Barbara J. Thornton, AIA joined the firm in 2000, expanding the firm's institutional experience and large-project management capacity. She holds 4 degrees from MIT, including Masters in Architecture and in Finance, and has practiced with RGB, David Presbrey Architects, and William Kite Architects since coming to Rhode Island in 1986.

Her specialties include affordable housing, historic building renovation, masonry restoration, and educational facilities. Ms. Thornton brings additional affordable housing development experience to the firm. She was Project Architect for the multi-award winning, $4.5 million adaptive reuse of Sayles Gym on the Brown University campus. It was reopened as a new state-of-the-art classroom facility. The project included restoration of the historic shell and complete interior renovation, including interlinked electrical/AV systems. To date, the project has received a Providence Preservation Society Award, RI Monthly Gold Award, RI American Institute of Architects 2000 Merit Award, and one of eleven 2002 National American Institute of Architects Honor Awards for Interiors.

She was also the Project Architect responsible for the adaptive reuse of the burned State Orphanage complex into an admissions/conference center, funded almost entirely through a Federal Historic Restoration grant. The solid granite-walled structures were restored on the exterior and reconfigured to allow handicapped access to all 5 levels. A tiered lecture hall, multi-purpose classroom, 2 complete office departments for undergraduate and graduate admissions, and an air-conditioning cogeneration facility were included in the project.

Educational Background:
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CAMBRIDGE, MA

• Master of Architecture, 1984\
• Master's Degree in Management, 1984 (Sloan School)
• Bachelor's Degree in Management, 1980
• Bachelor of Science in Art and Design, 1980

Additional course work in design of electrical systems (Northeastern University), Building Permit officials training (RIC/State of RI), the Americans with Disabilities Act (CCRI/State of RI), ergonomic design of work spaces (Donley Center/State of RI). Seminar presenter for the RI Historical Commission on historically-sensitive ADA solutions. Guest critic for MIT- real estate development studio; Roger Williams University- 2nd year, 4th year, and thesis studio; and RISD- 2nd and 3rd year studio.

Memberships & Professional Service:

• RI Chapter of American Institute of Architects - Member. Professional Service Awards 1990, 1991, and 1994.
• Construction Specifications Institute - Member
• National Conference for Community and Justice, RI and SE New England - Director, 1999 to present
• St. Anthony Educational Foundation - past positions as President, Director, Grants Chair, Treasurer
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence - Founding Director 1986 to 1993, past postitions as Secretary & Vice-President
• East Side/Mount Hope YMCA - Former Director
• Central Congregational Church - Choir Member
• RI Historical Society - Audit Committee
• Building Board of Review, Providence - Architect Board Member
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Member
• Providence Preservation Society and Preserve RI - Member