Boston architectural design firm makes bold move to Westborough

WESTBOROUGH _ As the second largest employment base in Massachusetts, the Metrowest region is quickly becoming a destination for high-end industry. On Feb.12, SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc. moved its offices to Westborough, from its former Boston-based location where it resided for a decade. The full-service architectural firm is nationally recognized for its innovative urban design for both commercial and residential projects throughout the New England region.

Clay Benjamin Smook, founding Principal and visionary leader in the architectural design community, is energized by the opportunity to bring cutting edge services to the Central Massachusetts and Metrowest regions.

“We plan on raising the bar on design in the Central Massachusetts and Metrowest areas,” Smook said. “We believe Westborough is the premiere location for development outside of the 128 loop and we’re passionate about bringing state-of-the-art architectural design excellence to the region.”

“Westborough is excited to welcome SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc. to Town. They are a leader in sustainable design and modern design techniques. Having a firm the caliber of SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design will add greatly to Westborough’s portfolio of top professional companies. We are glad they have chosen Westborough and want to do everything we can to help them prosper in their new home,” said James Robbins, Westborough Town Planner.

SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc. was the brainchild of Smook, who began the firm in early 2004. Using his vast knowledge in architecture and design acumen (he holds a Bachelor in Architecture from New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University), Smook immediately established professional relationships with the most prestigious developers in the New England area. 

“SMOOK’s relocation to Westborough is indicative of a growing trend. Westborough offers a wealth of opportunity for corporate growth and expansion, with its urban-centric transit options, and a host of fringe benefits for employers to offer employees such as free parking, numerous restaurants, and a top-rated community in which to work and live,” said Deborah Penta, CEO of Westborough-based PENTA Communications, Inc. and a member of the Town of Westborough’s Economic Development Committee.

“Having access to the level of first-class architectural design services that SMOOK offers will be an asset to both businesses and homeowners in the Central Massachusetts and Metrowest communities,” she added.

SMOOK has been involved in numerous locally recognizable projects, including Christopher Heights of Marlborough, an 83-bed assisted living facility at the former Frye Boot Company; Worcester Crossing, a 30,000 square foot retail center in Worcester; PENTA Communications, Inc.’s historic building renovation in Westborough, and, most recently, Northborough Commons, a mixed use development that is the former site of a Pierce Gas Station in Northborough.

“This mixed development of retail and residential apartments on West Main Street brings an enthusiastic level of thought and design to the community. This pedestrian friendly district will further serve to revitalize the central business district of Northborough,” Smook said of the Northborough Commons project.

“When a business sets up roots in the community, it has an opportunity to become entrenched in the fabric of the community in which it serves, and Clay is certainly a leader who will roll up his sleeves and give back to make our region stronger,” said Penta.

Commitment to “Green Design” is an important component of SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc., and all registered professionals at the firm are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited and maintain the highest regard for smart green design.

Smook was a member of the town of Shrewsbury’s Library Expansion Committee and was its Chairman in 2010.

For more information on SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc., visit www.smookarchitecture.com, or call 617-423-3040.