PORTFOLIO Click on an image for a larger view Searles Chapel Windham New Hampshire Henry Vaughan, master of the neo-Gothic, was the architect for this 1907 stone base, stucco, and wood timbered school and chapel. His patron was Edward Searles, who had been a decorator for the famous New York interior design company, Herter Bros., before marrying the wealthy widow of Mark Hopkins. Together they built schools, chapels, castles, and an organ hall near Methuen, Massachusetts and Windham. Phase 1: RMMA prepared the schematic design and budget estimate for the renovation of the chapel and the conversion of the basement for community use. The proposal was approved at town meeting with a partial budget. Phase 2: The architect worked closely with the committee, code officer, and the Division of Historical Resources to ensure that new work met the Interior Secretary's standards for Historical Preservation as handicap access, a new lift, egress, repair of exterior fabric, stairs, and new mechanical and electrical services were provided. Careful analysis and design aimed to maintain the high quality of interior finish and to translate intact the important original spaces. New services, kitchen, and bathrooms were introduced in the basement. The most exciting work was to undo the damage done when a ceiling was added below the wood barrel vaulted ceiling in the 1960's. The fine wood casings and leaded glass windows, plaster, and exterior stucco had been damaged or removed when "schoolhouse" windows were installed. Phase 3: New stained glass windows will be installed in the restored openings. External Link to Client Website

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