About Us
Company Profile
Lassel Architects was founded in 1989 and has been providing sustainable design services to residential and commercial clients throughout New England for more than three decades. We provide a broad range of services with experience in a variety of project types. Our work always denotes proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction and operations standards.
Our portfolio of work includes renovation and new construction, commercial, institutional, health care, retail, multi-family housing and custom single-family residential design projects of various sizes. We treat all projects with the same care and thought to achieve client goals.
Services
Architecture
At Lassel Architects, we focus on providing design services that reinforce the needs and vision of our clients. We strive to create robust, energy efficient buildings that seamlessly integrate with their surrounding sites. We design spaces that strengthen the human experience, are easy to manage and have low operating costs. Our thoughtful designs have had a positive impact on users and the community alike for more than three decades.
Historic Preservation
We consider ourselves fortunate to practice design in an area rich with architectural heritage. We thrive on preserving the rich history of buildings in New England through the appreciation of and dedication to stewardship of place.
Site Design
Our universal approach to design puts a strong emphasis on developing the site and surrounding environment in order to fulfill programmatic, climactic and aesthetic needs. Site and building design are integrated to limit impact on the environment and to orient spaces to flow logistically, utilize solar orientation and optimize site development. This approach creates responsive solutions to individual design challenges.
Planning
We are experts in providing specifically tailored, practical design planning solutions for our clients. Employing extensive research and thorough analyses and establishing a clear understanding of client and community desires, we develop plans that will succeed in the present and the future.
Sustainable Design
At Lassel Architects, sustainable design is regarded as a standard method of practice, not a specific exception to selective projects. Our work always denotes proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction and operations standards. We continually expand our knowledge base in sustainable design principles, keeping abreast of the most resent design and building techniques that conserve natural resources, promote the re-use of materials, reduce waste and lower energy consumption and operational costs.
Energy Consulting
Our team integrates energy-efficient design concepts and alternative energy technologies to minimize overall consumption while optimizing the space itself. With a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) currently on staff, we have the expertise and knowledge to work with clients to define energy needs and determine the best way to meet project goals. At Lassel Architects, our goal is to help the environment by optimizing a project’s energy efficiency while helping clients save money.
The Lassel Team
Sarah Hourihane
Owner & Principal, AIA LEED AP
Simon Yates
Associate Principal, AIA
Michal Kaleta
Senior Project Manager, CPHC
Nikki Miller
Interior Designer, ASID NCIDQ
Kyle Mullaney
Project Manager
Cheyenne McGrath
Designer
Brad Cruver
Designer
Rachel SMith
Office Manager
Michael W. Lassel
Founder & Principal Emeritus, AIA LEED AP
Michael W. Lassel
Founder & Principal Emeritus, AIA, LEED AP
Michael founded Lassel Architects in 1989 with a focus on designing high performance buildings and homes that are integrated to the surrounding landscape while meeting all human needs. Michael holds a Master of Architecture degree from Ohio State University. Early in his career, he worked as an urban planner and Architect in Munich, Germany, designing a variety of communal and commercial projects.
Michael is currently a board member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Maine Chapter and the AIA Small Firm Exchange, seeking to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. Additionally, he is the Vice President of the AIA New England Regional Council. Michael is LEED AP certified and is committed to the 2030 Challenge, prioritizing energy performance in design to work towards carbon neutral buildings and developments by the year 2030. He lives in Maine and enjoys the arts, music, and many outdoor sports.
Sarah Hourihane
Principal Architect, AIA, LEED AP
Sarah has spent her professional career gaining diverse experience in design and project management of custom residential, commercial, hospitality and multi-family housing design projects. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
Sarah lives with her husband Patrick, two children and their dog on the seacoast of New Hampshire. You can often find her on a boat or skiing and soaking up the fresh air with her family.
Michal Kaleta
Project Manager, CPHC
Michal is a Certified Passive House Consultant and has significantly enhanced sustainable design practices within the firm. He offers expertise and leadership as Lassel Architects continues its focus on sustainable design as a standard.
Michal and his wife Joanna moved to New Hampshire from Poland to enjoy the barns, burgers and beers. They live by the lake and enjoy New England to the fullest.
Simon Yates
Associate Principal, AIA
Simon joined Lassel Architects after moving to Maine from his home country of New Zealand. He has worked across multiple typologies and scales in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, with predominant experience on high-end single family homes. Simon lives locally with his wife and three young boys, and enjoys exploring the local coast and searching for anywhere that will play his beloved All Blacks and Black Caps.
Rachel Smith
Office Manager
Rachel has more than a decade of experience in serving as the liaison between architectural design work and the public. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of New Hampshire.
Rachel lives in Maine with her husband, their children, and two dogs. She loves reading, food trucks, and good grammar.
Nikki Miller
Interior Designer, ASID NCIDQ
Nikki brings fresh perspective and diverse insight to a variety of project types. She has an outstanding ability to manage project design goals while maintaining client vision. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Nikki lives in New Hampshire with her husband and Minnie the golden doodle. She appreciates red wine and wearing black.
Cheyenne McGrath
Designer
While not busy with school, Cheyenne enjoys watching her favorite shows or exploring Maine with her dog, Benny.
Kyle Mullaney
Project Manager
Kyle excels at creatively working through design schemes in order to present clients with design solutions. His exceptional project management skills and ability to collaborate with designers and consultants result in design execution of the highest standards. Kyle holds a Master of Architecture degree from The Boston Architectural College.
Kyle lives in Massachusetts with his wife and enjoys all New England has to offer, including skiing, biking and hiking.
Brad Cruver
Designer
After interning at Lassel Architects in the summer of 2023 and then graduating a semester early from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, Brad joined the team as a full-time designer in 2024. With notable professionalism, Brad lends his talents daily to creating detailed drawings for clients. Equipped with steadfast team morale and an engaging sense of humor, he has quickly become a highly valuable member of the firm.
Brad lives in Maine and loves to travel.
Reach Us
370 Main Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908
207 384 2049