cover story. As Keith Lemerise, the original founder and publisher of Accent Home and Garden magazine and publisher of this new publication, said in his Preview issue, he realized that with the demise of Accent “the marketplace needed a progressive, sophisticated and beautiful magazine once again.” Entitled “Seaside Savvy”, the article describes a custom TMS home built on a very beautiful but challenging oceanfront site. TMS principal, Bill Soupcoff, was responsible for devising a design solution which would take advantage of the amazing views and provide the homeowners with casual beachfront elegance. Meticulously detailed, the home is a combination of sophistication paired with more casual touches, appropriate for its oceanfront location. As the architect explained, “The oceanfront side of the home is nearly 20feet above the water, so you don’t really see the beach. The visual perception is like you are in a boat.” To read this and other articles in Coastal Home, pick up an issue on your newsstand or visit www.coastalhg.com.
April 22, 2010
Born at the very reasonable time of 1:31 in the afternoon on April 18th, Ellie Noonan, the daughter of TMS project manager, Samia Touma and her husband, Greg Noonan, weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 19.7" long. Her mother reports that she is a very calm baby and that they feel very lucky....we all wish them well!
April 21, 2010
Regeneration Park, a commercial building whose goal is to consume zero net energy and emit zero net carbon. This ambitious project has been conceived by Andrew Kellar, founder and owner of Simply Green Biofuels, and when completed, will be an eco-friendly home to like-minded businesses. Working with Andrew Kellar on the project is Shannon Alther, AIA, principal with TMS Architects, who is excited about the opportunity presented by the project to turn a tired old car dealership into a 21st century multi-use building that will exceed today’s environmental standards. Even the name of the building, Regeneration Park, grew out of a commitment to reuse as much material from the building as possible. The contractor on the job estimates that approximately 90% of the material by volume has been recycled or reused. Most of the activity has been taking place inside the building at the moment as the goal is to have it move-in ready by September, but eventually the front facade will be transformed with tilting windows, solar panels and landscaped grounds befitting the ecological goals of the project.
April 15, 2010
John Merkle, AIA, found himself in a very different role Friday evening than his normal one as architect for The Music Hall’s continuing restoration project. During the evening’s performance, comedian Paula Poundstone managed to incorporate Mr. Merkle and TMS Architects into her comedy routine. Choosing TMS Architects from the sponsor’s list, she asked for a representative of the firm to identify himself and “friends” in the audience all pointed to John. “Outed”, John was then the subject of her routine as she relentlessly probed the nature of his work as an architect and how he spent his time in his office. After the performance was finally finished (much to John’s relief) they had a chance to chat informally in the Founder’s Lobby where she thanked him for being such a good sport.
March 24, 2010
–“A Fruitful Collaboration” appearing in the March/April issue of New England Home, tells the story of a couple building their dream home. However, they weren’t entirely sure what kind of home they wanted until they met Bill Soupcoff, a principal with the Portsmouth firm, TMS Architects, who worked with the couple to understand their likes and dislikes. From an initial question and answer session, Bill was able to design a home which combined their appreciation for the modest simplicity of Asian design with the crisp precision of contemporary architecture. “Simple, cozy, precise, contemporary, minimalistic” were adjectives that the owners used to describe their to-be-designed home. Add to this mix was the fact that the home was situated in the middle of a New England apple orchard. At the end of the design process, the spaciousness of the interior belies the modest size of the house at 3,000 square feet The challenge of designing a relatively small house that “lives large” was achieved by incorporating cathedral ceilings and interior windows. High windows in 2-story spaces and in the large central cupola flood the interior with natural light all day long. The exterior of the home uses cedar shingles, brick, and fieldstone; a New Hampshire color palette and one that blends seamlessly with the surrounding apple orchard. Read more about this home and other beautiful New England residences in the March/April issue of New England Home, online at www.nehomemag.com or visit www.tmsarchitects.com to view their entire portfolio.
March 1, 2010
evo Home, a joint venture between three well-known New Hampshire firms, TMS Architects, Bruss Construction and Moon River Development, has been formed to develop a revolutionary new generation of homes that are affordable, energy efficient and sensitive to the environment. This powerful team draws on combined design and building experience of more than fifty years and shares a deep commitment to the creation of homes that will be able to satisfy the energy needs of the 21st century without compromising aesthetic design or quality standards. In the reality of today’s market place, home owners are asking for smaller, more efficient and lower maintenance residences. evo has been created to meet this demand; each limited-edition evo Home will outperform the building codes energy required standards by over 60%, will meet USGBC LEED for Homes certification requirements, and offer performance criteria that is 50% better than an Energy Star home. Designed by TMS Architects, a New England award-winning architectural firm in collaboration with Moon River Development and built by Bruss Construction, the area’s leader in sustainable construction, each evo Home will offer the owner ease of maintenance, increased durability, and flexibility of choice in levels of trim and options. Because of the experience and knowledge of the leadership team, the evo product line is able to integrate innovative design and cutting-edge sustainable technology, streamline and simplify the delivery system and provide the consumer with an understandable pricing structure and detailed material specifications. An evo Home will be built by local craftsmen on your lot or ours and our simplified process offers exceptionally fast delivery at a fair price. Experience the evolution in Innovative Home Design at the Manchester Home & Garden Show, March 5-7, call us for a complimentary consultation and visit our website www.evohomecompany.com for the full evo Home story. Simply put…the home evolved.
March 1, 2010
New Hampshire Home Magazine chose Phillips Exeter Academy's new TMS-designed faculty housing for their March/April "green issue". The article, "Planning for Sustainability" discussed the school's goals to reduce utility consumption by 50%, eliminate the use of fossil fuels, and incorporate local and environmentally friendly building materials and native plants. Eventually, these objectives were met so successfully that the faculty residences earned LEED gold certification and were awarded an AIA New Hampshire Award for Excellence. For more information on this and other stories, read New Hampshire Home's March/April issue for their entire showcase of green design. "Curb Appeal - A Facelift Erases Age Lines", New Hampshire Magazine, March 2010 describes a "Pygmalion" home, transformed by TMS architect, John Merkle, into an architecturally award winning neighborhood beauty. The recently retired homeowners decided to remain in their home rather than move into a retirement community and recognized the need for a major renovation after years of deferred maintenance. Unable to enlarge the footprint of the home, the architect had to make use of under-utilized spaces to create necessary additional living areas. Read more about this transformation and other articles about clever home renovations in the March issue of New Hampshire Magazine or visit www.tmsarchitects.com to view their entire portfolio.
January 19, 2010
Portsmouth, NH - January 18, 2010 - For the second year in a row, Nathan Stolarz, Associate AIA, received an award for his work at the American Institute of Architects' 26th Annual Awards Banquet at the New Hampshire Institute of Art on January 15th. This competition was created in 2003 to provide an opportunity for interns and young architects to strengthen their design skills, gain recognition and assist a community with a specific design project. The requirement for this year's design competition was to design a renovation and addition to the Wadleigh Memorial Library in Milford, NH. Nathan Stolarz's unique solution to the design problem received the following comments from the jurors. "This proposal created an elegant glass and columnar structure hovering over the entire historic building and proposed addition. This strategy created an architecturally unified public library with intriguing night-time lighting possibilities. The proposal suggests a bold solution for a historically sensitive public building. The presentation is graphically stunning."
January 18, 2010
Portsmouth, NH – January 18 – John Merkle, AIA, was honored by his peers on January 15th at the 26th annual American Institute of Architects New Hampshire chapter banquet with the Clinton Sheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture. This award honors and promotes NH architects and their architecture that exemplifies excellence in design at the highest level. Christopher Williams, a past recipient of the award, noted in his presentation speech that “John Merkle is an architect with a solidly rooted interest in preservation who has been key to saving numerous historical structures and has given major amounts of time to the support of preservation and other architectural efforts throughout the state of NH.” Since he co-founded TMS Architects in 1984, John Merkle has carved out a niche in the field of historical preservation, committing himself and his firm to saving and restoring some of New England’s most significant historical landmarks. His work has included the restoration of The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel, New Castle, NH, The Music Hall and the Portsmouth Discovery Center in Portsmouth, the American Independence Museum, Exeter, NH and the Bridges House, the NH Governor’s residence in Concord to name just a few of his projects. The Clinton Sheer Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture is named after a well-known NH architect who died in 1997 and who exemplified the spirit of great passion for beauty and design, a dedication to the community and the tenacity to follow one’s tasks and dreams. It is his example that sets the standard for the award.
January 18, 2010
TMS Architects received a Special Mention for three new faculty residences built for Phillips Exeter Academy. These homes were added to the O’Neil Court Neighborhood, complementing the four faculty homes previously designed by TMS in 2004. The three new homes needed to comply with Phillips Exeter Academy’s Environmental Mission Statement that “PEA must be committed to stewardship of the environment…and value, protect, preserve and replenish natural resources. These new residences achieved Gold LEED certification by reducing energy consumption by 50% , eliminating the use of fossil fuels for heating by using geo-thermal energy, incorporating local building materials and native plants, recycling the majority of construction waste and installing a rain garden to capture runoff from roofs and driveways. The jury commented that “this was a clever use of modern materials in contextual form. Strong sense of community.” AIANH instituted the Excellence in Architecture Awards Program in 1983 to provide public and professional recognition for design excellence. Each entry was judged on the following criteria: overall design excellence including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client’s program.
October 13, 2009
TMS Architects was recently honored as winner of a AIANE People’s Choice Award in the category “The House in Which I’d Most Like to Live” during AIA New England’s Regional Conference, held in Portsmouth October 2-4. Architectural boards were on display and available for voting in Portsmouth’s Discovery Center in the weeks leading up to the conference. The award was given for a private residence designed by TMS principal, William Soupcoff, and is located in Wolfeboro, NH. Although substantial in size, the home was intended to blend in with its surroundings and the end result is that when looking at the site from the lake, one can only catch glimpses of the house amongst the trees. One of the more distinctive design features of the home is a soaring circular 4-story tower with windows capturing light and lake views.
August 18, 2009
Portsmouth, NH – August 17, 2009 – A TMS Architects home was featured in the September/October issue of New Hampshire Home magazine. The home had been originally designed by TMS in 2004 and the firm was subsequently selected to design an addition for the new owners. The home owners wished to live on one floor of the home so TMS architect, Shannon Alther, had to solve several challenges with the design of the new master bedroom/bath addition. He did not want to overwhelm the scale of the existing house and needed to separate the new space from the rest of the first floor for privacy. Vaulted ceilings added volume and as the article explains, “the height allowed Alther to include whimsical elements that are TMS signatures, such as the round window in the bathroom’s roof”. TMS collaborated with Cebula Design of Newburyport, Massachusetts, on the interior design which features extensive tile work, rough-hewn slate, granite and ebonized mahogany cabinetry, successfully creating a deliberate mix of “earthy and elegant”. The final result was an addition that seamlessly matched the original home yet added a full basement for storage, sybaritic master bath and restful master bedroom with amenities such as a walk-in closet, window seat and curved wall.
July 24, 2009
Portsmouth, NH – June 24, 2009 – TMS Architects was recently honored at the Old York Decorator Show House Preview Gala by Accent Home & Garden Magazine. The Best of Accent Awards, established to honor excellence in the home design industry, recognized six local design professionals for their outstanding work. Designers, architects and builders from across Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts submitted 50 projects which were judged by an independent panel. TMS was awarded Best Design/Build for its 4,300 square foot residence, A View for All Seasons, overlooking a tidal estuary leading directly to the Atlantic Ocean. Designed to take advantage of unobstructed views, living areas are situated to face the ocean with a multitude of windows and an expansive stone patio incorporated for outdoor living.
June 24, 2009
Nicole Martineau, a project architect with TMS Architects has had a very busy year! She received her AIA Accreditation, became a LEED Certified Architect and was then selected from a large pool of applicants to spend the summer in Washington DC working on the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) under the supervision of the National Park Service and the Library of Congress. The Historic Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) collections are among the largest and most heavily used in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. The collections document achievements in architecture, engineering and design with projects as diverse as houses, windmills, one-room schools, the Golden Gate Bridge and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Nicole will be working specifically over the summer to document the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal that links the south branch of the Chicago River to the Des Plains River and is the only shipping link between Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Constructed from 1892-1900, it was the largest public works excavation project undertaken at that time and its pioneering construction techniques set new standards for future projects. After having the opportunity to spend time in Washington DC and Chicago, Nicole will return to TMS Architects in September with a wealth of historic preservation knowledge gained from this unique experience.
March 23, 2009
TMS Architects designed project on Bow Street, Martingale Wharf, under the direction of owners Butch and John Ricci of Ricci Construction, has made significant construction progress over this past winter. The east and west steel frame is fabricated and considerable reconstruction of the interior of the existing Martingale Building has occurred. This challenging project, a 50,000 sf mixed-use building, is well on its way on either side of the Martingale Apartment building at 99 Bow Street and will eventually offer restaurant, retail and office space. The project, in development for more than five years, has overcome many obstacles and according to owner Butch Ricci, "This project will be one of the most difficult that we have ever undertaken. Basically we are building to the property line, front and back ...its extremely challenging." Ricci Construction brought in Maine Drilling & Blasting to handle the sensitive site work. Access was extremely limited to the site and the slope from the pavement to the river was 30 feet down and much of the rock removal had to be performed by barge. The unique topography of the site will provide tenants with five levels of prime waterfront real estate along with a penthouse level with a private deck. A restaurant can easily take advantage of the multi-level design as well breathtaking views from the large expanse of glass along the water side of the building. As the building offers dual frontage on Bow Street and the Piscataqua River, retailers will have a wide choice of unique spaces. The city of Portsmouth has been supportive of the project and looking forward to the benefits that the project will offer in terms of increased tourism and additional office and retail opportunities.
February 17, 2009
TMS Architects and Phillips Exeter Academy are proud to announce their collaboration on faculty housing in the O'Neil Court neighborhood has resulted in LEED® Gold certification for the three new residences. TMS Architects originally designed four faculty homes in 2002 and the neighborhood was further expanded in 2008 with three additional units that comply with Phillips Exeter's Environmental Mission Statement which mandates that "PEA must be committed to stewardship of the environment...and value, protect, preserve and replenish natural resources." LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system to determine if a building meets specific green building criteria. The six major environmental categories that must be satisfied include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design. Silver Gold and Platinum levels of LEED certification are awarded based upon points earned within each of these categories. The LEED process requires a project to go through third party verification to ensure that the goals set out by the design team are met in the field. LEED certification services for Phillips Exeter Academy were provided by the Jordan Institute, a non-profit organization working to implement significant climate change solutions in New Hampshire by reducing energy use in buildings. The Gold certification for the three residences was achieved by reducing utility energy consumption by 50% and eliminating the use of fossil fuels for heating by using geo-thermal energy through wells drilled up to 220 feet below the surface. They also incorporated local building materials and native plants in the landscaping, recycled the majority of the construction waste, and installed a rain garden to capture runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs or driveways. The specific building materials used in the homes contribute to the overall sustainability of the project. The R-value of the walls of the homes was greatly increased by using structural insulated panels (SIPs) that have an insulting layer of foam sandwiched between structural boards. Triple-paned windows, fluorescent lighting, a drain water recovery system from showers, heat recovery ventilators to capture and return warm air, and Energy Star appliances have been installed in all three residences. There is easy access to recycling and low to no VOC materials have been employed to prevent "off-gassing". LEED Gold certification is a distinct honor and a testament to Phillips Exeter Academy and TMS Architects' commitment to sustainability as well as the experienced construction management provided by Bruss Construction of Bradford, NH and H.W. DeVries of Manchester, NH; of the 1322 total LEED-certified homes in the U.S. as of January 29, 2009, only 276 have achieved Gold status. For more information visit www.tmsarchitects.com and www.exeter.edu
January 19, 2009
TMS Architects was honored to be the recipient of one of six awards for Excellence in Architecture that were announced at the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture's Award Banquet at the New Hampshire Institute of Art on January 16th. Restoration of The Music Hall lobby was the project selected for this award which was accepted by TMS co-founder John Merkle, AIA, The Music Hall's Executive Director Patricia Lynch, John DeStefano, the General Contractor and TMS Project Manager, Nicole Martineau. Built in 1878, this historic Portsmouth landmark has been restored in phases with the lobby being the most recently completed project. Formerly cramped and cold, the lobby was expanded with the removal of 700 cubic yards of ledge and designed so that the space now contributes to the magical experience of the theatrical performances. The jurors commented that "the architect did a good job of maintaining the best of the structure...the design shows inventiveness in creating space...It shows a good sense of what to keep, what to improve and sensitivity to historic details."
January 19, 2009
TMS Architects is proud to announce that Nathan Stolarz, an architectural intern with the firm, was the First Place winner of the AIA New Hampshire Design Competition for Intern/Young Architects awarded at the AIA NH Awards Banquet on January 16th. This competition was created in 2003 to provide an opportunity for young architects to strengthen their design skills, gain recognition and assist a community with their design challenges. This year's program was to design a new office/education center for the Town of Ossipee and Carroll County UNH Co-op Extension. The jurors commented that..."the design clearly considers how to reduce the building’s impact on the site...All in all it would be a fun and functional building, in harmony with its mission and interesting enough to make us want to visit. Well done."
December 24, 2008
TMS Architects was recently honored to have two of their projects featured in the January/February 2009 issue of ACCENT Home & Garden's first issue devoted to urban living. "Growing Up in the City" is the story of a residence in Manchester's north end that was built in 1926 as a wedding present to the daughter of a wealthy attorney. The present owners purchased the stately brick colonial and romantically, the future husband proposed marriage on the front steps after the home inspection. The challenge for TMS princpal, John Merkle, AIA was to adapt this historic home to fit the needs of the family's growing family without altering the elegant character of the home. Another TMS project. the transformation of Portsmouth's Music Hall lobby was the subject of "Creating a Grand Entrance". Construction began in December 0f 2007 with the removal of 700 cubic yards of rock ledge from beneath the theatre. This excavation made room for a 2800 square foot lobby - four times the size of the previous damp and cramped space. The vision of the project was to create a magical space for theater patrons in keeping with the Beaux Art design of the theater itself. Curving spaces, crimson banquettes, fantastical bronze trees, colored LED lighting all contribute to the magic of the overall theatrical experience.
December 19, 2008
TMS Architects is proud to announce that Robert Carty, AIA, a principal in the firm, recently achieved his LEED certification. This Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is a rigorous certification program that is nationally accepted as a benchmark for sustainable buildings. LEED recognizes performance in five key areas; sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. TMS Architects has been committed to sustainable architecture since the firm was founded twenty-five years ago. The LEED certifcation reinforces this commitment and ensures that the firm has access to green building practices and the tools necessary to implement sustainable design.
September 22, 2008
Another challenging TMS Architects restoration project, the Music Hall's Founders Lobby, was recently dramatically unveiled to the public. Under the supervision of John Merkle, AIA, the design had been a closely guarded secret so that the opening was a complete surprise to the community. Applauded by patrons, the Beaux-Art inspired vision reflects the restored upper theater with its curves, colors and red velvet settees. The new 2,600 square-foot space is 1,100 feet approximately larger than the old, cramped lobby. This additional space was made possible by excavating and removing 700 cubic yards of ledge underneath the Music Hall. According to architect John Merkle, "We wanted to create a space where you thought you were part of the experience." The Music Hall's Executive Director, Patricia Lynch, echoed him by saying that ..." In a theater, you want something magical ...we didn't want a bank lobby, we wanted a magical space". The lobby's dramatic ambience was created by the installation of a "fantasy forest" of cast bronze trees and branches, gilded Corinthian columns, velvet settees and a concession area embedded with hand-formed acrylic bubbles illuminated by LED lighting. The wallpaper was made of items from The Music Hall's archives such as ticket stubs, playbills and advertisements through the years. Even the bathrooms created a stir; grotto-like in their design with "tumbledown brick walls", tiled floors evoking flowing water, bronze foliage and artifacts from the old lobby embedded in the walls. Working with architect John Merkle to make this project a success was designer Jason McLean of Jason McLean Design and general contractor John DeStefano who skillfully executed a very complicated building project.
September 10, 2008
August 13, 2008
Built in 1878, The Music Hall is the last surviving vintage theatre in Portsmouth; a city that boasted more than a dozen venues at one time. These auditoriums were elaborately decorated in a Classical style and The Music Hall was the most ornate of these theatres with a dome painted in fantastical colors, trompe l'oeil moldings and romantic murals. Eventually, all of this decorative artwork was covered up with layers of white paint as the theatre fell on hard times after the 1920s. It came very close to demolition or condominium conversion before it was rescued by a group of determined Portsmouth residents. According to the article in Traditional Building by Eve Kahn, "jaw-dropping architectural improvements have been unveiled." TMS Architects have stabilized the structure and EverGreeen Painting Studios of New York have researched and replicated interior finishes and painting. The Music Hall has remained opened throughout this entire restoration and phases of the finished restoration have been shown to the community as they have been completed with the lobby scheduled to be be unveiled in the fall of 2008. In order to create space for the new lobby, the basement had to be excavated ...according to John Merkle of TMS, ..."we had a small mining operation there" as earth moving equipment was brought in to move the bedrock out of the building. For more information., please refer to www.traditional-building.com or www. themusichall.org
July 23, 2008
TMS Architects is proud to announce that they have recently launched a completely new Flash website. This new site, equipped with a custom content management system, affords TMS the opportunity to update news, copy and portfolio images without any specific technical knowledge, even tasks as specific as handling the final cropping and sizing of photos through a simple web interface. This new website features sleek animation, smooth transitions, instructive copy and a focus on large architectural photographs; all designed to communicate with our clients in a more efficient manner, utilizing the most up-to-date technological advances in web design. Working in collaboration with Raka Creative of Portsmouth, NH., we are delighted to have this beautiful and functional tool available for us to showcase our work and provide content that will help explain the intricacies of the architectural process.
July 1, 2008
The question that this article asks is "how do you build a spacious, four-bedroom without sacrificing spectacular ocean views and a feeling of easy grandeur inside?" The answer given by TMS principal architect, William Soupcoff, is that "sometimes when you have so many site constraints, you come to a solution quicker because you have fewer options." The residence is a three-story structure with an attached carriage house and in order to maximize the dramatic ocean views, the living room has 20 foot ceilings and a band of clerestory windows, thus ensuring that the home looks out to sky and water, not to next-door neighbors. Three of the four bedrooms occupy the lower level so that the main living area with a kitchen, formal dining room and study can take advantage of the views offered by the height of the site on a bluff perched above the beach. The master suite is located on the third level with spectacular views from the French doors and a strategically located upper deck. For more information, please refer to the July/August edition of New England Home Magazine or visit www.nehomemag.com.
June 18, 2008
TMS Architects is proud to announce that one of its staff members, Jason Bailey, graduated from Boston Architectural College on May 31, 2008 as the Undergraduate Salutatorian of his graduating class. In addition to this distinction, he was also awarded the AIA/Henry Adams Medal and Certificate for top ranked undergraduate students of architecture. Jason started his architectural career at TMS as a summer intern and is now a valuable team member in the role of intern architect/project manager. The following is a quote from the commencement speech that Jason gave to his graduating class. "It has been quite a journey and now that this chapter in my education is concluded, i can confidently say that I have been prepared through the BAC's concurrent-based learning process to graduate as a design professional with the abilities needed to lead, communicate and collaborate in the workplace and initiate lasting relationships within my community where I may educate others."
June 6, 2008
TMS proudly announces that Tim Giguere, a staff member, was awarded a prestigious fellowship from Plan NH to pursue graduate level architectural studies. The fellowship was awarded at a banquet on June 6, 2007 and is given annually to outstanding students who are pursuing careers aimed at improving the built environment in northern New England. Tim is a repeat award winner, having received a similar scholarship while an undergraduate student at the Boston Architectural Center as well as receiving this award last year as a graduate student. Plan NH is a non-profit foundation formed in 1989 for the purpose of supporting and preserving our quality of life through excellence in planning, design and development. :: http:// www.plannh.com
May 20, 2008
TMS Architects was honored to receive three of the thirteen preservation awards that were presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance at a ceremony on May 13th at the N.H. Historical Society's Tuck Library in Concord. The three TMS projects singled out for this distinction were The American Independence Museum in Exeter, N.H., The Music Hall in Portsmouth, N.H., and the Louis deRochemont House, Newington N.H. "This annual awards program recognizes outstanding achievement and seeks to inspire others" said board awards committee chair, Christopher P. Williams, AIA, and went on to say that "this type of preservation activity is critical to the character of the state's communities and economic vitality." The American Independence Museum was recognized for the restoration of the 18th century Folsom Tavern, which was moved to a new site on the grounds of the museum. Through the efforts of TMS Architects and a collaborative group of engineers, archaeologists and landscape architects, the preservation project gives the museum added space, while preserving an important Revolutionary-era building. The Louis DeRochemont House, an 1862 home that had been renovated by filmmaker Louis deRochemont in 1938, was going to be razed as part of commercial development plans. TMS Architects, along with developer Astoria Properties, had the historic home moved to its present site and reconfigured as health care offices and a film archive and museum. The Music Hall, a Portsmouth landmark and nationally recognized theatre, received an award that celebrated The Music Hall’s "outstanding restoration of the auditorium and proscenium arch" and made note of the work done by the theatre staff, board members and project partners including TMS Architects. The Music Hall has been named an American Treasure for the Arts and TMS Architects continues to work on this significant project with major changes to the entry lobby of this 1878 structure.
April 15, 2008
TMS Architects of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is pleased to announce that the firm has been selected to participate in a comprehensive restoration of The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. According to general manager, Uwe Roggenthien, and management company, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the project is designed to retain the hotel's historic charm, while positioning it for future growth by upgrading accommodations and creating more flexible function space for meetings and weddings. Situated on 15,000 acres in New Hampshire's White Mountains, The Balsams is legendary for recreational activities, breathtaking scenery and award-winning dining. Included in the National Registry of Historic Places, the hotel is famous for the Ballot Room, a space where all the registered voters of Dixville Notch gather and simultaneously cast their presidential ballots on the stroke of midnight. The first phase of the ambitious restoration project was completed in December 2007 and involved the restoration and interior design of all common areas, social rooms and meeting spaces. TMS Architects and LDL Architectural Design of Providence, Rhode Island have been chosen to oversee the next phase of the project which calls for the construction of a model guest room followed by the restoration of 110 guest rooms in the hotel's Hampshire wing.
January 18, 2008
TMS Architects is proud to announce that the firm was the recipient of two out of the five awards for Excellence in Architecture presented at the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects 24th Annual Awards Banquet at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. TMS received an Honor Award for a private residence in Exeter, NH. John Merkle, AIA, the project's architect, was asked by the homeowners to make a small home, less than 600 sq. ft. on the first floor, seem larger without expanding the building's footprint and at the same time, make the small space more efficient and aesthetically integrated. Living space was incorporated into an existing porch and opening up the entire first floor plan provided an overall sense of space. The Philadelphia-based jurors said of the project, "This is a lucky client. There are lots of clever changes to a very ordinary house. The rich detailing and restraint are commended." TMS Architects also received a Merit Award for another private residence located in New Hampshire's White Mountains on a site with breathtaking views of Mt. Chocorua. Designed by architects William Soupcoff, AIA and Shannon Alther, AIA, this self-sustaining home pays homage to the farmhouse that occupied the site from 1788 to 2004 while employing technological elements that place it firmly in the 21st century. The homeowners were strongly motivated by the desire to recreate the traditional farmhouse vernacular, reuse as many of the old materials as possible and employ local materials and craftsmen in the construction process. The jurors praised the traditional forms used with a more modern interpretation and commended the use of the many sustainable design elements.
November 14, 2007
TMS Architects announces the successful opening of one of their design projects, Blue Sky on York Beach, a year-round restaurant located on the second floor of the 25,000 square foot renovated Atlantic House, an historic York Beach landmark that TMS has been working on for several years. The restaurant is a collaboration between world-renowned chef, Lydia Shire and York Beach real estate developers, Don Rivers and Harold Anderson. Lydia Shire's influence is felt throughout the restaurant, from the dramatic chocolate brown walls, off-white furniture and personal pieces of artwork. Working together, Lydia Shire and TMS Architects have designed the restaurant to be a casual place to relax with a see-through fireplace, expansive windows and an outdoor veranda featuring ocean views. The menu is tailored to the tastes of a seafront community with traditional fare such as lobsters, steamers and steak prepared with Ms. Shire's vision and talent. York Beach is fortunate to have a presence with Lydia Shire's reputation. She has had a significant influence on some of the most prominent Boston area restaurants from Harvest, Seasons in the Bostonian Hotel, BIBA and most recently as the executive chef/owner of Locke-Ober, a venerable institution that prohibited women from its dining room for 97 years. She has vacationed in Maine since she was a child and says that she has fallen in love with York Beach and Short Sands Beach. TMS Architects is currently working with Don Rivers, Harold Anderson, Lydia Shire and general contractor John DeStefano on the second phase of this ambitious restoration project; the Kearsarge Hotel which will also feature first floor retail space, restaurant and residential units on the upper floors.
August 1, 2007
To inaugurate their new magazine, the editors of New Hampshire Home Magazine chose this TMS designed home as the cover story for the first edition. The site features expansive views of the ocean and a neighboring golf course. Bill Soupcoff, AIA, one of the principals of TMS, explains in the article that "he tried to do a contemporary take on traditional elements. The wainscoting and chair rails were designed without a lot of detail to the moldings and we used simple recessed panels on the moldings instead of something fussy" The owners requested a design that was appropriate for the New England seacoast and the resulting gambrel home looks traditional from the exterior. The three brick chimneys are "...substantial bold visual elements that distinguish the house from its neighbors." The article goes on to explain that another challenge faced by the architect was to make a big home a warm rather than cavernous space. Mr. Soupcoff explains that "the proportion and the scale of the individual rooms work well to create a comfortable and cozy living environment."