As Newman Architects looks towards the future, the firm’s Board of Directors announce a new organizational structure that will guide the New Haven-based architecture, interiors, lighting, and branding firm’s management going forward:
A. Brooks Fischer, AIA, is now Newman’s Chief Executive Officer. As President and CEO, Brooks will continue to advance Newman’s growth, market and service expansion, and sustainable success by promoting our evolution and innovation.
“I’m honored to lead the next generation of Newman Architects as we envision the possibilities for our clients and our company,” said Brooks Fischer. “In working to fulfil our mission to create places of enduring value that serve, sustain, and enrich life, our group together brings new ideas and excitement for the ability of the built environment to inspire and impact our future.”
As Principal, Brooks leads Newman’s work in the commercial development market and works to encourage relationships that expand the firm’s reach. Since joining Newman in 2004, Brooks has established Newman as a respected partner to clients and communities. Brooks earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University and was named Principal in 2016.
Melinda Marlén Agron, AIA, NOMA, LEED GA, will serve as Chief Operating Officer to advance Newman’s business model and culture to support sustainable growth, excellence in design, and meaningful professional development for staff. As Principal, Melinda is passionate about creating synergies between building design and organizational strategy. Melinda joined Newman in 2018 with a Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from Yale University, where she teaches professional practice as an Instructor at the School of Architecture. She combines architectural design and business thinking to collaborate with design teams through all project stages and to lead strategic thinking to optimize organization and operational efficiency.
In addition, four Director-level positions will guide key facets of the practice:
As Newman’s new Director of Design, Laura Gilmore, AIA, LEED GA, will guide the creation of work defined by design excellence, sustainability, quality of documentation, and positive contribution to the communities we serve. An Associate Principal, Laura has had a major impact on our practice since joining the office in 2018, bringing a keen design sensibility, a deep commitment to Newman’s work, and demonstrated skill in balancing the aspirations of clients, teams, and communities in leading the design of significant mixed-use development and higher education projects. Laura holds a BA in Architecture from Princeton University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.
As Director of Marketing and Communication, Abigail M. Carlen, LEED AP BD+C, is responsible for leading a coordinated marketing, business development, and communications program that advances Newman’s reputation for leadership in design and sustainability for educational, commercial, and community clients and propels the firm to meet its strategic goals. Since joining the firm in 2021, she has reinvented the firm’s marketing processes to enable growth and advance the profile and reputation of the firm and its staff. An Associate Principal, she holds BAs in Architectural Studies and English from Connecticut College.
Paul Santos, AIA, will bring additional focus to the firm’s work in the commercial sector as Director of Housing. Paul will continue to advance Newman’s work in the housing sector as sought after partners for design, technical, and financial expertise in the development of affordable, mixed income, market rate, senior, and mixed-use projects. Since joining Newman in 2006, Paul has managed the development of more than 1500 units of housing in Connecticut, nearly 900 of them affordable. He is an Associate Principal of the firm and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University.
As Director of Sustainability, Dov Feinmesser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, will organize Newman’s efforts to bring high sustainability standards to the design and realization of projects where architecture harmonizes with the environment, fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. Dov manages a diverse range of projects as Senior Associate and teaches professional practice as a Lecturer at the Yale School of Architecture. He brings a passion for the intersection of practice, sustainability, and the value of the built environment that will elevate the level of environmental leadership through this new role. He joined Newman in 2016, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Ryerson University and a Master of Architecture from Yale University, and also serves on the AIA Connecticut Board of Directors.
