Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Ballston Spa, NY
Established in the 1970s, Butler Rowland Mays Architects has evolved from a solo practice to a respected regional design firm specializing in libraries, civic buildings, and historic preservation. Our team of 6-10 professionals combines technical expertise with community engagement to create functional, sustainable spaces that serve public needs. With decades of experience in building forensics and renovation projects, we prioritize thoughtful design that respects historical context while meeting modern requirements. Our office in a restored 1851 building in Ballston Spa, NY, reflects our commitment to preserving architectural heritage. We serve clients across New York State with tailored solutions for library design, municipal architecture, and special preservation projects.Our collaborative approach ensures each project benefits from both technical proficiency and deep understanding of community values. Through master planning and consensus-building, we deliver spaces that enhance public life while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our portfolio demonstrates consistent excellence in transforming historic structures and creating innovative civic spaces. As a recognized leader in library design, we combine specialized knowledge with practical experience to address evolving institutional needs. Our dedication to quality extends to every project phase, from initial concept through final execution.
Services
Library Design
Historic Preservation
Municipal Architecture
Public Space Planning
Building Forensics
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in public architecture and historic preservation
- Our team specializes in library design and municipal building renovations
- We implement community consensus-building processes for public projects
- Our staff includes experts in building forensics and sustainable design
- We maintain a regional focus with deep understanding of New York's architectural heritage
Services
Library Design
Specialized library architecture creating functional, modern spaces while preserving historical elements. Our designs incorporate sustainable materials and technology-ready layouts to meet evolving community needs. We focus on accessibility, energy efficiency, and creating welcoming environments that support lifelong learning.
Historic Preservation
Expert restoration of historic buildings maintaining original character while meeting modern safety standards. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary materials to extend building lifespans. We specialize in adaptive reuse projects that preserve architectural heritage for new purposes.
Municipal Architecture
Design and renovation of town halls, fire stations, and public facilities focused on functionality and community needs. We create spaces that optimize public service delivery while respecting budget constraints. Our municipal projects emphasize accessibility, durability, and integration with surrounding environments.
Public Space Planning
Comprehensive planning for public spaces that balance aesthetics with practical usage requirements. Our approach incorporates community input to create inclusive, accessible environments. We focus on sustainable design solutions that enhance civic engagement and improve quality of life.
Building Forensics
Technical evaluation of building conditions to identify structural issues and develop remediation plans. Our experts diagnose problems with historic and modern buildings, providing cost-effective solutions. This service supports informed decision-making for renovation and preservation projects.
People
Steven G. Rowland
Principal Architect
With decades of experience in public architecture, Steven leads design teams in creating functional, sustainable spaces that respect historical context while meeting modern needs.
Paul K. Mays
Principal Architect
Specializing in historic preservation, Paul combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to restore architectural heritage while ensuring structural integrity.
Lisa M. Hayes
Senior Designer
Lisa focuses on library design solutions that balance accessibility, technology integration, and community engagement through innovative spatial planning.
Richard A. Horsch
Project Architect
Richard specializes in municipal building renovations, delivering cost-effective solutions that enhance public service delivery while maintaining historical character.
Meghan A. Brennen
Design Associate
Meghan contributes to community-focused projects with expertise in sustainable design principles and modern materials application.
Questions
What architectural specialties does your firm offer?
We specialize in library design, historic preservation, municipal architecture, public space planning, and building forensics for projects across New York State.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Our firm originated in the 1970s as Richard R. Butler Architect and Associates, becoming Butler Rowland Mays Architects in its current partnership form.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Ballston Spa, NY, we serve clients throughout New York State with library, municipal, and historic preservation projects.
Can you handle both new construction and renovation projects?
Yes, we excel at both new civic buildings and historic renovations, combining modern functionality with preservation of architectural heritage.
How do you approach community input in public projects?
We employ consensus-building processes to incorporate community needs into our designs while maintaining technical and budgetary feasibility.
What makes your library designs unique?
Our library designs balance historical preservation with modern technology integration, creating accessible, sustainable spaces for lifelong learning.
