ABOUT CWS
Our History
MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF DESIGN
We have grown from simple beginnings into a multi-disciplinary, multi-service, award-winning architecture and interior design firm serving Northern New England. Our motivation, then and now, is to build and preserve long-term relationships, one project at a time.
The Start of a Legacy: Firm Foundation
Opening the doors and building the early team
1992
Curtis Reynolds Architects opens its first office in Portland, Maine.
1994
The firm becomes Curtis Walter Stewart Architects, with Ben Walter becoming Principal (pictured).
The team begins to grow with the addition of key staff members, including George Lavigne (1996) and Guy Labrecque (1998)
Leadership & Growth
Expanding the firm and shaping its leadership
2002
Guy Labrecque becomes Principal.
2008
Ben Walter is named President, Melissa Denis joins the firm as CFO, and the firm changes its name to CWS Architects.
Expanding Services
Broadening the firm’s design capabilities
2010
CWS expands into Interior Design, marking an important evolution of the firm’s services.
2013
Rebecca Bagley joins the firm; George Lavigne becomes Principal.
2015
Lynn Pepin joins the firm to lead CWS Interiors.
A New Home & Continued Growth
Strengthening the team and firm identity
2016
CWS relocates to Bessey Square in Scarborough, Maine, creating a new home for the growing team.
2019
Lynn Pepin becomes Principal.
2021
Rebecca Bagley becomes Principal, and the firm becomes CWS Architecture + Interior Design, reflecting its integrated services.
30 Years in Business
CELEBRATING OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2022
CWS Architecture + Interior Design celebrated 30 years in business by updating its brand and throwing a big party with clients, friends, and family.
Looking Forward
Honoring a legacy built to last while shaping the future
2025
Leadership transition announced: George Lavigne and Lynn Pepin become Co-Presidents, and Ben Walter announces his retirement.
2026
Ben Walter officially retires from active practice, celebrating 34 years of leadership and 40 in the industry.