Kevin McGuire Part of Design Team that Won “Best of Accessibility Design Award”

Award given by Massachusetts Architectural Access Board

WALTHAM, MA – June 1, 2006 – Disability compliance expert, Kevin McGuire, Chairman & CEO of McGuire Associates, Inc., was honored last night by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB) as part of the innovative design team that improved the Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Quincy, MA facility.  Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB) and the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), the Accessible Design Awards Program recognizes excellence in the design of buildings or facilities that are accessible for persons of all abilities.

The design team was headed by Margulies & Associates of Weston who used inventive design methods to increase building access. Through the use of ramps and sloping walkways, designers created an exciting and updated lobby welcoming all people with disabilities who visit and work at BCBSMA’s building in Quincy.  The award was given in the public architecture category and McGuire consulted on all disability access issues related to the project.

“The designs reflect an inviting and accessible entrance to a public office building, offering employment and training for people with disabilities and thus meeting the goal of increasing workplace accessibility for disabled people,” said Thomas Hopkins, executive director of the Architectural Access Board, a division of the state Department of Public Safety.

The Best of Accessibility Design Award was given during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.  An exhibit of the design will be on display at Build Boston in November and in the Architects Building Gallery following Build Boston.

For over a decade, McGuire Associates, Inc. has become an acknowledged leader in the field of ADA compliance. Working side by side with corporations, architects and planners, citizens with disabilities and government officials, the firm has assisted organizational and community stakeholders in anticipating barriers to accessibility and designing creative and cost-effective responses. From stadiums to arenas, museums to libraries, public venues across the United Sates have realized the sweeping ramifications of the ADA and enlisted the services of McGuire Associates, Inc. to assist them in “doing the right thing” in response to access issues.  For more information about McGuire Associates, Inc., visit www.mcguireassociatesinc.com or call 781-890-6087.