Our History – Lamoureux Pagano Associates

Over the course of LPA|A’s history, the firm has expanded both the size and scope of its portfolio – recognized nationally and locally for its design of educational, cultural, medical, and corporate buildings, as well as its work in historic preservation, sustainable design, and owner project management.

While the LPA|A team today looks very different than the small firm Richard Lamoureux started in 1970, the principals, project architects, project managers, and professional support staff continue to uphold and build upon the firm’s reputation for creative design, superior service, and exceptional client relationships.

For a more detailed history of the firm, you can see our 50th anniversary commemorative publication, developed in partnership with the Worcester Business Journal.

1970s

At the start of the decade, Richard Lamoureux, Sr. opens his own architectural firm dedicated to the highest standards of professional service and architectural excellence.

Clients like Greyhound Bus Company, prominent local businessman Arthur Chase, and multiple banks help the business grow and by the end of the decade there are four staff members, including an administrator and two additional architects.

rendering from the 1970s. black and white image with faceless people standing in an office space

The Central Massachusetts Chapter of the AIA was being run out of the office through the 1970s. Volunteerism in the community and in support of the field of architecture have always been encouraged by the firm’s leadership.

“I’ve had a seven-year climb from designing back porches. At the peak, I had four associates and the secretary. We manage to keep things going by diversifying, going after things, renovations and negotiative work with contractors. One of the present projects is converting a hamburger stand to a branch bank.”

– Dick Lamoureux, in the late 1970s

1980s

A period of continued growth as the firm takes on its biggest project to date, the Carpenters Union Training Center, completed in 1983. LPA|A counted among its clients some of the most well-known and successful businesses in Worcester including Norton Company, Mechanics Hall and Becker College.

Staff members volunteer on numerous local boards including AIA, Higgins Armory, and Preservation Worcester, among others.

Over the course of the decade, the firm adds key staff members, including Katie Crockett, Rick Lamoureux, Eric Moore and Rob Para, who would eventually become the current leadership. The firm officially becomes Lamoureux Pagano Associates in 1987, when Mike Pagano becomes a partner.

“What attracted me to Dick was, if he took a project, he gave it everything that was in him. The project got every bit of attention that it needed and that impressed me. He was a man of his word.”

– Mike Pagano, on his decision to partner with Dick

1990s

LPA|A completes its first public school project in the Town of Spencer, the Knox Trail Junior High School, and key client relationships are initiated during this period: the City of Worcester, the Towns of Shrewsbury and Holden, Community Healthlink and Clark University, among others.

Staff members give back to the Central Massachusetts community by introducing students to design and architecture through public school programs.

rendering of the interior of mechanics hall

Quinsigamond School receives a preservation award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and a preservation citation from the Massachusetts Senate.

“Given our long relationship with LPA|A, their incredibly efficient designs, the quality of their work, their highly cooperative nature and leadership ability, I can only assume that this relationship will continue for many years to come.”

– Henry Fitzgerald, Chairman, School Building Committee for the Town of Shrewsbury

2000s

In spite of major recessions in the early and later part of the decade, LPA|A continues to grow its portfolio during this period. LPA|A completes public school projects, higher education work for several local colleges, and the restoration of the iconic Hanover Theatre is completed during this time.

Both the Hanover Theatre and Worcester Technical High School attract national attention and awards cementing LPA|A’s reputation for quality design across a diverse portfolio of projects.

At the end of 2006, Dick Lamoureux retired and handed off the role of president to long-time partner Mike Pagano. Key client relationships including Worcester State University and College of the Holy Cross and are initiated during this period. Staff continues to be involved in the community by serving on local boards and speaking panels.

2010s

In 2010, LPA|A marks its 40th year with a community service project, designing the new St. John’s Food Pantry pro bono. More recently the firm worked with the City of Worcester to raise funds for its Recreation Worcester Program, calling on their partners on the Nelson Place Elementary School Project to help raise $30,000 for the program.

Over the decade that Mike led the firm, LPA|A’s portfolio continued to grow and diversify. While numerous public schools have been added to the list of successful projects in recent years, the firm also had the opportunity to take on its first public library addition/renovation for Shrewsbury and design a new contemplative center for the College of the Holy Cross.

At the end of 2017, Mike Pagano retired and the current leadership team stepped into their new roles, Katie Crockett became the third president, and along with Principals Eric Moore, Rick Lamoureux, and Rob Para comprises a leadership team that draws upon the strengths of each individual.

LPA|A celebrated 50 years in 2020

In early 2023, Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects was pleased to announce the expansion of the Board of Directors to include Associate Principals Christina Bazelmans, Peter Caruso, Jr., Christopher Lee, Sean Brennan, and Michael Oldakowski. At the end of that same year, Katie Crockett announced her retirement after 36 years at LPA|A.