In choosing any project, architects Steven L. Lerner and Christian J.
Ladds--founders of Lerner Ladds Architects, Inc.--look for commissions in which their work
will preserve the unique historical characteristics of a structure, while looking to the
future to redefine the structure's past. This approach has allowed the firm to build its
reputation among Rhode Island's architectural firms.
In all its work, the Providence-based, award-winning architectural firm attends to every
aspect of a project, from the smallest detail to the overall quality of design. Lerner
Ladds provides a full-service approach to its clients through a team of architects and
consultants whose specialties include interiors, graphics, engineering, lighting, and
landscapes.
While Lerner Ladds has gained a prominent niche in working with educational institutions,
churches, and health-care-related companies, the firm does not restrict itself to any
single area of architectural design. Instead, its strength rests in its ability to listen
to clients and respond to their needs. In this way, the firm has built up a long list of
repeat customers. "Our projects range from small residential renovations to
multimillion-dollar institutional facilities," said Lerner. "If a small project
interests us, we take it. The criteria is that the project must be worth doing."
Lerner Ladds has been honored by the American Society of Interior Designers with its
interior design specialty award for the firm's work in renovating the Brown University
Dill Center for the Performing Arts-Stuart Theater. This project was also cited by the
Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for its excellence of design
and execution. The architects created an acting studio from sub-basement space for the
theater, reconfiguring the structure with continental-style seating and adding a balcony.
"It's a problem-solving profession," said Lerner. "Each project is
different. Each client's needs are different. Each problem is thought of in an individual
way. We don't have a set style. We're known for doing projects on time and for meeting
budget requirements."
The 17,800-square-foot Ophthalmology Inc. office is a case in point. The building on the
East Side of Providence was long and narrow, which made it difficult to direct patients to
the proper locations for waiting, screening, and examination. "It was a
challenge," said Lerner. The firm solved this challenge by introducing innovative new
shapes and forms both inside and outside the building.
New trees, curbs, and walks were installed, and the parking area was redesigned and ringed
with tree plantings. A welded-aluminum and fabric entrance canopy was also created.
Ophthalmic services are contained in modules throughout the center of the building. The
architects' creative use of the existing space resulted in doctors spending less time
running from one office to another to see patients.
Other projects completed by Lerner Ladds include St. Mary's Church in Providence, St.
Joseph's Church in Newport--which involved the resolution of structural flaws from the
original design--and work on a wood-shingled summer residence on 78 acres in Wakefield,
which won the 1995 Best In Rhode Island-Bronze home design award from Rhode Island
Monthly.
Lerner describes the force that drives Lerner Ladds: "To create work that reflects
the time and spirit in which it is done. We are proud of bringing new life into existing
structures, and we continue to welcome new challenges."