Kenneth C. Best, AIA

ALA, CSI Principal
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Kenneth C. Best

ALA, CSI Principal

Ken joined DRA in 2007 bringing with him an expertise in historic preservation, a commitment to sustainable design, and a passion for buildings that serve the public. He believes that his designs should not only meet the needs of the client, but should also enhance the experiences of users and have a positive impact on the community served. Public libraries make up a large percentage of his portfolio but, over his 35-year career, he has handled a variety of building types including K-12 schools, higher education, public safety, museums, commercial and hospitality.

A sizable portion of Ken’s work has been in preservation, renovation and expansion of historic structures dating from the eighteenth century.  His work has been published and he has received design and drawing awards.  Ken’s involvement in historic structures began while working in London and has evolved into an area of interest and specialty to him.  His “hands-on” approach towards preservation has awarded him the highest reviews from past clients.  His attention to detail and thorough enjoyment of architecture is obvious to all that work with him.

Ken began his career in England and fondly remembers leaving work covered in graphite. He is thankful for the advancement of technology not only for the impact it has had on the design and construction process but also because he is now a much cleaner architect. When he is not solving difficult design challenges, you’ll find him immersed in a book or researching his ancestral history. (He is a descendant of Vikings!)  Ken is also a member of the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club, and a Past President of the Manchester Philatelic Society in Connecticut.

Education

Hammersmith College of Arts and Building, London, England

Higher National Certificate – Architecture

Construction Specifications Institute: Construction Documents Technologist

Professional Registrations

Registered Architect MA, CT, NY
CT;  acknowledged as a Historical Architect (required for work with SHPO)

 

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects

American Library Association

Construction Specifications Institute

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