Paul Bonacci and Lucinda Schlaffer, ARQ Architects

ARQ Architects, founded by partners Lucinda Schlaffer and Paul Bonacci in 1985, is engaged nationally in projects for humane societies building upon the groundbreaking success of Maddie's Pet Adoption Center at the San Francisco SPCA.

ARQ is committed to advancing the animal-care design model and to serving the needs of groups desiring the best for animals under their care by using ecological and sustainable design strategies. ARQ is based in Kittery, Maine, with additional offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

A dynamic relationship, forged over a decade of collaboration with national humane societies, has enabled ARQ to consider "out of the box" design solutions that enrich life rather than simply sustain life for companion animals. On the boards are new prototype facilities to address the needs of rural shelters and small-scale adoption centers, as well as the development of a new model for veterinary care design.

As a firm, we are dedicated to using design as a tool that can solve problems, and contribute to a more enriched built environment. Our commitment to sustainable design is integral to all phases of our work. ARQ Architects are members of the U.S. Green Building Council and have staff certified in the LEED program, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.

Paul Bonacci graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and Lucinda Schlaffer from the University of California at Berkeley in 1979. They are active members in AIA ecology/technology professional interest groups and ADPSR (Architects, Designers and Planners for Social Responsibility), and hold licenses in California, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine. Paul and Lucy have been featured for design and acoustic excellence in Pro-Sound magazine, Architectural Record, and Interiors magazine, and have lectured at national conferences on animal care, including Tufts Animal Expo, Marin Humane Cat Care Conference and No-Kill Conference.