NH Architect Jeremy Bonin of Bonin Architects & Associates, New London, Receives "40 Under Forty Award"

HESTER, NH, March 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) Jeremy Bonin, lead architect and principal partner of Bonin Architects, New London, New Hampshire, was named as one of New Hampshire Union Leader's "40 Under Forty", an annual honors program that highlights some of the state's best, brightest, and youngest individuals. Recipients were honored at a reception hosted by the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Union Leader in partnership with Citizens Bank which was held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester March 8, 2011.

"Ten years of 40 under Forty really speaks for the success of this effort," said Union Leader President and Publisher Joseph W. McQuaid. "It was and is intended to both showcase and honor those who are contributing so much to life in New Hampshire and to encourage others to do likewise. There are only 24 hours in a day, but the young men and women we have honored in these classes manage to use them to the max. They add value to their communities and state in their daily endeavors, and many of them then somehow find the time to do more, all the while keeping family in focus."

Bonin, 38, developed a love of architecture in high school. "I took some drafting courses in high school and found that I was always drawn toward buildings," Jeremy said. "I could envision things in 3D and could see how a building could come together from the inside out." This took him to Wentworth Institute of Technology where he studied architecture, then went on to secure practical experience at different firms in New England. But Bonin also incorporated his respect for the environment into his work by becoming Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Bonin said his LEED training helps him create homes that are energy efficient and sensitive to the environment without compromising the budgets of his clients. He tries to incorporate a common-sense approach to efficiency while designing homes that meet each family's specific lifestyle. "Living and working in New Hampshire, I get to know my clients on a personal level," he said. "I want to design a home based on their needs and how they live."

Bonin Architects & Associates recently won a Merit and People's Choice Award from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects for a lakeside cottage, a renovation/remodel project featuring re-use of original flooring, windows, doors and other materials that prompted this juror comment: "In some ways, this is the most appealing project...it speaks to the desire for simplicity in all of us.".

Creating homes that enhance the lifestyles of his clients while balancing energy efficiency and costs is a challenge architect Jeremy Bonin is happy to face. He is an accomplished speaker and presents numerous seminars on sustainable home design and green home building to educate homeowners on the benefits of being environmentally conscious. Area realtors and organizations tap into his expertise by inviting Bonin as a guest speaker on topics such as Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) regulations, home remodeling options, and land studies (solar access, prevailing winds, vegetation and natural features). In addition, he also blogs regularly on green building topics, current events, and feature projects.

When the work day is through, he directs his energies to helping kids find ways to help others. One of his primary volunteer efforts is working with Boy Scouts, helping them develop ways to give back to their communities. From mentoring them through their merit badges to helping Eagle Scout candidates develop and plan creative projects, Bonin willingly shares his time, knowledge and expertise.

"I like working with the Scouts," said Bonin. "I give them my time, and they in turn, give their time to local organizations, which benefits the whole community."

Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates, is an award-winning architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. Jeremy has a special interest in sustainable design and green homes with a specialty in green building and renewable energy systems. Bonin Architects & Associates, led by Kimberly Bonin and Jeremy Bonin AIA NCARB LEED AP, is a national architectural firm licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Visit http://www.boninarchitects.com.