Island Spotlight: Patrick Ahearn of Patrick Ahearn Architects

Patrick Ahearn

 

 

This week we speak with architect Patrick Ahearn, founder of the architecture firm Patrick Ahearn Architect with locations in Edgartown and Boston. 

Patrick has been a committed member of the Martha’s Vineyard community providing architectural tours of Edgartown. He recently launched a series of free lectures called, Patrick Ahearn’s Studio, highlighting Patrick’s personal influences and fundamental considerations that should appeal to future architects and enthusiasts alike.

What is something you are grateful you learned about yourself this past year?

Patrick Ahearn: This year, I turned 70 in the midst of a global pandemic, and I was grateful to learn that even at my age, I can hone new skills. On my team, we have architects that do technical work and CAD design, but I’m known for drawing with a Pilot pen and paper. This year, I’ve become much more adept with technology, and I’m using resources that I never thought I’d be interested in. While I would much prefer to meet with clients in person, I’ve learned to enjoy a virtual meeting where I can sketch over a photo on an iPad instead. It’s as though I’ve had a personal growth spurt into the digital age, and I’m grateful to have experienced that after 47 years in practice.

What’s one thing you’ve enjoyed about doing your job recently?

Patrick Ahearn: One of the things that’s changed significantly since Covid-19 is that I’m now able to schedule uninterrupted meetings with individuals in my office. Prior to the coronavirus, I would walk into work and everyone would have 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there, and we all popped in and out to collaborate during the day. Now, I have these solid blocks of undisturbed time with individual team members, and it’s allowed for much deeper mentoring. I get a lot more satisfaction out of these interactions, and the level of our work has elevated as a result of more frequent and focused critiquing. You could say that I’ve enjoyed not being in the office because it’s allowed me to spend more quality time with my team. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s actually the case.

Have you experienced any blessings in disguise lately—things that didn’t turn out as you’d expected and yet turned out for the best?

Patrick Ahearn: There is certainly one thing that didn’t turn out as I had expected and I’m so grateful for that – it’s the amount of calls for new projects that we received in the midst of the pandemic. When the virus hit in March, I thought our work was going to come to a complete halt for the long term. 

What transpired, however, was the exact opposite of what I had anticipated. Thanks to our active presence on social media, our continued public awareness, and the fact that everyone was suddenly forced into their homes for extended periods of time, we were inundated with inquiries. Architecture is at the epicenter of a newfound focus on hearth and home, and I’m proud we get to play a role in that meaningful work.

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge in your work-life or home-life whom you are grateful for/to?

Patrick Ahearn: Within my work-life, I’m incredibly grateful for our Managing Principal Mike Tartamella. As an architect, he sees with my eyes – I’m so fortunate to have a person with that skill and talent on my team. Prior to Covid-19, Mike stepped up significantly in terms of both the management of the firm and his own project work and since coronavirus Mike has done a tremendous job interacting with both clients and staff in a virtual setting. Having him as a leader of our team is something I’m very grateful for.

What’s something that reminds you life is good?

Patrick Ahearn: Spending time with my kids, even if that’s on a virtual basis, always reminds me that life is good. The need and desire to communicate with loved ones becomes so much more paramount in these isolating times, and I think people are realizing that we need each other more. I’m connecting with my kids much more regularly now even if it’s not in person, and I’m glad for it.

A white house with a white fence in front of it
A modern house with a wide open living room and bar behind it

Thanks, Patrick, for finding the bright side of things! Be sure to check out Patrick’s free lecture series Patrick Ahearn’s Studio and think about the history of the buildings the next time you’re walking around Edgartown!

A large house with a beautiful green lawn in front of it

The Winnetu on Instagram

𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘

Share your favorite summertime treat in the comments.
...

𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗟

Keep it cool, but keep warm thoughts on your mind this winter.
...

𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗭𝗘

Sunny days and frozen drinks aren’t that far off. No resort fees at Winnetu means more fun. Get to know what’s included with your stay (link in bio).
...

𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙

Each of our suites and cottages come equipped with our favorite beach lounger. Tap the link in our bio to explore our accommodations.
...

𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗠

Have you heard, our cottages are dog-friendly? Check out our Pup & Play package for the ultimate four-legged getaway.
...

𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠

We make our own ice cream at Winnetu. You’ll find it on our dessert menus and for sale by the pint in our General Store.
...

𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦?

Our award-winning children’s program offers fun & friends all summer long for guests.
...

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧:

Beach Days, Clambakes, Firetruck Rides, Sunset Dinners, and Bike Rides into town.

Start planning summer 2023 fun today.
...

𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗭𝗭𝗜𝗘

Our steadfast Director of Rooms, Lizzie keeps the hotel running in more ways than one. Managing our front desk team, dispatching housekeeping, keeping our shuttles running on time, and much much (much!) more.
...

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗…

… to improving our forehand this summer.

Book early and put summer thoughts on your mind all winter.
...

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗…

… to making a bunch of new friends at Kids Camp this summer.

Book early and start dreaming up your summer plans.
...

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘…

We welcomed chef Richard Doucette and his incredible scratch kitchen to Dunes.

Share a comment with your favorite 2022 dish from Richard’s kitchen.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #newenglandresort #vineyard #newengland
...

𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬…

Before Winnetu (approx. 150 years ago), the Mattakeset Lodge was the place to spend the summer months in Katama. The hotel was famous for its clambakes, dances, and ocean breezes.

#mv #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu #newenglandresort #newengland
...

𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦

Merry Christmas from all of us at Winnetu.

PC: @heyjaynic

#winnetu #mv #katama #marthasvineyard
...

𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗙

General Manager Matt Moore loves Winnetu and the affection is mutual. He’s looking forward to his fifth season at the resort next year.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #newengland #newenglandresort
...

𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗣 & 𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔

They met at Winnetu, and now they’re married! You might have met Chip in the lobby, or driving a Winnetu shuttle last season while Andra is holding down the fort at the General Store.

#winnetu #marthasvineyard #newenglandresort #mv #katama
...

𝗕𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥, 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗨𝗟

Still beautiful, even if it’s a bit cold.

PC: @vineyardarts

#winnetu #marthasvineyard #mv #newenglandresort #newengland
...

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞…

…to this off-season scene from South Beach, ages and ages and ages and ages ago.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #newengland #igersnewengland
...

Wishing you a volley jolly holiday season. While you’re planning next year’s adventures with your family and friends this winter, we hope you keep Little Gem Resorts in your plans!

#winnetu #littlegemresorts #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
...

𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧’𝗦 𝗔 𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣!

Thanks for an amazing season. We’ll see you next year.
...

It may be apple season on the mainland, but it’s still ‘spritzing season at Dunes.

📸: @trendsandtolstoy

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard
...

𝗝𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗝𝗢𝗬...

Thanks to everyone who voted to land us on @cntraveler’s round-up of the best resorts in the Northeast in this year`s 2022 Reader`s Choice Awards. Tap the link in our bio to view the full rankings.
...

𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘

𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘢𝘳𝘥. 𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
...