Oak Hill Architects: a Like-minded Partner Focused on Quality
Bill Laplante met Andrew Reck of Oak Hill Architects in 2019 when homeowners Chris Orszulak and his wife, Gina Pantuosco, wanted to rebuild their 1950s-era Cape home and paired their preferred builder with their architect of choice.
Andrew created the design for their new home, which took advantage of the water views from all sides and created light and an open flow, and Laplante Construction brought the blueprints to life in the stunning, new 3,400-square foot home.
Bill and Andrew communicated frequently about such things as the addition of shiplap walls with a nickel gap finish and together imagined where those finishes would best shine. They built mutual respect and trust, and ever since, they’ve been looking for projects to partner on together.
We’re pleased to offer this overview of Andrew’s work.
Small firm, big skillsets
Founded in Weston in 2004, Oak Hill Architects offers full architectural services for high-end residential projects ranging from renovations and additions to new construction. They have a niche in the higher-end market because they are known for exceptional custom design and not shying away from complexity.
On Chris and Gina’s project, for instance, they successfully tackled complications that ranged from a tight lot size to stringent zoning restrictions to wetlands issues.
Andrew’s team also helped the couple select all the materials—from the cabinetry by Vartanian Custom Cabinets in Palmer to the white oak flooring, crown moldings, nickel gap finishes, tile, and stone. He also helped select appliances, bathroom vanities, plumbing fixtures, lighting—and even paint colors.
His firm’s range is vast.
“We have a number of consultants who expand the team, but we’re on the smaller side as a firm by design so that we can be intimately involved in all aspects of our projects from start to finish,” Andrew says.
Meet the team
While studying in the Rhode Island School of Design’s architecture program, Andrew (AIA, NCARB, BSA, ICAA) was a member of the European Honors Program and spent a year abroad in Rome. His appreciation for classical proportions and details continues to inform his understanding of the essential qualities of space and the myriad opportunities they provide for unique and custom homes. Before founding Oak Hill Architects, Andrew worked on high-end residential projects in the Boston area. He has served as an active member of Planning and Design Review Boards and as guest critic at RISD and the Boston Architectural College.
Andrew’s colleague Justin Weil also graduated from RISD’s architecture program, and prior to joining the firm in 2007, he spent ten years living in Boston and working on larger commercial and hospitality projects across the country, eventually moving into residential design in order to work directly with clients in a collaborative manner. He loves travel for the opportunities it presents to study different cultures and historical time periods that inform his aesthetic and perspective. Justin has taught design studio classes at the Boston Architectural College.
It was in one of those classes that Justin met Li Yang, who rounds out the Oak Hill Architects team. Li moved from New Jersey to Boston to study architecture at the Boston Architectural College, and Li’s design acumen and work ethic stood out for Justin. Li joined Oak Hill Architects in 2007, developing his skills and working closely with Andrew and Justin on a broad range of projects varying in scope and style.
Points of pride
Andrew says he is always humbled by how much trust clients place in Oak Hill Architects, and he greatly values the many lasting relationships that have evolved over time.
He enjoys varying project types and scales, and working collaboratively through the individual challenges they present.
Pictured above: Andrew Reck, center; Li Yang, left; and Justin Weil, right.
