Placework Designs for Libraries
Our mission is to create transformative design for the
benefit of people and planet.
Our Approach
Placework’s core values prioritize stewardship, curiosity, and co-creation. Our design ethos supports a positive outcome for both people and the natural world. We help libraries plan for changing social, technological, and ecological requirements, while preserving their role as essential resources to our communities and institutions of learning.
Our portfolio of work includes numerous examples of library clients throughout our region. This experience has led to a broader understanding of some of the most common challenges facing libraries today, including lack of space, accessibility issues, budget limitations, and expanding demand for community programming. A recent concept design for the Town of Hampton, NH proposed a collocation of the Town’s Recreation and Library departments, allowing the departments to share resources and providing an efficient, transformative “third place” for local residents.
As a Certified B Corporation, we define goals, measure our impact, and work to continually improve practices that support social and environmental justice.We are guided by our Sustainability Action Plan, which extends from our design to internal operations and engagement with our clients and community. Opportunities to teach and learn from students also inform how we work.
Somersworth Public Library Exterior Rendering.
Resources
Our team recently made a presentation at the NH Library Trustees Association conference entitled, “The Library Trustee’s RFP Cookbook: Recipes for Writing a Request that Works for You.” Below are several of the resources shared during that presentation:
Placework Downloadable Resource
RFQ/P for Architectural Services Template
American Library Association
Library Technology Reports – RFP Topics: description of the RFP process specific to Library technology systems.
Link to: https://journals.ala.org/index.php/ltr/issue/view/118
AIA Contracts
AIA Contract Family for Professional Design Services: standard design and construction services contracts from the American Institute of Architects.
Link to: https://aiacontracts.com/
NH Municipal Association
General guidance and advocacy for NH municipalities.
Link to: https://www.nhmunicipal.org/about
Hampton Hub Interior Rendering.
“I cannot imagine a partner more compatible with libraries than Placework, or a partner better suited to bridge the gap between town values and library values. I believe that Placework truly understands the mission of libraries and sees exactly where it overlaps with their own.”
AMANDA L. REYNOLDS COOPER – LANE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
DIRECTOR
About Us
Placework is an architecture studio located in Portsmouth, NH. Our mission is to create transformative design for the benefit of people and planet. As a Certified B Corporation, Placework has demonstrated the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To learn more, visit our website at www.placework.studio or reach out to us directly at hello@placework.studio.