People

Thomas H. Platz, AIA, Principal

Auburn, Maine

Bachelor of Arts – Harvard University
Master of Architecture – Harvard University
Special Studies in Construction – MIT

Registered Architect
NCARB
American Institute of Architects
BOCA, NFPA

Tom, along with his brother Jim, is one of the original founders of Platz Associates. A native of Auburn/Lewiston, Tom left in the late 1960’s to pursue his education at Harvard University. Upon the completion of his formal education Tom remained in the Boston area to continue his architectural training while working on several nationally prominent architectural projects. His experience includes involvement in such national projects as The Baltimore Aquarium, The San Antonio Museum of Art, The Children’s Museum of Boston and the Smith College Library.

Tom is a registered Architect with a great deal of experience in project development as well as building design. On a more local note Tom has been the principal Architect on many projects in the State of Maine. These projects include Two Great Falls Plaza, The Peck Building, Lewiston-Auburn College, Androscoggin Home Health Services and the rehabilitation of the Bates Mill Complex. Involvement in a multitude of development projects allows Tom to bring to a project experience in design, development, financing, scheduling, tax credits, permitting and contract negotiations. Tom maintains involvement in all aspects of the design and construction of projects at Platz Associates and is the Principal-in-Charge of all our projects.

James A. Platz, P.E., Principal

Auburn, Maine

Bachelor of Arts – Harvard University
Master of Science – University of Maine

Registered Professional Engineer
National Society of Professional Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers

Jim, a practicing engineer for the past twenty five years at Platz Associates, is well versed in the design of wood, steel, masonry, and concrete for a variety of building types. Key design expertise includes concrete and steel systems for multi-rise projects and an extensive background in geotechnical engineering and the design of deep foundations. Jim is past Chapter President of the National Society of Professional Engineers, as well as a past member of the State Board of Registration for Geologists and Soil Scientists. Unique projects with which he is credited include the Engineering and Boat Maintenance Facility at the Maine Maritime Academy, which incorporated the first tie-back retaining wall of its type in the state, and a five tier parking garage in Lewiston for which the structural system resulted in the lowest per car construction cost of comparable garages in the area.

Bruce W. Allen, Construction Manager

Auburn, Maine

Associate of Science, Engineering – University of Maine
Bachelor of Science, Engineering – University of Maine

Bruce came to Platz Associates in 1983 with ten years of experience as a field superintendent for a general contractor. He has supervised projects ranging from $50,000 to $12 million dollars which have encompassed all types of wood, concrete, steel and masonry construction.

During the last twenty plus years while working for Platz Associates, Bruce has been the Construction Engineer for over $140,000,000 worth of projects. Many of these have been fast tracked and, therefore, have had strict construction schedules. As an engineer, Bruce works directly with the design team to develop optimum design solutions which significantly impact scheduling and project costs. Bruce is responsible for all aspects of Construction Management at Platz Associates. It is the integration of individuals such as Bruce into the design team that has earned Platz Associates the reputation of delivering clients solutions to projects that meet original design goals as well as financial constraints and exacting time schedules.

Stephan G. Myers, Development Coordinator

Auburn, Maine

Bachelor of Arts – Brown University
Masters Program, Urban Planning – University of Texas

Steve contributes effective management and organizational skills to the diversified range of talents available at Platz Associates. From the inception of a project concept through the completion of final punch list items Steve enables a project to progress smoothly and in accordance with time schedules and budget constraints. Previous experience in the public sector as the Community Development Director of Lewiston and in the private sector as the Director of Development for a real estate developer has given him the ability to coordinate major development projects with the demands of governmental authorities. This is a necessary ability in today’s development climate where major projects must contend with strict and comprehensive ordinances in order to receive permits and approvals. Steve brings to a project familiarity with most government agencies and their representatives as well as the myriad of paperwork, forms, deadlines, project requirements, and approval schedules necessary to keeping a project on track and in compliance with all regulations.

Steve has been a key figure in the success of numerous projects handled by Platz Associates. Some of his recent successes include the L.L. Bean Telecommunications Center as well as over 500,000 square feet of retail construction in Central Maine. Steve has extensive experience working with both State and Federal agencies on historic structures and their rehabilitation.

Christopher M. Bakkila, AIA, LEED® AP, Architect

Lewiston, Maine

Bachelor of Arts – Columbia University, Columbia College
Master of Architecture – University of Michigan
Detached Study in Architecture – Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki, Finland

Registered Architect- NCARB, American Institute of Architects

After moving from Philadelphia to Lewiston, Chris joined Platz Associates in 2005. From Philadelphia via Boston Chris has accumulated 10 years of experience working on projects of all sizes. Moving back to his home state of Michigan after his undergraduate studies in New York, Chris finished graduate school at the University of Michigan and quickly began work in downtown Detroit working with Albert Kahn Associates where he was involved in many urban redevelopment projects.

At Platz, Chris is working extensively on the various renovation and restoration projects at the Bates Mill facility in Lewiston, while simultaneously managing a bank addition in Bath, Maine. Both new addition and existing renovation projects are currently under construction at the Mill, including the 45,000 sq. ft. renovation of Storehouse #2 which will house a new restaurant on the first floor and office spaces on the upper 3 floors.

Travis R. Nadeau, Architectural Designer

Lisbon Falls, Maine

Bachelor of Architecture – Syracuse University
D.I.P.A. Study Abroad Program – Florence, Italy, Syracuse University

Joining Platz Associates in 2004, Travis brings over ten years of experience in a wide range of residential, civic, religious, and retail projects. His most recent work in Boston involved extensive Historic Landmark review, H.U.D., and Department of Neighborhood oversight, requiring construction cost estimating and involvement of the community in workshops and presentations. Travis has coordinated design teams for a wide range of projects, from 70-unit apartment buildings to 175,000 square foot retail and entertainment centers, tailoring solutions to meet an array of client and contractor needs.

With Platz Associates, Travis’ projects have included the entry addition at the Colisee in Lewiston, a 40,000 square foot office building in downtown Auburn, Fishbones Restaurant, Bates Mill Dermatology, and Androscoggin Bank’s operations center in Lewiston’s Bates Mill, and the rehabilitation of a 20,000 square foot historic building in Lewiston for use as a business service center for the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council. A huge asset to all of his projects is his ability to build consensus with well-pitched design concepts and beautifully detailed architectural renderings.

In addition to his design work, Travis has carpentry experience on a variety of light wood frame projects, including a marine biology center for Bowdoin College and many single-family residences across mid-coast Maine. His solid base of hands-on experience gives Travis a practical perspective on complex design issues and a strong focus on quality construction documents.

Louie Turcotte Jr., Architectural Designer

Lewiston, Maine

Associates in Architectural and Civil Engineering Technologies – Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute

Since starting with Platz Associates in 2000, Louie’s experience has been beneficial in meeting the needs of an array of project types. With over twenty-five years in the design field, Louie provides support to his projects with his broad range of architectural, structural and civil experience. While at Platz Associates Louie has been the project manager throughout the design and construction phases of projects such as:

Tri-County Mental Health Regional offices in Rumford, Maine

The project was a $1.5 million renovation of a historic property in Rumford’s business district. Louie worked closely with the client, USDA, National Historic Society, financial backers and the general contractor to turn a near vacant building into an active part of the community.

The Public Theatre located in Lewiston, Maine

Rehabilitation of this 325-seat theater continues today with Louie coordinating all phases of design and construction. When complete, the one hundred year old building will have gone through a complete renovation inside and out. Utilizing design-build methods and the construction management services of Platz Associates, this non-profit organization will continue to provide some of the best live theatrical entertainment in the area.

In addition to his contributions here at the office, Louie is also an active CAD instructor for the local adult education program and is extensively involved with his children in local sports programs. Strengthened by his commitment to the community, Louie’s computer assisted design and project management skills are a critical part of producing the construction documents on many of the projects that come through the office.