Bonin Architects Expands Services to Include Landscape Design for New Hampshire Clients

Hiring of landscape architect strengthens firm’s services and provides smart property solutions.

New London, NH (March 13, 2012) — Bonin Architects announces an expansion of the firm’s services in landscape design. With the hire of Landscape Architect Greg Rusnica, Bonin has significantly strengthened and expanded the firm’s experience and offerings to New Hampshire clients.

Rusnica graduated sum cum laude from the University of Rhode Island with his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2005 and brings experience in residential design projects, urban planning, transportation planning, and streetscape, park and waterfront design.  He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), Phi Psi Rho, Sigma Lamda Alpha (for Landscape Architects), and received the ASLA award for outstanding academic achievement. Greg has also worked on many projects for Lake Sunapee properties related to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act.

“Greg has a well rounded knowledge of architectural and landscape science and practice and takes a sustainable design approach to every project,” says Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin.  “His experience in both residential and landscape architecture allows us to respond more effectively to the needs of our clients, especially those building in the Lake Sunapee region whose properties are affected by the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act.”

“More and more of our clients ask us for holistic design solutions to their home and property challenges. By adding landscape design as a resource, we provide more comprehensive services to meet our clients’ diverse needs,” adds Kimberly Bonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager. “And in the New London / Sunapee area, especially, clients are looking to maximize their outdoor living areas.  Adding a landscape architect to our staff will allow clients to incorporate the outdoor areas in the beginning stages of their home design.”

New services include comprehensive master planning, landscape architecture and site design, conceptual design, sustainability design, irrigation design, visual resource planning, planting design and optional landscape construction contract administration services.

About Bonin Architects

Bonin Architects serves the Lake Sunapee, Lakes Region, Maine and NH Seacoast as well as all of New England and New York. The firm believes in taking a collaborative team approach to every project. Architectural staff works collectively, bringing an array of personal strengths and professional experience to ensure exceptional quality throughout the design process. Residential architecture expertise includes new construction, additions and renovations for clients seeking a distinctive home design. Our commitment is to artfully transform your vision into beautiful and timeless architectural designs. Landscape design services include schematic master planning, landscape construction documents, and construction contract administration.

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Bonin Architects Adds Intern Architect to Staff

Bonin Architects is pleased to announce the hire of Kyle Ackerman as Intern Architect.  Kyle earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Keene State College, where he designed and managed a number of projects ranging from collaborative community projects to conceptual living spaces in Haiti.

He also was part of the Junior Honors Program at the University of Derby in Derby, England in 2010, where he studied architectural history, and third world development and traveled to Norway, and Ireland.

“We are pleased to welcome Kyle to our team,” Bonin Architects Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin states. “His creativity and enthusiasm for architecture will be a great asset to our company.” Kimberly Bonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager, adds, “Our design staff works collectively on all projects.  Each person brings their specific personal strengths and professional experience, creating an exceptional design for every project. Kyle’s interest in sustainability and attention to detail will definitely add to the high level of customer satisfaction we strive to achieve in all of our projects.”

Kyle’s roots in the Upper Valley and Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region, combined with his commitment toward architecture and its relationship to improving lives, is evident in his work ethic and design contribution . Kyle’s hobbies include refinishing furniture, skiing, mountain biking, photography, and cooking.

About Bonin Architects:

Bonin Architects & Associates creates innovative, energy efficient home designs and specializes in green, energy efficient homes incorporating recycled and energy efficient building materials and sustainable (green) energy practices.  Offered as a separate service, Construction Administration includes working with clients to determine budget requirements, material choices and product specifications for quotes, and working with the contractor throughout the construction process.

AIA Design Awards - Last Day to Vote Online for Your Favorite Project!

Voting ends today for the AIA NH Excellence in Design People's Choice Awards!  

Bonin Architects submitted a custom home on Lake Sunapee to be considered for the Awards.  Help us get the People's Choice Award two years in a row by voting online!

 Our project, # 1, The Landing, located in Blodgettt Landing, Lake Sunapee in Newbury, NH replaced an old uninsulated family summer cottage on the property.  Design goals were to maximize living space, lakefront views, and capture as much natural daylight as possible while maintaining privacy between close neighboring homes.  With four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, the design addresses all of the client needs.  Recreation areas and a home theatre provide options for children and adults alike.

An open stair anchors the home and creates a focal point, celebrating the four story design.  The basement provides direct lake access, ample storage, and a full bathroom for showering after enjoying the lake.

Site placement and interior programming / design conform to property setbacks, neighboring homes less than 7 feet away, and CSPA guidelines.  A 5% decrease in the impermeable impact of the site (53% to 48%) was achieved with an overall smaller building footprint and reduction in paved/hardscaped areas.


Please take time to vote for Project #1, The Landing!

Vote on the AIA site:  http://www.aianh.org/design_awards_vote2012.asp

Meet our Staff: Intern Architect Christopher Timberlake

Bonin Architects’ Intern Architect Christopher Timberlake obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies and his Masters degree in Architecture from Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont.

Prior to joining Bonin Architects, Chris was an architectural designer for a national timber frame company for five years and was head of the design department during his last year there.  His knowledge in sustainable design, green building materials, and energy efficient homes, high level of creativity, devotion to quality design, and professionalism benefits all of our projects. His professional experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for architecture and strong work ethic is a great asset to our company.

More about Intern Architects:

An intern architect, or sometimes an architectural intern, is a person who has successfully completed a professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) and is studying for the professional licensure/ registration exam.   In order to be licensed, candidates prepare for and take the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®), which assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture.  Seven divisions make up the Architect Registration Examination:

Programming, Planning & Practice: The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management. 

Site Planning & Design:  The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management. 

Building Design & Construction Systems:  The application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management. 

Schematic Design:  The application of knowledge and skills required for the schematic design of buildings and interior space planning. 

Structural Systems:  Identification and incorporation of general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings. 

Building Systems:  The evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction. 

Construction Documents & Services:  Application of project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.

Giving Back to the Community: Update

R.P. Johnson’s event, We Build It Forward,  brought  community members and local businesses together to give back to neighbors, schools, parks, and landmarks in the local area.  In fact, ten projects in seven towns were completed on June 25, 2011, and included fundraisers, yard cleanups, fixing park shelters, and painting an entire house.

Bonin Architects led a team to build a community bulletin board at the Andover NH transfer station, and had help from our employees, kids, and even our clients!  Architect Jeremy Bonin designed the bulletin board - not a timber frame, but an attractive design nonetheless!

Other community projects completed were painting and repairing a picket fence at East Andover Preschool, replacing the roof on a mobile home in Sunapee, NH, building a handicap ramp, installing two storm doors and doing a yard cleanup in Sutton Mills, and cleaning up Wadleigh State Park in North Sutton.

The day was documented by The Kearsarge Chronicle.  Watch the community come together on this day of giving back, and watch for details on next year’s We Build It Forward!

R.P. Johnson & Son has called for community support and New Hampshire has answered

Andover, NH (PRWEB) June 24, 2011 

Seeing the rush of volunteers, sponsors and donated materials show up, at 8am on Saturday June 25th at R.P. Johnson and Son in Andover, NH for the We Build it Forward Outreach event will be a powerful testament to the unity and giving nature of this NH community, but no more than the outpouring of support they have already seen from area businesses and citizens in the form of thousands in event sponsorships and material donations and dozens and dozens of volunteers. Notable team leaders include special support from Bonin Architects of New London. Sponsors who went well over the call of duty include: Marvin Windows and Doors, A.W. Hastings, Co, Inc., Old Hampshire Designs and The Lions Club of Sunapee.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/346662#ixzz1QDYYluw9

Intern Architect – Christopher Presutti

Meet Chris Presutti, Bonin Architects' summer intern architect.  Chris will begin his third year in the Bachelor of Science degree program in Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston this fall.  He has an impressive portfolio and resume and is also an honorary brother and co-head of the alumni committee of Phi Sigma Pi, a National Honors Fraternity based on the three ideals of Scholarship, Fellowship, and Leadership.
 
Architect Jeremy Bonin sums it up for us: “We’re very happy to have Chris join Bonin Architects this summer – and personally, I’m excited to have an intern from my alma mater.  He is very talented and brings outstanding communication and artistic ability to the position.”

In his spare time, Chris likes to fish anyway possible, hike, and canoe. He's also an avid snowboarder since the 4th grade and LOVES to cook and travel!

We Build It Forward – Community Event

ONE DAY. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE CHALLENGE. 
A powerful day of giving and serving Others

Bonin Architects is proud to be a Team Leader in our local 2011 We Build It Forward campaign.  Spearheaded by R.P. Johnson & Son, We Build it Forward is a way for everyone in the community to help out their neighbors in need.  

On Saturday, June 25, 2011, Bonin Architects will join hundreds of individuals who will take part in serving others.  

Have you been inspired by someone who made a difference in your life?  It could have been an act large or small where someone went out of their way to help you with a problem, situation, or was just there when you needed them.  Now is your opportunity to “pay it forward” and help someone else!  From painting or yard clean-up to fundraisers that help feed the hungry or build homes, you can be involved by signing up at the We Build It Forward website.  You can either join the Bonin Architects team or build a team with some of your friends and colleagues.  

We need your help!  This is what you can do:

First:  Ask yourself who you can help - write it down
Second:  Decide how you want to help! – write it down
Third:  Sign up online or call us and say YES! I know how I can help!

Need Some Ideas?

• Plan a fundraiser dinner and sell tickets at the door
• Choose a community member in need of a deck or home repair of some kind
• Choose an area of town that needs a clean up
• Find a youth or recreational organization that needs a new structure
• Stage a bake sale, clothes drive, food drive
• Fix a door
• Replace an electrical box
• Clean up a public place
• Repair a fence
• Paint a house
• Repair a window
• Donate bikes to needy kids
• Bring meals to seniors who need a home cooked meal
• Offer to play music and entertain all these wonderful, giving people
• Make a donation of materials or dollars toward materials

The event will serve the R.P. Johnson & Son service area and will commence at the Rte. 11 Andover, NH location.

Say YES to join us!  Sign up at WeBuildItForward.com today!  You’ll be helping your neighbors and having a great time!

Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, 209 Main Street, New London, NH.  For more information call or email us!  603-526-6200, info@boninarchitects.com

Save Energy – Dim the Lights!

It’s that time of year again – Earth Day is right around the corner, and all over the globe people are looking for ways to save energy. If you are looking for a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, try turning the lights down with a light dimmer.

If residential and commercial sectors join force on this, the energy savings could potentially be huge. Michael W. Pessina, president of the Office of Product Development at Lutron Electronics, a light control manufacturer, says, “We estimate that installed Lutron dimmers save over 9 billion kilowatt hours of energy per year, and that prevents 17 billion pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.  That’s a savings of over $1 billion in energy costs each year.”

According to the US Department of Energy, commercial buildings consume 38% of their total energy usage in lighting – more than heating, cooling, ventilation, computers, and equipment combined.  By using Lutron dimmers (see photo), electricity usage can be reduced by 20%.  Combine that with a Lutron Radio Powr Savr wireless occupancy sensor and you can cut lighting electricity an additional 35%!

Bottom line:  Pessina says “If better light control can help people work more effectively for five minutes – which is equal to 1% of the work day – the investment in light controls will pay for itself in less than a year.”

Want to know how much work and home energy savings you’ll see just by dimming the lights?  Take a minute and look at Lutron’s energy savings calculator.

NH Ski-Up at Mount Sunapee March 19, 2011

It's that time again!  Join the crowd for great spring skiing which enjoying a BBQ on "the beach" at Mount Sunapee on Saturday, March 19, 2011!  Details?

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mount Sunapee Ski Area

Skiing, Snowboarding, Networking, Tailgating, and & BBQ!

Get an all-day ski pass for $45 per person (which includes the BBQ)!  If you already have a pass or if you're not planning to ski, it's FREE - yes, FREE!  Join the fun!

To register and to see pictures of last year's event, visit these websites:

http://nhskiup1.eventbrite.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NHSkiUp
http://www.sunapeeregionblog.com/2011/02/the-2nd-annual-nh-ski-up-at-sunapee-is-here/

November Timber Home Show

If you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or the Albany, New York area, check out The Log & Timber Home Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts this November!

Bonin Architects will be exhibiting in Booth #334.  Stop by and see us!

 The Log & Timber Home Show

Eastern States Exposition

West Springfield, Mass

November 19-21, 2010

Friday, Nov 19: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, Nov 20: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday, Nov 21: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Also, look for a free seminar presentation by Architect Jeremy Bonin on "Designing Your Timber Home", Saturday at Noon.

Need directions?  Click here

Ticket information?  Click here

About Jeremy Bonin, AIA NCARB LEED AP:

Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates, is an award-winning architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home, which was written to help homeowners become fully involved in the design of their new timber frame or post and beam home.  Jeremy has a special interest in sustainable design and green homes with a specialty in structural insulated panels and timber framing while incorporating other sustainable (green) energy practices, including geothermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems. 

Kimberly Bonin Named BNI Member of the Year

Kimberly Bonin was presented with the Lake Sunapee Region BNI Member of the Year award at the Business Network International Regional Conference in Portsmouth, NH on September 16, 2010. Over 150 BNI members were present at the award ceremony. Bonin was nominated unanimously by Chapter members.

Photo: Deb Johnson, Ledyard National Bank; Jeremy Bonin & Kimberly Bonin, Bonin Architects; Cathy Murray, Ledyard National Bank; Jackie Lampiasi, Bonin Architects.

Read the full Press Release here.

September Open House

Join us for another Open House and Q&A with our local Green Building experts!  If you are thinking of relocating to the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region and are considering building a new home or remodelling an old one, you won't want to miss this informative event!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Custom home near Lake Sunapee

An informal setting where you can ask local Green Building Experts questions about Shoreland Protection guidelines, green home design, renewable energy, building materials & costs, and more!

Local Experts:
Architect Jeremy Bonin, Bonin Architects & Associates
Custom Builder Everett Pollard, Northcape Design
Realtor Dan O'Halloran, Colby Real Estate
Engineer Charlie Hirshberg, CLD Consulting Engineers

Registration is required!!  Directions given to registrants only - call today!
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC
603-504-6009

Lakeside Living Expo, Gunstock Mt. Resort, July 16-18, 2010

The Lakeside Living Expo is back by popular demand at Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, NH this summer! 

Be one of the over 5,000 attendees who will enter the Expo through a log home and enjoy several hours browsing the exhibits, watching the demonstrations and visiting the feature areas at the largest lakeside living lifestyle event in the country!

Lakeside Living Expo

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Gilford, NH

July 16 through 18, 2010

If you are thinking of building a new home or addition, or remodeling your current home, be sure to catch a free seminar on Green Homes by NH Architect Jeremy Bonin at the Show!  Bonin, an award-winning architect and author, will present the seminar "Green Home Considerations" for attendees!

Show Hours:

Friday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Green Home Seminars:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1:00 PM

Click here to print discounted admission tickets to the show!

Weekend Open House - Sunapee NH

If you are considering building a new home in the Lake Sunapee / New London area or remodelling your existing home, you won't want to miss a special Open House Saturday, May 1st at a custom home near Lake Sunapee!

Come tour this beautiful custom timber home and get meet local green building experts Everett Pollard of Northcape Design, Jeremy Bonin of Bonin Architects & Associates, and Dan O'Halloran of Colby Real Estate.  Everett, Jeremy, and Dan will anwer your questions about building a new home - questions about Shoreland Protection guidelines, green home design, solar energy systems, geothermal heating, radiant heat, SIP panels, timber frames, building costs, and more! 

Saturday, May 1st     4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

CALL FOR DIRECTIONS

Bonin Architects & Associates 603-504-6009

NH Ski Up Mount Sunapee

Join us Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Mount Sunapee for an awesome day of skiing, snowboarding, tailgating, networking, giveaways, and a barbecue!

Registration: Online
Pick up your pass: Starting at 8:00 AM 3/13 at Mt. Sunapee
BBQ lunch (FREE): 12:30 at the NH Ski Up Tent
Raffles / Apres Ski: Starting at 3:00 PM

Register online for discounted tickets ($39 each!), then just show up at the mountain, find the Ski-Up Tailgate Tent by the chairlifts to pick up your pass and fun bag of swag!

The first 30 registrants online receive a free T-Shirt! Register early at http://nhskiup1.eventbrite.com/.

Already have a season pass at Sunapee? Your registration for the event is FREE! The “beach” at Mt. Sunapee is your place for fun! Check it out!!



Don’t have ski or snowboard equipment? No problem, just bring a printout of your registration or mention “Ski-Up” to Outspokin’ located at the intersection of Rte 103A and Rte 103 and get discounted rentals ($20 for boots, poles, skis or snowboard)!

Need a place to stay? Lodging discounts provided by the Rosewood Inn and 1806 Inn. See registration page for details.

Sponsors: Colby Real Estate, Outspokin’ Bicycle & Sport, Sugar River Bank, Northcape Design Build, E-Forecasting, Bonin Architects, D'Orazio Electrical, Pizza Chef, Ellie’s Café & Deli, Lumber Barn, Anne Marie Appel / Massage Therapist, and Stimulus:Grafikus.

Source: Green Home Design Architect