“Designing the Built Environment with Integrity, Innovation, and Impact.”

Paul L. Battaglia is an accomplished architect, educator, preservationist, and entrepreneur with a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. Known for his deep-rooted commitment to architectural excellence and community revitalization, Paul’s work has profoundly shaped the built environment of Western New York and beyond. With a design philosophy rooted in functionality, sustainability, and historical sensitivity, he brings a rich blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership to every endeavor.

Paul’s journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design (1973) and a Master of Architecture (1975). This rigorous academic foundation not only equipped him with a robust understanding of design theory and technical execution but also fostered a lifelong dedication to architectural innovation. His early career flourished at prestigious firms such as Cannon Design and the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, where he cut his teeth on complex, multidisciplinary projects that laid the groundwork for a lifetime of professional achievement.

In 1979, Paul joined Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects (HHL), where he served as Principal until 2006. Under his stewardship, HHL became a powerhouse in the architectural community, revered for its contributions to historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and civic architecture. His work on high-profile projects such as the Erie County Court Facilities, Martin House Restoration, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse, and Market Arcade Restoration, earned widespread acclaim and set a new standard for restoration architecture in the region.

Paul’s passion for acoustics and building technology led him to establish STC Sound Control in 2012, where he currently serves as President and Technical Director. In this role, he has combined scientific precision with design artistry to deliver innovative acoustical solutions for apartments, schools, commercial buildings, and cultural institutions. His work is backed by groundbreaking research published in respected journals such as the Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics and the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. Notably, he holds several patents, including the “Acoustic Sleeper,” the “Mullion Seal,” and the “Box Seal,” which reflect his pioneering contributions to building science.

Throughout his career, Paul has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best Historic Restoration by Buffalo Business First and multiple honors from the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects. His projects span decades and showcase a consistent focus on enhancing community life through thoughtful, inclusive, and lasting design. From transforming 19th-century orphanages into charter schools to leading multi-phase campus renovations, Paul’s work is both technically adept and profoundly humane.

As an educator, Paul has shaped generations of architects through his longstanding affiliation with the University at Buffalo. He has taught a wide array of courses, including Building Technology Systems, Lighting and Acoustics, and Architectural Design, bridging the gap between theory and practice. His dynamic teaching style, informed by real-world experience, has inspired students to pursue excellence and innovate with purpose.

Paul’s leadership extends beyond the drafting table and classroom. He has served on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, participated in key community planning efforts such as the Erie County Development Coordination Board, and contributed his expertise to Underwriters Laboratories Standards Technical Panels. These roles highlight his commitment to public service and his ability to influence policy, standards, and the future of the built environment.

He is a registered architect in the State of New York and a member of both the American Institute of Architects and the Acoustical Society of America. His dual affiliations speak to a professional ethos that values both artistic merit and technical integrity. Whether designing a public courthouse, crafting a strategic plan for downtown revitalization, or refining the acoustics of a performance hall, Paul brings the same level of care and intellectual rigor to each challenge.

Today, Paul continues to consult on complex architectural and acoustical projects, sharing a lifetime of accumulated wisdom with clients, collaborators, and students, including as consultant to OMA on the recent addition to the AKG Art Gallery. His insatiable curiosity, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to quality have made him a trusted voice in the architectural community and a mentor to many. He is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: that architecture, at its best, serves the common good and elevates the human experience.

With nearly 50 years of experience, a portfolio that spans historic landmarks and modern innovations, and an abiding passion for thoughtful design, Paul L. Battaglia exemplifies the highest ideals of his profession. His legacy is not just found in buildings, but in the communities strengthened by his vision and the professionals inspired by his leadership.

Character:
Paul’s integrity and humility have earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and students alike. He approaches each project with a sense of responsibility, always striving to serve the greater good through ethical and impactful design.

Knowledge:
With academic roots at MIT and a career rich in diverse projects, Paul brings a depth of architectural, technical, and acoustical knowledge that is both comprehensive and current. His expertise is evidenced by his patents, publications, and decades of teaching.

Strategic:
Paul’s approach to architecture is inherently strategic—balancing design innovation with practical constraints and long-term community benefit. Whether leading a master plan or resolving building code challenges, he excels in devising solutions that are elegant and sustainable.

Communication:
Paul is a gifted communicator, adept at articulating complex ideas to a range of audiences—from city planners to students. His ability to translate technical language into accessible narratives has made him an effective educator, consultant, and collaborator.