Blades & Goven, LLC, established in 1996 through the merger of the independent practices of the firm's two principals, Barry Blades and Earl Goven, is a small firm of two full-time employees and two part-time employees. The firm emphasizes a team approach, and principals have established a proven track record of completed projects. Although small in size, Blades & Goven designs over 10 million site construction dollars a year. The firm prides itself in providing quality planning and development graphics. The development of quick 3D-imaging and strong plan graphics are a trademark of the firm.

Frenchtown Elementary School, Trumbull, Conn.

The design solution for this new elementary school was developed in response to the site's physical characteristics: a sloping topography, an extensive wetlands and limited accessibility. Clearly marked drop-off zones on both sides of the building separate buses and visitor vehicles. The project also included separate age-appropriate playscapes and a paved play area that doubles as overflow parking during special events.

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Brien McMahon High School, Norwalk, Conn.

Blades & Goven provided landscape architectural design services for renovations and major additions to Brien McMahon High School. Site improvements included reconfiguration of the roadway for better vehicular circulation, new parking areas and new athletic fields. The project also included this Japanese-themed courtyard, which is associated with the Center for Global Studies program.

 

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Maplewood Residences, Mamaroneck, New York

Blades & Goven provided site design and consulting services for this condominium project in Westchester County, New York. The project's extensive green roof at the plaza entrance level is atop a below-grade parking garage. The green roof mitigates storm water runoff from the site.

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The Homes at Monterey, New Haven, Conn.

TThis 2003 AIA award-winning project, part of the Hope VI Urban Revitalization Program, was the redevelopment of a post-World War II housing superblock formerly known as Elm Haven. Blades & Goven was the site planners for the transformation of Elm Haven into the Homes at Monterey, a traditional neighborhood development of 365 units of public housing. Responsibilities included the completion of the master plan, the reestablishment of the pre-1940s street grid, the design of site improvements, regulatory permitting, construction documentation and contract administration. The development also included renovations to Wexler Elementary School and a new community center.

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Riviera Shores, New Rochelle, New York

Blades & Goven designed and permitted this exclusive 15-lot subdivision on the shores of Long Island Sound. The site was designated a "critical environmental area," and highly regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Westchester County Planning Department and the city of New Rochelle. The project incorporates low-impact development techniques, such as permeable pavers, and biofiltration rain gardens located in the center esplanade and the site perimeter. Overflow runoff goes into Long Island Sound.