A4 Architecture

08/20/2026

This past week, A4 Architecture had the privilege of designing an event for the Hope Funds for Cancer Research at Rough Point, the Newport mansion once owned by philanthropist Doris Duke. For this event we chose the setting, menu, music, and fashion that was favored by "Miss Duke" and used that to recreate an event where her presence was felt throughout the evening. Here is a short article about what it was like to entertain in the style of Doris Duke: https://a4arch.com/a4-spotlight-entertaining-with-Doris-Duke . Thank you for reading, liking, commenting, and sharing this post with others!

08/06/2026

A4 Architecture works not just in Newport, but in many of the surrounding towns and cities as well. One place that we are particularly fond of is Jamestown, which occupies Conanicut Island. Here is a short article about this lovely community that is located just across the Narragansett Bay from Newport, but which is notably different from Newport in many ways: https://a4arch.com/a4-spotlight-the-architectural-heritage-of-jamestown-rhode-island . Thank you for reading, liking, commenting, and sharing this post with others.

(Alden Rd. Houses – Jamestown, RI) Although Newport and Jamestown, Rhode Island face one another across the Narragansett Bay, they are separated by far more than water. Although they have evolved together over time but have often gone in very different directions. Jamestown occupies Conanicut Isla...

04/30/2026

As part of our ongoing series about the history, preservation, and evolution of notable architectural landmarks (particularly in Newport, Rhode Island) here is a short article about "Seaweed Cottage," that was originally built in 1860: https://a4arch.com/a4-spotlight-the-history-and-transformation-of-seaweed-cottage . Thank you for reading, liking, commenting, and sharing this post.

Seaweed Cottage (c.1860) photographed from Spouting Rock Beach. Seaweed: A Newport Treasure Transformed Seaweed Cottage, perched dramatically above the Atlantic at the very southern end of Newport’s celebrated Cliff Walk, stands as an example of a quietly distinguished property in a city often kno...

04/23/2026

You know you need an architect, but which one? Since A4 Architecture only serves the Rhode Island and New England region, you may need to hire another firm than ours. This article will help you understand what to REALLY look for and has a helpful (and free) downloadable checklist: https://a4arch.com/how-to-choose-an-architect . We wish you a successful search. Thank you for reading, commenting, liking, and sharing this post.

There are many things you might look for when you go to choose an architect. Perhaps the most important and most surprising characteristic...

04/02/2026

Richard Morris Hunt was a notable architect of the late 19th century who did much of his most innovative work in Newport, Rhode Island. One particular aspect of his designs was creating double and triple height spaces through which his decorative stairways became sculptural elements. Here is a short article on some of the staircases that he designed, which helped elevate what was largely just a simple architectural device to get people from one floor to another up to the level of art:

Richard Morris Hunt (1827–1895) is one of the most noteworthy architects of the last half of the 19th Century. One of his important contributions was transforming American architecture from a simple stacking of plans into a more three-dimensional synthesis of horizontal and vertical spaces. One of...