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The Carl Mirbach Memorial Scholarship was established in honor and memory of a beloved member of CPG who passed away in October of 2016 after battling cancer and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Subsequently, at a fall 2018 book signing event for Your Architectural Career, written by CPG founder Gary Unger, an additional $2,650 was added to the Scholarship from contributions by friends... Congratulations to Phillip Meyers, Creative Director, Head of Design and Paul Johnson, Head of Project Delivery & Management on their recent promotions here at CPG Architects & Planners. This strategic restructuring, spearheaded by CPG’s Principals Karen Lika, Jenny Paik and Joe Montalbano, underscores CPG’s commitment to enhancing client services, ensuring longevity in the architecture industry, and driving company growth. Phillip Meyers, who has dedicated nearly 24 years to CPG, has been elevated to the... A valued client since 2012, this investment advisory firm selected CPG to reinvent their home from a once deteriorating saddle shop into their state-of-the-art headquarters. Our goal: preserve the harmony of the exterior façade while restoring and adapting the space to meet the changing needs of the firm. To maintain harmony with the adjacent buildings, the existing brick façade was preserved and highlighted with factory style windows, standing seam metal awnings, storefront entry, and exposed structural canopy — all in a sleek black finish. An inviting entry allows for an abundance of natural light. As CPG’s Principal/ CEO, Joe oversees both the firm’s long-term strategic growth and day-to-day operations, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to providing continuous support for clients’ goals and implementing innovative design strategies that enhance the human experience. With decades of executive leadership, team building, and trusted advisory experience, Joe brings a legacy of proven success, valuable resources, and industry relationships with him. His hands-on leadership has included the successful delivery of large-scale multi-million-dollar projects across multiple market sectors. With many professional accomplishments to his name, personally, Joe takes immense pride in his two daughters, who serve as ongoing inspirations for determination and selflessness—values that he considers essential hallmarks of success. EDUCATION Continually seeking to improve her craft, Lan Li holds dual Master’s degrees in both architecture and urban design, approaching her projects with a multifaceted lens of design and technical innovation. In her role as a Junior Technical Associate at CPG Architects, Lam leverages her expertise to create precise technical drawings and models using cutting-edge REVIT, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Lumion software. Her meticulous attention to detail shines through in developing comprehensive floor plans, ensuring designs meet industry standards and building codes, reflecting an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity for our clients. Lam’s love of learning extends beyond her professional realm, as she embraces the challenge of adding Japanese to her repertoire of language fluency, alongside Chinese and Korean. Her pursuit of excellence propels our firm’s commitment to providing innovative designs and state-of-the-art solutions. EDUCATION Virginia Tech Syracuse University Hebei University, China Spanning high-profile projects in Europe, Asia, and New England, Karen has developed broad experience in managing commercial and retail design projects for Fortune 500 and boutique clients across five countries on three continents, establishing headquarters for brands such as Danone, Nestle Waters, Accenture, and British Petroleum. Rooted in the belief that the built environment can positively impact community well-being, workplace performance, and environmental prosperity, she applies innovative tactics on behalf of her clients. This includes surveying client employees to ensure their input in the facility’s design and leveraging her expertise in green building certification systems to enhance project value and sustainability. In her role, Karen also stewards the firm’s marketing goals, deepening CPG’s commitment to communicating our unique value proposition and service offerings to new and prospective clients. Her passion for global experiences extends into her personal life; she lived in Norway for two years, is fluent in two languages, and even enjoys traveling with her family. EDUCATION University of Arizona With over 17 years of experience, Rebecca leverages her extensive expertise to ensure that each project remains authentic and aligned with clients’ values, while considering their evolving culture and future operational needs. She draws inspiration from the distinct brand identity of each client, integrating her focused approach to meeting project deadlines, budgets, and specifications, resulting in successful project outcomes. As Senior Project Designer, she reinforces CPG’s dedication to delivering a unique client experience and pioneering design solutions that strive to craft functional spaces with inspiring visual appeal, all while reducing environmental impact. Her portfolio reflects extensive work in corporate, commercial, and residential design, leading projects for major players like JPMorgan Chase. Relying on her instincts and adhering to her vision has proven fruitful for Rebecca, both as a former business owner and a team leader for multiple high-profile projects. Beyond work, she makes it a priority to continue sharing her insights and advocating for women in business in her capacity as Vice Board Member of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce/Women in Networking, showcasing her unwavering dedication to fostering women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment. EDUCATION Pratt Institute Highly motivated and resourceful, Nancy brings an enthusiastic dedication to providing outstanding administrative support and a proven track record of maintaining efficient office operations for CPG teams, clients and partners. With a positive attitude and a genuine love for connecting with people, her welcoming and trustworthy personality demonstrates our firm’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their best every day. Nancy’s natural inclination to support others doesn’t stop when the workday ends. Her best role? Mom to her two teen children, which could be daunting for others, but she would happily take on that challenge time and again. EDUCATION Eastern Connecticut State University With over 10 years of experience in business operations and non-profit management, Christine is a dynamic and performance-driven leader adept at implementing strategic initiatives and driving organizational success. Her expertise in managing people, projects, budgets, and outcomes has resulted in strengthened business growth and maximizing efficient workflow for previous firms. Notably, she excels in fostering a positive work culture, improving teamwork collaboration, and is keenly focused on achieving high client satisfaction rates. Christine’s entrepreneurial and creative spirit contributes to her innovative eye and approach to problem solving. In fact, when she is not volunteering within the community or spending time with her family, you may find her enjoying her passion of professional photography. EDUCATION Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah With nearly 30 years of experience with leading firms in New York and Greenwich, CT, Hitoshi’s expertise includes leadership roles as Project Architect and Lead Designer on numerous high profile corporate, commercial and residential projects of varying scales and budgets. As Senior Project Director at CPG, he leverages his extensive understanding of the design and construction process to ensure the built product achieves its goals and fulfills our client’s vision, on time and on budget. Born in Japan and raised in New York, Hitoshi believes that architecture and design are collaborative endeavors and relishes the opportunity to interact with multidisciplinary teams with diverse backgrounds. Embracing his Japanese background, you can sometimes find him with his children at anime and manga conventions, enjoying the skillful and meticulous work of animators, artists, and designers who craft visually captivating scenes and unique characters for audiences for all ages. EDUCATION Princeton University School of Architecture The Carl Mirbach Memorial Scholarship was established in honor and memory of a beloved member of CPG who passed away in October of 2016 after battling cancer and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This Scholarship was initially funded in the fall of 2017 with $30,000 raised through a golf fundraiser. Subsequently, at a fall 2018 book signing event for Your Architectural Career, written by CPG founder Gary Unger, an additional $2,650 was added to the Scholarship from contributions by friends of the firm –as well as a match by CPG. Scholarships are awarded to students in the Architectural Engineering Technology and Interior Design programs at NCC. Homam – an Architectural Engineering Technology student who has had a love of art, structural design, and the creation of beautiful buildings since his youth. His father died when he was young, and his mother has always reminded him that education is something that will... We were excited to participate in the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5k on May 16, 2023 at Mill River Park. What a beautiful night walking/running for a great cause! Our coastline is one of our most precious resources CPGers will be heading out to do our part to help keep it clean. CPG (Crusty Pirate Gang) participated in the annual Aquarion Cardboard Kayak Race at the SoundWaters HarborFest at Harbor Point in Stamford, CT. We are shocked to relay that CPG did not win, despite the amazing creativity, dedication, efficiency and hard work of our team. There were highs and lows, a surprise plot twist, hours of sweaty labor in the unabated sun, and a surprise dunking (or two?) in the Harbor. The hottest topic in all industries is Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Research has shown us that a diverse workforce increases creativity, productivity, debate, and problem-solving among companies. If anyone is interested in attending the AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Symposium to learn more about J.E.D.I. as it relates to architecture and construction, please click HERE. CPG recently joined the AIA Connecticut Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Challenge to increase gender and racial diversity in the architectural profession. We are committed to addressing the lack of diversity systemic in the architectural industry, and working towards increasing employment of female, black, and underrepresented people of color for design staff, leadership, and professionals at our firm. From hiring to partnering vendors, we are holding ourselves accountable for progress. CPG will be seeking to adjust our staffing, company culture, practice, and policies to achieve results, both short and long term. We are taking action to build the foundation for lasting change, listening to employee feedback, and tracking our progress to ensure the equity and success of all individuals. As part of our ongoing work, CPG was a proud sponsor of AIA CT J.E.D.I.’s first in-person event, “Equity and Diversity in the Workplace”, in partnership with Women in Architecture Knowledge Community and NOMAct, which took place... STAMFORD, CT — December 3rd, 2020 — Sema4, a patient-centered health intelligence company, today announced that it has opened another state-of-the-art clinical laboratory in Connecticut. The newly built 70,000 square foot facility in Stamford will be home to 300+ employees and is designed for Sema4 to process thousands of industry-leading, information-based genomic tests a day and to further support its mission of advancing healthcare through data-driven insights. The Stamford laboratory complements Sema4’s Branford, CT laboratory, which was expanded earlier this year to meet greater demand and deliver new capabilities, including COVID-19 testing. “I’m thrilled that Sema4 is making this major investment in the state,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (Conn.). “I had... Think creative media types wouldn’t want to live and work in Connecticut? Well, think again. Meet media power couple Brent and Courtney Montgomery who have been living in the area since 2014—and who believe so much in connecting people to ideas that they have created
“IF A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, A VIRTUAL TOUR IS WORTH A THOUSAND MEETINGS” Covid-19 only emphasizes the need to offer your clients remote access to your space with fully immersive viewing. Vivid 3D virtual walk-through service highlights the essence of any commercial space. The CPG team is here to help you implement virtual tours into your property marketing strategies. The CPG team volunteered with Homes With Hope (a Westport-based organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Fairfield County) to help redesign and remodel their community room. “We can’t thank you for the transformation of our community room space (as well as the clearing of invasive plants from the garden area and other parts of the property!) but I also want to reiterate how appreciative we are. Although we are not quite finished assembling and updating the furniture and hanging pictures, one of my students exclaimed as he walked in this morning, “It looks like a whole new space!” We cannot thank you all enough for your tremendous efforts on our behalf! Lynn Abramson MA, Ed.
2024 FUNDRAISING – CARL MIRBACH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Kiran Somaya, Director, Center for Career Development Success at Norwalk Community College with Karen Lika, Principal/Co-Chairperson, CPG Architects.
2024 FUNDRAISING REPORT
CPG Announces Two Key Executive Promotions to Drive Growth and Client Services
Creative Director, Head of Design
Modern Preservation & Reinvention
EXTERIOR:
CREATION OF OUTDOOR SPACES:
Master’s Degree, Architecture Focus on Urban Design
Master’s Degree, Architecture
Bachelor’s Degree, Engineering (Architecture）
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Interior Design
Bachelor’s Degree, Interior Architecture
Communications program
Communications program
Master of Architecture
The Carl Mirbach Memorial Scholarship at Norwalk Community College
CPG Participates in the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford’s Corporate 5K
PARTICIPATES IN THE SoundWaters HarborFest
CPG has been involved in many wonderful outreach programs in the past, and we are excited for this one. Bring your friends and family! Let’s get as many hands together to make our efforts as impactful as possible.
PARTICIPATES IN THE SoundWaters HarborFest
J.E.D.I. Symposium: Justice and Equality in the Built Environment
CPG is Committed to Addressing the Lack of Diversity in the Architectural Industry
Sema4 Opens its Second State-of-the-Art Clinical Laboratory in Connecticut; Will Be Home to 300+ Employees
New 70,000 square foot facility enables leading health intelligence company to further improve health outcomes and personalize patient care.
MEET THE COUPLE BEHIND THE VILLAGE
GAME CHANGERS: COURTNEY & BRENT MONTGOMERY
MEET THE COUPLE TRANSFORMING A WAREHOUSE SPACE IN CONNECTICUT INTO A GROUNDBREAKING HUB FOR WORK AND PLAY, CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION.
CPG VIRTUAL TOURS
SHOW YOUR SPACE ANYTIME, ANYPLACE TO ANYONE…
CPG COMMUNITY BUILDING – HOMES WITH HOPE
CPG ARCHITECTS – BUILDING COMMUNITIES
Program Director – ASAP Youth Initiative
2024 FUNDRAISING - CARL MIRBACH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
April 4, 2024
CPG Announces Two Key Executive Promotions to Drive Growth and Client Services
February 20, 2024
Modern Preservation & Reinvention
February 6, 2024
Joseph Montalbano Joins CPG as Principal/CEO
January 10, 2024
Syracuse University School of Architecture
Bachelor’s Degree, Architecture
Lan Li Joins CPG as Junior Technical Associate
December 1, 2023
Karen Richey Joins CPG as Senior Project & Marketing Director
September 27, 2023
Rebecca Hopkins Joins CPG as Senior Project Designer
September 11, 2023
Nancy Andrighetti Joins CPG as Administrative Assistant
August 30, 2023
Christine M. Monet Joins CPG as Senior Director, Business Services
August 24, 2023
Hitoshi Amano Joins CPG as Senior Project Architect
August 24, 2023
The Carl Mirbach Memorial Scholarship at Norwalk Community College
June 6, 2023
CPG Participates in the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford's Corporate 5K
May 24, 2023
Earth Month: SoundWaters Coastal Cleanup
April 15, 2023
CPG Enters the Aquarion Cardboard Kayak Race
November 9, 2022
CPG Attends the AIA Connecticut Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Symposium
September 29, 2022
CPG Joins AIA Connecticut Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)
June 28, 2021
CPG Partners with Sema4
December 7, 2020
Meet the couple behind The Village
December 7, 2020
CPG Virtual Tours
August 4, 2020
CPG Community Building - Homes With Hope
February 9, 2020