UNION

Places of Value. Value of Place.
We use the power of design to enrich lives and strengthen communities.

[Congress for the New Urbanism @NewUrbanism]

Preserving History: Assessments and Climate Adaptations at The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, MA.@unionstudioarch won a Merit Award in the Block, Street, and Building category of the 2025 CNU Charter Awards.
#CNU33
https://t.co/4C1nX7USSU

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Union continues to show up with our commitment to empathy, equity, inclusion, and community. In this Q2 recap, we share how those values have taken shape in our work. We look forward to continuing that work alongside you.

Explore our Q2-2025 Newsletter —
https://t.co/KKSvsL6XAJ

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

New Urbanists to Gather for CNU 33 New England in Providence this June 11-14
Registration is open, we hope to see you here! https://t.co/8TAgIHXZU8

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

The article spotlights our journey to a thriving five-person studio in Fishtown, led by UNION Associate Principal Ben Willis.
We're proud to call Philadelphia home and are deeply grateful to the communities who continue to welcome us as partners in projects that make an impact.

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

"Union's work in Philly is about more than design -- it's about listening, collaborating, and strengthening communities."
We’re excited to share a recent Blueprint Commercial article that features Union's growing presence in Philadelphia.

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Our 7th annual United in Design scholarship/internship is open! We're committed to fostering diversity in architecture by supporting emerging designers from all backgrounds.

#Architecture #Scholarship #DEI

https://t.co/rg4FOG9NrG

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Union founder Don Powers talks to Kevin Klinkenberg, host of The Messy City Podcast.
https://t.co/SmyfjIrLI0

[Kevin Klinkenberg @kevinklink]

New podcast: Designing Beauty in Housing, by Being Intentional

The world of architecture is full of megalomanicas, wanna-be stars, and also a whole lot of good people just grinding out beautiful work outside the spotlight. One thing I enjoy with my little platform is shining a light on some of the people that do that beautiful work, and rarely get national attention.

Donald Powers, of @unionstudioarch in Providence, Rhode Island, has one of those firms. Union Studio has grown over the years to do a lot of different kinds of work, but what I really wanted to focus on for this interview is their work in courtyard housing and affordable housing.

Educators and media within the architecture profession will routinely tell us we can’t build like the old ways, nor should we. And yes, of course, there’s some truth to the fact we have different materials, means and methods now. But Union Studio’s work shows us it is in fact possible to produce new buildings that build off of living human traditions, add grace and beauty to the world, and will certainly stand the test of the time. That’s as true for higher-end housing as it is for “affordable housing.” Good design is a choice, it’s an intention. In this episode, Don walks us through how they’ve made some of it happen.

Give the whole thing a listen, but do remember some key points: fight for those one or two good details on any project, including doors and windows. And, good landscaping is cheap. Don’t overlook the importance of simple, but good, site design.

https://t.co/lY3fspIKan

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Designer Arica Thornton and Project Captain Steven Wolenski have been promoted to Associate roles at Union. We’re delighted to reward and recognize the contributions of these accomplished and dedicated professionals.

https://t.co/lMePe0xIE0

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

We're excited to launch our quarterly e-newsletter to share updates on projects, design work, thought leadership, and life at UNION. Each project tells a story of how thoughtful design fosters vibrant civic life. Enjoy! https://t.co/GHO6Vp6gRp

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Union is proud to win 4 Urban Guild Awards! Each project reflects people-first, sustainable design, cultivating thriving neighborhoods & strong communities. Grateful to our partners, clients, & collaborators!
https://t.co/uCSfFvTZZA

#NewYork #Massachusetts #RhodeIsland #Oklahoma

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

https://t.co/Hmio3mzvgS

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Excited to celebrate the opening of @downcitydesign’s new Cranston Street Community Design Studio! Union is proud to have transformed this historic space into a hub for creativity and connection. "An investment with a lasting impact," says Joel VanderWeele, lead architect.

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

A recent Providence Journal piece captured a moving story from Sylvia Parrott, one of the first residents at the Riverside Square. This missing-middle infill development opened its doors this past spring, bringing 16 affordable homes to East Providence.

https://t.co/uR4nqshFLD

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

As architects, we're at the leading edge of how we impact and create our built environment. Just being carbon neutral is not enough. We have to start understanding the energy impact that our designs have on the environment. #AIA2030commitment

https://t.co/JBnJaY7wMx

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Welcome Kevin, Victoria & Jasmine! There is an organic, sense of momentum as we grow to 5 in Philly!

We’re creating a sense of place in the office as we connect with mission-aligned clients in the mid-Atlantic looking to make meaningful impact together.

https://t.co/5bMVCZAlHi

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

The @projo recently interviewed our co-founder, Douglas Kallfelz, about bolstering Providence's design review process. He emphasized that it’s very doable to build elegant, cost-effective buildings that fit seamlessly into our historic neighborhoods.

https://t.co/uWgbDzQhJ0

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Great connecting w/ everyone at our @unionstudioarch Happy Hour, co-hosted w/ @passivehouseri & co-sponsored w/ 475 Supply. Wonderful conversations after today's @passivehouseinstiteu's Pro Forum sessions @riconvention. Conference continues 10/22-23 – don't miss it!

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Union founder Don Powers named among 25 leaders in traditional design & historic preservation by @TraditionalBldg!
"Directing our creative efforts toward social & civic needs makes our work more meaningful & relevant." - Don Powers https://t.co/Cb02dZq1KW

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Thrilled that Residences at Riverside Square won a 2024 @CNUNE Urbanism Award! This project transformed a blighted site into 16 affordable homes, with units for youths aging out of foster care. Huge thanks to @1_neighborhood for making it possible!

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

We're incredibly excited to be shaping a thoughtful renovation of The Hyannis Public Library – one that will serve and enrich Hyannis and its broader Cape Cod community for decades to come
5/🧵

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

The Hyannis Public Library, a pillar of learning on Cape Cod since 1865, is set to undergo its first major renovation in five decades. @unionstudioarch is immensely grateful to partner with @Hyannispublib on this landmark project.
#Massachusetts #CapeCod #Architecture
1/🧵

[UNION @unionstudioarch]

Reimagined for accessibility and inclusivity, the single-floor design improves access for all. Dedicated spaces for different age groups allow the library to flexibly serve the varied interests of its patrons.
4/🧵