Shaping Providence's New DPW Facility

When it comes to public works buildings, functionality is king—but behind it all is a careful balancing act of design, coordination, and adaptability. Rowse Architects (East Providence, RI) has been developing Providence's new Department of Public Works facility at 20 Earnest Street since the project's award in 2023. One architectural designer has played a pivotal role in the new design and shared insights on how the team brought this highly specialized project to life.

“My role mostly consisted of completing the architectural drawings for the project,” Jon-Michael Baribault explains, “but it also involved coordination with other designers, engineers, the owner, and the construction manager to make sure all elements of the project worked harmoniously.”

That harmony was hard-earned. One of the biggest challenges the team faced was aligning the building’s evolving design with budget constraints. “We had to find efficiencies without sacrificing the building’s functionality or aesthetic,” Baribault says. Through close collaboration between the owner, the construction manager, and the design team, solutions were developed to streamline the building without compromising on performance.

JM Baribault, second from right, answers questions during a DPW meeting

Jon-Michael, who goes by JM, has been a Job Captain at Rowse Architects since 2023. His broad experience encompasses housing, residential, museums, and interiors. His diverse architectural background makes him an adaptable designer, a important skill for an industry that changes rapidly.

Technology, of course, played a big role in the project's coordination. Using Revit’s cloud-based modeling capabilities, the DPW team was able to integrate engineering systems in real time, reducing the risk of clashes and ensuring a smoother process from concept through construction.

Of particular note were the building’s complex wall assemblies. “Some of the exterior wall section details were especially tricky,” Baribault notes. “We needed to incorporate two separate wall assemblies so they could work together architecturally and structurally.”

For Baribault, this was a project of firsts. “The DPW facility is the most specialized building I’ve worked on so far, it had unique industrial requirements that you wouldn’t see in most other projects. It was interesting to see how those systems come together.”

But what he is most proud of is the team’s ability to stay flexible, even when major design changes emerged late in the process. “Everyone adapted,” Baribault reflects. “That kind of teamwork is what makes a project successful.”