DeStefano Architects completes 100th project in Portsmouth

DeStefano Architects (D|A) has hit the century mark. The renowned Portsmouth-based architectural firm completed its 100th project downtown - with the redesign of a new upstairs bar at Ristorante Massimo, a popular Italian restaurant known for its quaint brick and stone ambiance. In addition, D|A has added key employees and recently launched a new website at www.DestefanoArchitects.com. "I am humbled by the distinction of designing 100 projects in downtown Portsmouth, where I was raised, and where I chose to establish my company," said Lisa DeStefano, D|A principal. "I surely did not achieve 100 great projects alone. I am extremely proud of and grateful for our entire staff - an amazing group of architects who are not only talented, skilled and experienced, but dedicated and committed to rendering the best possible results for every project, no matter how large or small." Ristorante Massimo owner, Massimo Morgia, said, "It is a great honor to be the 100th project by DeStefano Architects. We are overjoyed with the exquisite results of the firm's work. I've always wanted to have a full bar in addition to the downstairs restaurant. Lisa DeStefano and her team helped make my dream come true." Established in 1995, DeStefano Architects is known for its experience and versatility designing a wide range of projects. D|A's "Portsmouth 100" includes new construction, building additions, comprehensive renovations, modernizations, rehabilitations, historic preservation work, one-of-a-kind residences, large scale multi-use developments, and storefronts. Some of the firm's most notable downtown developments are Harbour Place Condos; Hilton Garden Inn; the Strawbery Bank renovation; Poco's Bow Street Cantina; Porter Street Condos and many beautiful homes. "In a city where our history and architecture is critical to our economic success, Lisa DeStefano and her team have successfully honored that history while keeping Portsmouth moving forward," said former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand. "DeStefano Architects has played a leading role in helping Portsmouth become a national model for balancing historic preservation with growth in a dynamic 21st century community." Another of D|A's 100 projects is the recently renovated and expanded Portsmouth Middle School. The new three-story, 30,000 s/f addition serves up to 650 students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. "Students are happy and teachers are thrilled with their 'new' school," said Portsmouth Middle School principal, John Stokel. "Lisa DeStefano's vision and passionate advocacy for our renovation was essential to propelling the project forward. The result is a perfect blend of environmental design strategies for energy-efficiency, with preservation of the historic building's character." D|A maintains a diverse practice, assisting clients in both the private and public sectors. D|A is also celebrating steady company-wide growth, adding several key professionals to leadership positions within the company. It now employs more design professionals than ever. The firm recently launched a new website that showcases the wide spectrum of its work. Residential and commercial clients can easily navigate the user-friendly site to view samplings of D|A's diverse portfolio. DeStefano praised the D|A team of professionals, saying, "The depth of our team's varied talents and skills never ceases to amaze me. I am very fortunate to have a great staff that is passionate about being creative and solving problems for clients. We also surround ourselves with wonderful consultants - so it's always a real team effort focused on meeting client needs and bringing their projects to fruition." D|A is also known for its ability to work proficiently with various boards, committees and commissions in Portsmouth and elsewhere. The company's expertise in this area has earned a notable success rate for helping its clients gain permits and other approvals. "We build business by building relationships; and for those 100 projects, I've represented clients and presented plans at several hundred meetings of the City Council, Planning Board, Historic District Commission and others," DeStefano said.