Architectural hardware consultants should be engaged early on in the design phase

Architects and building contractors rely heavily on the expertise of independent architectural hardware consultants during the preliminary design phase to identify and direct the course the hardware specification must take in order to meet all building/barriers codes whether new or restoration. Some of the local projects Campbell-McCabe has consulted on are: The Massachusetts State House, New England Conservatory-Jordan Hall, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, American Antiquarian Society. Restoration work is particularly challenging considering the age and condition of the building. One "stand out" project regarding finish hardware would be Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbott's restoration and renovation of the Boston Public Library's McKim Building. The original design by Mead, McKim & White was completed in 1895. The Renaissance Revival design carries through to the finish hardware. In this case ornate cast lever handles with gold wash finish were reproduced to restore the originals. The planning phase for the restored finish hardware took eight years. Campbell-McCabe was presented the 2001 Harleston Parker Medal for the design excellence of the McKim Building restoration project by the city of Boston and the Boston Society of Architects/AIA. A code worthy restoration is not only a magnificent historic triumph but it is in some ways also green by salvaging doors and sometimes hinges. though new lever sets , door closers and exit devices are commonly required. In many cases the integrity of the history can be maintained while bringing the building up to current day code requirements.. Some of these wonderful old buildings refresh our sense of history and heritage with their grand tall ceilings, sometimes 10 foot doors handcrafted of hard wood harkening back to our industrial revolution. Preserving and restoring these buildings over the years has been part of the niche of Campbell-McCabe. We applaud the collaboration of the industries and trades professionals who restore and renovate our time worn hidden gems. This is a service which benefits us all for generations to come. The Harleston Parker Medal was established in 1921 by J. Harleston Parker to recognize "such architects as shall have, in the opinion of the Boston Society of Architects. . . completed the erection for any private citizen, association, corporation, or public authority, the most beautiful piece of architecture, building, monument or structure within the limits of the city of Boston or of the Metropolitan Parks District". Projects in the Greater Boston area built in the past 10 years by any architect anywhere in the world are eligible. Susan Messier is the education manager with Campbell-McCabe, Inc., Waltham, Mass.