Stories

Shaping Solutions: Printed Parts in Action

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

As October marks Manufacturing Month, Loureiro is proud to highlight how innovations like additive manufacturing are shaping safer, smarter solutions for our clients.

Within Loureiro’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) service line, machine safeguarding is about more than compliance. It is about designing custom protections that keep people safe while maintaining productivity. Each project brings different machines, different risks, and different conditions. Meeting those needs has often required on-site cutting and fabrication — effective, but messy, time-consuming, and difficult to adapt if equipment or operations change.

When one client asked if there was a faster and cleaner way to achieve the same outcome, Loureiro responded by adding a new capability: additive manufacturing. By bringing 3D printing into the field, our team can now create precise, adaptable parts that improve safety and efficiency.

From Prototype to Practical Solutions

The idea began with prototyping. Instead of bending and cutting aluminum or polycarbonate to test a concept, Loureiro could model the design in CAD, send the file to a compact FDM printer, and have a plastic part in hand within hours. Prototypes could be tested directly on the machine, refined quickly, and reprinted until the fit and function were right.

In some cases, the results went further. The printed parts were durable enough to remain in service, giving clients a finished guard that reduced risk without slowing operations. What began as a way to mock up ideas is now a practical method for producing custom safety components on demand.

From field measurements to CAD to print, the process allows teams to move from concept to part in a single day.

Field Applications

The benefits of printed parts are already being realized in the field.

Machine guarding: On a roller line, Loureiro designed a rotating “flipper” guard that connects to a safety-rated switch. If contacted, the paddle shifts slightly and shuts down the machine. Printed in modular sections, the guard can be scaled to fit any machine width.
Wastewater treatment: Operators calibrating long pH probes needed a way to protect fragile sensor tips. Loureiro created printed baffles that guarded the probes, allowed water flow across the sensor, and doubled as a stand during calibration. The solution reduced strain on operators and avoided costly probe replacements.
Construction support: Instead of cutting steel templates to test hole spacing on brackets, Loureiro now prints lightweight models to verify alignment. Once confirmed, the CAD file is sent for steel fabrication, saving time and reducing material waste.

Material selection adds another layer of flexibility. PETG plastics withstand oils and coolants, carbon-fiber composites provide added strength, and antimicrobial options can support clean environments such as healthcare facilities. Each solution is matched to its setting.

(L) A modular “flipper” guard printed in sections connects to a safety switch, shutting down equipment instantly if contacted.
(C) A simple baffle printed for pH probes protects delicate sensors, reduces operator strain, and prevents costly damage.
(R) Lightweight printed templates confirm bracket fit and alignment before steel fabrication, saving time and materials.

Looking Ahead

Printed parts are now part of Loureiro’s toolbox for EHS projects and beyond. They allow our teams to solve problems more quickly, adapt solutions to client-specific needs, and deliver value in ways that traditional fabrication cannot.

This capability reflects Loureiro’s culture of innovation: applying technical expertise and practical creativity to meet challenges head-on. As applications continue to grow, additive manufacturing is helping us shape solutions that keep people safe, keep projects moving, and keep clients ahead.

Celebrating 50 Years of Loureiro Engineering Associates

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On September 18, 2025, Loureiro Engineering Associates proudly celebrated a milestone: 50 years of service, innovation, and growth. Held at our headquarters in Plainville, Connecticut, the anniversary brought together employees, clients, community leaders, and partners who have shaped our journey since our founding in 1975.

Honoring Our Origins and Values

CEO Brian Cutler opened the ceremony with reflections on the firm’s history, beginning with founder Julio Loureiro and later his son Jeff Loureiro. He emphasized the values that continue to guide the company today: taking risks, doing things the right way, and always putting client success first.

“As we celebrate this milestone,” Brian shared, “we pause to reflect on the journey that brought us here and look forward to what comes next.” He also highlighted Loureiro’s proud status as a 100% employee-owned company, a model that strengthens our culture of accountability and shared success.

Recognizing Our Role in the Community and Economy

The celebration also featured remarks from distinguished guests:

Daniel O’Keefe, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and Chief Innovation Officer for the State of Connecticut, spoke about the critical role of the manufacturing sector in Connecticut’s economy, and how firms like Loureiro help strengthen it through innovation and problem-solving.
Michael Paulhus, Town Manager of Plainville, reflected on Loureiro’s decades-long partnership with the community. From improvements to the Water Pollution Control facility, Robertson Airport, and the municipal landfill, to volunteered time and contributions to local parks and the food pantry, Loureiro’s impact extends well beyond engineering.

Stories From Within Loureiro

Several Loureiro employees also shared their experiences:

Ron Amerose, Loureiro’s longest-standing employee, offered a unique perspective on the company’s growth and culture over the decades.
Matthew Poniatowski, Staff Accountant and former Business Management Intern, spoke about Loureiro’s investment in the next generation of professionals. He shared that 75% of interns from the past summer have continued working with the company during the school year. This is a testament to our commitment to meaningful internships and professional development.

A Celebration of People and Partnerships

The event concluded with closing remarks from Brian Cutler, followed by a raffle for employees and clients, and plenty of time to celebrate with food trucks and community connections.

As we mark our 50th anniversary, we are reminded that Loureiro’s story is one of people — employees, clients, and partners — working together to achieve meaningful results. We are grateful for every individual and organization that has been part of our journey, and we look ahead with excitement to the future.

From Concept to Patent: A Smarter Way to Tackle PFAS in Drinking Water

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A Closer Look at Loureiro’s In Situ Drinking Water Filtration System for PFAS Removal

With nearly five decades of experience in environmental remediation, Mike Marley has built a reputation on blending cutting-edge science with practical engineering implementation. A civil engineer and founder of XDD (acquired by Loureiro in 2021), Mike has advised on contaminated site cleanups across the U.S. and internationally.

“I’ve always believed in combining the state of the art of the science with good engineering,” he says. “You need real-world solutions that work—and that clients can afford.”

His involvement with PFAS goes back to 2007, well before the issue reached national prominence. Since then, he’s worked on early treatability studies, developed cleanup strategies, and, most recently, helped engineer a patent-pending system that may change how we think about PFAS remediation in drinking water aquifers.

What Are PFAS—and Why Are They So Hard to Treat?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals found in everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because there is little evidence of the saturated PFAS breaking down easily under natural conditions and they can be found in water, soils, and even rainfall around the world.

The EPA has proposed strict new limits on a few PFAS in drinking water, but addressing the problem is anything but straightforward.

The conventional approach is to install an above-ground treatment system (like granular activated carbon or ion exchange resins), pump water out of the aquifer, treat it, and then distribute it. But this approach comes with serious drawbacks:

Capital costs can exceed $10M–$20M for small to mid-size towns
Ongoing maintenance can cost $250K–$500K/year
New regulations and evolving PFAS science create long-term uncertainty for remedy selection

Faced with this challenge, Mike and the team set out to design a solution that would achieve regulatory compliance without placing an overwhelming financial burden on municipalities.

A Smarter Approach: In Situ Filtration

Instead of treating water at the surface, why not treat it underground before it enters the production well?

That’s the core idea behind Loureiro’s in situ PFAS filtration system. The system works by injecting an adsorbent, commonly ultra-fine activated carbon into targeted zones of high PFAS flux in the aquifer, creating a focused permeable subsurface filter wall. This creates a permeable subsurface filter wall that intercepts and captures the high flux of the PFAS preventing their flow toward the production well.

The system is:

Flexible: can be deployed as a temporary solution (5–10+ years) or a permanent barrier
Cost-effective: typically, less than 20% of conventional system costs
Maintenance-free: zero O&M
Scalable and fast to design and install: 6–12 months, compared to 2–3 years for above-ground systems

Real-World Example

In Southington, Connecticut, Loureiro worked with town officials to address elevated PFAS levels in several municipal wells. The estimated cost for a conventional solution exceeded $20 million per treatment system. Instead, the team proposed using aquifer profiling tools to identify the narrow segment of the wellfield—what Mike refers to as the “slice of the pie”—responsible for the PFAS exceedances of EPA criteria at the well. By injecting carbon only in that ”slice of the pie”, Loureiro would provide a significantly reduced treatment footprint and cost while meeting the town’s performance goals.

Patent Pending, Designed to Scale

CEO Brian Cutler recognized the potential benefit to Loureiro and asked Mike to pursue the patent in 2024, and because of his track record and the technology’s potential, the application was submitted through a fast-track process. Loureiro expects to hear back from the U.S. Patent Office by July or August 2025 with the expectation of an iteration or two before having the patent approved.

“This is one of those rare cases,” Mike says, “where the simpler answer is also the smarter and cheaper one.”

Innovation That Moves Us Forward

This system reflects Loureiro’s commitment to integrated, client-focused problem solving. Developed in direct collaboration with municipalities, it exemplifies our ability to adapt quickly, engineer practically, and deliver measurable impact.

As we continue to expand our role in design-build delivery, grow our PFAS and environmental services, and pursue opportunities in the federal and DOD sectors, this patent-pending technology stands as a model for the kind of innovation Loureiro brings to every challenge.

That’s a Wrap: Reflecting on Our 2025 Summer Intern Program

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Another summer comes to an end, and with it we bid farewell to a remarkable group of emerging AEC professionals.

Over the past three months, our 2025 summer interns have not only contributed to real projects but also immersed themselves in the culture of Loureiro. They joined site visits, collaborated with mentors across disciplines, attended a welcome lunch with CEO Brian Cutler, and even presented their work to colleagues and family members at the close of the season. Along the way, they expanded their technical skills, built professional confidence, and experienced firsthand the teamwork and problem-solving that define Loureiro.

Representing schools across the country, including the University of Connecticut, Roger Williams University, Purdue, and the University of Central Florida, this year’s cohort brought fresh perspectives to our offices and job sites in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and North Carolina. Their work spanned disciplines from environmental and civil engineering to construction management, business development, and human resources.

Highlights from the Summer

From their first day, the interns hit the ground running:

Hands-on project work in the field and office, from groundwater sampling and stormwater inspections to proposal development and HR system audits.
Professional development, including a résumé and LinkedIn workshop to prepare them for future opportunities.
Mentorship and collaboration with project managers, senior engineers, and corporate staff where they learned not just technical skills but how to navigate real-world challenges.

More Than an Internship

For Loureiro, internships are more than a seasonal program. They’re an investment in the future of our industry. Each summer, we aim to create an environment where students can apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, discover new career interests, and see the impact of their work on real projects and communities.

This year’s group brought energy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and they left having made a lasting impact on the teams they worked with.

Meet the 2025 Interns

Click below to explore each intern’s story:

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful for the contributions of our 2025 interns and excited to see where their paths lead. If you’re interested in joining a company that invests in mentorship, hands-on experience, and professional growth, visit our Careers page to learn more.

Building the Next Generation

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

How the ACE Mentor Program Gives High School Students Real-World Experience

When Tim Griffing joined the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program as a high school senior in Seymour, CT, he wasn’t sure what to expect. A guidance counselor had recommended it, and as someone already enrolled in drafting classes, it seemed like a good fit. Over a decade later, Tim is a senior civil project engineer at Loureiro and now serves as a mentor in the very same program that helped launch his career.

“I only did it for a year, but it changed how I thought about what I wanted to do,” Tim says. “It was actually through ACE that I realized I didn’t want to be an architect—I wanted to be a civil engineer. That early exposure made all the difference.”

Since 2017, Tim has mentored students in the Bridgeport/Stratford chapter of ACE, which brings together high school students from across the region to explore careers through hands-on projects, site visits, and real-world presentations. In 2019, he received the ACE Distinguished Mentor Award for his contributions as a mentor and team leader. Throughout the years he has worked alongside other industry professionals who he has reconnected with on actual projects he is involved in, on job sites, and even on the golf course.

But for Tim and other mentors across the state, the goal is simple: to open doors for the next generation.

A Yearlong Design Journey

The ACE Mentor Program begins each October and runs through May, following a structured, project-based format that mirrors what professionals do every day. The year kicks off with a series of presentations from engineers, architects, and other industry experts—many of whom are ACE alumni themselves. Mentors explain what their jobs entail, how they got there, and what a typical day might look like.

Each year, students receive a mock Request for Proposal (RFP)—a document that outlines the design challenge, budget, scope, and a real site to work with. The RFP might ask students to create something like a community marketplace, a boathouse, or an off-the-grid retreat, and includes tangible materials like site plans, scale drawings, and constraints provided by mentors. City representatives are often involved in site visits, playing the role of the client or developer, making the exercise even more immersive.

Students break into teams of four to six and take ownership of the project. Regardless of skill level, mentors like Tim guide them through each phase of the process: precedent research, bubble diagrams, floor plans, elevations, site planning, sustainability planning, utilities and mechanicals, cost estimates, and scheduling using Gantt charts.

“There’s a lot of learning as you go,” says Tim. “We guide them more than we used to, because we want them to understand how these disciplines work together. And we want them to have fun with it.”

Field trips throughout the year—like the annual visit to ENCON’s HVAC facility and visits to active construction sites—help reinforce what students are designing by showing the systems in real life.

A Professional Finish

The year concludes with formal presentations—this year held at Sacred Heart University—where students suit up, present their designs, and try to “win the job” in front of a panel of industry professionals, including owners, engineers, architects, and community members. Each team is evaluated not just on technical accuracy, but also on creativity, presentation skills, and how well they work together.

“It’s treated like a real proposal,” says Tim. “The judges act as the client. Students have to explain why their team and their design are the best fit for the project.”

While the graphics and renderings are impressive, it’s often the human-centered ideas that shine. “One group had a basic hand sketch,” Tim recalls, “but it included a playground and a gathering space that the judges really connected with. It felt like it belonged in the community. That simplicity and clarity won the room.”

Pathways to College, Careers, and Beyond

Upper-level students can take their learning even further by entering the ACE National Design Competition. These select teams receive a separate RFP with multiple prompts to choose from and prepare a new design to present on the national stage. While Connecticut teams have yet to place in the final round, the New Britain chapter was recently named runner-up—a proud achievement for a small but mighty state.

“It’s really a great opportunity for the students,” says Tim. “Some students come in not even knowing what civil engineering is. By the end, they’re talking about site plans and sustainable stormwater management systems. That transformation is incredible.”

ACE doesn’t end with a certificate. Students have access to scholarships at both the local and national level, including a prestigious full-ride to Wentworth Institute of Technology—available to just a handful of ACE students nationwide. Many go on to internships or job shadows at firms throughout the country, including Loureiro, often returning to mentor after they’ve started their careers.

A Small World, A Lasting Impact

The ACE Mentor program is constantly expanding its reach while maintaining its commitment to community impact, making it an ideal organization for Loureiro team members to engage with. There are four active chapters in Connecticut alone, as well as chapters in Boston, Providence, Concord, and Raleigh.

“There are a lot of people out there who don’t know programs like this even exist,” Tim says. “It’s a small world, and ACE helps make those first connections that can turn into careers.”

Whether a student dreams of becoming an architect or just wants to see what’s possible, the ACE Mentor Program gives them tools, exposure, and support. For Loureiro, supporting ACE is a way to invest in the future of the built environment—by helping students shape it themselves.

Interested in Getting Involved?

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or professional, there are many ways to participate. Contact Tim Griffing to learn more about mentorship opportunities and local chapter involvement.

Emily Kelting, Project Manager

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Engineered to Lead: How Emily Kelting Found Her Path—and Her Voice—at Loureiro

This blog spotlights Emily Kelting, Project Manager in Loureiro’s Civil Engineering division, whose career path reflects the value of curiosity, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continuous growth. Originally a math major at UConn, Emily discovered engineering as a way to apply problem-solving to real-world results—an approach that continues to guide her work today. From intern in the Environmental division to leading complex site design projects and mentoring others, Emily’s story illustrates how Loureiro’s team-first culture and hands-on opportunities support both technical advancement and professional leadership. Her involvement in the company’s ESOP Committee also underscores the sense of ownership and engagement that defines Loureiro’s employee experience.

Emily Kelting didn’t start out having plans on becoming an engineer. In fact, her initial pursuit at University of Connecticut (UCONN) was a degree in Mathematics.

“I started school as a Math major,” she recalls. “I was putting in a lot of hard work but never really felt like I was seeing an end result beyond the answer to an equation. I took some Civil and Environmental Engineering classes and realized that engineering let me apply all the math I liked with a tangible outcome. You’re doing lots of calculations, but there’s a finished product at the end.”

Emily earned her degree in Civil Engineering from UCONN, with a minor in Environmental Engineering. She had started working Loureiro as an intern with the Environmental Engineering division the summer before her senior year. After graduation, she joined full-time.

Early in her career at Loureiro, Emily had the opportunity to collaborate with the Civil Engineering division on a few projects, and found that she really liked the work they were doing.

“One of the first projects I worked on with the civil group was a design for an ice skating rink on the site of a former landfill,” Emily says. “There were a lot of environmental and civil engineering components to it, and I found the design work exciting.”

It was enough to get Emily thinking about making a change, and after speaking with George Andrews — who was running the division at the time — and Dave Fiereck, she made the switch and has been with the division ever since.

That decision shaped her path at Loureiro, where she has grown into the role of Project Manager, working closely with clients while continuing to deepen her technical knowledge across a wide range projects. At Loureiro, collaboration is key to making these types of projects successful.

“Teamwork is everything,” she says. “And Loureiro takes that seriously. A lot of our work crosses several of our disciplines and we’re encouraged to learn from each other. I’ve had opportunities to brainstorm with other engineers who are incredibly knowledgeable, have been in the industry for a long time, and are willing to share what they know.”

Emily is also active outside of project work. She’s a member of Loureiro’s ESOP Committee, helping educate colleagues on how the company’s employee ownership model works and what it means in practice.

“We’re all stakeholders here. That’s a big part of why people care so much about the work we’re doing,” she says. “One of the main objectives of the ESOP committee this year is to increase ESOP education within the company. This will include lunch and learns, recurring email updates, and continuing our annual events like the ESOP Games in October, which is always a fun time.”

Her curiosity about the company’s ownership structure is what originally brought her to the committee.

“I wanted to learn more about how the ESOP works, and being part of the committee was the best way to do that. Plus, it’s fun. We get to host events, eat pizza, and connect with coworkers.”

Today, as she juggles client needs, project milestones, and mentoring younger engineers, Emily says she’s motivated by progress—both personal and professional.

“Being able to drive by a site that we worked on and see a building, a finished project, and know that my efforts helped make that happen—that’s the best part of the job.”

Raising the Bar for Environmental Remediation in Connecticut

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Christina Venable Brings Expertise and Leadership to EPOC’s LEP Training Program

Loureiro is proud to celebrate Christina Venable’s recent role as a panelist for the Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC), where she helped lead a continuing education course on Laboratory Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluation. In a state with a legacy of industrial contamination and complex cleanup needs, data quality isn’t just technical—it’s foundational. This blog explores how Christina’s dual expertise in lab work and field applications positions her as a leader in Connecticut’s remediation community, and how her work with DEEP and EPOC is helping to raise the bar for environmental investigations across the state. From mentoring the next generation to shaping statewide guidance, Christina exemplifies the technical rigor and collaborative spirit that define Loureiro’s approach.

Recently, Christina Venable, LEP and Technical Associate at Loureiro Engineering Associates, served as a panelist for a continuing education program hosted by the Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC): Laboratory Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluation for Environmental Investigation and Remediation Projects.

The workshop explored Data Quality Assessment and Date Usability Evaluation (DQA/DUE) concepts. The DQA/DUE is a two-step process for evaluating the quality of analytical data.

Developed in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), this training focused on concepts and areas where Christina brings both deep technical knowledge and unique real-world experience. With 19 years of consulting experience, as well as experience in laboratory work, she understands the intricacies of both data generation and data application.

“Analytical data is the foundation of any project that you’re working on, and it’s key that you have data that is usable for the intended purpose,” says Christina. “If you’re working on a site subject to the RSRs, you need to ensure your data meets Reasonable Confidence Protocols (RCPs) established by DEEP.”

These protocols, which are based on EPA methods, were developed by DEEP to bring clarity and consistency to how laboratory data is evaluated. While EPA methods often include open-ended "if/then" scenarios that leave room for interpretation, the RCPs provide standardized guidance to ensure that data meets consistent quality benchmarks.

“It is a way to get more uniformity and consistency in your data. Comparing more apples to apples vs apples to oranges,” says Christina. “And from that stems the Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluations. Any piece of data that is used for compliance with the RSRs has to go through this process.”

Christina’s current role at Loureiro includes technical and quality reviews, data evaluations, and mentoring junior staff. She plays a key role in ensuring that the data used in investigation and remediation efforts is not only accurate but also interpreted correctly. Her work has an impact on the effectiveness of environmental cleanup efforts across the state.

Having previously worked in a laboratory, Christina has a unique ability to translate between lab staff and environmental professionals. That perspective made her a natural fit for DEEP’s QA/QC Work Group, which she joined in 2021. The group is a mix of regulators, lab professionals, and consultants who collaborate to improve the state’s guidance and protocols. Their latest initiative was revamping the EPOC course, which hadn’t been offered since 2018.

In the context of Connecticut’s long industrial history and legacy contamination issues—particularly on brownfield sites—this work is essential. “We’re still dealing with the effects of filling and contamination from the 1800s,” she says. “That history adds a layer of complexity to every project. It’s not always straightforward, but that’s part of what makes the work rewarding.”

Christina’s involvement in shaping training programs and guidance materials reflects Loureiro’s role in advancing environmental remediation practices in Connecticut. From mentoring the next generation of professionals to ensuring the integrity of every dataset, she embodies Loureiro’s commitment to technical excellence and environmental stewardship.

Max Marinelli, Senior Project Engineer

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Built to Grow: How Max Marinelli’s Career Took Off at Loureiro

This blog spotlights Max Marinelli, Senior Project Engineer at Loureiro Building Construction, whose journey from intern to trusted team member reflects the hands-on experience and collaborative environment that define Loureiro’s approach. Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Max wears many hats, managing construction schedules, estimating projects, coordinating contractors, and integrating in-house engineering services. His story illustrates how a small, agile team and a culture of curiosity create opportunities to learn every day, contribute meaningfully, and shape a dynamic career in construction.

“I’ve always been a hands-on person, so construction was a natural fit for me,” says Max Marinelli, Senior Project Engineer at Loureiro Building Construction (LBC). Max started his career with Loureiro as an intern while he was finishing his degree in Construction Management at Central Connecticut State University. After about eight months as an intern in Plainville, he knew he wanted to stay with Loureiro full-time.

"My career at Loureiro has provided me with invaluable experience across many different facets of the construction industry," Max says. "It’s been the perfect place for me to continue to learn and grow."

Working out of Loureiro’s Portsmouth, New Hampshire office, Max plays a vital role in managing projects and ensuring successful outcomes for our clients. Max states that his day-to-day is never the same. He wears many hats—helping with estimating, developing project budgets, coordinating contractors, attending project meetings, and ensuring construction schedules stay on track. With a smaller, tight-knit team in Portsmouth, Max and his colleagues step in wherever needed, whether it’s managing projects in the field or assisting with bids to secure new work.

“Our workload is always changing, and because we’re a small group, we all help out in different areas,” Max explains. “One day, I might be working on estimating a renovation for a private client, and the next, I’m in the field making sure a state project is running smoothly. We get to see all aspects of the process from beginning to end, which is really valuable.

Max works closely with Thomas Roy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of LBC, as well as President Dave Fiereck. He collaborates closely with other divisions of the multidisciplinary firm, to integrate services like electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and civil design into their construction projects.

“What makes Loureiro unique is that we have all these services under one roof,” says Max. “I’ve worked for general contractors where that wasn’t the case, and having that in-house expertise really sets us apart. I also appreciate being part of a smaller team where everyone’s input is valued. My role encompasses a lot of different things, and I’m constantly learning.”

When it comes to advice for others starting in the industry, Max emphasizes the importance of curiosity and listening.

“I tend to ask a lot of questions—that’s how I learn best,” he says. “I’m surrounded by people with years of experience, and I know I don’t have all the answers. It’s important to listen, learn from others, and take in as much knowledge as possible.”

Outside of work, Max enjoys golfing, riding motorcycles, and tackling hands-on projects with his twin brother. Together, they’ve taken on everything from building a garage to constructing a new patio at a home they jointly own.

World Landscape Architecture Month

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

From Contaminated to Community-Ready: How Remediation Opens the Door to Landscape Reuse

In honor of World Landscape Architecture Month, Loureiro highlights the often-invisible foundation of transformative landscapes: environmental remediation. In the post-industrial Northeast, where contamination is more norm than exception, cleanup isn’t a hurdle—it’s part of the design process. This blog explores how Loureiro’s integrated approach turns formerly contaminated sites into vibrant community assets, using a Rhode Island Superfund project as a case study. From engineered caps to native meadow design, discover how technical remediation and thoughtful landscape architecture come together to create spaces that are not only safe, but meaningful, resilient, and ready for community use.

When we think about landscape architecture, we often focus on the finished product: paths winding through a restored wetland, native grasses swaying in the breeze, a community reconnected to a river it once overlooked. But the truth is, many of these projects don’t begin with design—they begin with remediation.

This World Landscape Architecture Month, Loureiro is celebrating not just the landscapes we see, but the invisible work that makes them possible. Because in the post-industrial Northeast, where so many of our sites come with a complex past, site contamination isn’t a constraint—it’s a design condition. Transforming a fenced-off liability into a shared community asset takes more than good intentions. It takes technical precision, regulatory fluency, and a clear vision for what comes next.

Remediation is the Foundation, Not a Phase

At Loureiro, we believe that environmental remediation and landscape architecture aren’t mutually exclusive disciplines; they’re two parts of the same process. Nowhere is that more evident than at a Superfund Site in Rhode Island, where Loureiro helped to restore a contaminated riverfront site for two residential apartments.

The project site carried a layered industrial history. It was once home to a textile mill, then a chemical manufacturing operation, and finally a drum reconditioning facility. Decades of unchecked activity left behind a complex mix of contaminants, including dioxins, PCBs, heavy metals, and solvents. These pollutants had migrated beyond the original operations footprint, impacting not only surface soils but also floodplain areas, wetlands, and river sediments. By the time the site was designated a Superfund Site in the 1990s, a residential complex had already been built, and three areas of significant contamination were fenced off, isolating portions of the community from their own backyard. From the start, Loureiro understood that containment wasn’t enough—the remediation had to support a long-term vision for restoring safe, meaningful use of the land.

“The cap design determined everything,” said Dave Payne, Project Manager. “Drainage, grading, access—it all had to be engineered first. Only then could we talk about what the space could become.”

Loureiro designed and implemented a multi-layer cap system that met strict EPA criteria for long-term protectiveness while supporting future site use. Contaminated soils were consolidated on-site and covered with a carefully engineered cap: an impermeable barrier topped with protective soil layers, finished with six inches of topsoil to support vegetation. Because the site is bordered by development and the waterfront on all sides, cap elevation and drainage design were tightly constrained requiring creative grading and the extension of existing municipal stormwater infrastructure. The resulting topography informed every downstream decision: where walking paths could be placed, which plant communities would thrive, and how to manage runoff without compromising cap integrity. Stone dust paths, shallow-rooted pollinator species, and low-mow meadows were all selected not just for appearance, but for technical compatibility with the remediation system.

Designing for Durability and Access

When you’re working on remediated land, every design decision is technical. Walking paths aren’t just aesthetic—they’re drainage infrastructure. Meadow species aren’t just native—they’re low-maintenance, shallow-rooted, and flood-tolerant. Retaining walls don’t just shape space—they protect the engineered cap from erosion and future excavation.

That’s the kind of coordination Loureiro brings to complex sites: a practical, systems-level understanding of how cleanup and landscape can work together.

“As engineers, we’re trained to focus on function,” Dave added. “But partnering with landscape architects reminded us that form matters too—especially when you’re trying to rebuild trust in a place that’s been behind a fence for years.”

Community Perspectives and the Long View

As noted in the EPA’s 2024 Five-Year Review, the remedy at the Superfund Site is functioning as intended. But community responses have been mixed. Some residents expressed concern about tree removal and the unfamiliar look of naturalized landscapes. Others welcomed the new walking paths and open space but voiced concerns about maintenance and flooding.

Loureiro understands that transformation takes time—not just ecologically, but socially. That’s why we don’t treat remediation as a handoff. We stay engaged through post-construction inspections, operations and maintenance support, and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.

More Than Cleanup: Preparation for What’s Next

Whether it’s a brownfield near a future school site, a closed landfill on the edge of a trail network, or a flood-prone site waiting to be reimagined, Loureiro approaches every remediation project with an eye toward what’s next. We don’t just clean up land. We prepare it—for people, for ecosystems, and for design.

So this month, as we celebrate landscape architects and the spaces they shape, we also celebrate the groundwork that makes it all possible.

Because remediation isn't a side story — it's the starting point for many resilient landscapes.

Rethinking Public Infrastructure Delivery – Lessons from Two Municipal Projects

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

When public infrastructure projects encounter unexpected challenges, it’s easy for frustration to build. But as Loureiro has shown, the best outcomes emerge when designers and contractors collaborate from the start. Two recent municipal projects illustrate the value of integrated teamwork—and how early contractor involvement can improve outcomes for public infrastructure projects.

Project 1: Overcoming Unforeseen Challenges with Collaboration

On a recent culvert replacement project, Loureiro was contracted to replace an aging concrete culvert with a modern structure designed to improve roadway safety and stormwater management. While the project followed the traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery method, unforeseen conditions quickly surfaced.

Tight site constraints limited access, and the excavation plan outlined in the design proved difficult to execute. To complicate matters, the design was based on the assumption that the underlying soils were stable. Upon beginning excavation, Loureiro discovered unstable underlying soil conditions that posed significant safety concerns. These issues could have been identified and addressed during the design phase with a geotechnical assessment or test-pit exploration—an investment of just a few thousand dollars. However, design fees are often competitively bid, and owners may not realize the long-term cost implications of these assumptions. Contractors, on the other hand, understand that incorrect assumptions can lead to costly changes and even jeopardize the viability of the project. This is a key advantage of the Design-Build delivery method.

Despite these obstacles, Loureiro approached the situation collaboratively. Rather than pushing forward with a potentially unsafe plan, the team proposed a revised excavation method involving a designed support-of-excavation system better suited to the site conditions. Initially, the over $140,000 change order was rejected by the design engineer as a means-and-methods issue. Undeterred, Loureiro worked closely with the project owner and engineer to secure a contract adjustment that prioritized safety and constructability. Despite the added coordination, the project was completed on time—just in time for a major community event that required the roadway to be open. The end result was a high-quality, durable structure that will serve the community for years to come.

Project 2: Avoiding Costly Delays Through Communication

Another project presented similar challenges but with added complexity. In this case, utility conflicts created confusion around roles and responsibilities. The project’s design lacked clarity about which party was responsible for relocating existing utilities, resulting in delays that pushed the project dangerously close to winter conditions.

These conflicts—and the resulting schedule impacts—could have been avoided had Loureiro been involved early in the design process. Under a Design-Build model, Loureiro would have flagged these issues before budgets were finalized, giving the design team a chance to make necessary adjustments and avoid scope gaps.

Recognizing the risks of forcing an unrealistic schedule, Loureiro proactively worked with the project owner and design team to adjust the timeline. By waiting until spring, they were able to proceed safely and efficiently, preventing costly rework and ensuring the final structure met quality expectations.

Through open communication and collaboration, the team was also able to secure a fair contract adjustment to address increased costs caused by labor and material price escalations.

The Power of Early Collaboration

Both projects demonstrate the same important lesson: when designers and contractors collaborate early, public infrastructure projects are safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Had these projects been delivered using the Design-Build method, the municipalities would have benefited from Loureiro’s field expertise during the design phase—avoiding costly unknowns, reducing scope changes, and improving the overall efficiency of the projects.

Loureiro’s Director of Operations, Jay LaForge, knows this firsthand.

“Too often, contractors are brought in too late to offer valuable insights. We see things in the field that aren’t always clear in 2D plans. When designers and contractors work together from the beginning, we can develop practical solutions that save time and money.”

Looking Forward

Public sector clients are often hesitant to shift away from traditional project delivery methods like Design-Bid-Build. But as these two municipal projects illustrate, alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build can unlock better outcomes by fostering early collaboration between designers and contractors.

By working together to address challenges before they become costly delays, teams can reduce project risks, improve construction quality, and ultimately deliver better infrastructure for communities.

To support this shift, Loureiro has developed a Design-Build template specifically for municipal infrastructure resiliency repair or replacement projects with anticipated construction costs between $500,000 and $5,000,000. This approach supports public bidding while avoiding many of the common pitfalls of Design-Bid-Build.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to our team—we’d be happy to share our template and talk with you about how to apply it to your next project.