Empowering community through purposeful design — together
ICON is motivated by design’s ability to positively transform, empower and restore. We delight in collaboration and are committed to ongoing dialogue and discovery. We champion innovation to strengthen communities and create enduring value.
ICON’s roots were sown in urban planning focused on transformative community design and economic renewal for historic cities and towns throughout the Northeast. Since our founding in 1996, ICON’s work has remained grounded in urban design and revitalization while evolving to address changing opportunities and challenges. Whatever the scale or program, whether focused on new or existing, inside or out, we prioritize:
Core Values
Sustainability + Resilience
We design for environmental and social resilience, creating spaces that respect and preserve our natural and physical, and cultural, resources.
Collaboration + Respect
We enjoy the discovery, energy, and deeper understanding that comes from teamwork, expanding both the conversation and what becomes possible.
Stewardship + Ownership
We are grateful for the opportunity to have meaningful impact and work to advance our industry and cultivate the communities we touch.
Grit + Boldness
With perseverance and fearless ambition, we tackle challenges head-on, finding the tools and resources to study, learn and grow so we can deliver designs that inspire and endure.
Team
Michelle Apigian AIA, LEED AP, CPHC
Janice Marinello
Matt Marotta AIA
Ned Collier AIA, LEED AP
Kendra Halliwell AIA, LEED-H AP
Michelle Waldon LEED AP, AICP, CPHC
Dave Stockless AIA, LEED AP
Nancy Ludwig FAIA, LEED AP
Janis Mamayek AIA, LEED AP
Abhishek Desai
Alexandra Eastland CPHC
Alicia Tyler AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Ana Cheng
Aren Fenner AIA
Ashley Shaw AIA
Becky Schall WELL AP
Bethany Moody AIA
Charles Rachal
Chris Chrysos
Claumar Morales
David Wright AIA
Fallon Clark
Gabby Aitcheson AIA, LEED GA, CPHC
Genevieve Frank AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C
Greg McDonnell
Jamison O’Sullivan
Jansen Meals
Jeremy Tringale
Joe Daigneault AIA
Jonathan Lashley AIA
Kerstin Dorbert
Liz Farrell AIA
Mark McKevitz LEED AP+
Marlene Hausmann
Megan Smith
Patricia Rizzo
Paul DiGiandomenico AIA, MCPPO
Ryan Fleetwood
Sally Ferrell AIA
Shannon Wood
Steve Tedesco AIA, CPHC
Tim Synan AIA
Design
We believe design is most powerful when it is collaborative, inclusive, and rooted in community. We begin by listening—understanding the aspirations and goals of our clients and the people who will shape the space. Through a creative and transparent process, we use architecture as a tool for transformation. Whether new construction or adaptive reuse, our work responds to context with bold, resilient ideas—crafting spaces that inspire, perform, and endure. Let’s shape what’s next together.
Discovery + Engagement
We start by learning. Through conversations, workshops, and site analysis, we’ll uncover the unique opportunities and challenges of each project. Listening carefully ensures the design reflects both the vision and the context.
Vision + Concept
Working closely with clients and stakeholders, we explore ideas through sketches, renderings, and models that make design accessible to everyone. Multiple concepts are tested to spark dialogue and refine the shared vision.
Refinement + Integration
As design evolves, we integrate sustainability, equity, and functionality at every level. Collaboration with engineers, cost estimators, and consultants ensures the design is not only inspiring, but also practical and achievable.
Documentation + Approvals
We translate ideas into detailed drawings that guide permitting and community approvals. Throughout this stage, we lead presentations and conversations that keep the project aligned with the vision.
Construction + Implementation
ICON continues to advocate for design excellence during construction. We partner with contractors, troubleshoot challenges, and make adjustments to preserve the integrity of the vision as it comes to life.
Stewardship + Reflection
Our work does not end when the ribbon is cut. We evaluate how spaces are experienced, celebrate their impact, and carry forward lessons learned to future projects.
Expertise
- Architecture
- Community Design
- Sustainable Design
- Adaptive Reuse
- Modular Design
- Modernization
- Interior Design
- Furniture, Fixtures + Equipment
- Feasibility Studies
- Space Programming
Sustainability
ICON champions design that fosters holistic wellness and enduring value. We see every project as a chance to embed climate, health, and equity as core drivers of design. From pioneering Massachusetts’ first multifamily Passive House, LEED, and Energy Star projects to implementing all-electric design and modular construction methods, ICON has long been at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Since joining the 2030 Commitment in 2016, we’ve tracked, evaluated, and continued to develop tools and protocols that allow us to anticipate through modeling and learn from real-world benchmarking.
Our integrated approach celebrates people and place, establishing human-centered goals and measurable targets grounded in the context and program. We address climate through holistic design that evaluates the Operational and Embodied Energy impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This centers on leveraging resources through building and material reuse and reducing waste through optimized design. High-performance enclosures and all-electric systems support the transition away from fossil fuel consumption and allow use to offset with onsite renewable generation.
Whether seeking compliance, certification, or clear information, we will analyze and iterate to help you make informed decisions. We are continuously growing our in-house expertise and strive to amplify sustainability through our design, advocacy, and ongoing relationships within the industry. The result: high-performance projects that strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
Analysis + Certifications
- Passive House Feasibility Studies: Energy Modeling: WUFI
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Modeling: Tally
- Heat Transfer: Therm
- Material Selection
- Passive House Design + Certification
- Fossil Fuel Free (All-Electric)
- Deep-Energy Retrofits (DER)
- Enterprise Green Communities Certification (EGC)
- LEED Certification (v5)
- Net Zero Energy Ready
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Back-up Power Integration
Inquiries:
Contact:
141 Tremont Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 451-3333