Meet Kevin ten Brinke, owner and Principal Architect at Bonin Architects & Associates! Kevin, originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, spent his early years in Merrimack and Cape Cod before settling in Sudbury, Massachusetts. His connection to both mountain and coastal landscapes has deeply influenced his creative work, bringing a distinctive blend of nostalgia and inspiration to his designs.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Kevin is a highly skilled Architect, holding degrees in Architecture, Building Science, and Business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a LEED AP, Certificated Architect, registered in multiple states, and the Principal Architect at both Bonin Architects & Associates and KT2 Design Group. Kevin’s expertise spans luxury residential design, commercial architecture, landscape design, and real estate development. The Bonin Architects team is excited for the future with Kevin leading the direction.
Let's get to know Kevin better as he shares his experiences and architectural insights through a few questions.
How did you first get interested in architecture, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
At the age of 15, living in a 40x20 Campanelli ranch with three siblings, my parents decided we needed more space. Led by a father who had been a carpenter in a former life, my siblings and I strapped on tool belts, grabbed hammers, and learned how to build. Our first order of business was constructing our own in ground pool. Then, over the next four years, we gut renovated and doubled the size of our house together. It is worth noting that we lived in the house throughout the entire project, which provided endless material for life lessons I now pass on to my kids. They constantly ask, “Dad, please tell me that story again. Your childhood stories and the lessons they teach us are invaluable to our development.” Such great kids, absolutely no mockery in their requests.
Can you walk us through your design philosophy? How do you approach new projects?
Each project is an opportunity to positively impact our clients and those closest to them as they live, grow, and create memories. Great design, like great art, has the power to evoke emotion in every moment.
To achieve this, we draw inspiration from the natural world, beginning with a clear vision of how the finished environment should feel. From there, we thoughtfully shape each space and detail, crafting not just a home but a meaningful experience.
Can you share a project that you are particularly proud of?
I feel like the current project will always be my favorite experience. So, if I have to pick one, it would be our most recently completed Quechee Hillside Meadow House, soon to be posted. Our clients trusted our vision and were incredible collaborators. This Scandinavian-inspired home sits on a hillside with stunning views of Lake Pinneo, as well as the surrounding hills and valley.
Who is your favorite architect?
Santiago Calatrava, for his ability to merge functional solutions with breathtaking aesthetics without relying on ornamentation embodies the purest expression of architectural excellence in our discipline.
What are your hobbies outside of architecture?
Studying architecture…kidding? We love to travel. We’ve been so lucky to grow as a family by traveling the world, experiencing life in different environments and see the natural diverse beauty of cultures around the globe.
