studio MEJA

We are a boutique architecture firm In Providence, Rhode Island that specializes in revitalizing urban spaces and serving mission oriented clients.

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The Gordon School in East Providence needed a summer make-over of their most precious central "Commons" space in their original Bill Warner designed facility.  We looked to retain the character defining features of the space: board-form concrete, the pyramidal ceiling and the oak floor. Using those as our canvas, we gave the space a lighter, airier feel by and humanized the scale with subtle floor and ceiling treatment. We addressed changing program needs by incorporating a modern conference room, and created a custom millwork element to display student art work.

We worked closely with the owner and contractor to go from concept to move-in in 3 short months!

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The Gpub is a gastro-pub which occupies the ground level of the ProvidenceG complex. The space is entered through a grand double-height space with a sculpture metal stair. This leads you to into a composition framed by exposed concrete and exposed ductwork, softened with touches of leather banquets, and reclaimed wood tables. The lacquered walnut butcher-block bar provide a richly textured surface over which to share a pint. The walls are alternately covered with lime-washed oak, which echoes the efflorescence of the concrete, and classic sub-way tile, evoking the tradition of under-ground occupancy. 

The Providence Journal called the space "a monument to industrial design... the result is just stunning". 

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The former CJ Fox manufacturing headquarters in Providence is undergoing an extensive rehabilitation, converting it to 50,000sf of office space. The main architectural move was to reveal as much of the natural beauty of the building's structure as possible, letting it frame the daily activity which would soon occupy it. We found our inspiration in the subtle, almost abstract, details of the connection between materials.

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The Rooftop at the G is the only place of its kind in southern New England. the space features views of downtown, underneath a retractable glass awning. The exterior brick and metal elements are contrasted with soft cedar siding at the bar, bathrooms and other tactile elements. 

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One of the first parking garages (ever!) the Narraganset Hotel Garage has long been in danger of demolition. The exterior red paint was stripped to reveal the original buff brick, and the interior steel and concrete floors have been restructured. Most strikingly, historically accurate windows have been installed.  The lower floor will continue to provide structured parking (via double and quad lifts) while the upper floors are being converted to high-end industrial-style apartments. 

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This non-traditional church transformed a former video store into a clean, modern worship space. A series of creative reredos (adornment behind the stage) has evolved with the life of the church.

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This former Gas Company headquarters from 1924 is seeing new life as luxury apartments. The complex will house additional retail, office and restaurant spaces. The spaces are designed for maximum efficiency, with cove-lighting featured in most great rooms. Interesting finishes include walnut cabinets, granite countertops and bamboo flooring. Two units delicately preserve the Gas Company's former President's Office and Board room.

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This church design has transformed a dank former fraternal lodge into a light, lively worship space. Existing wood beams and planking were preserved, while new windows, lighting and trim brings the sanctuary design together. 

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This entrance lobby is the primary public space in a redeveloped four building mixed use complex in Downtown Providence, serving as the gateway to 50 residential units, retail, office, restaurants and structured parking. Venetian plaster, Macassar Ebony and acid washed concrete adorn its finished surfaces

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Originally constructed in 1860, this 12ft x 40ft building is having its brownstone trim and storefronts restored, and will house a multi-level restaurant that will span into a new modern infill addition featuring a glazed ceiling and a sliding glass wall. 

The exterior was repointed, its exterior brownstone was stripped of paint and repaired, and the historic windows were intensively restored. The storefront was designed and fabricated to echo historic photos, while serving the modern restaurant use behind it.

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These renderings are an example of a conceptual design package for a local animal shelter. We helped cast vision for long-term space planning and provided concept renderings to demonstrate how spaces could look and function in the future.

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Feasibility Study is underway for this 30,000sf mill in Providence Rhode Island. We are looking to create loft-condominiums out of this former manufacturing gem.

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This lighting project reused a 1950s brass chandelier and re-clad it with thin strips of bent plywood, arranged in a spiral pattern. Held together by a brass through-bolt at its point, each strip is pierced to hang from the original brass supports. 

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This simple wall sconce utilizes elemental materials of steel, wood and light. The fixture's verticality is accentuated by the vertical metal band, and its wood backer is held off the wall to give the piece depth. Finally the simple globe bulb completes the composition. 

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This greek revival apartment on Providence's West End was subject to a quick, dramatic renovation. After decades of neglect the unit's original character was restored. Four-panel period doors and trim lovingly replicated from the original were restored; the plaster walls were refinished and the wide-plank pumpkin pine floors were  brought back to their original charm. Never again will faux-wood paneling and hollow core doors disgrace this gem!

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This modest, mid-century home consisted of four very separate, prior to this renovation. A new rear-addition was added, which connected to an existing kitchen to create an open, flowing floor plan that dramatically changed the character of the residence. The large glass windows allow views of the sloping back yard, and fill the space with light. 

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This 1000 square foot ranch is begging to be transformed into a shingle-style bungalow worthy of its gorgeous location. A new half-story upper level addition will house a master suite and sitting room, both leading to a walk out view of the Jamestown Bridge. Before all this can take place, we will have to navigate a number of regulatory hurdles- take a look at the chart if you're interested!