The People of McHenry Architecture

Steven McHenry is Principal Architect and founder of McHenry Architecture. With over 25 years of professional experience Steve has led McHenry Architecture through the design of a diverse range of projects that include commercial buildings, the renovation and adaptive reuse of historic structures, medical offices, educational buildings and residential projects. Steve has a degree in Architecture from the Boston Architectural Center and a degree in American History from Rutgers University. While in Boston, he became Vice-President of Trip Tech Models, New England’s largest architectural model-building company. Prior to the study of architecture, Steve spent eight years as a cabinetmaker and woodcarver, while pursuing studies in art, art history and furniture design at the University of New Hampshire. He is a founding member of The Wood Works cooperative. Before launching McHenry Architecture Steve worked with JSA Architects and Interface Architects. McHenry Architecture has received a New Hampshire AIA annual award, a national award from Commercial Renovation Magazine and three Annual Awards for Design Excellence from Portsmouth Advocates. Steve is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is currently licensed in Maine and New Hampshire.

Brandon Holben is an Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with 7 years of experience in commercial, educational, institutional and residential architecture. His strengths and concentrations lie in an interdisciplinary “holistic” approach to architecture incorporating sustainable initiatives for present design challenges. A graduate of the University of Buffalo - School Of Architecture in New York, he brings a variety of expertise to the practice. Previous employment has included The Galante Architecture Studio in Cambridge, MA and Oak Point Associates in Portsmouth, NH.

Arilda Densch is a Senior Designer/ Project Manager with 22 years of professional experience in Architecture who handles all aspects of project design, development, construction drawings and construction administration. Her strengths lie with Historic District projects including both small commercial and residential work although she lends her skills to all projects of the firm. She has been with McHenry Architecture since 1999. Previous work experience includes running her own architectural design business for 10 years as well as employment with Salmon Falls Architecture. Arilda has a degree in Visual and Dance Arts from Wilson College and has studied Architecture at the University of New Hampshire and Southern Maine Vocational Technical College.

Sean Schmigle joined McHenry Architecture in 2006, after receiving his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Roger Williams University in 2005. He has also studied Art and Architecture abroad in Florence, Italy at the Institute of Fine and Liberal Arts Palazzo Rucellai. He has contributed significantly to the three-dimensional aspects of the design process, from residential architecture, to large scale mixed commercial use buildings. Before joining the firm Sean worked in construction, with experience ranging from wood framing to project management and coordination. He has worked on many independent architectural projects from renovations to custom residential design.

Sarah Goupil is our most recent addition having joined McHenry Architecture in January 2007. She has an Associates Degree in Interior Design and specializes in space planning. Previous work experience includes CJ Architects of Portsmouth, NH

Deborah Higgins has been our office manager and bookkeeper for the last three years.

Associated Design Offices

We currently share our offices with two design companies with whom we often work – terrafirma landscape architecture and Tobey Design Group, an interior design firm. We find that the synergy of sharing space and projects with these firms enhances the environment in which we work and the level of professional services we are able to provide to our clients.

Terrence Parker leads terrafirma landscape architecture, with over twenty-three years experience in commercial and residential design and planning. (www.terrafirmalandarch.com)

Patricia Tobey is the principal of Tobey Design Group and is a licensed interior designer with over twelve years of commercial and residential experience. (www.tobeydesign.com)